Embark on a 151.7-mile journey from Sacramento to Seacliff, California, a trip that will take you approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure, requiring no overnight stays. You'll primarily navigate the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and CA 17, with 36% of the drive on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $35 for this drive. The experience offers a mixed drive profile, transitioning between different road types as you make your way from the Pacific Coast region to another part of the Pacific Coast.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
75.9 miles from Sacramento, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 29m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 3m. Total distance: 151.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
This drive presents a mixed experience, blending efficient highway travel with more varied road conditions. With 36% of the route on highways, you'll encounter stretches where you can make good time. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 37.2 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, offering a period of consistent driving. As you progress, the road character changes, moving from primarily highway to incorporating other routes like the Donald D. Doyle Highway and CA 17, suggesting a shift in scenery and driving pace.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 37.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 151.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
1.3 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 50: South Lake Tahoe, San Francisco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 50: South Lake Tahoe, San Francisco
8
1.5 mi into trip|~3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 50 West: San Francisco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 518
Toward US 50 West: San Francisco
8
46.2 mi into trip|~54m in
Take the exit toward I 680: Benicia, San Jose
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 40
Toward I 680: Benicia, San Jose
9
104.5 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CA 262: Northwestern Polytechnic University, Warm Springs District
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 262: Northwestern Polytechnic Univers...
8
144.6 mi into trip|~2h 54m in
Take the exit toward Watsonville, Monterey
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 1B
Toward Watsonville, Monterey
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sacramento, CA and Seacliff, CA, road signs point toward San Jose and Warm Springs District.
San Jose
46.2 mi in|~54m
Warm Springs District
104.5 mi in|~2h 2m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
37.2 mi
42m
Donald D Doyle Highway
32.4 mi
37m
CA 17
26.2 mi
34m
Luther E Gibson Freeway
12.4 mi
14m
Nimitz Freeway
12.1 mi
13m
Benicia-Martinez Bridge
8 mi
9m
Cabrillo Highway
6.1 mi
7m
Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
4.8 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 37.2 mi, about 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sacramento, CA and Seacliff, CA.
1
Start on 9th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·9th Street
2
Turn right onto P Street
0.5 mi·1 min·P Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward US 50, I 5 South: South Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Los Angeles
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·12 sec
Toward US 50: South Lake Tahoe, San FranciscoUse the slight left lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·39 sec
Exit 518Toward US 50 West: San FranciscoUse the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto US 50; I 80 Business
3.2 mi·3 min·Capital City Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 80
3.9 mi·4 min·Yolo Causeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 80
37 mi·42 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 40Toward I 680: Benicia, San JoseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 680
12 mi·14 min·Luther E Gibson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 680
8.0 mi·9 min·Benicia-Martinez Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
4.8 mi·5 min·Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 680
1.4 mi·1 min·Donald D Doyle Highway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
31 mi·35 min·Donald D Doyle Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 12Toward CA 262Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward CA 262: Northwestern Polytechnic University, Warm Springs DistrictUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto CA 262
1.5 mi·2 min·Mission Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 880
12 mi·13 min·Nimitz Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on CA 17
26 mi·34 min·CA 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·22 sec
Exit 1BToward Watsonville, MontereyUse the right lane.
21
Continue on Cabrillo Highway
0.4 mi·54 sec·Cabrillo Highway
22
Merge onto CA 1
5.7 mi·6 min·Cabrillo Highway
Use the slight left lane.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward State Park Beach
24
Turn right onto State Park Drive
0.1 mi·17 sec·State Park Drive
25
Turn right onto Seacliff Drive
0.2 mi·33 sec·Seacliff Drive
26
Turn left onto Beachgate Way
268 ft·12 sec·Beachgate Way
27
At end of road, turn right onto Coates Drive
75 ft·3 sec·Coates Drive
28
Arrive at destination
Coates Drive
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour duration, this trip from Sacramento to Seacliff is ideal for a day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving early to maximize your daylight hours and potentially avoid some traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can easily plan for a brief break or a quick meal. The estimated fuel cost is $35, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before setting out, especially before the longest 37.2-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. This route is straightforward, so focus on enjoying the changing landscape as you head toward the coast.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 75.9 miles from Sacramento, CA, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 33 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 75.9 miles or 1h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Seacliff, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sacramento, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sacramento, CA
This is one driving day of about 151.7 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Sacramento, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 37.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 75.9 mi from Sacramento, CA
· 1h 29m into the drive
The midpoint is around 75.9 miles from Sacramento, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Seacliff, CA
The final approach into Seacliff, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Seacliff, CA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.87 one way
$69.73 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg53 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$35.93
$71.86
premium
$6.18
$36.89
$73.78
diesel
$5.61
$33.49
$66.99
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.5
0
$15.93
$7.28
Efficient EV
37.9
0
$13.27
$6.07
EV Truck/SUV
60.7
0
$21.24
$9.71
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Sacramento, CA
Night
in Sacramento on Thursday
Local time
9:53 PM
PDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
NNW 10 to 20 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 8:38AM PDT until April 16 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 8:38AM PDT until April 16 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA
Destination
Seacliff, CA
Night
in Seacliff on Thursday
Local time
9:53 PM
PDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
66°F
Fremont, CA
76 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
21 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 3m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Sacramento, CA to Seacliff, CA covers 151.7 miles and takes about 3h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Donald D Doyle Highway, CA 17. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 75.9 miles from Sacramento, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.87 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 151.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Sacramento, CA and Seacliff, CA, road signs point toward San Jose and Warm Springs District.
