Origin
Topanga Oaks, CA
Evening in Topanga Oaks on Tuesday
Local time
7:48 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Topanga Oaks, CA to Long Beach, CA
Data updated 3 hours ago
Drive Time
1h 2m
Distance
42.6 mi
69 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 58m
★
6 AM
1h 3m
8 AM
1h 13m
10 AM
1h 6m
12 PM
1h 5m
3 PM
1h 7m
5 PM
1h 12m
8 PM
1h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Topanga Oaks, CA
Robert So
Long Beach, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 42.6-mile drive from Topanga Oaks, CA to Long Beach, CA is a straightforward, single-day excursion. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 2 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $10. The route primarily utilizes the San Diego Freeway, North Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and Pacific Coast Highway, making it a highway-focused journey. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll be traveling within the Pacific Coast region for the entirety of this journey through California.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
21.3 miles from Topanga Oaks, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 34m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 66% of the journey on freeways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 21.6 miles on the San Diego Freeway, offering a consistent cruising speed. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of North Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway introduces some variations in the driving experience. The transition between these road types is smooth, providing a good balance between efficient travel and a slightly more local feel as you approach your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
San Diego Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 21.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on San Diego Freeway and North Topanga Canyon Boulevard. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.9 miles in near CA 1 / Pacific Coast Highway.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 42.6 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 5.9 miles (CA 1 / Pacific Coast Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 19 miles (I 405 / San Diego Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
5.9 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
CA 1 / Pacific Coast Highway
At end of road, turn left onto CA 1 / Pacific Coast Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
15.1 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Take the exit toward I 405 South: Long Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3B
Toward I 405 South: Long Beach
6
19 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
I 405 / San Diego Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 / San Diego Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
37 mi into trip
|
~52m in
Take the exit toward I 710 South: Long Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
7
40.2 mi into trip
|
~57m in
Take the exit toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center,...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Topanga Oaks, CA and Long Beach, CA, road signs point toward Convention Center and Aquarium.
Convention Center
40.2 mi in
|
~57m
Aquarium
40.2 mi in
|
~57m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego Freeway | 21.6 mi | 24m |
| North Topanga Canyon Boulevard | 5.7 mi | 11m |
| Pacific Coast Highway | 5.6 mi | 11m |
| Santa Monica Freeway | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Long Beach Freeway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Shoreline Drive | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West Ocean Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Seaside Freeway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
San Diego Freeway
— 21.6 mi, about 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Topanga Oaks, CA and Long Beach, CA.
1
Start on Fontaine Road
0.2 mi
·
51 sec
·
Fontaine Road
2
Turn sharp left onto CA 27
5.7 mi
·
11 min
·
North Topanga Canyon Boulevard
3
At end of road, turn left onto CA 1
5.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Pacific Coast Highway
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on I 10
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Santa Monica Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 3B
Toward I 405 South: Long Beach
Use the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto I 405
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
18 mi
·
20 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
377 ft
·
9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
this road
Exit 32B
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
10
Merge onto I 710
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 710
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Shoreline Drive
14
Turn left onto South Chestnut Place
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
15
Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Ocean Boulevard
16
Continue on East Ocean Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
17
Arrive at destination
East Ocean Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 1-hour drive, consider departing outside of peak commute times to avoid potential traffic, especially on the San Diego Freeway. Since the total distance is only 42.6 miles, you have the flexibility to stop as needed without significantly impacting your arrival time. With an estimated fuel cost of $10, budgeting is simple. A key tip for this route is to stay aware of the transition points between the San Diego Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway, as these can sometimes have moderate traffic as you get closer to Long Beach.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 21.3 miles from Topanga Oaks, CA, or about 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.6 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 42.6 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.3 miles or 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Long Beach, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Topanga Oaks, 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 Topanga Oaks, CA
This is one driving day of about 42.6 miles and 1h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Topanga Oaks, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on San Diego Freeway for about 21.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.3 mi from Topanga Oaks, CA · 34m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
21 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 42.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.3 miles from Topanga Oaks, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Long Beach, CA
The final approach into Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, 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
$9.79 one way
$19.58 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $10.09 | $20.18 |
| premium | $6.18 | $10.36 | $20.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.41 | $18.81 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.8 | 0 | $4.47 | $2.04 |
| Efficient EV | 10.7 | 0 | $3.73 | $1.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 17 | 0 | $5.96 | $2.73 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Long Beach, CA
Evening in Long Beach on Tuesday
Local time
7:48 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 2m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Topanga Oaks, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 42.6 miles and takes about 1h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are San Diego Freeway, North Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.3 miles from Topanga Oaks, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.79 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 42.6 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 5.9 miles (CA 1 / Pacific Coast Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 19 miles (I 405 / San Diego Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Topanga Oaks, CA and Long Beach, CA, road signs point toward Convention Center and Aquarium.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Long Beach, CA
More from Topanga Oaks, CA
More trips to Long Beach, CA
Explore more options from Topanga Oaks, CA or browse trips ending in Long Beach, CA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.
Explore maps for Topanga Oaks, CA or Long Beach, CA on MapSof.net.