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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaTheme Parks
Universal Studios

Theme Parks Road Trip

Los Angeles - Santa Clarita - Universal City - Hollywood - Anaheim - Carlsbad - San Diego

Expect on your itinerary

Urban life Urban life
Beach Beach
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Theme Parks Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km422 h/stage1.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Theme Parks Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 819EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,044EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 540EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,209EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,479EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 990EUR eat & more 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,810EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,260EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,125EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 748EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,873EUR
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Theme Parks Road Trip Itinerary

This Theme Parks Road Trip takes you from Los Angeles to San Diego in the United States. The 422km journey, which is best taken over 5 days, takes you through the towns of Santa Clarita, Hollywood, and Carlsbad. Along the way, you'll be able to experience some of the best theme parks in the US, and take in some spectacular beaches. The best time of year to drive this route is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the roads are in excellent condition. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy along the way, from the Universal Studios Hollywood to LEGOLAND in Carlsbad. This road trip is perfect for everyone, from experienced drivers to those who are just starting out. However, it is important to note that it can be quite costly, so make sure you plan accordingly. No matter what your budget is, this Theme Parks Road Trip is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and lasting memories.
number of days 5 number of days
route length 422 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Los Angeles

Distance 422 km Driving time 7.5 h Pace: modest 109.6 kWh Airports LAX
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Los Angeles is an iconic city located in the United States and is an excellent starting point for the "Theme Parks Road Trip". Los Angeles is a city of creative energy, with a vibrant nightlife and a world-renowned culture. The streets are alive with street art, music and the energy of people from all over the world. For those looking to explore the city, the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Center are popular destinations. It's also home to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Chinese Theatre, and the Santa Monica Pier. When traveling to Los Angeles for the "Theme Parks Road Trip" by air, the closest international airport is Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: LAX). There are car rental services available at the airport to facilitate the journey. For those looking to explore the city, the Los Angeles Metro Rail provides reliable public transportation. Los Angeles is a great starting point for a "Theme Parks Road Trip", with plenty to explore before venturing out. With its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and its many attractions, Los Angeles is the perfect place to begin your journey.

1 Los Angeles - Santa Monica - Santa Clarita

Distance 153 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: modest 39.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Welcome to the Los Angeles to Santa Clarita road trip! This scenic route will take you through the beautiful cities of Santa Monica and Santa Clarita. In just under 3 hours and 95 miles, you can experience some of the best attractions in the area. Start your journey in Los Angeles and take a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier. You can take in the sights of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. Then, head to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for a hike or a bike ride. From there, you can make your way to Santa Clarita. Explore the historic sites and picturesque landscapes of the area. Check out the William S. Hart Park and Museum, the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, and the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. As you travel along this route, be sure to take in the views of the California coastline and the San Gabriel Mountains. You can also stop at the many restaurants, shops, and other attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of the road trip. Enjoy your journey!

2 Santa Clarita - Universal City

Distance 42 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 12.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Start your road trip from Santa Clarita, United States and enjoy a 26mi drive to Universal City. This trip will take you less than 1 hour and will take you to some of the most interesting places in the area. In Santa Clarita, you can visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, a great place to observe the local wildlife and learn about the history of the area. You can also take a break and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park. As you continue your journey, you can stop at the Universal CityWalk and explore the entertainment options it offers. Enjoy a movie, take a stroll in the area, and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants it has to offer. Finally, your journey ends at Universal City. Here, you can explore Universal Studios Hollywood, a theme park filled with thrilling rides and attractions. Or, you can take a stroll in the Universal CityWalk and enjoy the various shops and restaurants it has to offer. This is only one stage of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Universal City - Hollywood

Distance 9 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: slow 2.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Universal City to Hollywood road trip stage! This 5mi journey through the heart of Los Angeles will take you fewer than 1 hour, and you will be able to experience some of the most iconic places of the city. Start your journey in Universal City, home to Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the most popular theme parks in the world. Here, you can take a studio tour, explore the world-famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and experience the thrills of roller coasters like the Revenge of the Mummy. Continue your drive to Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world. Here, you can visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre, where some of the most famous Hollywood movies have premiered. Don't forget to take a picture with the Hollywood Sign too! This is just one of the stages of your journey, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

4 Hollywood - Anaheim

Distance 53 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: modest 13.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to the Hollywood to Anaheim road trip stage! Get ready for a fun and exciting journey that will take you from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the sunny city of Anaheim. This 33mi route takes less than one hour to drive, so you can easily fit in some of the best attractions that these cities have to offer. Start your journey in Hollywood, the home of the stars. Visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theater, and the Hollywood Sign. Get a taste of the celebrity life and take a picture of the Hollywood Sign while you’re there. Then, head to Anaheim, known for its theme parks. Visit the Disneyland Resort, the happiest place on Earth, and Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can explore the world of movies. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel at Knott’s Berry Farm, or take a break at the Anaheim GardenWalk. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip and have a great time!

5 Anaheim - Carlsbad

Distance 118 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: modest 30.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready to experience the most amazing 73mi journey from Anaheim to Carlsbad! This is one of the stages of an unforgettable tour that you will never forget. Start your journey from the exciting Anaheim, home to the Disneyland Resort, the iconic Angels Stadium, and the Honda Center. The city is also known for its amazing shopping options and vibrant nightlife. Then, head to the beautiful city of Carlsbad. It is home to the LEGOLAND California Resort, a popular destination for families. The city is also known for its stunning beaches, such as Carlsbad State Beach and Tamarack Beach. You can reach your destination in fewer than 3 hours. Along the way, you can also visit the picturesque city of San Clemente and the beautiful city of Oceanside, known for its beautiful harbor. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy this amazing journey!

6 Carlsbad - San Diego

Distance 48 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: fast 14.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Start your road trip from Carlsbad, a coastal city in California, United States. On your way to San Diego, you’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful sights of the area. Stop at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, a fifty-acre site with a rainbow of colors from the flowers in bloom. Don’t forget to take some time to explore the Carlsbad State Beach, a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. As you drive along the coast, you’ll get to see the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a stunning landscape with rare trees, trails, and a beach. Continue your drive on to La Jolla, a picturesque coastal town with plenty of attractions. Take a walk around the La Jolla Cove, a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking, and admire the stunning cliffs and the sea lions. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the La Jolla Shores Park and explore the La Jolla Caves. Your final destination is San Diego, the birthplace of California. Here you can explore the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the Balboa Park. Don’t miss out on the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the birthplace of California, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This road trip from Carlsbad to San Diego is only 30 miles and will take you less than an hour to complete. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary of this stage.

  San Diego

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San Diego is the perfect end point for your "Theme Parks Road Trip". Located in Southern California, San Diego is a vibrant city with something for everyone. It's a great place to relax after a journey on the open road. San Diego is home to world-renowned theme parks, like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. If you're looking for a more laid-back experience, you can wander along the boardwalk at Mission Beach or take a leisurely stroll through Balboa Park. You can also take a tour of historic Old Town, or take a harbor cruise for some amazing views of the city. San Diego is also known for its incredible food scene. From award-winning restaurants to local taco stands, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s appetite. And don’t forget the craft breweries! San Diego is home to some of the best beer in the country. If you’re traveling by air, San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN) is the closest airport with flights to destinations around the world. It’s just minutes from downtown and easy to access from the many highways and freeways in the area. So hop in the car and take the “Theme Parks Road Trip” all the way to San Diego. You’ll be glad you did when you experience all the city has to offer.

Theme Parks Road Trip at a glance

The above trip will become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse highlights of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around California, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to make your journey smooth. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are interested in car rental or hiring a camper in California.
There are a number of road regulations to be bore in mind while on a tour around California. When moving around California in a car, it is best to avoid alcohol at all. The permitted blood alcohol level is very low and is only 0.5‰. The maximum permissible speed when travelling around the the city streets is 40km/h. When it comes to rural areas, you cannot exceed the maximum speed of 72km/h. On motorways, avoid exceeding the maximum speed of 129km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase the safety of your passengers.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. Well, depending on your needs, the money that you have to pay will vary. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
In the cheapest offer, you need to spend the maximum of 63 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 7 stages while travelling around California. Economy accommodation options will cost tourists more or less 396 EUR. Tourists who take advantage of this option will spend approximately 360 EUR on food and restaurants. If you also aim for the economy car rental option, you will pay around 225 EUR. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to more or less 819 EUR without car hire and 1,044 EUR with car hire.
Travellers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 75 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Standard accommodation options will cost around 594 EUR. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost approximately 540 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car can expect a cost of approximately 270 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 1,479 EUR for holidayers who would like to try vehicle hire and 1,209 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 2,260 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 1,209 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium rental car can expect a cost of more or less 450 EUR. In the top standard version of the itinerary, the gasoline cost will amount to 100 EUR. Tourists who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay around 720 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 990 EUR for accommodation options.
Theme Parks Road Trip will also live up to the expectations of all camper enthusiasts. For those who are interested in this transport option, you should expect the costs of around 1,125 EUR. Camper fans will spend approximately 113 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the Theme Parks Road Trip. Holidaymakers who will go for camper hire should expect to pay more or less 275 EUR for accommodation and approximately 360 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the presented details in an easy to follow way.
The part of California showed in our road trip idea is perfect to be visited between January and December. If Theme Parks Road Trip has inspired you, there is abundance of thrilling road adventures on our website. We hope that the great diversity of ideas will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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