Origin
Anaheim, CA
Late night in Anaheim on Tuesday
Local time
2:46 AM
PDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Anaheim, CA to Pacifica, CA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 47m
Distance
408.5 mi
657 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$94
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 38m
★
6 AM
7h 47m
8 AM
8h 6m
10 AM
7h 54m
12 PM
7h 52m
3 PM
7h 55m
5 PM
8h 5m
8 PM
7h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pacifica, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 408.5-mile journey from Anaheim, CA to Pacifica, CA is best tackled as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 7 hours and 47 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway before transitioning to US 101, this drive keeps you on well-maintained highways for 98% of the way. With an estimated fuel cost of $94, it's an efficient option for reaching the Pacific Coast from another Pacific Coast destination. The route is designed for steady progress, making it a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
204.2 miles from Anaheim, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Westside Freeway | 182.5 mi | 3h 15m |
| Golden State Freeway | 50 mi | 57m |
| US 101 | 46.7 mi | 53m |
| CA 152 | 41.1 mi | 51m |
| I 5 Truck | 37.7 mi | 43m |
| Santa Ana Freeway | 21.3 mi | 24m |
| South Valley Freeway | 19.9 mi | 22m |
| Sharp Park Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 182.5 mi, about 3h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anaheim, CA and Pacifica, CA.
1
Start on this road
200 ft
·
16 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto South Anaheim Boulevard
422 ft
·
21 sec
·
South Anaheim Boulevard
3
Turn left onto West Lincoln Avenue
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Lincoln Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 5 North: Los Angeles
5
Merge onto I 5
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
18 mi
·
20 min
·
Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
25 mi
·
29 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi
·
41 min
·
I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
183 mi
·
3 hr 15 min
·
Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 403B
Toward CA 152 West: Gilroy, Hollister, San Jose
14
Continue on CA 152; CA33
29 mi
·
33 min
·
CA 152; CA33
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 152
12 mi
·
16 min
·
CA 152
16
Take the exit onto CA 152
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
CA 152
Toward US 101 North: San Jose
17
Merge onto US 101; CA 152
20 mi
·
22 min
·
South Valley Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 101
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 101
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 101
25 mi
·
28 min
·
US 101
Use the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 423B
Toward I 380 West: San Bruno
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 380
160 ft
·
2 sec
·
Quentin L. Kopp Freeway
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 5
Toward CA 82: El Camino Real
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto CA 82
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
El Camino Real
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto Sneath Lane
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Sneath Lane
Use the left / uturn lanes.
25
Turn right onto CA 35
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Skyline Boulevard
Use the right lane.
26
Turn left onto Sharp Park Road
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Sharp Park Road
Use the left lane.
27
Turn slight right
159 ft
·
7 sec
Toward Francisco Boulevard
Use the right lane.
28
Turn straight onto Francisco Boulevard
218 ft
·
6 sec
·
Francisco Boulevard
29
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Toward CA 1 South: Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz
Use the right lane.
30
Merge onto CA 1
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Cabrillo Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn sharp left onto Reina del Mar Avenue
90 ft
·
4 sec
·
Reina del Mar Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Reina del Mar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour and 47-minute estimated drive time, starting early is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach more populated areas. With only 2 planned stops suggested, you can be strategic about where you refuel and rest, keeping the $94 fuel cost in mind. Take advantage of the highway-focused nature and the longest stretch of 182.5 miles to make good time, but be aware of the transitions between the main roads. A practical tip is to check real-time traffic conditions before you depart, as this can significantly impact your arrival time on the Westside Freeway and US 101.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 204.2 miles from Anaheim, CA, or about 3h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 182.5 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 90 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 204.2 miles or 3h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pacifica, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anaheim, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Anaheim, CA
This is one driving day of about 408.5 miles and 7h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from Anaheim, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 182.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
204 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 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 204.2 miles from Anaheim, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 182.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 285 decision points cluster between mile 50.3 and 407.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
50.3 mi into trip
|
~1h in
|
I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
7
110.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
|
I 5 / Westside Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway toward I 5 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 5 North
7
400.6 mi into trip
|
~7h 33m in
Take the exit toward I 380 West: San Bruno
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 423B
Toward I 380 West: San Bruno
7
401.7 mi into trip
|
~7h 35m in
Take the exit toward CA 82: El Camino Real
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward CA 82: El Camino Real
7
407.5 mi into trip
|
~7h 45m in
Take the ramp toward CA 1 South: Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward CA 1 South: Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$93.89 one way
$187.78 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
143 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $96.75 | $193.51 |
| premium | $6.18 | $99.34 | $198.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $90.19 | $180.38 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$94
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$119–$144
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 142.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 122.6 | 1 | $42.89 | $19.61 |
| Efficient EV | 102.1 | 1 | $35.74 | $16.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 163.4 | 2 | $57.19 | $26.14 |
Gas CO2
143 kg
EV CO2
48 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Pacifica, CA
Late night in Pacifica on Tuesday
Local time
2:46 AM
PDT
Current temp
67°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
12 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 47m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 408.5-mile trip, with 98% of it spent on major roadways like the Westside Freeway, Golden State Freeway, and US 101. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 182.5 miles on the Westside Freeway. This profile suggests a consistent pace, allowing you to maintain momentum for much of the 7-hour and 47-minute duration. While not a winding scenic byway, it offers a direct and efficient path between Southern and Northern California.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 182.5 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 50.3 miles in near I 5 Truck.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 28 significant decision points across 408.5 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 50.3 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 400.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Anaheim, CA and Pacifica, CA, road signs point toward Hollister and San Jose.
Hollister
292.7 mi in
|
~5h 25m
San Jose
292.7 mi in
|
~5h 25m
About the Cities
Starting in Anaheim, CA
Full guide →Founded 1857
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for being the home of Disneyland. Its second claim to fame is hosting the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.
Top landmarks
- • Disneyland — American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company
- • Disney California Adventure — theme park in California, part of Disneyland Resort
- • Soarin' — flight motion simulator attraction at Disney parks
Arriving in Pacifica, CA
Full guide →Pacifica is on the Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Popular for its beaches, Pacifica has a mix of Bay Area hippies and blue-collar folks (especially in the fishing industry). It's the kind of place where you'll find a gun store next to a yoga studio.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 47m. Total distance: 408.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 47m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 182.5 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Pacifica, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 50.3 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 400.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pacifica, CA before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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