Trip from Laguna, CA to Templeton, CA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 59m

Distance

258.1 mi

415 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$59

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 46m ★

6 AM

5h 0m

8 AM

5h 27m

10 AM

5h 9m

12 PM

5h 7m

3 PM

5h 11m

5 PM

5h 25m

8 PM

4h 52m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Laguna, CA

Tori Pezzulla❤️

Templeton, CA

Stephen Leonardi

Trip Overview

Embarking from Laguna, CA, this 258.1-mile journey to Templeton, CA, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 59 minutes. With 89% of the drive on highways, this route is best tackled as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $59. Passing through the Pacific Coast region for both your origin and destination, this route offers a direct path north, making it a practical choice for efficient travel.

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

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

129 miles from Laguna, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Westside Freeway	184.5 mi	3h 18m
CA 41	45.2 mi	56m
East Laneva Boulevard	9.3 mi	12m
Skyline Boulevard	5.6 mi	8m
El Camino Real	5.1 mi	5m
Franklin Boulevard	2.3 mi	4m
North Main Street	1.3 mi	2m
Hood Franklin Road	1.2 mi	2m

Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 184.5 mi, about 3h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Laguna, CA and Templeton, CA.

Start on Fall Breeze Court

183 ft · 10 sec · Fall Breeze Court

Turn right onto Mapleview Way

155 ft · 10 sec · Mapleview Way

Turn right onto November Drive

0.1 mi · 28 sec · November Drive

Turn right onto Seasons Drive

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Seasons Drive

Turn left onto Laguna Park Drive

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Laguna Park Drive

Turn left onto Foulks Ranch Drive

0.7 mi · 1 min · Foulks Ranch Drive

Turn right onto E12

1.0 mi · 1 min · Elk Grove Boulevard

Turn left onto J8

1.1 mi · 1 min · Franklin Boulevard

Use the left / uturn lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto J8

1.2 mi · 2 min · Franklin Boulevard

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto Hood Franklin Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Hood Franklin Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Merge onto I 5

45 mi · 49 min · Westside Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

0.8 mi · 48 sec · Westside Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

138 mi · 2 hr 28 min · Westside Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Exit 319 Toward CA 269: Lassen Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto CA 269

0.4 mi · 33 sec · South Lassen Avenue

Continue on CA 269

5.6 mi · 8 min · Skyline Boulevard

At end of road, turn left onto CA 33

9.3 mi · 12 min · East Laneva Boulevard

Turn right onto CA 41

19 mi · 25 min · CA 41

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 41

2.1 mi · 2 min · CA 41

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 41; CA 46

24 mi · 28 min · CA 41; CA 46

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward US 101

Merge onto US 101; CA 46

5.1 mi · 5 min · El Camino Real

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Toward North Main Street

Turn left onto North Main Street

1.3 mi · 2 min · North Main Street

Turn right

160 ft · 11 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this roughly 5-hour drive, departing in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 184.5 miles, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break, but it's wise to plan for one around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially during the long highway segment, as services might be less frequent. The estimated fuel cost of $59 makes budgeting straightforward for this trip.

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 129 miles from Laguna, CA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 184.5 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 57 miles or 1h 7m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 129 miles or 2h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Templeton, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Laguna, 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 Laguna, CA

This is one driving day of about 258.1 miles and 4h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Laguna, 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 Westside Freeway for about 184.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mendota, CA

129 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

Lathrop, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Los Banos, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 129 miles from Laguna, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 184.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 258.1

Paso Robles, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 202.8

Avenal, California

+18668167584

Visit website

Tobin James Cellars

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 239.6

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+18052392204

Visit website

Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 258.1

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+18057214553

Visit website

Franklin Hot Springs

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 258.1

Paso Robles, California

+18057125372

Visit website

Hop's Bounce House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 258.1

Atascadero, California

Hours: 12–6 pm

+18054607330

Visit website

Sunken Gardens

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 258.1

Atascadero, California

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18054703360

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 251.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Mapleview Way

Turn right onto Mapleview Way

Navigation decision point

3.4 mi into trip | ~7m in | J8 / Franklin Boulevard

Keep slight right at fork onto J8 / Franklin Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

52.2 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in | I 5 / Westside Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

190.5 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in

Take the exit toward CA 269: Lassen Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 319 Toward CA 269: Lassen Avenue

251.3 mi into trip | ~4h 50m in

Take the exit toward US 101

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward US 101

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$59.32 one way

$118.64 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 90 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$6.02	$61.13	$122.26
premium	$6.18	$62.77	$125.53
diesel	$5.61	$56.99	$113.97

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$59

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 90.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	77.4	0	$27.10	$12.39
Efficient EV	64.5	0	$22.58	$10.32
EV Truck/SUV	103.2	1	$36.13	$16.52

Gas CO2

90 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 17, 2026

Origin

Laguna, CA

Morning in Laguna on Sunday

Local time

8:48 AM

PDT

Current temp

45°F

Clear

NNW 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Templeton, CA

Morning in Templeton on Sunday

Local time

8:48 AM

PDT

Current temp

43°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

2 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

4h 59m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a substantial 89% of its length consisting of high-speed roads. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 184.5 miles primarily on the Westside Freeway. While the majority of the drive is on faster roads, you will also navigate sections of CA 41 and East Laneva Boulevard, offering a slight change of pace before reaching your final destination. Expect a consistent driving experience with minimal technical sections.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 184.5 mi on Westside Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and CA 41. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Mapleview Way.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 258.1 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: near the start (Mapleview Way): Navigation decision point; at 3.4 miles (J8 / Franklin Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 52.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 59m. Total distance: 258.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 184.5 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 Templeton, 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Templeton, CA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Trip from Laguna, CA to Templeton, CA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Tobin James Cellars

Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery

Franklin Hot Springs

Hop's Bounce House

Sunken Gardens

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Laguna, CA

Templeton, CA

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 59m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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