Long Beach, CA to Penn Valley, CA is 471.3 miles and takes about 8h 52m via Westside Freeway/San Diego Freeway/I 5 Truck, with a fuel budget near $113 and enough daylight to finish in a day if you start early. This trip stays within California, traversing the Pacific Coast region for a good portion of the drive. Given its predominantly highway nature, it's a straightforward route for those looking to cover ground efficiently. Consider this an option if you prioritize reaching your destination quickly over extensive sightseeing along the way.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
235.7 miles from Long Beach, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
297.1 mi
5h 20m
San Diego Freeway
40.8 mi
47m
I 5 Truck
39.3 mi
45m
Golden State Freeway
22.3 mi
25m
Alan S. Hart Freeway
16.9 mi
19m
State Highway 49
14.2 mi
18m
Capital City Freeway
10.6 mi
11m
Grass Valley Highway
8.3 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 297.1 mi, about 5h 20m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 173 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,927 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,115
Quietest
2 AM
~561 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 44 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Long Beach, CA and Penn Valley, CA.
1
Start on East Ocean Boulevard
0.7 mi·2 min·East Ocean Boulevard
2
Turn right onto North Golden Avenue
414 ft·6 sec·North Golden Avenue
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 710 North
4
Merge onto Shoreline Drive
0.5 mi·47 sec·Shoreline Drive
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·31 sec
Toward I 710 North
6
Merge onto I 710
0.5 mi·41 sec·Seaside Freeway
7
Continue on I 710
2.3 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi·10 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica, San DiegoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway North, Santa MonicaUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa MonicaUse the sharp right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa MonicaUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 405 NorthUse the straight lane.
13
Merge onto I 405
41 mi·47 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.6 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
1.5 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Exit 161AToward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 TruckUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi·41 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi·25 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
226 mi·4 hr 1 min·Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
26 mi·27 min·Westside Freeway
20
Keep left at fork onto I 5
46 mi·50 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·12 sec
Exit 518Toward US 50, I 80 East: San Francisco, South Lake TahoeUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·12 sec
Exit 518Toward US 50 East, I 80 Business East: South Lake Tahoe, BroadwayUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 518Toward US 50 East, I 80 East: South Lake TahoeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto US 50; I 80 Business
1.2 mi·1 min·Capital City Freeway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 Business
9.4 mi·10 min·Capital City Freeway
Toward I 80 Business East, CA 99 South: Reno, FresnoUse the slight right lane.
26
Continue on I 80
7.0 mi·8 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 80
17 mi·19 min·Alan S. Hart Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 119BToward CA 49 North: Grass Valley, PlacervilleUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto CA 49
5.8 mi·9 min·Grass Valley Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
30
Enter roundabout onto CA 49
117 ft·3 sec·Grass Valley Highway
31
Continue on CA 49
1.3 mi·1 min·Grass Valley Highway
32
Enter roundabout onto CA 49
117 ft·3 sec·Grass Valley Highway
33
Continue on CA 49
1.1 mi·1 min·Grass Valley Highway
34
Continue on CA 49
14 mi·18 min·State Highway 49
Use the straight lane.
35
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
36
Turn left onto CA 20
5.7 mi·6 min·Eric Rood Memorial Expressway
37
Turn left onto Penn Valley Drive
0.6 mi·1 min·Penn Valley Drive
38
Continue on Penn Valley Drive
0.8 mi·1 min·Penn Valley Drive
39
Turn left onto Horton Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Horton Street
40
Turn left onto Lasso Loop
0.2 mi·38 sec·Lasso Loop
41
Turn right onto Willow Lane
396 ft·17 sec·Willow Lane
42
Arrive at destination
Willow Lane
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 8 hour and 52 minute drive, consider breaking it into two days. A good stopping point would be around the halfway mark, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed pace. Plan to depart in the morning to maximize daylight hours, especially if you decide to tackle it in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $113, and it's always wise to fill up before hitting long stretches with fewer services. The longest stretch on the Westside Freeway is nearly 300 miles, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 235.7 miles from Long Beach, CA, or about 4h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 297.1 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 104 miles or 2h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 235.7 miles or 4h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 235.7 miles or 4h 24m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Penn Valley, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Long Beach, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Long Beach, CA
Aim for roughly 236 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Penn Valley, CA
Aim for roughly 236 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 104 miles from Long Beach, CA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 297.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.8 and 405.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
4.8 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway North, Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway N...
8
4.9 mi into trip|~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the sharp right lane.
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
9
48.2 mi into trip|~59m 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
10
405.4 mi into trip|~7h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 50 East, I 80 Business East: South Lake Tahoe, Broadway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 518
Toward US 50 East, I 80 Business East: South La...
9
405.6 mi into trip|~7h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 50 East, I 80 East: South Lake Tahoe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 518
Toward US 50 East, I 80 East: South Lake Tahoe
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$110.68 one way
$221.36 round trip
$5.97/gal25.4 MPG avg165 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.18
$114.71
$229.42
premium
$6.30
$116.84
$233.68
diesel
$5.35
$99.27
$198.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$111
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$241–$351
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 164.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $49 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
141.4
1
$49.49
$22.62
Efficient EV
117.8
1
$41.24
$18.85
EV Truck/SUV
188.5
2
$65.98
$30.16
Gas CO2
165 kg
EV CO2
55 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Long Beach, CA
Afternoon
in Long Beach on Wednesday
Local time
12:45 PM
PDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 31 at 1:12PM PDT until June 2 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Destination
Penn Valley, CA
Afternoon
in Penn Valley on Wednesday
Local time
12:45 PM
PDT
Current temp
57°F
Clear
ENE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 31 at 1:12PM PDT until June 2 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
4 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
8h 52m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 32.5
Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 113.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is 95% highway, meaning you'll spend most of your time on the freeway. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 297.1 miles on the Westside Freeway. You'll experience mostly highway cruising until you reach the end of the freeway segment, after which you'll transition to surface roads. Expect a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits typical of major freeway corridors.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 297.1 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and San Diego Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 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 33 significant decision points across 471.3 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 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.2 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,298 ft14 ft
Total Climb
3,975 ft
Total Descent
2,591 ft
Highest Point
2,298 ft
~101 mi in
Elevation Range
2,284 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Long Beach, CA and Penn Valley, CA, road signs point toward Lake Tahoe, Broadway, Fresno and Placerville.
Lake Tahoe
405.3 mi in|~7h 27m
Broadway
405.4 mi in|~7h 28m
Fresno
407.5 mi in|~7h 30m|via I 80 Business
Placerville
440.8 mi in|~8h 8m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Long Beach is a large port city in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Long Beach has some nice people-gathering amenities and genuine tourist attractions, such as a world-class aquarium and the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel. Special events are also held in the city like the annual Long Beach Grand Prix (a premier racing event held on city streets) and the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event. When compared to other areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and West L.A., Long Beach may not always be at the top of someone's tourist visit to the Los Angeles area, but the city draws its fair share of visitors and has proven it can definitely hold its own.
Top landmarks
•RMS Queen Mary — retired British ocean liner
•Terminal Island — island in Los Angeles County, California, United States
•Aquarium of the Pacific — public aquarium in Long Beach, California
The longest stretch is about 297.1 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 236 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 38 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Penn Valley, 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. There are 38 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.2 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.9 hours each way, a round trip means 17.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Penn Valley, CA before the return drive.
