Route from Tucson to Carmel Avoiding Los Angeles?

Question

We are taking a road trip from Tucson To Carmel By The Sea. I was wondering if there is a route to avoid Los Angeles Traffic and highways?

What is the best mid point to do an overnight stop since it is a 13 hour drive. We were thinking an overnight in San Bernardino or San Diego -but not familiar with the route. Then we were hoping to take the scenic route from there to Carmel.

Also, is there any road closures or issues we should be aware of along Pacific Coast Highway?

Sorry for multiple questions..but appreciate any advice . Thanks

Answer

Driving from Tucson to Carmel-by-the-Sea is a long trip of roughly 13–14 hours without stops, and planning a route that avoids Los Angeles traffic can make the drive much less stressful. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your options:

To avoid Los Angeles, you can take a more inland route rather than the standard I-10/I-5 combination that goes through the heart of LA. A common alternative is:

From Tucson, take I-10 west toward Phoenix.
Continue on I-10 toward Palm Springs and the Inland Empire, bypassing downtown Los Angeles by staying on I-10 and then taking CA-210 west, merging back to I-5 north well east of the city.
This inland route helps you avoid the worst of LA traffic, especially if you plan to pass through during mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Regarding overnight stops for a long drive:

San Bernardino: Convenient for breaking the trip around the 6–7 hour mark. Offers plenty of hotel options and easy access to I-10/I-210. It’s a practical stop but not particularly scenic.
San Diego: Slightly out of the way if your goal is to avoid Los Angeles entirely, but makes for a pleasant stop with access to ocean views, restaurants, and a comfortable evening. Adds driving time compared to San Bernardino.
Depending on your preference, San Bernardino is more efficient; San Diego adds leisure and scenery.

From your overnight stop to Carmel, if you want to take the scenic route, you can join the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) around the Santa Barbara area and continue north through Big Sur. This offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in California:

Highway 1 is typically open year-round, but landslides or road repairs can occasionally cause closures, especially along Big Sur. Check Caltrans or local road alerts before departure.
Drive with care: some sections of Big Sur are narrow, winding, and have limited passing opportunities. Allow extra time.
Stops along the way: consider Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, and the scenic overlooks in Big Sur.

Other tips:

Leave early to avoid peak traffic periods even on the inland route.
Fill up on fuel and snacks before entering remote stretches along Highway 1.
Consider booking your overnight stop in advance, especially if traveling on a weekend or holiday.

Overall, taking the inland route to bypass LA and then switching to the Pacific Coast Highway north of Santa Barbara provides a good balance of efficiency and scenic enjoyment. San Bernardino is the practical midpoint, while San Diego adds a pleasant detour if time allows.

Route from Tucson to Carmel Avoiding Los Angeles?

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