How to Drive on Los Angeles Freeways as a Tourist

Driving on Los Angeles freeways in California can be an intimidating and scary experience for out-of-towners. Dense traffic, numerous freeway interchanges and many lanes on any given freeway all add up to a very stressful driving experience for the unprepared. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to successfully drive on Los Angeles freeways as a tourist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Portable GPS system
• Computer
• Printer
• Internet connection

1. Use an online map service to print out maps to and from each of your destinations before you leave for your trip to Los Angeles.
2. Buy or borrow a portable GPS system for your trip. This is probably the most valuable tool you could bring with you since it adjusts your route if you make a wrong turn, miss an exit or get on the wrong freeway.
3. Avoid making multiple freeway changes if possible. The more freeways you have to take the more likely you are to miss your interchange and get lost miles away from your destination.
4. Drive during the middle of the day to avoid morning and evening rush hour traffic. Los Angeles traffic is notoriously heavy and will not only delay your arrival at your destination but may even cause you to miss your exit because you can’t get across several lanes of traffic in time.
5. Drive in the slow or middle lanes to avoid missing your exit.
6. Use your destination’s suggested route when planning your trip as it is generally well tested and is the simplest route.