California Dreamin': How to Get from Buena Park to San Diego

Planning a trip from Buena Park to San Diego? You'll be happy to know there are several routes to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Whether you're looking for speed or scenery, here's a breakdown of your options and estimated driving times.

The I-5 South

The most direct route between Buena Park and San Diego is the I-5 South. This takes you straight down the coast, past Anaheim, Newport Beach, and Oceanside. With minimal twists and turns, it's the quickest and most efficient route at approximately 100 miles. Expect a drive time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes, barring any rush hour traffic.

If you're in a rush or on a tight schedule, the I-5 South is your best bet. However, it's not the most scenic or interesting drive. You'll be on a busy freeway for the majority of the trip, with few opportunities for stopping along the way. Make sure to take a pit stop in San Clemente, a gorgeous seaside community known for its beaches and seafood.

The PCH

If you have more time to spare and want to soak in the beauty of Southern California, consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Buena Park to San Diego. This takes you along the coast through cities like Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point. The distance is approximately 130 miles, and it'll take you around 3 hours, depending on traffic.

The PCH is a much slower and more scenic option, but it's worth it for the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stop at Crystal Cove State Park to hike, take photos, and explore the historic beach cottages. Or, if you're feeling fancy, grab lunch at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

I-405 South to I-5 South

An alternate route from Buena Park to San Diego is to take the I-405 South to the I-5 South. This bypasses some of the heavy traffic on the I-5 and takes you through cities like Costa Mesa, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano. The distance is around 110 miles, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours.

While it's not as scenic as the PCH, the I-405/I-5 route can be a good compromise between efficiency and interest. Make sure to stop at The Lab in Costa Mesa, a hipster shopping mall that's full of cool cafes, vintage shops, and street art.

I-15 South

Finally, you can take the I-15 South from Buena Park to San Diego. This involves heading east towards the Inland Empire and then south towards San Diego. The distance is around 120 miles, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

While it's the least interesting route in terms of scenery, it does have some interesting pit stops along the way. Make sure to stop at the Ontario Mills Mall for some outlet shopping or grab a bite at the famous In-N-Out Burger on the way.

No matter which route you choose, traveling from Buena Park to San Diego is an adventure in itself. With so much to see and explore along the way, make sure to take your time and enjoy the ride. Safe travels!