SoCal Road Trip: Burbank to Newport Beach

Looking to escape the bustle of Burbank and spend a day on the sandy shores of Newport Beach? It's an easy trip! Here are a few routes to choose from, each with its own charm and estimated travel time.

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

First up, consider the quintessential California road trip experience by traveling down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Beginning in Burbank, travel west on the 134 to the 5 South, then take the 1 South and follow the signs to Newport Beach.

This route clocks in at approximately 60 miles with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Slow down and take in the views from Malibu to Laguna Beach or make a pit stop at Huntington or Seal Beach along the way.

Pro tip: Don't forget to check the traffic before departing. The PCH can get congested, especially on the weekends, but the views are totally worth it!

91-Freeway to 55-South

The next route option involves a slightly faster but less scenic drive. Take the 5 South to the 91-Freeway East, merge onto the 55 South and follow the signs to Newport Beach.

This route is about 54 miles, and is estimated to take 1 hour and 15 minutes. The 91 Freeway can get congested, so be mindful of your departure time, but this route can be a quicker way to hit the beach.

North and South on the 405-Freeway

For those who prefer to stick to the freeway, there's always the 405-Freeway option. From Burbank, take the 134 to the 5 South, hop on the 405 South, and follow the signs to Newport Beach.

This route covers roughly 60 miles and can be completed in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. While it may not be the most scenic route, there are plenty of food stops to make along the way, including In-N-Out Burger, Porto's Bakery and Cafe, and Wahoo's Fish Tacos.

Final Destination: Newport Beach

No matter the route you choose, the result remains the same: you will reach the beautiful Newport Beach with time to spare for enjoying sunshine, scenery, and the beach life.

When in Newport, make sure to catch the beach and ocean views from the Balboa Pier, take a stroll through the charming and historic Balboa Village, or check out one of many restaurants or breweries.

Drive safely and have a great day trip!