Distance: 63 miles
Driving Time:
1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic
I-405 connects to US 101 in the San Fernando Valley. If you start or end in Hollywood, Burbank or downtown L.A., take US 101 directly.
You can also take California Highway One through Malibu to Ventura.
Angelenos love their freeways so much that they give them nicknames. I-405 is the San Diego Freeway and US 101 north is the Ventura Freeway (US 101 south is the Hollywood Freeway). To find out about the latest traffic jams, you can get real-time traffic on the KNX radio website, listen to their reports at 1070 AM or call the CalTrans highway condition hotline at 800-427-ROAD. A good map or GPS system will help you navigate around the worst traffic.
Just north of I-10, you'll see a big complex of white buildings on the west side of the highway. That's the Getty Museum, one of California's prettiest outdoor spaces, well worth a visit for its architecture and views even if you're not interested in the art work.
Sepulveda Pass separates the Los Angeles Basin from the San Fernando Valley. US 101 goes all the way from here to San Francisco. Through the San Fernando Valley and Ventura, 101 runs more or less east and west, although it's marked north/south (which is its general direction over the long haul).
Points of Interest
- Camarillo Outlets: Exit US 101 at Las Posas Road for 120 outlet stores
- Strawberry Fields: Strawberries grown around Oxnard are among the state's best. In season (which starts as early as February), you'll find produce stands selling them at many highway exits.
Side Trips
- Exit US 101 at Las Virgenes to see the beautiful Hindu Venkateswara Temple at 1600 Las Virgenes. It's open to everyone as long as you're respectful, dress modestly (no shorts or tank tops) and take off your shoes and hat. Fans of the television program M*A*S*H continue on Las Virgenes to Malibu Creek State Park, (4 miles from 101) where the show's opening and many of its outdoor scenes were filmed.
Primary Needs
Gasoline and food are easy to find along this stretch of highway.
In Camarillo, you'll find an In-N-Out Burger, a chain whose fans rave about their fresh-cut French fries and simple burgers made with fresh beef. The lines at their drive-up windows speak for themselves, but to be honest, I don't like their food. You'll find more locations further north.