Drive route Paso Robles to USS Iowa Museum plus hotel

Question

First week of October, we will drive from Paso Robles to San Diego, but are now interested in stopping to see the Iowa. We will probably stay that night somewhere not too far from Iowa and head to San Diego the next day. Expecting horrendous traffic. Any help on route, traffic, and what area to stay in would be so appreciated.

Answer

Driving from Paso Robles to the USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro (Long Beach area) is a scenic but long drive, especially if you want to avoid peak traffic periods. The most direct route generally follows US-101 south to I-5 south, then I-405 south toward the Long Beach/San Pedro area.

Here’s a suggested approach:

Depart Paso Robles mid-morning to avoid early morning fog and the busiest Central Coast traffic.
Take US-101 south through San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. This stretch can be slower if there are construction zones or weekend tourist traffic.
From Santa Barbara, merge onto US-101 south toward Ventura, then connect to CA-1 or I-405 south near Los Angeles, depending on traffic conditions. Using real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze is essential, as LA traffic can be unpredictable.
Arrive at the USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro. Expect potential delays near the Los Angeles basin, particularly around Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and downtown LA approaches.

For an overnight stay near the USS Iowa, consider hotels in the Long Beach, San Pedro, or downtown Los Angeles Harbor area. This allows you to explore the museum without backtracking and positions you well for the next leg to San Diego. Recommended options include:

Long Beach Hotels: Near Shoreline Village or the waterfront—easy access to dining and views, moderate traffic to the museum in the morning.
San Pedro Hotels: Closer to the museum itself; smaller selection but convenient for visiting USS Iowa early.
Harbor City area: Budget-friendly hotels slightly north of San Pedro; short drive to the museum while avoiding downtown congestion.

Next morning, head from Long Beach/San Pedro to San Diego. The fastest route is usually I-405 south to I-5 south. Leaving early (before 7–8 a.m.) will help you avoid LA morning rush hour, otherwise be prepared for heavy traffic. Total driving time from Paso Robles to USS Iowa is roughly 5–6 hours without heavy traffic, and from USS Iowa to San Diego around 2–2.5 hours.

Tips to improve your experience:

Check traffic apps frequently; LA freeways can be unpredictable and change by the hour.
Consider stopping for lunch in Ventura, Malibu, or Long Beach depending on timing to break up the drive.
Book your hotel in advance, especially in Long Beach or San Pedro, as October weekends can be busy with local events.

By planning your overnight stay near the USS Iowa, you can minimize stress, enjoy the museum visit fully, and start fresh for the drive to San Diego the following day.

Drive route Paso Robles to USS Iowa Museum plus hotel

More Long Beach Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions