Has anyone out there driven from Long Beach to Vegas? Need advice....

[rene194215]

Hi, My friend and I will be getting off the Carnival Paradise on Friday Sept 30 and driving from Long Beach port to Las Vegas. Its cheeper then flying and also, it will be fun for us to go on a mini road trip...

 

Ok so the rest is not cruise related but I have gotten so much other great information on here about pre cruise info I thought I would give it a shot.... Thanks in advance!!!!

 

So I have mapped the route and it looks like once you are out a bit you hit rt 15 and that brings you to Vegas. But someone told me to go via Death Valley, AKA rt 127.

 

So question is this... what is better? I know there is probubly not much out there in terms of sighseeing but the rt 15 seems to be shorter then Death Valley... If there is some sort of advantage to one or the other then that may sway our decision to which way we go. Would appreciate any advice!

 

Also, another question, with each route, will you still pass the Welcome to Las Vegas sign? And are you able to stop and take pictures? I thought I would ask but I am still going to research!

[Splinter]

Death Valley will still be beastly hot in September (as will Las Vegas). Unless you are absolutely dying to see Death Valley (and stay at a very luxurious hotel there) I would take the Hwy 15 route. Adding Death Valley would also add considerable time to your drive as it is not freeway...it is a two lane road for the most part. Hwy 15 is major interstate freeway the whole way.

[DeniceRG]

Try to leave as soon as you can to Vegas. Friday is a very busy day for traffic, LA area to Vegas. Normally it should take you 4-5 hours. I think the Welcome to Las Vegas sign is down ... I don't remember seeing it while driving in.

 

Have fun!!!

 

Denice

[MWJ51102]

Take I-15 to Vegas. Get off on the Blue Diamond Road exit on the south side of Las vegas. Turn Right (east) on to Blue Diamond. Take Blue Diamond about one half mile to Las Vegas Blvd. Turn Left (north) on to Las Vegas Blvd. The "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign will be about two miles ahead. There is plenty of parking available at the sign.

[Tannison]

Take I-15 to Vegas. Get off on the Blue Diamond Road exit on the south side of Las vegas. Turn Right (east) on to Blue Diamond. Take Blue Diamond about one half mile to Las Vegas Blvd. Turn Left (north) on to Las Vegas Blvd. The "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign will be about two miles ahead. There is plenty of parking available at the sign.

 

This is correct. My in-laws live in Vegas and we live in LA and we make this drive about once a month. Of course, we skip the sign, but I-15 is definitely faster! Also, if you get on the road as soon as you debark, you should be ok traffic wise, but by 4pm, traffic gets bad.

[Bill S]

As a Las Vegas resident, I concur with the all the posters who have recommended to use I-15 all the way to the Blue Diamond exit, and to get an early start.

You didn't say if you will be returning to Southern Cal after your visit to Las Vegas. If you will be doing that, and returning on Sunday, again, be sure to get an early start due to all the people returning back to Southern California. Traffic builds up rapidly on Sunday mornings southbound on I-15. Delays up to 2hrs are not uncommon.

I hope you will have a great cruise and visit to Las Vegas. :)

[rene194215]

Thanks all!

 

To be honest, someone said that Death Valley was neat but after hearing form you all I think I will keep with the original plan to go rt 15! And I will definatly follow the directions to get to the sign! I would really love to get my picture taken there since this is the first visit to Vegas!!!

 

We are planning to be off the boat before 9 and the car rental company is picking us up. I figure that we should be on the road somewhere around 10. I am hoping some of the LA/area traffic will be over:confused: Then we can cruise our way into Vegas.

 

Also, They way we planned the trip is to have 2 days in LA area pre cruisee then cruise drive to Vegas and fly home from there! I do not think I could take a drive that long in the span of a few days!

[rene194215]

Ohhh I forgot!

 

I do have another question,,, if we get on the road by 10 we should hit Vegas by 3-4 ish? Granted stops for gas and food/bathroom break. Is there anything on the way thats worthwhile to see? I do not see myself ever making this drive again....

 

I am assuming that this rt 15 has gas stations every so often right? And does anyone know the speed limit?

 

Thanks again!!!!

[4cats4me]

I've only done the reverse trip, vegas to long beach on a Friday, and we left at 10:30 a.m. and hit long beach by 3:30. but it would most likely take a lot longer doing the long beach to vegas route on a friday because of the weekend gamblers.:)

[DeniceRG]

There is alot of businesses off I-15, so you should have no problems with gas/food stops. Typical stop is in either Barstow or Baker (Baker is the last town before you reach the stateline). In Baker, as you are driving look to the right and you'll see the world's tallest thermometer. There are some outlets store just before you reach Barstow, but there are also outlets in the Vegas area. There is a ghost town off the 15, never been there, so can't comment on it .... just have seen the signs. There's really no sites on that stretch of road to stop for ....

 

Have fun and safe drive!

 

Denice

[sheshe01]

Speed limit changes on some stretches of hwy, normally 65. California has instituted a program called "arrive alive" for the 15 freeway. This road is a lot of desert driving & people tend to drive fast.This is a popular route for "weekend warrior"s heading to Vegas or the river for the weekend. This new program is out to issue more tickets so be careful.

[kenish]

Just before Barstow there are several outlet malls along with various restaurants. I recommend eating there and not in Baker. The ghost town is Calico, just north of Barstow a few miles off I-15. Don't know whether to recommend it or not...best bet is google it and see if there's any interest. There are the usual fast food places in Baker, the Denny's at the bottom of the giant thermometer has awful food and service. At the main intersection in Baker there's a "Mad Greek" place that isn't too bad. (FYI the thermometer is on the left side of the freeway not the right side if you're headed to LV).

 

Just over the CA/NV state line is Primm; several casinos / restaurants, and yet another outlet mall. The ones in Barstow and in LV are larger. One of the casinos in Primm has a great roller coaster if you're into that (I recall it's the highest initial drop of any coaster or some other superlative).

 

I'd do a little web research on Death Valley...the scenery is spectacular (it's a national park after all), but will be a 4-6 hour detour for a quick look and a few stops. Another detour idea is from I-15 cut east to Searchlight, NV. Then north to Boulder City and visit Hoover Dam. Then head over to LV. Also a 4-6 hour detour to allow time to see the Dam.

 

Agree on the speed comments...besides the need for "revenue enhancement", I-15 between Barstow and LV has the highest accident rate of any interstate so enforcement has really increased. Watch for "bear in the air" too. The posted speed is 70mph...75 is probably OK and anything faster invites a roadside business meeting with the Highway Patrol.

[mom2sz]

Ohhh I forgot!

 

I do have another question,,, if we get on the road by 10 we should hit Vegas by 3-4 ish? Granted stops for gas and food/bathroom break. Is there anything on the way thats worthwhile to see? I do not see myself ever making this drive again....

 

I am assuming that this rt 15 has gas stations every so often right? And does anyone know the speed limit?

 

Thanks again!!!!

 

I think that's a pretty good estimation of your drive to Vegas and by leaving LB at 10 you're going to miss the rush hour traffic on the freeways.

 

Barstow has a bit more food variety compared to Baker. There are the two outdoor outlet malls in Barstow too. You will most likely hit Barstow around lunchtime. Gas will also be a little cheaper in Barstow than Baker and the stateline. I've never been to the Calico ghost town too so I don't know if it's worth a stop.

 

Baker is a little town with the tallest thermometer visible from the freeway. You will also see a lot of signs for Alien Fresh Jerky. If you like jerky, they have samples and a quirky little store with lots of alien displays inside and outside. Very touristy!

 

There are a couple of rest stops along the way too. You will also pass by the Primm(stateline) which has a couple of casinos and an indoor outlet mall in case you need to get some shopping done.

 

We've gone to Death Valley as a day trip from Las Vegas and took about 2 hours one way. It is pretty spectacular. But, there's so much to do in Vegas, your 4 days will go by pretty quickly.

[DeniceRG]

In Baker, as you are driving look to the right and you'll see the world's tallest thermometer.

 

Oops, meant look to your left

[Bill S]

Denice--well if she is actually driving through Baker, the thermometer will be on the right. From I-15 though, yes the Bun Boy thermometer will be on the left. We have stopped a few times in Baker for a pit stop, coffee, and once for a gyro! ;)

[picture]

Hi, My friend and I will be getting off the Carnival Paradise on Friday Sept 30 and driving from Long Beach port to Las Vegas. Its cheeper then flying and also, it will be fun for us to go on a mini road trip...

 

Ok so the rest is not cruise related but I have gotten so much other great information on here about pre cruise info I thought I would give it a shot.... Thanks in advance!!!!

 

So I have mapped the route and it looks like once you are out a bit you hit rt 15 and that brings you to Vegas. But someone told me to go via Death Valley, AKA rt 127.

 

So question is this... what is better? I know there is probubly not much out there in terms of sighseeing but the rt 15 seems to be shorter then Death Valley... If there is some sort of advantage to one or the other then that may sway our decision to which way we go. Would appreciate any advice!

 

Also, another question, with each route, will you still pass the Welcome to Las Vegas sign? And are you able to stop and take pictures? I thought I would ask but I am still going to research!

 

take the 15 you will get there faster. Death Valley very , very hot and

I don't think much to see.

Vegas so much better.

[ncovert]

If I were doing the trip and wanting to get to Las Vegas I would take the 15. The other route is kinda sorta on the way, but not really. Both Vegas and DV will be warm in September, but you know that. Hope you have fun.

[SadieN]

Just before Barstow there are several outlet malls along with various restaurants. I recommend eating there and not in Baker. The ghost town is Calico, just north of Barstow a few miles off I-15. Don't know whether to recommend it or not...best bet is google it and see if there's any interest. .....................

 

Calico is very interesting if you like Western towns in the movies. The town was bought by the Knott's (of Knott's Berry Farm fame) in the 50's. Did a dig there about 10 years ago and found lots of interesting things (original Levi's buttons and glass) in the basement of one of the buildings.

http://cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/Parks/CalicoGhostTown.aspx

 

pictures

http://www.pbase.com/2112/calico&page=all

 

Another interesting site is the Calico Old Man site. The joke is that this is the only archaeological site with it's own freeway offramp. It is also the only one in the Western Hemisphere that Loius Leakey worked on.

http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-Calico-Early-Man-Site/

Visitors use the nice bathroom, the volunteers use the plywood shack on top of the hill. The winds are normally blowing on the site, makes doing your duty interesting.

 

Be careful on the 15. The whole time you are on the 15 to the stateline you will be in the largest county in the US. San Bernardino County has the majority of its population and services in the southwest portion and it can take a while for emergency services to reach you.

If you are traveling thru the Cajon Pass (about an hour 15 minutes from Long Beach) you will pass over the San Andreas fault.

 

 

*****

Don't know which directions you are following. We usually take the 710north to the 105east to the 605north to the 210east to the 15north from Long Beach. Usually the 10 is horrible and backed up.

[rene194215]

Thank you all for the feedback!! Really looking forward to this drive! Its really a once in a lifetime thing!!! I cant wait to figure out the complete plan!!

 

SadieN, is Cajon pass on rt 15? That would be neat to pass over the Fault! I always loved learning about things like that in school!!!

[SadieN]

Thank you all for the feedback!! Really looking forward to this drive! Its really a once in a lifetime thing!!! I cant wait to figure out the complete plan!!

 

SadieN, is Cajon pass on rt 15? That would be neat to pass over the Fault! I always loved learning about things like that in school!!!

 

Some geeky:p stuff!

 

http://www.route66ca.org/traveler/towns/18cajon/18toc.html

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=Cajon+Pass&hl=en&biw=1916&bih=954&prmd=ivnsm&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ERL4Tf3ZMezOiAKRlbX9DA&ved=0CC0QsAQ

 

This picture really puts into perspective the freeway and the fault

[SadieN]

Oops! The dreaded double post.