A record 3.6 million Southern California residents are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking travel for the region, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The travel period, which runs from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26, will see a 3.6% increase in local travelers compared to 2024.
AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel during the holiday nationwide, the highest number on record and the most since 2005.
“Consumers continue to prioritize travel with family and friends after the pandemic,” Jena Miller, the Auto Club’s vice president of travel products, said in a statement. “This year, they will get some price relief at the gas pump, car rental counter, and when flying internationally, but they will spend more on domestic flights, hotels, cruises, and tours compared to 2024.”
Busiest routes and best times to drive
Transportation analytics company INRIX expects the worst traffic in Southern California on the afternoon and evening of May 23, mainly on I-5 North from Los Angeles to Bakersfield.
Travel time on that route could increase by as much as 83%, stretching a typical 90-minute trip to nearly three hours.
To avoid congestion, officials recommend traveling:
- Thursday before noon
- Friday before 11 a.m.
- Saturday before noon
- Sunday before 1 p.m.
- Monday before 2 p.m.
Top Memorial Day destinations
According to AAA booking data, popular local getaways for Southern Californians include:
- Las Vegas
- San Diego
- California’s Central Coast
- National parks such as the Grand Canyon
Nationally, the top five destinations are Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami. International travelers are heading to Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London, and Athens.
