July 15, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

2.6 Million Expected to Travel on Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day
Expect the roads to be busy this Memorial Day weekend. (Thinkstock)

More than 2.6 million Southern Californians will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day weekend, nearly 2 percent more than last year and the largest number since an all-time record of 3.2 million was set in 2005, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Of the expected 2.66 million Southern California holiday travelers, 2.23 million – about 83 percent – will travel by car, 1.4 percent more than last year, the AAA said in a statement.

Another 249,000 residents are expected to fly, 2.4 percent more than in 2013, and about 183,000 will take a trip in a recreational vehicle, cruise ship, bus or train this weekend, a 6.5 percent increase from last year.

“Our AAA Travel Agency continues to see an increased interest in alternative travel such as package tours, cruises and rail trips,” said Filomena Andre, the Auto Club’s vice president for travel. “Because of their busy lives, our members are also more willing than in the past to take a three-day weekend trip or cruise beyond typical driving-distance destinations, which is why we are seeing an increase in tours and cruises this holiday.”

The Auto Club defines a holiday trip as one at least 50 miles away from home. The number of Southern Californians expected to embark on such trips this Memorial Day weekend is 1.8 percent higher than last year, the AAA said.

Their top destinations are, in this order, San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, and California’s Central Coast, according to a survey of AAA Travel agents.

Most Southern California travelers will be paying near or above $4 a gallon to fill up for their trips, or about 10 to 15 cents more per gallon than at this time last year.

Statewide, a total of 4.28 million are projected to take trips, an increase of 1.8 percent compared to the 4.21 million in 2013. Of the 4.28 million, about 83 percent, or 3.588 million, are expected to go by car, a 1.4 percent increase over 2013. About 401,000 statewide are projected to fly, compared to 391,000 in 2013, and 295,000 will go by other means, compared to 277,000 in 2013.

Nationally, travel is expected to increase by 1.5 percent compared to last year’s Memorial Day holiday, with 36 million travelers expected compared to 35.5 million in 2013, according to the AAA.

Car travel nationally is expected to rise to 31.8 million from 31.4 million last year, while air travel is expected to rise slightly to 2.56 million from 2.5 million in 2013, and other means of travel will rise to 1.7 million from 1.6 million last year, the AAA said.

In Los Angeles County, police departments say their members will be out in force this weekend in search of impaired drivers.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Avoid the 100 DUI Task Force will set up DUI/driver’s license checkpoints throughout the county and conduct DUI saturation patrols, organizers said.

Officials noted that along with the warm weather forecast, which will attract people to beaches, the holiday weekend will also likely feature college and high school students celebrating graduation.

Stepped-up law enforcement activities will begin Friday and last through Monday.

Police officials urge motorists to avoid drinking and driving and to refuse to enter a vehicle driven by someone who has been drinking.

Related Posts

Nonprofit Formed by Palisades High Alumni to Host Benefit Concert for Fire Recovery

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

All proceeds will support relief for the Hildebrand family, Palisades High School’s booster club and Palisades Dolphin Strong The Pacific...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Venice Family Clinic Slams HHS Funding Restrictions as Assault on Immigrants

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

HHS announced on July 10 that it would restrict access to programs like community health centers, Head Start, and other...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Newly Built Mar Vista Home with Spa and Plunge Pool Offered at $3.6M

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The home’s powder room stands out with Roman Clay walls and a marble sink, while European oak floors, brass fixtures,...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Nine-Unit Apartment Building in Palms On Sale for $3.3M

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Recent upgrades include a new roof coating and water heater tank, with no seismic retrofit required, according to listing details...

Weekly Yoga Sessions Offered at Venice Branch Library

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Open to all skill levels, the sessions aim to guide attendees in balancing body, mind, and spirit The Venice Branch...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Culver City Joins Legal Fight Against Federal Immigration Raids

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The legal action seeks to intervene in the class-action lawsuit Perdomo v. Noem, which alleges federal agencies have conducted unlawful...

Input Sought for Culver City Tourism Brand Ahead of Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The effort aims to highlight the city’s culinary, creative, and experiential attractions as it prepares The City of Culver City...