What is expected to be a record-setting Memorial Day holiday travel period will begin Thursday, with the Automobile Club of Southern California predicting 3.6 million SoCal residents will head out on long weekend journeys.
The predicted number of travelers would be a 3.6% increase from 2024, and would mark the third straight year of record-breaking travel by Southern California residents on Memorial Day weekend.
Lower costs are contributing to heavier travel. In Southern California, gas prices are about 50 to 60 cents lower per gallon than at this time last year, and the national average price is about 50 cents lower than a year ago, according to gasprices.aaa.com.
“Consumers continue to prioritize travel with family and friends after the pandemic,” Jena Miller, the Auto Club’s vice president of travel products, said.
“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.”
The holiday travel period officially begins Thursday and lasts through Monday, according to the Auto Club.
Of the 3.6 million Southern California travelers, 2.9 million are expected to drive to their destinations, with about 382,000 flying and 260,000 taking other transportation, such as bus, train or cruise.
Auto Club officials noted that gas prices in Southern California are averaging about 50 to 60 cents less per gallon than they were a year ago.
Transportation data firm INRIX advised that the afternoons and evenings on Thursday and Friday will be the busiest times to travel. The busiest stretch of freeway is expected to be the northbound Golden State Freeway between Los Angeles and Bakersfield on Friday afternoon/evening, with the travel time increasing by 83%. INRIX advised travelers to start their drives before noon Thursday.
The top local destinations for Southern Californians will be Las Vegas, San Diego, the Central Coast and nearby national parks such as the Grand Canyon, according to the Auto Club.
Nationally, the Auto Club predicts that 45.1 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend, up 3.1% from last year and besting the previous Memorial Day record of 44 million set in 2005. The top national destinations are expected to be Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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