Arroyo Seco Parkway CA-110
America's first freeway, the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA-110) offers a unique driving challenge and a glimpse into early highway design.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the freeway without cars
Arroyo Seco Parkway CA-110
Best Time
Experience the freeway without cars
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's first freeway, the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA-110) offers a unique driving challenge and a glimpse into early highway design.
"Driving the 110 is quite an experience. Yes, it's outdated, and yes, it's kind of a death trap."
🚗 Merge with Caution
Be extra vigilant on short on-ramps and blind curves. Anticipate traffic and merge carefully.
🚶♀️ Walk the Parkway
Check for 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' events to walk or bike the historic freeway.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
America's First Freeway
Entire stretch from Pasadena to Los Angeles
Drive or walk this iconic stretch, the first freeway in the United States, opened in 1940.
Challenging On-Ramps
Various points along the parkway
Experience the thrill (and potential stress) of short, sharp on-ramps and blind curves.
Car-Free Exploration
Sections closed for events
Walk, bike, or skate on the freeway during special car-free events.
Figueroa Street Tunnels
Between Chinatown and Lincoln Heights
Discover a hidden walkway with iconic spiral staircases and views of these historic tunnels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Historic 110
Embrace Car-Free Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Merge with Caution
Be extra vigilant on short on-ramps and blind curves. Anticipate traffic and merge carefully.
🚶♀️ Walk the Parkway
Check for 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' events to walk or bike the historic freeway.
🗺️ Use Navigation Wisely
Some exits are notoriously tricky. Pay close attention to signage and GPS.
👀 Look for Hidden Paths
Explore pedestrian walkways alongside the freeway for unique views and access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Merge with Caution
Be extra vigilant on short on-ramps and blind curves. Anticipate traffic and merge carefully.
🚶♀️ Walk the Parkway
Check for 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' events to walk or bike the historic freeway.
🗺️ Use Navigation Wisely
Some exits are notoriously tricky. Pay close attention to signage and GPS.
👀 Look for Hidden Paths
Explore pedestrian walkways alongside the freeway for unique views and access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Arroyo Seco Parkway is celebrated as a historic landmark, offering a unique driving experience with its early freeway design. Visitors appreciate its significance as America's first freeway and the occasional opportunities for car-free exploration. However, many find its short on-ramps and blind curves challenging and potentially hazardous, leading to a love-hate relationship with this iconic route.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arroyo Seco Parkway, also known as the CA-110, connects Pasadena to Los Angeles. Drivers should be aware of its historic design, featuring short on-ramps and sharp curves, which can make merging challenging. Pay close attention to signage and be prepared for potentially heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
While the parkway itself is primarily for vehicles, several Metro bus lines run parallel to or cross the 110 freeway, providing public transit options between Pasadena and Los Angeles. Check the Metro website for specific routes and schedules that serve areas near the parkway.
Generally, the parkway is for vehicles. However, the city of Los Angeles occasionally closes sections for special events like 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day,' allowing pedestrians and cyclists to explore. Keep an eye on local event calendars for these opportunities.
Yes, there are pedestrian walkways that run alongside parts of the Arroyo Seco Parkway. One notable example is the walkway between Chinatown and Lincoln Heights, which features a spiral staircase and offers views of the Figueroa Street Tunnels.
The parkway stretches from Pasadena in the north to San Pedro near the port in the south. Key access points include connections to major freeways like the I-210 and I-5, as well as numerous local street on- and off-ramps throughout Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, driving on the Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA-110) is free and does not require any tickets or passes, as it is a public freeway.
Special events like 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' that temporarily close the parkway to vehicles are typically free to attend for pedestrians and cyclists. Always check event details for any specific requirements.
The Arroyo Seco Parkway is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic, like most freeways. However, specific sections may be closed temporarily for maintenance or special events.
Vehicular access is generally 24/7. However, be aware that certain on- and off-ramps might have restrictions or closures due to construction or traffic management.
The parkway has numerous entry points. For a historic driving experience, consider entering from Pasadena. For accessing pedestrian walkways, research specific access points like those near the Figueroa Street Tunnels.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
It's the first freeway in the United States, opened in 1940! Drivers will notice its historic design, including shorter lanes and tighter curves than modern freeways, making for a distinct driving experience.
Yes, some on- and off-ramps are known for their short runways and blind curves, which can be difficult for drivers to merge safely. The Marmion Way / Ave 64 exit on 110 North has been specifically cited as problematic. Vigilance is key.
During car-free events, the entire parkway offers unique perspectives. Otherwise, pedestrian walkways and overlooks near the Figueroa Street Tunnels provide interesting views.
Stopping your vehicle on the freeway is generally unsafe and illegal, except in emergencies. If you want to explore, wait for designated car-free events or use nearby streets and parking areas.
Traffic can be heavy, especially during commute hours, as it's a major artery connecting Pasadena and Los Angeles. Be prepared for congestion and potential delays.
📸 📸 Photography
During car-free events, the entire freeway becomes a photo opportunity. Look for unique angles of the historic road, the surrounding landscape, and the Figueroa Street Tunnels. The short on-ramps also offer dramatic shots of merging traffic.
While driving, focus on the road. For dedicated photography, it's best to pull over safely (if permitted) or wait for car-free events. Capturing the dynamic traffic flow can be done with a dashcam or by editing footage later.
Many capture the historic architecture of the freeway itself, the challenging merges, and the urban landscape. During events, street photography and capturing the unique experience of being on the freeway without cars are popular.
General photography is usually permitted. However, be mindful of safety and avoid obstructing traffic or pedestrian flow. Commercial photography may require permits.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the parkway's curves and surrounding hills. Night shots can also be dramatic, showcasing the headlights and taillights of passing cars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birth of America's Freeway
The parkway's legacy is evident in its distinctive features, such as its short on-ramps, sharp curves, and limited sightlines. These elements, while contributing to its historic charm, also present significant challenges for contemporary drivers. The design prioritizes a flowing, scenic route over the high-capacity, forgiving nature of modern freeways. This has led to discussions and concerns about its safety, with some exits being particularly notorious for their difficulty. Despite these challenges, the Arroyo Seco Parkway remains a beloved and iconic part of the Los Angeles landscape, offering a tangible connection to the evolution of American infrastructure.
Experiencing the Parkway: Beyond the Drive
Beyond these special events, there are also hidden pedestrian walkways that offer alternative access and unique perspectives. For instance, a walkway between Chinatown and Lincoln Heights provides access to the Figueroa Street Tunnels and features an iconic spiral staircase. These paths allow for a more intimate exploration of the parkway's surroundings and infrastructure, revealing details often missed from behind the wheel. Exploring these areas can offer a different appreciation for the parkway's integration into the urban fabric.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit