Arroyo Seco Parkway CA-110 - a person riding a bike down a tree lined road
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Arroyo Seco Parkway CA-110

4.6
·491k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

America's first freeway, the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA-110) offers a unique driving challenge and a glimpse into early highway design.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During Car-Free Events

Experience the freeway without cars

CrowdMedium
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Arroyo Seco Parkway CA-110 - a person riding a bike down a tree lined road

Arroyo Seco Parkway CA-110

Best Time

During Car-Free Events

Experience the freeway without cars

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Driving the 110 is quite an experience. Yes, it's outdated, and yes, it's kind of a death trap."

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TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

America's First Freeway

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.

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Challenging On-Ramps

Challenging On-Ramps

Various points along the parkway

Experience the thrill (and potential stress) of short, sharp on-ramps and blind curves.

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Car-Free Exploration

Car-Free Exploration

Sections closed for events

Walk, bike, or skate on the freeway during special car-free events.

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Figueroa Street Tunnels

Figueroa Street Tunnels

Between Chinatown and Lincoln Heights

Discover a hidden walkway with iconic spiral staircases and views of these historic tunnels.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Historic 110

The Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA-110) is a historic route with unique challenges. Be prepared for short on-ramps and blind curves, especially on the northbound lanes. Drivers often find merging difficult, so stay alert and anticipate traffic flow. TikTok+2

Embrace Car-Free Days

Occasionally, sections of the Arroyo Seco Parkway are closed to vehicles for special events like Arroyofest. These are fantastic opportunities to experience the freeway as a pedestrian or cyclist, offering a rare glimpse into its history and design without traffic. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
During Car-Free Events
Why
Experience the freeway without cars
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Less traffic, smoother drives
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend Evenings
Why
Traffic thins out
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The History of the Arroyo Seco Freeway (America’s first freeway!) #arroyoseco #110freeway #latraffic #traffic #losangeles #History #greenscreen #freeway #mysecretla #pasadena #highlandpark
@secret.losangeles
249.2K likes • 3.6M views

🚗 Merge with Caution

Be extra vigilant on short on-ramps and blind curves. Anticipate traffic and merge carefully. TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Parkway

Check for 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' events to walk or bike the historic freeway. TikTok+1

Getting on and off America's First Highway is wild. #arroyoseco #110freeway #crankhustle #fooddelivery #ubereats
@iamwilcer
48.9K likes • 1.2M views
"Walking through history on the Arroyo Seco Freeway! 🚶‍♂️✨ This iconic LA highway, officially known as the 110 freeway, has a rich history and now it's closed for pedestrians to explore. Can't wait to experience this unique opportunity! #CarFreeDay #PedestrianTakeover #LAHistory #losangeles #california #socal #hiddengems #secrets
@elisolanotravels
40.2K likes • 353.6K views

🗺️ Use Navigation Wisely

Some exits are notoriously tricky. Pay close attention to signage and GPS. Reddit

👀 Look for Hidden Paths

Explore pedestrian walkways alongside the freeway for unique views and access. TikTok

Kinda Interesting Things #135: The Hidden Walkway on the 110 If you’re in LA, and don’t have a car, and you need to get between Chinatown and Lincoln Heights or Cypress Park, there’s a hidden walkway located in between the 110 freeway, that’s one mile long, features a pretty iconic spiral staircase, and great views of the Figueroa Street Tunnels. This is the Arroyo Seco Parkway Walkway on the 110....
@norbertobriceno
34.5K likes • 397.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Merge with Caution

Be extra vigilant on short on-ramps and blind curves. Anticipate traffic and merge carefully. TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Parkway

Check for 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' events to walk or bike the historic freeway. TikTok+1

🗺️ Use Navigation Wisely

Some exits are notoriously tricky. Pay close attention to signage and GPS. Reddit

👀 Look for Hidden Paths

Explore pedestrian walkways alongside the freeway for unique views and access. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Historic significance
Unique driving experience
Car-free event access

What People Dislike

Challenging on-ramps
Blind curves
Traffic congestion

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. TikTok+2 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. TikTok 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. TikTok+1 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

Special events like 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Day' that temporarily close the parkway to vehicles are typically free to attend for pedestrians and cyclists. TikTok+1 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. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience

It's the first freeway in the United States, opened in 1940! TikTok+2 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. TikTokReddit+2 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. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

Traffic can be heavy, especially during commute hours, as it's a major artery connecting Pasadena and Los Angeles. TikTok+2 Be prepared for congestion and potential delays.

📸 📸 Photography

During car-free events, the entire freeway becomes a photo opportunity. TikTok+1 Look for unique angles of the historic road, the surrounding landscape, and the Figueroa Street Tunnels. TikTok The short on-ramps also offer dramatic shots of merging traffic. TikTok+1

While driving, focus on the road. For dedicated photography, it's best to pull over safely (if permitted) or wait for car-free events. TikTok+1 Capturing the dynamic traffic flow can be done with a dashcam or by editing footage later. TikTok

Many capture the historic architecture of the freeway itself, the challenging merges, and the urban landscape. TikTok+2 During events, street photography and capturing the unique experience of being on the freeway without cars are popular. TikTok

General photography is usually permitted. However, be mindful of safety and avoid obstructing traffic or pedestrian flow. TikTok Commercial photography may require permits.

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the parkway's curves and surrounding hills. TikTok Night shots can also be dramatic, showcasing the headlights and taillights of passing cars. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the Arroyo Seco Parkway offers a unique educational experience, especially during car-free events. TikTok+1 These events are perfect for kids to safely explore the historic freeway on bikes or scooters, providing a fun and active way to learn about transportation history. When driving, be extra cautious with children in the car due to the challenging on-ramps and curves. TikTok+1 Consider using public transit or exploring pedestrian walkways TikTok for a more relaxed family outing near the parkway.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

The Arroyo Seco Parkway is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast interested in automotive history. As America's first freeway, it offers a glimpse into early highway design. TikTok+2 Embrace the challenge of its unique on-ramps and curves, but prioritize safety. TikTokReddit+2 Consider planning your drive during off-peak hours to better appreciate the historic route without the stress of heavy traffic.

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Explorers

If you prefer to explore on foot, keep an eye out for 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Days' on the Arroyo Seco Parkway. TikTok+1 These events are ideal for walking and experiencing the freeway's grandeur up close. Additionally, seek out the hidden pedestrian walkways that run alongside sections of the parkway, offering unique vantage points and access to areas like the Figueroa Street Tunnels. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Birth of America's Freeway

The Arroyo Seco Parkway, officially the CA-110, holds a significant place in American history as the first freeway in the United States. Opened in sections starting in 1940, it marked a revolutionary shift in transportation design, moving away from traditional parkways towards more efficient, high-speed roadways. TikTok+2 Its construction was a marvel of engineering for its time, aiming to connect Pasadena with downtown Los Angeles and the port. The parkway's design, however, reflects an era before modern traffic engineering standards, leading to its unique characteristics today.

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. TikTok+2 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. Reddit 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

While driving the Arroyo Seco Parkway is a primary way to experience it, opportunities to explore it differently are increasingly available. The city of Los Angeles periodically hosts events like 'Arroyofest' or 'Car-Free Days', where sections of the parkway are closed to vehicular traffic. TikTok+1 These events transform the bustling freeway into a pedestrian and cyclist paradise, allowing people to walk, run, skate, and cycle the historic route. It's a unique chance to appreciate the scale and design of the parkway without the usual traffic concerns.

Beyond these special events, there are also hidden pedestrian walkways that offer alternative access and unique perspectives. TikTok 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. TikTok

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