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Interstate 5 (I-5) is a United States interstate highway that starts at the border with Mexico in San Ysidro, CA and runs 1381 miles (1223 km) north through the states of California, Oregon and Washington to the border with Canada in Blaine, WA. It serves as an important north-south transportation corridor along the U.S west coast connecting the major cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland, Tacoma and Seattle; the three state capitals of Sacramento, Salem and Olympia; and two additional major cities in neighboring countries (Tijuana & Vancouver).

Understand

Interstate 5 (I-5) replaces the former US Route 99, a north-south route along the west coast. The original U.S. Highway 99 ran 1600mi (2600 km) south from Cache Creek BC through Vancouver, through Washington state, Oregon and California, then became Mexico Federal Highway 5 in Calexico. Today I-5 ends at the U.S./Mexican border in San Ysidro where it continues another 1,063 mi (1,711 km) from Tijuana through the Baja California peninsula to Cabo San Lucas as Mexico Federal Highway 1/1D. Today segments of the old Hwy 99 have been re-numbered as State or Provincial Route 99 (SR-99) in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Other segments in Washington state have also have been renumbered as SR-11, SR-529 and SR-530; as SR-99E & SR-99W between north Portland and Junction City in Oregon; and SR-111 between Calexico and Palm Desert in California. Some segments of the old Hwy 99 have also been decommissioned altogether as federal and state highways (not numbered) but are still represented by being named "Old Hwy 99" while others take on different street names.

There are currently no toll segments on the "Freeway".

Get in

Interstate 5 continues north as BC-Hwy 99 to Cache Creek through Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Whistler from the Canadian/U.S. border in Blaine, WA and south to Cabo San Lucas through Tijuana and Ensenada in the Baja California Peninsula as Mexico Federal Hwy 1 from the U.S./Mexican border in San Ysidro, CA. I-5 intersects other major US interstate highways diverging to/from different directions such as I-15 and I-8 in San Diego; I-10 in Los Angeles; I-80 in Sacramento; I-84 in Portland; I-90 in Seattle and various three digit interstates (serving as local auxiliary highways), state and U.S highways in the three states it passes through.

Drive

Mile markers are statewide mileposts, starting with "0" at the south border of each state which increases as you go north and then starts over at "0" when crossing the state line into the next state. So going south the numbers on the mileposts will decrease and then start over at the highest number when crossing a state line. The exit numbers correspond with the mileposts so some numbers may be skipped if the exits are further apart from one to the next. Other exits that are one next to the other or "2 in 1" may have the same exit number followed by an "A", "B" or even a "C" such as "Exit #100A" to get on A St and "Exit #100B" to get on B St.

California

San Diego area

• 1 San Ysidro (Mile 0). Border crossing (updated Jan 2016)
• Chula Vista (Exits 7A-9). There are five exits for Chula Vista. (updated Mar 2016)
• National City (Exits 10-12). There are four exits for National City. (updated Mar 2016)
• San Diego (Exits 13A-36). There are over thirty exits for San Diego. (updated Mar 2016)
• Encinitas (Exits 39-41B). There are four exits for Encinitas. (updated Mar 2016)
• Carlsbad (Exits 43-51A). There are eight exits for Carlsbad. (updated Mar 2016)
• Oceanside (Exits 51B-54C). There are seven exits for Oceanside. (updated Mar 2016)
• 2 Aliso Creek Rest Area (Exit 59 (northbound), Exit 60 (southbound) / Mile 59.87). Closed for maintenance Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 3 Basilone Road (Exit 71 / Mile 71.3). There are a handful of fast food restaurants, a commissary, and a single gas station on the east side of the interstate, but these lie behind a gate to Camp Pendleton Marine Base and are thus off-limits to non-military travelers. Less than a mile south of this exit, San Onofre State Beach is publicly accessible and is a popular surfing spot that also offers camping. A short distance further south, the now-decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is visible just west of the interstate; the station's twin spherical containment buildings famously inspired Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun to lament that "everywhere I look something reminds me of her". (updated Mar 2016)

Orange County and Los Angeles

Past the Camp Pendleton Marine Base the interstate enters the large conurbation of cities in OC and LA counties. This section is multi-lane (3 to 5) in both directions and is busy with traffic at nearly all times of the day. If at all possible avoid driving at peak commuter times. Some drivers may be tempted to take Interstate 405 as an alternate route, but check traffic conditions before doing so as it is often even worse for traffic congestion.

• San Clemente (Exits 73-77). There are five exits for San Clemente. El Camino Real runs almost parallel to the highway and has a number of restaurants, many but not all Mexican. (updated Jan 2016)
• Dana Point (Exits 78-79). There are two exits for Dana Point. (updated Mar 2016)
• San Juan Capistrano (Exits 81-83). There are three exits for San Juan Capistrano. (updated Mar 2016)
• Mission Viejo (Exits 85A-88). There are four exits for Mission Viejo. (updated Mar 2016)
• Laguna Hills (Exits 89-92). There are four exits for Laguna Hills. (updated Mar 2016)
• Irvine (Exits 94-100). There are eight exits for Irvine. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 4 Sand Canyon, Old Town, East Irvine (Exit 96 / Mile 96.22). In addition to the chance to have a Knowlwood Burger in a building built in 1900, check out the 19th-century Irvine Bean and Growers Association Building. (updated Jan 2016)
• Tustin (Exits 101-103). There are four exits for Tustin. (updated Mar 2016)
• Santa Ana (Exits 103-105). There are five exits for Santa Ana. (updated Mar 2016)
• Anaheim (Exits 109-113). There are seven exits for Anaheim. (updated Mar 2016)
• 5 SR-39 / Buena Park (Exit 116 / Mile 115.71). On Beach Blvd there are a number of chain hotels and restaurants such as Fuddruckers. (updated Jan 2016)
• Santa Clarita (Exits 163-172). There are eight exits for Santa Clarita. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 6 Magic Mountain Parkway (Exit 170 / Mile 170.23). The famous Magic Mountain amusement park is located along the western side of the freeway and is home to roller coasters that have held world records for height and speed; freeway travelers will have an excellent view of thrill seekers taking the plunge over one of the many terrifying hills on the park's iconic rides. There are a number of gas stations, chain restaurants and hotels located right at the exit that cater to park visitors, but expect heavier than normal traffic in the area during the summer when the park is busiest. (updated Mar 2016)

Tehachapi Mountains

The road climbs out of the San Fernando Valley,which although multi-lane will have slow-moving traffic before entering the Santa Clarita Valley. Oddly, at one point the north and south bound carriageways cross and run for a number of miles separate from one another.

• 7 Castaic (Exit 176 / Mile 176.15). (updated Jan 2016)
• 8 Tejon Pass Rest Area (Exit 206 / Mile 205.97). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 9 Lebec Road (Exit 207 / Mile 206.88). The highway descends at a sharp six percent grade through a curving path within Grapevine Canyon from Lebec down to the Central Valley. The original route was infamous for its accidents until being straightened and widened between 1933-34. This stretch of road is known as The Grapevine and is often closed during storms when driving conditions become treacherous. (updated Jan 2016)

Central Valley

Most of this section is two-lane carriageway in both directions, running straight with only small rises though sparsely populated areas.

• 10 Laval Road (Exit 219A & B / Mile 218.79). The Laval Road exit has undergone dramatic development by the Tejon Ranch Corporation and now offers significant amenities for travelers. The Outlets at Tejon have over 70 outlet stores. Food options include Chipotle, Subway, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Panda Express, Black Bear Diner, and Carl's Jr. Gas options include Shell, Travel America, Chevron, Mobil, and Petro. (updated Jan 2016)
• 11 SR-58 / Buttonwillow / McKittrick (Exit 257 / Mile 257.42). The town of Buttonwillow is actually five miles west of the interstate, but more than enough gas stations, fast food restaurants and even a couple of motels are clustered just off of the east side of the highway. For those heading north, services start to become sparse, so this is a stop worth considering if your gas tank is heading towards empty. Chevron, Mobil, Arco, Shell, and Travel Centers of America are all fuel options, while food options include Starbucks, Denny's, Carl's Jr, McDonald's, Taste of India, and Tita's Pupuseria. (updated Jan 2016)
• 12 Buttonwillow Rest Area (Exit 259 / Mile 259.38). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 13 Lost Hills (Exit 278 / Mile 278.29). Just off the highway are a number of gas stations and fast food establishments. The town further down the road only really caters for local agricultural workers. (updated Jan 2016)
• 14 Twisselman Road (Exit 288 / Mile 287.62). This exit lacks services, but may be worth a stop between October and March to visit the Kern National Wildlife refuge. Located about seven miles east of the interstate, the refuge is a winter home to herons, cranes, hawks, ducks, and many, many other species of birds. (updated Jan 2016)
• 15 SR-41 / Kettleman City (Exit 309 / Mile 308.90). (updated Jan 2016)
• 16 Coalinga/Avenal Rest Area (Exit 320 / Mile 320.45). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 17 SR-198 / Lemoore / Hanford (Exit 334 / Mile 333.89). Located in the midst of a long stretch of empty highway, this exit is notable for the Harris Ranch Complex, offering fuel options, food options, a farm stand, a Tesla Supercharger, and lodging. The main ranch building offers a pretty good bakery, and those seeking out a steak won't be disappointed by the restaurant. If long drives aren't your thing, the location is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and thus offers a good place to stop and spend the night. The town of Coalinga is just 13 miles southwest of this exit and has additional amenities. (updated Jan 2016)
• 18 John "Chuck" Erreca Rest Area (Exit 386 / Mile 385.83). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 19 Highway 33 and 152 / Los Banos (Exit 403 / Mile 402.76). CA-152 west is the main route through the hills to Gilroy and onward to either San Jose (via 101-N) or Monterey Bay (via CA-156). Los Banos, 6 miles east on CA-152, offers amenities for travelers. One exit west (at CA-33) is a Petro station with reasonable restaurant. (updated Jan 2016)
• 20 SR-33 / Santa Nella (Exit 407 / Mile 407.02). This exit has several gas stations and a handful of motels. Food options are plentiful and include a Starbucks and an In-N-Out, and for those who have been seeing the many billboards during hours of travel, this is the northern half of the Pea Soup Andersen's chain and its namesake soup. (updated Jan 2016)
• 21 Gustine (Exit 418 / Mile 417.57). (updated Jan 2016)
• 22 Patterson (Eit 434 / Mile 433.52). (updated Jan 2016)
• 23 Westley (Exit 441 / Mile 440.73). (updated Jan 2016)
• 24 Westley Rest Area (Exit 445 / Mile 444.86). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 25 Junction Interstate 580 (northbound only) (Exit 446 / Mile 446.35). I-580 takes northbound drivers to San Francisco via the East Bay. (updated Jan 2016)
• 26 Junction Interstate 205 (southbound only) (Exit 458B / Mile 458.34). I-205 takes southbound drivers to San Francisco via the East Bay. (updated Mar 2016)
• Stockton (Exits 469-481). There are eleven exits for Stockton. (updated Mar 2016)
• Sacramento (Exits 512-525). There are fifteen exits for Sacramento. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 27 Junction Interstate 80 (Exit 522 / Mile 522.26). Interstate 80 is the second longest interstate in the country, traveling approximately 2900 miles from San Francisco in the west to New York City in the east. It is the most convenient route to San Francisco for southbound travelers, or for travelers going east to Lake Tahoe. (updated Mar 2016)
• 28 Elkhorn Rest Area (southbound only) (Exit 529 / Mile 529.26). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 29 Dunnigan Rest Area (Exit 557 / Mile 556.52). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 30 Maxwell Rest Area (Exit 583 / Mile 583.41). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 31 Willows Rest Area (Exit 608 / Mile 608.00). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and RV sanitation station. No vending machines. (updated Mar 2016)
• 32 Lt. John C. Helmick Rest Area (Exit 633 / Mile 632.73). Closed for maintenance Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Jan 2016)
• 33 Herbert S. Miles Rest Area (Exit 656 / Mile 655.66). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• Red Bluff (Exits 647-652). There are six exits for Red Bluff. (updated Mar 2016)

Shasta Cascades Region

• Redding (Exits 675-682). There are seven exits for Redding. (updated Mar 2016)
• 34 Bridge Bay Road (Exit 690 / Mile 690.48). The interstate crosses Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, just north of Bridge Bay - the lake level at the crossing provides a quick way to judge the health of the state's water supply. The Bridge Bay Resort is located just off of the exit at the marina and offers a restaurant and lodging, but the beautiful scenery will be of more interest to most travelers. Houseboats are a popular rental option on the lake, and over one hundred of them can sometimes be seen docked in Bridge Bay. (updated Mar 2016)
• 35 O'Brien Rest Area (northbound only) (Exit 694 / Mile 693.88). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 36 Lakehead Rest Area (southbound only) (Exit 705 / Mile 704.50). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• Dunsmuir (Exits 730-734). There are three exits for Dunsmuir. (updated Mar 2016)
• Mount Shasta (Exits 738-741). There are three exits for Mount Shasta City. (updated Mar 2016)
• Weed (Exits 745-748). There are three exits for Weed. (updated Mar 2016)
• 37 Weed Airport Rest Area (Exit 753 / Mile 753.43). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 38 Randolph C. Collier Rest Area (Exit 786 / Mile 785.81). Closed for maintenance Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. (updated Mar 2016)
• 39 Hornbrook (Exit 789). (updated Jan 2016)

Oregon

Interstate travelers in Oregon should be aware that it is illegal to pump your own gas in the state. When you arrive at a filling station wait for an attendant to come to your car rather than attempting to get out and fill up your car on your own.

Washington

Seattle Metropolitan Area in The Puget Sound Region

North of Olympia the interstate enters the large conurbation of cities in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. This section is multi-lane (3 to 5) in both directions and is busy with traffic at nearly all times of the day. If at all possible avoid driving at peak commuter times. Some drivers may be tempted to take Interstate 405 through Bellevue as an alternate route, but check traffic conditions before doing so as it is often even worse for traffic congestion than Interstate 5.

• I-405/SR-518 (Exit 154). The off ramp splits going west into SR-518 towards Burien and Seattle Tacoma International Airport and east into I-405 towards Renton and Bellevue. The airport can also be accessed from S 188th St from Exit #152. (updated Jan 2016)
• Junction Interstate 90 (Exit 164A) (Just south of downtown Seattle). Interstate 90 is the longest interstate in the country, traveling approximately 3020 miles from Seattle in the west to Boston in the east. It is the most convenient route for travelers going to Eastern Washington and northern Idaho and another way to cross Lake Washington (without toll) from Seattle to Bellevue and Mercer Island locally. (updated Mar 2016)
• SR-522 (Exit 168B). SR-520 crosses Lake Washington into Kirkland & Redmond (Home of Microsoft). There's a toll to go across the bridge in both directions. Rather than setting up toll booths to collect toll cameras are installed to read the "Good to Go" tags on the windshields and the license plates of passing vehicles and deduct the toll from the pre-paid account behind the "Good to Go" tag. If there's no money on deposit or no tags installed a bill (for the toll) is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Toll varies from $0 (Midnight to 5AM) to $5.55 (peak weekday travel times). (updated Mar 2016)
• Seattle (proper) (Exits 157-175). Being the largest city in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest, you will find Seattle a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Next to the progressive downtown and the freewheeling feel of Capitol Hill, you can find a laid-back atmosphere in the districts to the north and ethnically diverse neighborhoods to the south. There are many restaurants, coffee shops and microbreweries worth indulging in after a day spent strolling through the city's many parks and beaches or admiring the arts and architecture. (updated Jan 2016)
• Edmonds/SR-104 (Exit 177). SR-104 goes west into the Edmonds Ferry Terminal with ferries going to Kingston (updated Mar 2016)
• Lynnwood (Exit 178-181). There are three exits through Lynnwood (updated Mar 2016)
• I-405/SR-525 (Exit 182). Jct I-405 from Exit 182 to get to Kirkland, Bellevue and Renton east of Lake Washington. Rejoins I-5, 30 mi south at Exit #154. I-405 becomes SR-525 west of I-5 going towards the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal via Paine Field . (updated Mar 2016)
• US-Hwy 2 (Exit 194). US-Hwy 2 goes east to Leavenworth and Wenatchee in Eastern Washington or go west into downtown Everett on Pacific Ave. (updated Mar 2016)
• Everett (Exits 182-198). Everett is home to the largest public marina on the west coast of the United States and the assembly plant for the large Boeing 747, 767, 777 and the Dreamliner (787) jumbo jets which is open for public tours. There are 6 exits through Everett. (updated Jan 2016)

North Cascades

• Mt Vernon (Exits 224-227). If traveling through during the month of April be sure to check out the annual Tulip Festival which takes place during the entire month of April. This and event when thousands of Seattle residents and international visitors flock to see the endless fields of tulips just outside the city limits that paint the Skagit Valley more brilliantly than a Dutch impressionist could. During the peak of the tulip festival, First Street in downtown is closed and local artists set up stalls. Partly as a result of this, downtown traffic gets congested. It is therefore advisable to use Best Road instead to reach the tulip fields (Exit #221 at Conway, go west on SR-534 if coming from the south or Exit #230 and go west on SR-20 to get to Best Rd from the north). At other times the town makes for a great stopover for coffee, a movie or to walk around in as it was the #1 "Best Small City in America" by the New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities. There are 4 exits through Mt Vernon. Downtown is accessed from Exit #225 (Broad St). (updated Jan 2016)
• Burlington (Exits 229-231). There are three exit through Burlington. (updated Jan 2016)
• SR-20 (Exit 230). SR-20 goes west to Anacortes, the San Juan Ferry Terminal and Whidbey Island through Deception Pass and east to Okanogan through the North Cascades National Park (also be sure to see more on The North Cascade Loop itinerary article as to what else is there to do and see there). (updated Apr 2016)
• Bellingham (Exits 250-258). Is the home for Western Washington State University, the departure point for the Alaska Ferry going up to SE Alaska and the largest city in this part of the state. It was an industrial town based on coal mining and timber and is now more environmentally conscious culture with environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and the gateway to outdoor activities. Activities range from skiing on nearby Mt. Baker to whale watching near the San Juan Islands. The Bellingham International Airport is next to the freeway and can be accessed from Airport Rd at Exit #258 while the Alaska Ferry Terminal at the Fairhaven Transportation Center can be accessed from Old Fairhaven Pwky at Exit #250. There are 9 exits through Bellingham. (updated Jan 2016)
• 40 Blaine (Exit 276). (updated Jan 2016)

Alternative routes

Alternatives for traveling north/south through California include U.S. Route 101, El Camino Real and the Pacific Coast Highway in the west, or US-395 along the Eastern Sierra. All of these are more scenic and interesting routes but are much longer and slower and are more of a journey to experience than just for getting from A to B.