vacationing in Southern Cal...

[mtbnole]

Where should I stay? I'm going to be there for 5 nights, 2 near family SE of LA, but the last 3 nights, sat-tuesday, i'm not sure where we should go.

I'm looking at the beach cities south of LA, but don't know what has good stuff to walk to. We'll be there with the baby and in laws....soo it needs to be someplace conveniant to stuff to do.

I know, kinda vague, but any thoughts would be appreciated. Just looking for a nice area to hang out really.

 

[borgzman]

I'll bring my family to San Diego. Never been there.

I already booked a hotel in Mission Bay near Seaworld, here's the webcam of the vicinity
Catamaran Resort Hotel | Web Cam
Bahia Resort Hotel | Web Cam

 

[mtbnole]

I'll bring my family to San Diego. Never been there.

I already booked a hotel in Mission Bay near Seaworld, here's the webcam of the vicinity
Catamaran Resort Hotel | Web Cam
Bahia Resort Hotel | Web Cam

thanks, I wish we could go that far south. I am trying to stay a little closer to LA, maybe no further south than Dana Point.

 

[RS Dude]

I go to Dana Point 3 to 4 times a week. Very nice. San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach are all nice.

 

[jwyshrek]

If you don't mind the heat...Death Valley, CA.

When the sun sets...look up into the sky...you just might see something you normally won't or haven't...

 

[JohnsD90]

Dana point is pretty nice they have some nice restaraunts (ie El torito, and the chocolate shop) at the marina there, the beach there has small waves but people surf there alot, but they stay pretty far out. Laguna is nice but the town and main beaches are crowded as hell, if you know where to go you can go to the good beaches like it do (im a skimboarder these are great for skimming), i usually just go to aliso beach (COB has done a photoshoot there), but i also go to thalia street beach, and also 1000 step beach (pretty sure its only 224 steps). San clemente has caulaphia (or however you spell it) and thats pretty fun to boogy board at. And also if you go up to newport you can drop by the wedge, but i wouldnt reccomend boarding there, lots of boogy and skimmers there. I cant tell you where to stay cause i have family in San jaun i just know there area pretty well for someone who lives in NY/CT.

 

[mtbnole]

thanks John. lots of good beach info, especially for someone who lives in CT!

any other thoughts on good cities to stay in?
There has to be a ton of california people on this forum....

 

[Pikeman]

Well in Irvine/ Tustin there is a big City walk with lots of shopping movie theater resteraunts. The Block at Orange(not a beach city) is also huge with shopping movies resteraunts. I highly recommend at least a day up in Big Bear. I mean heck Florida doesnt have any mountains so why come some place that has great mountain communities and not visit them? The Village in Big Bear has some good Antique shops, and an old town feel to it. Big Bear lake has a small Beach if you want to call it that. Also can go enjoy some of the simpler trails if you have a rental SUV. 3N16 for the North side of the lake or 2N10 on South side. Both of those are graded dirt roads and can be done in a Honda Civic

***Edit*** realize none of mine are beach cities but they do have stuff to offer, and with the exception of Big Bear are close to the Beach cities.

 

[mtbnole]

Well in Irvine/ Tustin there is a big City walk with lots of shopping movie theater resteraunts. The Block at Orange is also huge with shopping movies resteraunts. I highly recommend at least a day up in Big Bear. I mean heck Florida doesnt have any mountains so why come some place that has great mountain communities and not visit them? The Village in Big Bear has some good Antique shops, and an old town feel to it. Also can go enjoy some of the simpler trails if you have a rental SUV. 3N16 for the North side of the lake or 2N10 on South side. Both of those are graded dirt roads and can be done in a Honda Civic

Thanks Pike. We will be doing Big Bear for one day i believe.

 

[Pikeman]

If you let us know in advance we might even be able to get a few of us together to take you and family on the trails in our 4Runners.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

You could always head out to Catalina Island- almost like a mini vacation within California. Lots to do/ see there: Kayaking, horseback riding, shops, golf course, etc. Have the in-laws watch the baby while you go snorkeling or something. Some of the best diving in the state. I know a lot of people do day trips too, so staying the night isn't really necessary either. The boat ride out there is a little over an hour, another perk of heading out to the Island.
There are a couple places that have ferrys out there; Dana Point and Long Beach for sure, maybe further north too? Not sure.

San clemente has caulaphia (or however you spell it) and thats pretty fun to boogy board at.

It's Calafia- One of my favorite breaks in San Clemente, but if you're going to be in the area you might as well go about 1/2 mile S. to Trestles. It would be a nice walk from where you'd park (at Christianitos frwy exit) and it's a bit more secluded.