itspat

We are thinking of taking our young toddlers to California for what we hope will be a low-key vacation. No theme parks or overstimulating activities, mostly for the benefit of the two of us. Hoping to minimize the number of lodging changes due to the toddlers in tow.

Thinking of starting in Orange and staying with friends. Then up to Los Angeles, then Santa Barbara and/or Ojai.

Questions:
1) is a kid friendly beach readily available along this path? What are these bitches like in April?

2) any suggestions for family friendly lodging along this path?

3) if we went beyond Santa Barbara, what would be the next logical stop?

4) how many days would you budget for such a vacation – assuming we stop in Santa Barbara?

itspat

Um... that should read BEACHES. Can't edit once posted. So sorry.

MichelleY

April can still be rainy and cool. I would go south to La Jolla or San Diego. If you do go to Santa Barbara, the next stop north could be Pismo Beach. 7- 10 days would be great.

Pacific Coast water is very cold all year.

sf7307

I'd also head south, better weather and also because there's chill stuff to do for you AND for the kids - beaches, beach towns, parks, city (of sorts - San Diego), zoo, etc.

jamie99

I agree with San Diego and North County, they might like Legoland depending on their ages, and the zoo is always a winner including the petting zoo.
Lovely beaches also, although it will be too cold for swimming (the Pacific ocean is cold pretty much all year). Seals in the La Jolla area, also the Birch Aquarium is small and not very expensive.

itspat

A friend brought up Palm Springs as well. We've never been. What's it like there with young toddlers (17 months)?

My spouse has a thing for the scenery near Santa Barbara and Ojai; that's the only reason we're considering it. Even if we "went to the beach", it would mostly be to dip the kids' toes in the sand or water. Definitely not planning on ocean swimming; would save that for warmer climates. Driving up there as a road trip, driving around, a nice meal, maybe one night stay - that would be it.

Does the all-inclusive hotel concept exist in Southern California, or not really?

Thanks again.

DebbieDoesDulles

We were in Manhattan Beach last April and lucked out with great weather. The kids (young teens) did spend quite a bit of time in the water. Beach was uncrowded on weekdays, look at the Sea View Inn there as I think the area is just what you are looking for ...very relaxing with casual dining a short walk away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtAUODwayU0

sf7307

There are no all-inclusives (not even "not really", just "not".

Palm Springs is great for golf, shopping, dining and the pool. There are some interesting museums, jokes and sites (aerial tram, Joshua Tree NP, Living Desert, Indian Canyon). I wouldn't go two hours out of my way to go there with toddlers.

lynni

Santa Barbara would be great for you with toddlers. Stay at the Fess Parker Doubletree... from there you can walk to Stearns Wharf or take the 25 cent trolley into downtown. The Santa Barbara Zoo is scenic and charming... they have a little train that goes around the zoo that your little ones will love and two giraffes that were born this past year!

of course there are many other hotels and many restaurants and it sounds like your husband knows the area.

Have fun!

tomfuller

I agree with lynni. Public transportation is OK in Santa Barbara. There is bus service out to Goleta/UCSB. There is a sandy beach in Goleta if the weather is nice enough.
The zoo is a must for the kids.
Take one of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains into SAB. The station is within walking distance of the pier which has several good restarants.

jamie99

Sure, Santa Barbara is lovely, one of my very favorite towns. My impression was that San Diego might have a slight edge for things for very young children to do.
Other than possibly a couple of dude ranches, etc. there are no AIs in California. You would not be able to afford the labor costs since no one is going to work for $6/day like they do in Mexico.

Tabernash2

If you go to Santa Barbara, we like the Castillo Inn, a little low-key 'motor inn'. Free parking, drive right up to your first floor room, continental breakfast snacks in the office, right across from the marina. It's a great spot.

http://www.sbcastilloinn.com

lynni

Another idea, closer to your resort idea would be the La Costa in Carlsbad. Lovely property with golf, eight swimming pools and restaurants on site with a little store with ice cream and treats. If you want to go further south, that would be my recommendation.. check it out, the prices are reasonable.

bear900

Ojai should be nice that time of year. Nearby kid friendly beaches are Goleta, Carpinteria, and East Beach in SB. If you go further north, Avila Beach is kid friendly and warmer than nearby Pismo Beach.

Solvang is scenic and nice and easy for toddlers. There is a nearby shetland pony ranch too.

San Luis Obispo has a nice walking area downtown with nice weather and atmosphere.

Further north is Cambria. It's a small, scenic and easy walk. You can get a suite at the Cambria Pines Inn relatively inexpensive. It includes buffet breakfast, regular dinner with wine as part of package.

A stroll or bike ride on the Bob Jones trail on Avila Beach Drive is easy and scenic for young and old as well as See Canyon Road there. Beautiful spots often overlooked.

itspat

Excellent - this thread was most helpful for us. Planning to do 2-3 days in SB/Ojai/ some of the other ones mentioned northern destinations, then 4-5 days in the OC area with friends.

lynni

The Su Nido Inn in Ojai is within walking distance to the downtown and would be very comfortable for you. The rooms are actually suites with a nice sitting area and separate bedroom. I believe all of the rooms have soaking tubs and at least one has an outdoor jacussi. If your budget allows, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is a beautiful hotel with golf, spa etc.