My mom is turning 80 in August and we’re trying to think of places where we could have a family getaway with about 10 people to celebrate her. We live in San Diego. She has heart issues so must be low elevation. She doesn’t drink so winery’s are out. She doesn’t like the idea of a cruise. We were thinking Ojai but not sure how much there is to do there. Low key is better than super crazy. Like she laughed at the idea of Las Vegas. We would prefer to drive somewhere but get away from the San Diego/LA area. She’s been to Catalina several times so doesn’t want to go there. Not sure Palm Springs in August would be a good deal. I’m stumped TIA

Welcome to Fodors. We moved you thread from the general Travel Tips forum to the Unites States board.

Yes, welcome to Fodors. How many days do you plan for this celebration? Driving is a bit of an issue because everything nearby to the north and everything east will be very HOT in August? There are places up the coast like Pismo Beach, Cambria, Carmel/Monterey, etc. that would be nice.

It's too bad she doesn't want to cruise. That would be so easy for a group leaving right from SD and with activities for all ages/stamina and not a long drive up the coast

Thanks Janis! We’re thinking just Friday to Monday. Towards the end of August. I was considering Carmel. I will add that to the suggestions list. Thank you!

For accommodations check out Carmel/Monterey/Pacific Grove -- but also farther up Monterey Bay like renting a large property in Pajaro Dunes or in Aptos / Capitola.

One issue - Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance / Monterey Car week runs Aug 8-17 and EVERYTHING will be booked up and very expensive. So hopefully you are talking about after the 17th and before Labor Day weekend.

Thank you!

San Luis Obispo has been dubbed the ‘happiest place in America”, and has a lively downtown, old mission, and many outdoor recreation opportunities and nearby beaches (Morro Bay). Great farmers market (esp. Thursday night when it becomes part farmers market, part music fest, part street fair).

Ojai will be very hot in August. Santa Barbara stays pretty cool all summer, not sure about your budget but Miramar Rosewood on the beach is beautiful but very expensive. Up by the mission the El Encanto is a lovely old Spanish style hotel resort and has stunning views of the ocean from their restaurant and some of their rooms. Another very expensive but lovely place is San Ysidro ranch in the hills of Montecito. SB would be quicker to get to if she’s not interested in long car rides but wants to get out of SD/LA area.

What a lovely trip to contemplate!

Over our many years of family car trips up and down the coast from our home in Newport Beach, I grew to favor the Central Coast for feeling away, upmarket possibilities for lodging and food, and not too long a drive. We had a couple of enjoyable getaways in Los Olivos, but that would likely be too hot in August. On the coast and if you’re thinking of a rental to accommodate everyone, perhaps something like this VRBO in Cambria, https://tinyurl.com/yehs54df.