2 weeks at the beach: La Jolla? Laguna Beach?
 

We live in San Francisco and would like a nice, swimmable beach in July for us, my parents and our toddler. La Jolla seems nice but perhaps too close to a big city?
Laguna beach? Do you have others ideas and lodging recommendations? Thanks!!!

Both locations are great but pricey in July and are probably booked up for La Jolla but give it a try.. I would do either La Jolla Shores Hotel on the water at LJ Shores, Hotel La Jolla..cheaper and 4 blocks off the beach and also try The Grande Colonial Hotel..lovely hotel in the heart of the village and a block from the ocean but not really swimmable for a toddler..maybe LJ Cove which is 4 blocks away..make sure you go to George's at the cove and eat on the terrace for lunch or dinner.
La Jolla Shores has a wonderful clean beach that you can swim, boogie board, kayak and even snorkel..
Laguna Beach, Surf and Sand Resort is lovely too..
I would start with Expedia to get ideas and then go direct to see which is cheaper.
Best to you!

ljshoreshotel.com
hotellajolla.com
thegrandecolonial.com
surfandsandresort.com
georgesatthecove.com
sandiego.org

Both locations are fairly pricey. Laguna Beach has beautiful beaches, some better for swimming than others. Depending on your budget, the St. Regis in Monarch Beach/Dana Point is a lovely hotel with private beach club access. There is an electric cart that shuttles you to and from the Monarch Bay Beach Club. You are dropped off just a few steps from the sand. The club provides towels, chairs, umbrellas, etc. as well as food and beverage service (you can even enjoy a cocktail on the beach. The beach is beautiful, located adjacent to Salt Creek beach and the Ritz Carlton. The hotel also has a great pool with cabanas. The downside is that the hotel is not located within walking distance to shops and restaurants like the Surf and Sand Hotel or the La Jolla hotels.

sorry euripide, I didn't realize you were planning on a two week vacation. Perhaps a week at each location would work for you as La Jolla is only about an hour drive from Laguna. Another idea is to rent a house or condo in laguna. Many people rent their homes while they are away on vacation.