janisj

I definitely agree with Jean that heading down into Orange County isn't a great idea (besides even the Crystal Cove unavailability). That would be the wrong direction for the rest of your plans. If you are flying in long distance and want a day to kick back w/o driving then Manhattan Beach/Hermosa is good - but if you think you'll be be OK to drive north -- get out of the LA Basin as soon as possible and one of her suggestions of Ventura or Carpenteria would be great to begin you California adventure.

macdogmom

If you’re in LA for a few days, going to Malibu will be a fun beach town experience and driving to Orange County is unnecessary (and can be god awful traffic). Going out to the end of the pier and eating at Malibu Farms is fun and you can sit outside and watch the surfers. I also would come up to Santa Barbara next and make that your base for a few days. You can always pop down to Carpinteria for a couple of hours, but it’s a very small beach town and walking up and down the Main Street and grabbing a bite wouldn’t take more then a few hours. Same with Ventura, I’m not sure it’s worth an overnight stay. In sb you can see the sights (the Mission, the stunning interior and exterior of the Courthouse, wander the funk zone) and hang out at the beach. You’ve got Yosemite and San Francisco also on the agenda so you’re going to be busy!