A friend and I are renting a car, and we don't know where to go besides L.A. and San Diego. Does anyone have any ideas of places to stay along that route with people our age with good night lifes as well as things to do during the day.

You might like to stay in the Marina. Two hotels there are the Marina International and the Marina del Rey Hotel. They are both clean and safe for your age group. MdR is on Bali Way and the other is on Admiralty Ave. Admiralty Ave makes a loop around the entire marina, so don't be confused on navigating there. There are nightclubs and restaurants in the Marina. We like the Warehouse for dinner. In the daytime, the Marina puts you right near the beach either Santa Monica, Venice, or South to various beaches and Pier areas. Its not far from the airport where you can rent a car (are yu flying in?)

Just a note of caution. Hope you have already checked out your rental car situation as most rental companies will not rent to anyone under 25, it's an insurance thing. If you have found someone who will then you have done well.

Laguna Beach and Newport Beach are two towns along the way that you probably would like. My 23 year old rents cars all the time. Don't know from what agencies, I think it just costs a bit more and some major rental agencies will rent to younger people. I know he travels a lot on business and must have a rental car. You might also look into "Rent a Wreck" in LA--older cars that they might rent for less and to younger drivers. Not sure. Have fun.

Thought of another area you might likeaguna Beach (galleries and restaurants and sand sports) and Newport Beach/Balboa Island (shopping/strolling/marina atmosphere). There are good restaurants in the Marina area of Dana Point, too.