CA coast - southern end - where to go?
 

I want to plan a trip to enjoy the Pacific Ocean.

I am flexible as to month.

I want to book lodging (hotel, b&b etc) that is on the water.

I will have a car. I would like to pay $100/nite.

I guess I would like it warm enough to play in the ocean.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Sorry, I neglected to say I am interested in suggestions for what city to stay in and name of lodging. Either or/both is fine.

Thanks again

If you want warm enough to play in the ocean, then you should stick to San Diego and environs. Maybe a trip down to Mexico.

The further north you go, the colder by far the water.

Think wetsuits.

properties @ $100 on the beach will be few and far between.

The Pacific is a cold body of water. IMO swimming in San Diego is tolerable in the summer, in LA is <i>barely</i> tolerable in the summer, farther north - I'll wade/splash around in summer but swim - nope. But then I don't enjoy swimming in really cold/frigid water. Maybe you are tougher than that.

I live in San Diego and agree with the other posters. This summer (a freak of nature) we had water temps (in Aug) in the low 70 degrees. That is still pretty cold. The rest of the year including June the water temps will be in the low 60's.

It will be difficult to find anything for $100/night right on the beach. But not impossible. Some communities are nicer than others. For example, Imperial Beach will have cheaper rates but it is not very desirable.

If you want truly a warm water experience I would pick the Caribbean or someplace like Hawaii.

Thank you everyone for letting me know too cold to splash!

service, depending on what time of year you come to San Diego, the weather will be most likely beautiful though, with lots of other fun outdoor activities to do. There are also things to do on the water like kayaking, boating, etc.

Poobah!! It's not too cold to swim in the water in San Diego. You see kids in the water all the time.

You're right nanabee. I do enjoy watching the surf. Any ideas for 'reasonable' loding waterfront?

Tomsd - I am such a sissy, water will probably be too cold for me!

if by 'reasonable' and waterfront you mean $100 and on the beach, that will be a tough call. If you go in the off season (definitely NOT swimming weather) and aren't looking at a weekend you'll have a better chance.

I think the Catamaran on Mission Bay <i>might</i>have off season/mid-week rates in the $125-ish range.

This place in up in Oceanside has low rates for waterfront accommodations http://www.omihotel.com/ Probably around $100 nt.

Rent a wetsuit. :) And just google and google away to find a place with a nice view of the Ocean. Once you find a couple in your price range - come back and post and will give you more detailed info on them. My favorite - although it is a basic motel style (but clean) is the Inn at Sunset Cliffs.

You are literally looking down at the waves breaking against the rocks beneath the deck. And it's fun to see the surfers if surf's up. http://innatsunsetcliffs.com/

Oceanside's name is a little deceiving. It is right on the Ocean, but it is near Camp Pendleton and it gets a lot of Navy and Marines who flood the town especially on the weekends at the many local bars. Parts of Oceanside are pretty rough. I wouldn't recommend it.

nanabee: I agree -except Oceanside is the sort of area one can find ocean front for $100. I personally wouldn't pick Oceanside for a long planned vacation. But w/ the brief: $100, water front-options are very limited.

The Oceanside Marina Suites is nice for the price.

The place tom linked costs 2 to 3 times that.

Believe it or not - there has been a lot of nice development by the beach in Oceanside - including not only where Junior Seau used to live, but also a "new" Timeshare - which is Oceanfront - or at least - has a walkway under the street to the beach. WorldMark is it? Very nice and it has it's own/good restaurant.

Oceanside has really cleaned up since we moved here in the early 80's - and you can see some good surf contests up there too.

But - having said that - still prefer Carlsbad. :)

And as for the Inn at Sunset Cliffs. Sometimes you can get a deal there, depending on how busy they are. Ask for the locals discount. Tell em I sent you. :)

Tried to broker a deal/sell the place a couple years ago and met the owners, but think the brothers are either out now - or one of them sold out anyway.

Haven't had friends stay there for over a year - since they refurbished the place - but if you can somehow afford to get in - think you would love it. You can easily walk to a nearby sandwich shop - or even a few blocks to the main street in OB - Newport, which has many dining options - mostly fairly reasonable. Try Nati's (close to my ole Karate Dojo) - if you want good Mexican food - and we loved Margarita's for the Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. Also - one of the Karate "Moms" and her husband have a great little seafood place - Tower Two - and the Fish Tacos are marvelous. http://www.yelp.com/biz/tower-two-cafe-san-diego

Hodad's also has good burgers and if you want a very cute - gourmet French place - try Bo-Beau. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/27/15598...-Bar-San-Diego

For more info - see: http://www.oceanbeachsandiego.com/obrel