California
 

we are thinking of a vacation the last week in March with our grandkids (ages 8,6,5). We went to San Diego 2 years ago and had a great time but may consider something a little further north this year. I would want a nice walking beach and a nice beach for the kids to play in the sand (probably too cold to spend much time in the water.) We possibly would go to Legoland again. They went to Disneyland for 1 day this past spring so don't know if we would do that again. It looks like Newport Beach would be a reasonable distance to both Anaheim and Legoland. Would Newport be a good choice for a family or is there a better place? What is Knotts Berry like now. I think Disneyland has an amusement park as well now. Any feedback will be appreciated.

>> I would want a nice walking beach and a nice beach for the kids to play in the sand (probably too cold to spend much time in the water.<<

March is usually not beach weather -- even in SoCal it can be rainy and cool.

>> I think Disneyland has an amusement park as well now. <<

It isn't an 'amusement park' as such -- but it does have some typical carnival type rides like roller coaster/ferris wheel/etc. . It is Called Californian Adventure and is a full fledged theme park just as DL is and is pretty large. That is where all the 'Cars' and 'Frozen' and 'Bugs' themed attractions are among other 'districts' -- lots for children the ages of your grand kids.

We really like the Newport Beach/Balboa Island area. It can be pricey, though. Laguna Beach is adjacent, and is a great place for the kids to play.

If you're in the vicinity, you must take them to The Crab Cooker for a meal. Amazing grilled shrimp, fish and lobster tails. Served with cole slaw and potatoes, on paper plates. Great chowder. Really fun and funky place.

Get there early, as lines form outside around dinner time. You can get a cup of chowder with their fantastic home made bread 'croutons' to eat outside while you wait. But try to time it, so you don't have to wait.

http://crabcooker.com/index2.htm

Oops, I mean that Huntington Beach is adjacent and is great for the kids.

Laguna Beach is also nearby, and is wonderful, also. More upscale than Newport, maybe.

Newport and Laguna can both be pretty pricey -- if that's not an issue, great. Both would be good places to stay. If you do want to save a little you could head just a short way down the coast to Dana Point. There is a decent DoubleTree - not on the water but views, and walking distance to the very large Doheny Beach

I love Knott's Berry Farm, has a variety of all types of rides from Camp Snoopy to coasters. The train and stagecoach rides would probably be good for them also. Be sure and eat at Mrs. Knott's for her famous fried chicken. Huge servings so you can share.
California Adventure is mostly Pixar based whereas Disneyland is mostly based on classic Disney movies and productions (I prefer the original).
Yes the ocean will be too cold to do anything other than stick your toes in, stick to heated pools.

The water is cold for swimming until about August. The drought has turned January through March into dry season. The beach is cold throughout the year..this isn't Florida or Hawaii..jus bring sweats and hoodies for sand play or strolling.

I might still stay near Disney...there are more family friendly lodgings.Even if you don't go inside the parks, you could do a charactger breakfast at one of the Disney hotels. The Grand Californian and the old Disneyland Hotel are both interesting to walk through, as is Downtown Disney. I haven't been to Knotts in Ages. Don't forget we also have UNiversal Studios with the new Harry Potter area..but most of hte Universal rides are 4-D and a lot of people can't manage them If you want to see that park you can STAY near Manhattan Beach. There are some family friendly suite style hotels there, the town is much nicer than Santa Monica (NO homeless and a nice bike path.

Another option is the Hyatt or ilton in HUntington Beach.

As always I always appreciate all of your ideas. I will run this pat my daughter.