Hi Everyone
WE loved the California trip that we took 2 years ago so much that I just booked our flights to California over Christmas break. We are going to fly into LAX and spend 4nights in LA area and then drive down to San Diego and spend 4 nights there. Flying home from San Diego. I have a couple of concerns...help from anyone would be so appreciated! Hubby, myself, kids (12, 15 & 16) and Grandma! Think Clampett's meet Griswolds and you are about there!

1) My husband wants to spend the first 4 nights in Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. BUT we plan on doing Disney and Universal andI am afraid that the driving would eat up alot of our time. He feels that being in the beach area would give the kids something to do in the down time. I think we would be better off at a hotel in Anaheim.

Other things we plan to do in LA area are Tar Pits, Santa Monica pier/Venice, the day at Disney and Day at Universal. Gotta find some In & Out's for our fix. Hit them 2 years ago while there and the kids are still talking about them...yum! Is there any whale watching cruises that would be recommened at either end of trip?

2) We need to stay at either Hilton or Marriott owned hotels since we have to use points - otherwise we can't afford it. I am considering staying in Solana Beach for out San Diego portion. Courtyard there is only a block from the beach and I thought the kids would enjoy it. My other thought is the Residence Inn at Seaworld just because it is new and close to the center of the San Diego Area. We stayed at the Residence Inn La Jolla when we were there two years ago and that hotel has not aged well.

3) While in San Diego we are planning SeaWorld again, Scripp's Aquarium, Torrey Pines hiking, back to the boardwalk in SanDiego that has the wooden roller coaster??? Was that Balboa Park? We loved that. Maybe try to do some Kayaking in LaJolla.

My dd wants to be a marine biologist and we try to fit something of this nature on our trips. Whale watching would be a great thing if it's the right time of year.

4)Lastly, we will be in LA or nearby beach area for Xmas. Suggestions for what to do or where to go? We thought Disney just becasue it will be so pretty and it's easy. Hopefully it would not be hugely crowded.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Janet

1. Universal is not close to Anaheim so you only need to worry about the Disney to HB or NB drive. If you are only doing one out of four days in Disney then I agree with your husband. The drive time is really no big deal. Disney hotels are great if you are doing Disney for several days.

2. Solana Beach is about 15 miles north of La Jolla and 25 miles north of downtown SD. I personally would rather stay closer but if it is free then that might change my opinion.

Have you checked the Hilton Torrey Pines, or Marriott La Jolla (on La Jolla Blvd).

For what it is worth I lived right next to the La Jolla Residence Inn and while it may not be in the best condition the location (for the activities you listed) cannot be beat.
Torrey Pines, La Jolla, Scripps are within minutes.

3. The boardwalk is Belmont Park.

I'm not sure how this works into your plans, but there's a Marriott owned Springhill Suites about 15 minutes from LAX that we've been pleased with...roomy with a small kitchenette which comes in handy. It's out of all the traffic, but convenient to interstate connections. It's near a mall and other shopping, but i don't know about a pool, etc for the kids. Anyway, it's the Manahattan Beach Springhill.

If you're coming here to southern CA for Xmas break, don't count on ideal, hot beach weather; and even if we luck out and get a nice Santa Ana and balmy temps, the ocean water will be cold, guaranteed. You go to those coastal cities for everything else.

I'm not a fan of staying in Anaheim, although it's somewhat central-- simply because other than Disney, there's not a lot to do there. You might consider staying in LA County instead of Huntington/Newport. Say, Santa Monica or Westwood.

Whale watching can be arranged out of just about any port city. Years ago I grabbed a boat out of Marina del Rey, but nowadays I hear more about boats out of San Pedro or Long Beach.

Xmas in the LA area? Disneyland has things going on-- lots of that Disney Magic (TM). The streets of Beverly Hills get lovely decorations during the season. Many beach communities have Boat Parades or even parades in their streets. You'll find lots of unique things to do and see.

Check out the two Marriott Hotels in Manhattan Beach, 3 miles south of LAX.
Big hotel with beautifully decorated Lobby on Rosecrans Ave, or Residence Inn (with kitchenette) on Sepulveda Blvd. Close to freeways to get to Universal or Disneyland about 40 min in each direction. A mile from the beach and pier with little Marine lab at the end of it. We have an In and Out burger on the 405 off ramp on Inglewood Ave. just minutes away.
Our beach town is easy to walk around, rent bikes,roller blade and watch surfers from the pier. Also, MB is closer to the Tar Pits and Santa Monica.

http://marriott.com/property/propert...rshaCode=LAXMN

http://marriott.com/property/propert...9A42780%25257d

Hi buzymom3..
For the San Diego leg, I would do the Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla that sits on the edge of the gorgeous Torrey Pines Golf Course..The Marriott in La Jolla is a second choice as well but it is on LJ Village Drive..
Things to do in the La Jolla/Del Mar area are plentiful and from going to the Birch Aquarium to hiking Torrey Pines Reserve to going to Seaworld, the Zoo and beautiful Balboa Park..
I would book soon because things fill up quick, especially during the holidays..
I have added some links that might work for you..
Have a great time in SD!
sdhe.com
birchaquarium.org
torreypine.org
georgesatthecove.com
Outstanding food with gorgeous views
belmontpark.com
cohnrestaurants.com
The Prado in Balboa Park is wonderful.