I can drive from my house in AZ to Southern CA in about 8 hours.

I want to drive to a coastal town where I can watch the surf, do some simple shopping and just plain have fun.

My understanding is that I can't get waterfront lodging in San Diego for my budgeted $100/nite.

Any suggestions on where to drive? 10 hours, or so, is fine.

With appreciation

see my post on your other thread . . .

Someone else had a similar request - anywhere on the coast in southern California will be high. But you can get deals. I would suggest checking TripAdvisor.

On the other thread such areas as Carlsbad, Coronado, were mentioned which you can get good rates (surprisingly). I would contact a local RE agent if you want to rent a house or condo.

Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach are high because there are a lot of college kids who flood the area once the local colleges begin.

Someone on your other post mentioned a hotel near Sea World (can't remember what the name right now), but a friends stayed there an loved it.

I doubt you will find a waterfront room for $100 a night.

That said, the towns in Orange County (Laguna Beach, etc.) are a 6- to 7-hour drive from Phoenix and so is Ventura.

I like Ventura, which is near Santa Barbara and its great shopping opportunities. You might be able to get a low-cost B&B style room at Bella Maggiore or at funky Pacific Inn which are both a short walk from the beach and pedestrian path along the beach.

HTtY

Weeknights might come cheaper than weekends. Also, if you're on a budget, it might be cheaper to fly than to drive that 16 hour round trip at $4 per gallon.

There is an oceanfront Travelodge in Huntington Beach California. If you can't find reviews, they might be under its former name the Ramada Sunset Beach.

Keep in mind that "oceanfront" doesn't always mean beachfront. There may be a freeway between the ocean and your room, especially in California.

nanabee: "Someone else had a similar request -"

Nope -- it is same OP . . .

Check out The Hotel Laguna in Laguna Beach, it is oceanfront and very reasonably priced, especially the village view rooms. ***kim***