MAP

We are a small family of 3 adults and one 5 year old who love the beach, prefer fewer people, and will be cooking in most of the time. While being in a nice area is a plus, we won't be doing lots of tourist stuff and eating in expensive restaurants. Ideally, we love a 2 bedroom condo (not seedy) with a pool and a town nearby with nice grocery stores or markets. Easy beach access would be essential and on the sand, ideal. We will have a rental car and will be there for a week in either June or July. We could go as high as $1500-1700 a week.

Thank you so much for any help! We are in a bit of a time crunch as our plans have totally changed. Tragic about the gorgeous Panhandle area where we usually go near Seagrove Beach, Florida. However, as old L.A. residents, we know the beauty of So. California, too.

bigtyke

You might try Carlsbad. I have spent between 3 and 60 days there every summer since 1961, so obviously I like it. July is better than June, but it is harder to find places in July. Since most Arizona schools start in early August (totally insane!), Arizona families must visit in July rather than spreading out over July and August.

In addition to VRBO and commercial places you can google, Barbara McLain Properties 1-877-99BEACH is a property manager that manages a large number of beach property.

Disclaimer: Our family uses BMP to manage our beach house in the winter (long term rentals - all filled up with returning tenants every year - summer rentals only to our friends and family).

lvk

You might be able to find something at that price in Redondo Beach. Catalina might be a fun idea too.

http://www.vrbo.com/266952
http://www.vrbo.com/279469
http://www.vrbo.com/155604

ksucat

Homewood suites in Liberty Station in SD is great and could get it for about $150 a night with a 1bdr..
Grand Pacific suites in Carlsbad next to Legoland has great 2bdr kitchen/living/dining room for around $250 a night with ocean views.
Catalina Island is one of my favorites and they have a Best Western or try Hamilton Cove condos.
Sorry about your vacation plans!
We'll take good care of you!

janisj

All the above are good suggestions -- just a quick question though. Are you familiar w/ the CA coast? Since you were going to FL for a beach vacation, are you expecting the same sort of temps/weather/vibe on a CA beach?

The coast of California is fabulous -- but it is NOT semi-tropical like Florida and the water is cool to VERY cold, and in June especially there can be cool/foggy/smazy weather in the morning.

Not to dissuade you at all - just a heads up that you may not be doing that much swimming -- unless it is in a heated pool.

MAP

Thank you for your help. Yes, we remember the weather and agree water can be chilly. Most swimming will just be our 5 year old scampering about in the surf and using the pool. Any time June - August will work for us. Mainly want nice condo, 2 bdrm., on sand, pool, pretty area with some food stores and moderate restaurants.

What is between San Diego and LA...any affordable beach areas?

janisj

"any affordable beach areas?"

Not too many in the summer -- but a lot depends on what you consider affordable. What is your budget?

MAP

Something in the neighborhood of $1500.

ksucat

to be honest MAP, nothing is really affordable on a beach in the summer in July in Southern California.
$1,500 for a week is maybe a studio/1 bedroom and inland.
2 bdr condo usually runs in the summer close to the beach around
$300-500 a night on the beach..sometimes more..X 7 $2,100-$3,500 a week.
The further south you go, the warmer the water.
I did see Estancia resort in LJ for $193 and this is a solid 4*.
Hotel La Jolla, LJ Shores, BW Inn by the sea or Grande Colonial in La Jolla..try expedia.com

MAP

Thank you, ksucat. We will rethink after checking some of these ideas out.

lvk

You could also try something north of LA, such as Oxnard or Carpinteria.

bigtyke

Last year there seemed to be quite a few places in Carlsbad with vacancy signs on them last summer so there might be some good deals out there this year.