Be aware that the post-parade float viewing has become unmanageble in recent years. Last year they turned away many people who had stood in line for a very long time and never even got inside the fence. And parking is a nightmare. You will have most likely have to park quite a distance from Sierra Madre and Washington. We used to go every year to see the floats, but we stopped doing to post parade about three years ago. I remember when it was free.

Just posting to express pure jealosy -- what a nice getaway! California Fodorites are great-- I discovered Laguna Beach last year thanks to their help. The Rose Parade is really amazing. It's neat to go a day or so before and see the floats under construction, too. Very interesting. Hope you have a blast!

Beverlysmith,

Do you mean the Inn at Laguna Beach? I've never stayed there, but I have friends who do whenever they want a little romantic getaway. They rave about it. Laguna might be a better choice for you in this situation -- much shorter drive from SD. I think you'll enjoy all the little restaurants, shops and galleries. (As much as I love Hermosa, the shopping leaves much to be desired.)

HereToday...
Thanks for the heads up about post-parade float viewing. How terrible that it's such a zoo! We haven't been in a few years either, since we're usually skiing at that time.

Another option, if you just want to visit LA for the day, is to take Amtrak from San Diego to Los Angeles. Lands in the middle of LA. The beaches in San Diego are going to be about the same as for Santa Monica. Weather will also be about the same, although it can be foggy up here. In fact, you can take Amtrak to Santa Barbara, stay there for a couple of days. The train station is very close to hotels, and there is a shuttle that goes up to downtown Santa Barbara. The train ride is very fun. DH and I do it all the time. Cheaper than a rental car.