will be in la area for a week in july
should we stay in malibu or santa barbara for awesome beach views and sunning

Unless you're seeking B&B's or little mom/pop hotels, you'll not find much in Malibu. Santa Monica has huge beaches and plenty of large hotels of any type you might choose. Santa Barbara doesn't have as much beach scene and finding hotels with beachfront space is a trick.
Or are you OK with driving or walking a few blocks from your hotel to get to the beach?

are there lots of santa monica hotels within walking distance of the beach. was in santa monica last feb but we stayed in long beach so i'm not familiar with that area
thanks for the info

There are hotels along most of the beach in Santa Monica. They tend to be rather expensive, though.

We are looking for something 3 blocks or less to beach and around $200/night.

Any recomendations for decent hotel or B&B in Santa Monica would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Kaide,

There is actually a VERY charming small inn in Malibu called "Casa Malibu." I hate to even tell people cuz I'm afraid it'll become packed all the time - BUT, it is hard to keep it quiet. Anyway, it is right on the beach - front and center! You have your own deck, the inn has its own beach area, and there are a few restaurants right nearby, literally walking distance. I personally (people, don't scold me here) do not like staying in Santa Monica - tourists, tourists, tourists. I mean it can get so crowded, and frankly, the beach can get rather dirty, oftentimes it is suggested not to swim in the water. If you want views and sunning - go for Malibu - you can still drive to Santa Monica if you want to go to the 3rd Street Promenade for shopping and dining or to the pier for "amusement park-carnival-like" games, small rides, etc. Santa Barbara is quite lovely - VERY different than both Malibu or Santa Monica. Kari is right, beachfront not really avail. in Santa Barbara, but plenty of hotels across the street with ocean views. Santa Barbara actually has plenty of beach to stroll and lounge upon. Santa Barbara is considered to be very "classy and elegant." It's a tough choice.... maybe others will help out with advice too. Have a great time!

thanks lisa. that sounds awesome.
we'll check into it but it sounds like the best bet to me
thanks again

I would stay in Santa Barbara if you're OK with walking a few blocks to the beach. Lots of nice B&Bs and as other poster said, lots of small hotels across the street from the beach. The one on the beach is the Santa Barbara Inn. I just think there's more to do in Santa Barbara and you can still daytrip to Santa Monica. Malibu's pretty residential and could be a bit boring if you are very active. Many of the B&Bs in Santa Barbara have bicycles and some provide beach equipment as well. You could also daytrip up to the Santa Inez Valley for wine tasting from Santa Barbara.

I've lived in LA all my life and if I never went to Malibu or Santa Monica again it would be fine with me...TOO CROWDED!...day trips are fine, but hotels are very expensive. Santa Barbara is one of my very favorite places...we never tire of going there. Hotels are across the beach on Cabrillo Blvd....one of my favorites is Franciscan Inn on Bath Street..but they are often booked months in advance because they have such reasonable rates. Eat at Brophy's on the working pier (not Stearns Wharf) it has the best local fresh fish and atmosphere anywhere, but its beach casual. On weekends there is an arts fair all along Cabrillo...fun for strolling...the town is very bike-friendly also. There is great local wine tasting...and Montecito is a fun little local community just south of SB...Have fun!!