We've been to Laguna and loved it, but my son found it a bit boring. Would Newport Beach be a better option? We've visited there but never stayed. Any good resort hotels near the beach?

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We've stayed at Newport Channel Inn on PCH a couple of times. It's not a resort, but a decent place with microwaves & refrigerators in each room. It's right across from the beach and has free parking. You can look them up on their website if you're interested.

We've also stayed at the Hyatt Huntington Beach and really enjoyed it - cost LOTS more than NCI, but it is a full resort and very nice. It also has a bridge to the beach (including an elevator) that crosses PCH which is good, especially when you've got the kids & beach gear with you - no traffic to worry about.

How old is your son, the one who found Laguna boring? I ask because that's exactly the reason we may choose Hermosa over Laguna.

well he's older now but was 13 when we went few yrs ago. Just too artsy for him I guess.