Hi, I have read recent past postings to make sure there were no threads of same. We are going to Dana point, this August, staying at Doubletree Doheny Beach and will be renting a convertible. Looking for things to do that would interest 12yo boy. Which are best beaches nearby and are they accessible to the public with parking, etc? Do you recommend Disneyland or California Adventure? Universal or Warner Brothers? Is there an outlet mall nearby? How long does it take to get to these places? Any info is appreciated.

For a 12 year old boy- CA Adventure. But you can get a park hopper if you want to spend more than a day there (go between the two parks). There are some attractions that will appeal to him in DL- Indiana Jones, Tomorrowland, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, parts of Adventureland, etc.

Universal, probably.

How much time it takes you to get anywhere- I haven't spent enough time in this area to say, same w/the beaches- but for the sake of the local experts post again w/ times you will be going, his/your interests etc.- personal taste sort of determines the "best" beaches.

Most beaches in CA are very accessible to public w/parking- trouble is finding a free convenient parking space in August......get to beach as early as possible.

Outlet malls all over- what are you looking for?

and have fun!!

thanks for the info. to add to my first post, he will want to body surf at the beach. and maybe watch real surfer dudes and dudettes. And he will want to eat. a lot. any kind of food is fine for him. I am from east coast, (Avalon on Jersey shore, Chatham on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard are my kind of beaches, with fine sand and dunes for scenery.) As for outlet malls, prefer big and trending towards upscale; shopping for back to school clothes. We will do a day at Universal; since there are only 2 of us, we will splurge for front of line passes for 99.99. And we will only do a day at Disney, so prob CA adventure. We have been to disney world in orlando, and many of the rides were too juvenile for him, so I am guessing that disneyland would be similar. the east coast type A in me hates waiting in lines, esp on vacation, so theme parks are usually not where we want to spend too much time when going in peak season. karen

Can you go to San Diego? Great beaches and shopping! Fantastic upscale/outdoors mall there too.

"Juvenile"- then definitely CA Adventure! He'll have an awesome time! And he'll like the flight themed (hangar style) hamburger place

Be sure to have dinner one night at Cafe Zoolu. Quirkly little place with excellent food. Have a conversation with the owners about the stars who have eaten there. You need a reservation - the place is very small. It's in Laguana Beach - off the main street.