San Diego and then where?
 

We are planning a trip in Feb that has us flying into San Diego and staying there for 3-4 days and then want to drive up the coast and stop somewhere else for 3 days. Where should we go that we can then get a flight back to NY? We are ok with going to a 3rd location if necessary to get to a major city with an airport.I was looking at Santa Barbara but am very unfamiliar with everywhere except San Fran.

I would suggest 1st night in LAguna Beach after a leisurely (read avoid rush hour traffic Intersate 5) breakfast & checkout. Anytime after 9:30 would be ok but before 2:30. About 2 hour drive.
Stay on the waterfront Sand & Surf or one of the 4 stars on a cliff hotels if you can afford and enjoy artsy walkable Laguna Beach. Great gourmet restaurants too.
Then 2nd and 3rd nights Santa Barbara. Check TripAdvisor on Hotels. For some reason Santa BArbara Hotels are not well thought of...maybe try a B&B. You could fly out of LAX..make sure you allow Plenty of time for drive, drop off care and gate arrival.

how far is Laguna beach from San Diego? I was thinking of staying in La Jolla so we can enjoy San Diego for a few days. Would we then go to Laguna beach or was that instead of? Also, how long is the drive from Santa Barbara to LAX?

it seems there is alot to do in Laguna Beach. Would 3 days in each city, San Diego, Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara be too much time?

Clarifing JAR post. I was thinking you had plans for the 1st 3 days in San Diego already. (I see you do by your post of staying in La Jolla) My 1st day rec = your 4th or 5th day etc.
Laguna Beach is as mentioned a nice 2 hour drive sans traffic. You could even stay in LA Jolla and make it a day trip..but again avoid rush hour...
You could stay in Laguna Beach all 3 days if you want to art/rest/beach it, etc but 1 day is usually enough for me...
You could stay all 3 days in Santa BArbara..some nice nearby wineries of the movie Sideways fame...
Drive from Santa BArbara to LAX again depends on traffic...avoid rush hour...

thanks...what is the drive from Santa Barbara to LAX with no traffic and what kind of traffic could we hit? I would hate to be surprised and miss our flight...we have a baby with us.

HI..
Love the shores area of La Jolla..
Sea Lodge, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club or Hotel La Jolla.. Reasonable $150-175 a night and great beaches.. www.LJBTC.com
Laguna Beach, the Surf and Sand Resort is wonderful.. try expedia or similar for best rates..
Santa Barbara, I would stay somewhere it won't completely kill your budget especially after La Jolla and Laguna..
Montecito Inn is darling and a great rate for SB $170-190 a night..
The drive from SD to SB is so California...Airport out of SB is awesome and America West, United Express and American Eagle fly out of there and much much better than LAX!

Thanks to both of you for the info! I have a much better idea now on how to start booking this trip.