San Diego or LA?
 

Hi everyone, I'm planning a trip to California in January and I'm thinking of staying for a week in San Francisco and another week somewhere else but I have not decided where. I'm thinking of either San Diego or LA. I will be doing some sightseeing but also some work so I want somewhere I can take my laptop or just relax by the beach.
What I'm looking for:
-Somewhere I don't need a car so accessible public transport
-Somewhere with a nice beach (I'm escaping winter!)
-Different from San Francisco
-Preferable somewhere I can walk around to explore the city

My friends are pushing me away from LA, they say they did not enjoy it as much as San Francisco but I saw a place on AirBnB that was in Malibu that I liked so I'm a bit biased just because of that.

Also, I will either be flying out of O'hare or Indianapolis airport so I think the best option would be flying into SF and then flying out from SD/LA to minimize time.

Thanks!

I don't think you'll be escaping winter in California, where they're hoping for and expecting a rainy rainy January and February. Even milder winters are not really "beach weather" in January unless you like breezy walks with a jacket.

<i>-Somewhere with a nice beach (I'm escaping winter!)
-Preferable somewhere I can walk around to explore the city</i>

As noted, January is not beach weather in California, and neither San Diego nor Los Angeles score high on being walkable cities.

HTtY

Clark and HTtY- I did not know that it'll be rainy then but it will definitely be better than the average 20F temperature where I'll be. Also, I might not get another opportunity to travel like this anytime soon.

I don't mind a bit of a breeze as long as it's bearable but jacket around noon?

I like California in January. It is mild compared to Seattle, where I live.

We are going to be there in 1/2016. We will be driving on the coast, but we won't be lolling around on the beach.

I disagree with your friends about LA. I find it to be a fascinating place with many neighborhoods for you to explore: Santa Monica, Rodeo Drive, the downtown, Hollywood, and Venice Beach come to mind.

Pick a place to stay that is close to public transportation and enjoy.

HTtY

W/o a car San Diego is a bit more manageable than LA is and would be my choice. It will be balmy by your standards but we are expecting (and definitely hoping for) a wetter than normal winter.

Does it have to be beach? A few days in Palm Springs might fit your needs.

Or how about Santa Barbara?

HTtY- Did you share your itinerary on fodors? Maybe I'll use it as inspiration :) What are your thought on staying in Malibu in that case?

janisj- This might be my only Cali trip so I want to make the most of it. I'll look into your suggestions and see how feasible they are.

I might rent a car for a couple of days if necessary but I've never driven long-distance for more than a half hour before.

San Diego. Stay downtown, use the trolleys and buses. Also can take a ferry over to Coronado Island.

You would need a car in Malibu. Winter is when we get our rain(hopefully, we really need it). Palm Springs could be nice and fly out of Ontario.

I have stopped for lunch in Malibu on several occasions, but I don't envision it as having a town one would explore on foot.

In my experience, LA is a very rewarding city to explore on foot. Take downtown for instance. It has attractions such as the Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the LA Public Library, historic Union Station, Olvera Street, and activities such as these: http://www.welikela.com/things-to-do...n-los-angeles/

Also, the LA Conservancy offers excellent walking tours: https://www.laconservancy.org/tours

I am not familiar with LA's transit system. But, if I were to visit the city without a car, I would study the system and decide where to book a room based on the availability of transportation to take me where I want to go: http://www.metro.net

Every neighborhood has its surprises. For instance, Rodeo Drive has the upscale shops you would expect, but it also has Nate 'n Al where you can experience great Jewish delicatessen food in a blast-from-the-past dining room.

HTtY

Public transit in LA is getting better but still is very poor, Malibu for instance only has one bus that travels that route, the 534, and it is not that frequent. Also Malibu itself is over 20-25 miles long, so not really walkable.
Make sure anyplace you rent is a legal rental, short term rentals of less than 30 days are illegal in some places like Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach just passed a law making them illegal, and there are others. This trend is likely to increase. Just because it is listed online does not make it legal, up to you to do your due diligence.
Hope you find someplace that works for you and have a good trip.

happytrailstoyou-Love all the advice on LA!
Can you guys narrow down areas I can stay in? Looks like Malibu is out, I want somewhere more central and not far away from the sightseeing but beachfront is a plus if possible.

HappyTrvlr-what area would you suggest I look at?

jamie99-I'm looking for places at AirBnB so that should be legit, right? If you know any other sites let me know.

Little Italy. I have several vriends who have condos there, don't have cars.

>> I want somewhere more central and not far away from the sightseeing but beachfront is a plus if possible.<<

That game plan doesn't work in LA -- it is MASSIVE and the sites are spread over hundreds of square miles.


>>jamie99-I'm looking for places at AirBnB so that should be legit, right? If you know any other sites let me know.<< holiday rentals are illegal in some of the beach communities in LA County.

W/ your desire to use public transport and walk - San Diego makes much more sense.

Santa Monica and Venice Beach are close to the water, but lodging close to the water is usually pricy.

HTtY

>>Santa Monica and Venice Beach are close to the water, but lodging close to the water is usually pricy.<<

airbnb/vacation rentals are illegal in Santa Monica unless the owner stays under the same roof: "<i> . . . while at least one of the primary residents lives on-site throughout the visitor’s stay. The guest enjoys the non-exclusive shared use of the unit with at least one of the persons who is domiciled at the location. </i>"

janisj- I saw some private rooms/cabins with the owner either in the next room or main house so that explains it.
I looked into car rental and I can manage for a few days if absolutely necessary. But I think you're right, SD makes more sense.

I'll look into Little Italy, Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

Rana, just because something is listed on AirBnB does NOT make it legal, they do not vet or screen their ads and in fact have been sued by the Attorney General of New York for listing illegal short term vacation apartments. Same goes for VRBO, Homeaway, Flipkey.
I personally as a single female would not want to share a home with a stranger, but that is just me.
Venice Beach is OK, rentals are legal there, just check with the posters before booking something, as Venice does have some sketchy areas.

jamie99- I have never tried sharing a home with a stranger but I thought I'd try it because I've heard good reviews. Also, it would cost a lot less to do that. Do you know of other safer options that wouldn't cost a lot higher?

You have not stated what your budget per night is but maybe look into a private room in a hostel.
Maybe it is cultural or just the way I was brought up (did not have to stay in a dorm when going to college) but the idea of sharing a lodging with strangers just does not appeal and not counting choir camp when I was 10 or so, is not something I have done or would ever do. That is just me though.