My husband (we are 30) and I are thinking about staying in Santa Monica at the JW Le Merigot in late Oct. We are starting our trip in Dana Point. I am not sure what Santa moinca is like. Is there much to see or do? what about dining, day activities? Is it laid back? We like boating, beaches, outside dining, hiking.

We only have 2-3 days. What other towns would you suggest. We are planning to fly out of Long Beach or San Diego.

Stay in Laguna Beach and fly out of LB. Santa Monica is popular because it is nearer to the other popular tourist venues like a tour of the star's homes. For a relaxed beach experience, there are many better locations.

I disagree. Santa Monica is lovely, laid back and there is plenty to do there.

Laguna Beach is really wonderful, but if you've already been in Dana Point (right next door), I'll assume you've at least driven to Laguna Beach for dinner and shopping. Why not experience another area afterward?

The JW LE Merigot is quite nice. It's right on Ocean Ave. with quick access to the beach. There's plenty to see/do in the area: The Pier for views & the Ferris Wheel, 3rd Street Promenade and Montana Ave. for shopping & people watching. There are plenty of parks and canyons nearby for hiking. I don't know that many boat tours originate in Santa Monica, but I believe you can take boats & fishing tours out of Marina Del Rey, close by.

There are tons and tons of dining options in Santa Monica. For a special/upscale dinner, the dining room at Casa Del Mar is wonderful. There's a new Frank Gehry-designed restaurant with outdoor eating right on Ocean Ave.-- it's called Adobe. There's any number of casual, outdoor places on the Promendade. If you drive down Main Street towards Venice there's also a bunch of wonderful spots. I like World Cafe- great outdoor patio. On Abbot Kinney futher down towards Venice there's a bunch of places with amazing food. Joe's and Lilly's are my two favorites.

If you are inclined to stay in Santa Monica, by all means do so. It's a great place for a couple your age--there is loads to do and see, and Venice is nearby.

On the other hand, having stayed in Santa Monica several times, I would go some place in Orange County, such as Laguna Beach.

They are both great experiences--just different kinds.

I should have mentioned that this summer, driving from San Diego to Los Angeles, we stopped along the way to visit piers or beaches in Laguna Beach, Balboa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and Redondo Beach. It was a great day. Enjoy.

Le Merigot is a nice hotel; very close to the beach.
If you are staying in Santa Monica, make sure you take a trip to the Getty Villa in Malibu. It is incredible!

You can rent bikes and ride through Venice to Marina del Rey, a really interesting experience, but then I find all of Santa Monica pretty terrific. If only my wife didn't fear the inevitable earthquake . . . .

It isn't very far to LAX, so you have choices for flights.

You will not be disappointed in Santa Monica. Make SURE you visit the promenade - the street is closed to traffic and there are many shops, restaurants and street performers. It's a SM must see for any visitors. The creperie on Broadway is a great place to sit outside and take it all in. Palisades Park is also a nice place to just chill. (a couple of blocks West of the Promenade)

Another great activity is to rent bikes and head towards Venice. When we lived there, this was one of our favorite things to do. The bike paths are well maintained and take you along the beach. You may wish to park the bikes at Washington and grab a drink or lunch at one of the restaurants.

A lesser known breakfast place is Gladstones in Malibu. If you take PCH North, Gladstones will be on the left when you hit Sunset Blvd. This place is packed for lunch and dinner but it's not as crowded in the morning. Great ocean views and delicious food (crab cakes benedict are a favorite)

Have a great trip- I hope my reply isn't too late!

My husband and I had a wonderful stay at the JW Marriott last September. Loved the location and the hotel! We walked to Venice Beach via the beach boardwalk one morning and walked to the 3rd Street Promenade several times. The Lobster (restaurant) is just down the street and one of our 'must dos' whenever we're in LA. The pier doesn't do anything for me but it's worth a walk over.

We enjoy driving north through Malibu. Right off the highway near Pepperdine is Malibu Seafood. Basically a shack, it has killer seafood that you eat outside on picnic tables overlooking the ocean (other side of the highway).

Another fun day trip is to head north of Santa Monica and Santa Barbara to the wineries (Firestone and Fess Parker are a couple that we visited). Take the PCH and it makes for a pretty drive and a relaxing day.

Consider also the Fairmont in Santa Monica. We stayed there for a weekend about a year ago, and liked it very much. We were there for a wedding and didn't know much about Santa Monica, and found it a great place to spend a weekend. The Promenade is fun, with lots of musicians and good shops and cafes.

Travelgirl333 gave you a great suggestion to eat at Gladstones. You will not be disappointed.