I'm planning a road trip in December from Seattle to LA. Ideally, I'd like to sublet a house near the beach for a few weeks--somewhere like Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Hermosa Beach.

What area do you suggest for a 30 y.o. single girl? I'd like to stay somewhere where I can take surfing lessons (I'll rent a wetsuit) and have restaurants and nightlife within walking distance. (prefer mellow nightlife--e.g., pubs--rather than loud clubs.)

I grew up in San Bernardino County so I'm not interested in sightseeing around LA; proximity to freeways isn't a top priority for me.

Thanks for your help!

I think either Hermosa or Manhattan Beach would fit your needs. Hermosa is a little younger crowd than Manhattan.

I think the most important thing is what budget you have for your rental. The cheapest you'd find on vrbo.com even in winter is around $800-$1000 a week. Manhattan Beach would be more expensive than Hermosa. You might be able to find something cheaper on craigslist.
Actually check out this link on craigslist. This sounds almost too good to be true.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/sub/919821732.html

Wow, that rental does sound too good to be true, doesn't it? Thanks for the link! I'll look into it.

I am leaning toward Manhattan or Hermosa beaches, but feel like Santa Monica might have more to offer. If I can find something that fits my budget, are there specific reasons why you'd recommend Manhattan or Hermosa beaches over Santa Monica? For example, too crowded or not safe after dark?

I suppose, since I'll have a car, I can just day-trip up there to explore the pier and Venice Beach. Maybe a day or two in Santa Monica is enough?

Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it!

I was thinking you might have better opportunities for surfing lessons in Manhattan or Hermosa. I also thought it might be a little cheaper than Santa Monica or you could find a place a closer to the ocean. I like how you can walk along the boardwalk in the Manhattan and Hermosa area.

I love Santa Monica but you'd have to drive from most of the rentals down to the beach area. Santa Monica is a little more convenient for seeing other parts of LA, but you said you weren't that interested in doing sightseeing.

Maybe check out surfing schools before you make a decision.

I'd go with Manhattan or Hermosa definately. Back in my single days I lived both in Santa Monica/Venice and Manhattan Beach. I much preferred Manhattan Beach for the beach atmosphere and for the "nightlife" (the ratio of men to women favors you in Manhattan Beach and it is much more mellow). I have a couple of friends (female) who have lived in Hermosa and they love it down there too. For surfing access I would pick a place as far north in Manhattan Beach as possible although that will be pricier.

Another vote for Manhattan or Hermosa. Santa Monica is much more "urban", while the other two still have that laid-back beach town atmosphere.

For surfing lessons, try:
http://www.kanoaaquatics.com/surf_le...f_lessons.html

There aren't any "bad" neighborhoods in Hermosa/Manhattan, but in Santa Monica you'd want to be careful about the exact location. El Porto is at the north end of Manhattan Beach and you should be able to walk to the beach. I also like the promenade and the jogging trail along the old railroad in MB. There's plenty of nightlife around the Hermosa Beach Pier.

No matter which city, be sure to get the address (at least cross streets) if being close to the beach is important to you.