My wife and I will be visiting LA and San Diego for 4 days in August (first time for both of us).

1. We were told by several people that while in San Diego, La Jolla is the perfect area to stay. However, after checking hotel rates we'd like to try another San Diego neighborhood - not so expensive. Which one(s) would you recommend?
2. We were told by several people that while in Los Angeles, Santa Monica is the perfect area to stay. Again, it is kind of expensive. Which alternative area(s) would you recommend?
3. What is the good source of information on LA and San Diego theater shows?

Thank you.

Can help you with #1.
When in San Diego, do you want to stay at the beach? North to South the beaches are Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach. And don't forget Coronado.
Mission Beach/Mission Bay is centrally located, very safe and in the middle of the action.
http://www.aboutmissionbay.com/

Hi chuck,

I was in LA in March and had the same prob...Santa Monica too expensive. Ended up in Hermosa Beach area which was perfect. Not as busy as SM, and I believe much cheaper. also, it was only about a 15 minute ride South of LAX. I would absolutely stay there again.

Chuck, for info about lots of things, including theater,in San Diego go to www.sdinsider.com.

For accomodation, if the beach is not important to you, try the Doubletree, Hilton, Red Lion hotels in Hotel Circle, which is centrally located in Mission Valley. Also, look at the Westin Horton Plaza which is downtown in the Gaslamp District.

In LA, unless you must stay by the beach, try the Studio City or Glendale area. Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn in North Hollywood/Studio City is one to look into , near the freeway, easy access to studios, Universal, Hollywood, etc.Lots of good restaurants in all price ranges in the area, too.There's a Hilton in Glendale, also good freeway access and close to studio attractions.

Pasadena is another nice area to stay in for the LA area if beach isn't a criteria.

The LA Times calendar section is a good source for the LA theater.

I disagree about the LA lodging choices posted above. I think for a tourist it would be most convenient to stay, in this order, in:

1. Beverly Hills
2. Santa Monica
3. West Hollywood
4. Universal City area (if you plan on visiting Universal)

Those areas are closest to the most popular LA tourist destinations, shopping and restaurants.

Another good source of LA theatre info is:
www.theatrela.org

You can get hotels at an affordable price in the areas you want by using Priceline.

Thanks to all who replied. No, we don't have to stay on the beach - we would just like to stay in an interesting and safe area not too far from anything worthwhile seeing in LA and SD. Thanks again. My wife and I are overwhelmed by the number of your responses. Please keep them coming.

hi chuck,
i agree with john. Hermosa Beach and glendale both seem a bit out of the action. Beverly Hills or Hollywood would be your best bets...
a.s.

We go to the San Diego area every year and really like the Carlsbad area about 20 minutes from the San Diego airport. It is close enough to go in and out of the city, La Jolla, Laguna Beach, and the wine country in Temeculah. The Carlsbad Inn is beautiful(practically on the ocean) as is the Grand Pacific Resort(? I think that is the name) overlooking the flower fields and also Tamarack resort across from the beach is very beautiful.There are great places to shop and a long walking path along the beach. We love the area and find it most convenient. Del Mar is also nice but pricey.It is a great place to visit but the driving is nasty and I would leave the LA and Hollywood scene to the tour guides.

You said you'd be here in August. Keep in mind that the farther you go away from the ocean, the hotter it gets. Glendale can be very hot in August. For that reason I recommend you try to stay as close to the ocean as possible. There's a nice B&B in Seal Beach. Have you thought about staying in Orange County? Some of the hotels near Orange County airport have low rates on weekends. The Newporter in Newport Beach is more moderately priced than some in that area, yet it has a pleasant atmosphere.

Chuck - The LA metropolitan area is massive and sprawling, so if you only have a few days here, can you indicate what sights you intend to see? This would help to know in order to suggest an area where you might need to stay as the distances, travel times and traffic can be significant.

San Diego, on the other hand, is very compact. The beach areas mentioned above, as well as Mission Bay or Hotel Circle/Mission Valley are all convenient to places like Sea World, the SD Zoo, Balboa Park.

Chuck:

Everyone has mentioned wonderful areas to stay in So Cal, but since it's your first time, I'm inclined to agree with John. If you want to see "touristed" cali, the westside is the way to go.

From Santa Monica, you can see Santa Monica (obviously) and you are a short ride from the westside (Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West LA, etc). It may be more expensive, but worth it if you really want to see the sights that are in many pictures of cali.

I'm partial to the South Bay...someone mentioned Hermosa Beach. This is a wonderful area, but has more of a "local" flavor. Wonderful restaurants, some nightlife, and a bit of shopping. Very very safe area. You'll get a taste of real socal beach life. I grew up in Manhattan Beach (Hermosa's neighbor) and it was idyllic. But for a first time visitor, you may find it a little too slow paced.

As Diane said, August can get hot inland (universal studioes areas, etc. I just came from Pasadena today, and it was warm!). Try to be coastal for the best comfort level. Of course, it's a dry heat.

As mentioned previously, let us know your sightseeing intents...it would make it easier for us to recommend one of the many interesting socal neighborhoods.