Planning two weeks in SoCal in July. We have a built in babysitter and an opportunity to escape with just my hubby and I for a day or two. Any suggestions?

It's funny you post this today, because just last night my husband and I were using our wine glasses from Mount Palomar winery in Temecula. We had visited there many years ago, as a day-trip from a San Diego vacation. I remember it as a nice little winery, with a pleasant table to enjoy sitting in the garden with wine and cheese. So, if you're in Temecula, check out that winer, and you could easily go to San Diego from Temecula., too. Have fun. There's lots to do in that part of southern Cal.

I was watching a travel show on tv, and they featured San Clemente, it looked lovely, with some very nice restaurants.

Temecula has several wineries that aren't Napa but still nice. Callaway has an excellent tour; Thorton's restaurant is great and they often have jazz performances in the summer; Harts is another winery that we enjoy. You can check out this link for more info http://www.temeculawines.org/
Old town in Temecula has several antique shops that are fun to wander through. Julian and Fallbrook are quaint little towns fairly close by at a higer elevation and cooler that many people visit.
Temecula also has a huge Indian gambling resort called Pala that has a spa, entertainment, etc. As a matter of fact, if you are into gambling, there are several Indian casinos around that area. San Diego is definitely close enough to make a daytrip to, including La Jolla, Oceanside, and various other beaches. Diamond Lake is a new water reservoir that recently opened if you are interested in lake stuff.

Thanks to all. Actually looking to go a little further - we figure we'll do San Diego and the Temecula stuff with the family. Ok with driving 3 - 4 hours and possibly an overnight stay. Any suggestions?

How about Santa Barbara? You should be able to drive there in less than 4 hours, IF you don't go during peak traffic hours.

The casino resort in Temecula is Pechanga, not Pala.

Both Pala and Pechanga are in or near Temecula. Pala is off of highway 76 and Pechanga is off of highway 79.

Thanks for the suggestions. What does Santa Barbara have to offer. We were planning to do just an evening at one of the Casinos- is one better than the other. I had heard of Pechanga, but not the other one..

I would choose based on what entertainment is scheduled at Pala and Pechanga

www.palacasino.com

www.pechanga.com

I personally find Santa Barbara a bit slow. It is good for the beach and shopping but nightlife is lacking.
Laguna Beach offers everything that Santa Barbara does and it's closer.

If you want 3-4 hours away, I would consider Idlywild or Lake Arrowhead/Big Bear for a mountain hiking getaway. Or Palm Springs/La Quainta - one of the pool/spa/golf/shop getaway hotels like La Quinta Inn or Sheraton Palm Desert, plus you can stop in at Cabazon Outlets on the way. It will be HOT but it is pretty with lots of air conditioning and pools.

And one of my most favorite romantic getaway memories with hubby was to Dana Point and the Blue Lantern Inn. We had a room overlooking the Pacific and walked around the marina and biked around town. Appetizers and wine in the library at the Inn in the evening and breakfast (included in the room) served on the balcony. Lovely!

I think Santa Barbara would be much too far to go, when you have so many other coastal options. Newport Beach, Dana Point, Laguna, for instance, depending on how far you want to drive. Or stay in the mountains, and visit Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead. Lots of choices. Have fun!