For whale watching I don't think Laguna or Santa Barbara will make much of a difference at that time of year since they will be gray whales on their northbound migration passing by the CA coast. Calves are born in Baja and mothers with calves tend to travel closer to the coastline.

@tomfuller - sorry for the confusion - my budget is far from $1,000 a night, lol.... I was saying thats what Terranea is going for - half of that would still be a stretch. Would like to be under $500 a night with resort fees, taxes, parking, etc. I def dont need to be on the beach - as a Florida girl anything below 80 is too cold me for to swim.

I'm guessing you aren't interested in taking a train, either?

I've never gone whale watching from Santa Barbara. If it's the sailing catamaran the seating isn't great, usually people like to move around. Might be okay in good weather, but iffy if not. Have been sailing on that type of boat, it may be safe but not always comfortable.

Closer to home there is a custom-built catamaran in Long Beach (Harbor Breeze) with narrators from the Aquarium. I prefer the catamaran boats to the other formats (usually converted or part time fishing boats). They are faster and better at catching up to a pod in the distance.

Another good boat is the Ocean Institute's from Dana Point (with free parking!) but it is only on weekends and not the last weekend in March. That would be convenient to Laguna:

https://oceaninstitute.org/event/wha...ur/2023-03-11/

PS You don't have to stay at Terranea to hike the trail there (that's where Tiger was staying before his crash). The Point Vicente center nearby is probably better for whale-spotting from land in LA County since there are counters with scopes who can help you. I think the cheapest rooms are $600/night plus tax on the weekends.

Thanks so much everyone - we choose Santa Barbara!! Will report back after trip!

Do be careful if there is an "atmospheric river" storm during your stay. The coast between Santa Barbara and LAX is subject to landslides and mudslides, leading to road closures. You can sign up for Santa Barbara County warnings through this link
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736723794/new

Love to hear how you fare this month what with the rain, wind, hail, tornado, mudslides and sinkholes in southern CA. Just back last Friday, and didnt venture out of North County San Diego. It was not nearly warm enough for beach, pool on any day over two full weeks. We had couple days of bright sunshine but only in low 60s. We go every winter, and this year takes the cake for coldest and wettest weather in 27 years our son has lived there w his family. Remain flexible! Laguna Niguel is beautiful but if you cannot enjoy being outside at the Ritz, not worth the price. Think I'd shoot for LA where you can see great museums: Broad, Hammer, & Getty, as well as get up to Griffith Park, walk in Santa Monica, explore Topanga Canyon, and lovely city of Pasadena to the east. Hope your weather is better than what's forecasted again for last few days of March. Let us Fodorites know. Just saw your post today or would have written sooner.

We had two good weather days this weekend other than it being a little cool and windy, at least it wasn't raining!

We are back home!!! The first 2 days in LA were rainy and blah. But then it was glorious 60s and sunny. We went up to SB on Friday and we were very lucky the weather stayed magnificent and the highways were fine. Our biggest issue was hiking trails - many were closed or were impassable due to all the storm damage - in Los Padres National Forest some (like Inspiration Point) had a reopening date of May 12th. Since our flight out was late Sunday night (red eye) we went back into LA and hiked in Topanga State Park and the trails we encountered were dried out (many had reported lots of mud in previous days.)

I'm glad you had some good days and were able to get some hiking done. Thanks for letting us know how it went.

You got out just in time, more rain forecast later tonight!

Coming back in July - same situation - we have to be in LA Monday- Friday AM and then we have the weekend to go elsewhere and then catch the redeye late Sunday night - now that its summer and we already went to Santa Barbara in March - what would be your top picks? Oh and I really want to use points (Marriott or Hyatt.).

July is the time of year for the blue whales and fin whales are year round. It's also been a crazy year for Mola Mola.

So wherever you wind up, I'd go on one of the whale watch catamarans.

Perhaps start a new thread otherwise people may not look thinking that your trip is over.

I would go to Del Mar for some of the best horse racing in North America. It opens on the 21st, so that weekend or next. Hyatt Regency in La Jolla or Courtyard in Solana Beach.

FYI - We choose San Juan Capistrano (The Inn at the Mission - great spot) for the July weekend and loved it!!! We went Whale watching on a small zodiac from Dana Point - saw a Fin whale, a Mola Mola, hundreds of common dolphins, and some sea lions.

And we are booked to come again in March 2025 to see our son. We have 4 nights in LA close to his apartment.

And then we have 3 nights to explore other options... was thinking Palm Springs - although hanging the Spring break crowd isn't too enticing. We plan on taking a day trip to Catalina with our son.

In Jan of 24 we did a southern loop trip with La Jolla/San Diego/Julian/Anza-Borrego/Laguna as stops.
Summer 23 we spent time in Dana Pointe and Capistrano and
March of 23 it was Santa Barbara.

What else should we consider? You guys always have great suggestions!!!

Indian Wells tennis open 2025 is March 2-10.

https://bnpparibasopen.com