SoCal Summer Vacation
 

Hello everyone-

We are a family with one son, age 12, soon to be thirteen. We live in Connecticut and have been vacationing in New England, the Delaware shore, the Hamptons and Bermuda (to give you an idea) for the past 10 years. This summer, I would to consider southern California. I'm looking for suggestions on resorts that would be kid-friendly, specifically for a 13 year old. Oftentimes when hotels say they are kid-friendly, they are referring to a much younger crowd. Game rooms, with pool, ping-pong, video games seem to be more teen-friendly. We are tennis players and love the water.. Initially, I was focussing on San Diego but would consider other locations in Southern California with either San Diego or Los Angeles as a base. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I can't tell whether you're planning to do any sightseeing or just want to stay at a full-service resort with both adult and teen activities and an emphasis on tennis. If the latter, look at La Costa in Carlsbad.

http://www.lacosta.com/

If you just want a resort-type hotel that happens to have tennis courts, you'll find them throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties.

FYI, the men's ATP tournament at UCLA is in late July. The women's WTA tournament at Home Depot Center (L.A. County) is in early August. The women's tour used to include a tournament at La Costa.

Loews Coronado Bay should be the ticket. La Costa is a nice resort, but its isolated and has an older crowd...and I do mean older

Wherever you choose in southern California shoot for the last half of summer vs the first half to avoid possible fog and to give the water time to warm up. OK, warm up is a relative term, late summer it will still be cold vs the east coast but at least somewhat easier to get into.

Thank you for your responses everyone. FrankS, do you mean the Hotel Del or is Loews a different hotel? If so, how is it different from the Del? Jean, we do want the option to do some sightseeing, sights that are unique to SoCal. We've been to Universal and SeaWorld in Orlando, and we're a little too old for Legoland. I'm thinking of activities or sights unique to California -- zoos, wild animal farm, old California towns. We would love to be able to stay somewhere on the beach, with tennis. Barblab, we are considering August for vacation.
Some thoughts: the Ritz Laguna Niguel looks beautiful, but does it have an older crowd? Is it a fun spot? Any families? Ditto, the Four Seasons in Carlsbad -- is it too isolated? Are there any advantages to its location? Is the Hotel Del too big and overwhelming? Has anyone stayed at the beach villas there? Look forward to hearing from you!

FrankS - I have stayed at LaCosta a few times in the past few years and it had a pretty young crowd these days... they redid it and there is a large water slide and my 12 year old loves it.

Four Seasons in Carlsbad is nice - off the beach like La Costa as well.

Ritz Laguna is HIGH up on a cliff - they take you in a golf cart down to the water - salt creek beach is right there - a happening "kid" beach (not little ones but teens like to hang there).

Hotel Del is wonderful - I prefer the beach there to the one at Salt Creek. (Ritz)

I am trying to think of something ON the beach (it is rare in S. Ca) with tennis -

There is also the Montage (see: VERY pricey) not sure if they have tennis courts and the St. Regis - where they will also take you on a cart to the beach - I stayed there and think that they have tennis courts - not really a young or old crowd from my memory - it is a starwood property if you use points. I find it over priced in general.

Something in Laguna Beach might be fun - or up in Santa Monica -

Just to clarify something in my post - The Four Seasons in Carlsbad is on the east side of the 5 freeway, which means it is not "on" the beach - saying it was 'off" the beach was confusing imo. Same with La Costa - both properties are a short drive to the beach.

Lucky,
(IMO)Del Coronado is nice but it can be very busy as it doubles as a tourist attraction. The Loews Coronado Bay is quieter, but still close to all the action.

Ritz Laguna/Niguel- Great for meetings or golfers, but their tennis area and pool leave something to be desired for such an expensive place. If I remember the tennis courts are tucked in the back over a parking garage.(somebody correct me if Im wrong or the place has been updated in the last 8 yrs) The beach there is a favorite of local kids, especially the 14-20 age group.

MomDD- every time I go to Lacosta its a reunion of the Sopranos and their grandparents

Stayed at La Costa resort during the fires a couple years back..we had a lovely suite and the crowd though, it was the 'fire crowd' they were marketing to families with lots of kids..seemed to separate the two from Deepak Chopra spa crowd on the newer side and the older side was the family.

We had a good time but the new gorgeous resort in SD that is lovely is the Grand Del Mar resort in Del Mar..
Also, L'Auberge Del Mar, Hotel Del, Loew's in Coronado and the Four Seasons Aviara are all wonderful resorts..

The Hotel Del is voted in the top ten beaches..they have new villas that are wonderful but pricey..we get e-mails for deals at the Del and the villas..love Coronado..quaint town and you can take the water taxi over to the Gaslamp/Downtown

www.granddelmar.com

Frank - that is funny! When I have gone - it was for an event at one point - and the event brought a huge hip crowd..James Blunt and Jason Marz <sp> (He lives in Oceanside) and Colbie Kalgheih <sp>... and the other times was with my cousin who does those events so we got comp'd and treated very well. Dh took our dd there for a tennis tournament and stayed the night - there were a ton of kids - they open up the pool to the community if they pay a monthly dues.

I actually do not care for the Lowes property in Coranado - stayed there for a weekend and it seemed "out of it" ...but I know it gets good reviews.

The beach by the Ritz is very popular with the teens... me? not so much :)

My personal opinion of the Lowes Coronado is that it is a bit isolated. We stayed there once and have no major complaints but really didn't like being away from everything. I would much prefer the Hotel Del if staying on Coronado. they have a great beach there too. We have stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel and loved it but we didn't go to the beach at all. Also stayed at Montage (in Laguna Beach) once and it is fabulous - but very, very pricey. I really like to stay right downtown San Diego and enjoy all the activities that are right around that area and then we can go to any of the other places. Of course that means we are not right on the beach. The Hyatt Regency and Hilton Waterfront are both right across from the beach in Huntington Beach and they are nice hotels and great beaches, and lots of young people there so maybe your 13 year old would like that.AS MomDDT noted the beach below Ritz Carlton is also filled with young people so possibly your 13 year old would like that beach too, Hope you have a great time wherever you decide.

I love everyone's comments, makes for interesting Sunday night reading!

Loews Coronado is not appealing to me, seems out of the way and "out of it" (thanks MomDDTravel). Have to check the rates for the new villas at the Hotel Del, although I can't decide if it's too touristy. It does sound like it has a lot going on and is a better location than Loews. MomDD, you mentioned Laguna or Santa Monica, any ideas there? I looked at the Grand Del Mar resort's website. It looks fresh and new but a little over the top. I could not figure out where it is located. Is the Four Seasons in the middle of nowhere? They say they provide a "beach butler" to take you to the beach. I guess that means no evening strolls after dinner.

If you were traveliing with a 13 year old boy (likes tennis, sports, XBox live, South Park, etc.), where would you go? Seems most critical to keep him happy for our sake.

e<< Hyatt Regency and Hilton Waterfront are both right across from the beach in Huntington Beach>>

We also have stayed at the Hyatt Recency in Huntington Beach and really liked it a lot. Great service.

I really like the Hotel Del Coronado - although it can be crowded because people come just to see the hotel, it is a fun place. I also like that you can walk to restaurants and things on Coronado, and if you don't mind a 15 minute walk or so, you can walk to the water taxi and take that downtown. From the Lowes, you would basically need to drive everywhere.

Count me as another who was not impressed with LaCosta. I haven't stayed in the Loew's Coronado Hotel, but was a guest on a yacht in their Marina, and I agree that it is "out there". I don't see the L'Auberge del Mar as being kid friendly. (Although when I was there last, Rob Lowe was staying there with his kids.)

I read somewhere that the St.Regis Monarch Beach offers a "surf butler" who will teach your family to surf. www.stregismb.com

There are a couple of new luxury villa resorts, one along the Newport Coast www.pelicanhill.com and one in Palos Verdes www.terranea.com (opening in June, but also "out there") which offer kid/teen programs, but I'm not sure about the tennis. The Marriott Newport Coast is a timeshare resort that also has villas for rent.

You might also take a look at Bacara www.bacararesort.com, near Santa Barbara.

<<he Marriott Newport Coast is a timeshare resort that also has villas for rent.>>

We are staying here in August for a few nights - too late to report back...

First of all many thanks on all your wonderful posts! I've deduced the following:
-Loew's Coronado is too isolated, though nice
-Hotel Del is in a better location, nice beach, accomodations iffy unless you're in the newer section
-Ritz Laguna is beautiful with a teen-popular beach. Fodorites like it.
-Four Seasons Aviara-looks nice. Stilll wondering if you need to drive far for some action if you want to leave the resort. For some reason, it strikes me as a more sedate crowd.
-L'Auberge Del Mar is beautiful but too chic for families
-Grand del Mar actually looks ostentatious to me and I can't figure out where it is. Where is Del Mar? Can't remember the name of the HBO show about the nutty surfer family. Didn't last long but I think it was in Huntington Beach.
-Bacara - will investigate although it's Santa Barbara. I would go in a heartbeat. Not sure that it's a kid-friendly location. I'm aware of the wineries.
Although I'm an East Coast person, I have fond memories of travel to SoCal for SEVENTEEN and GLAMOUR magazines 25 - 30 years ago. Seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time is breathtaking - love the climate and foliage. Would like my family to be as taken with it as I am.

Del Mar is in San Diego - it is south of the Four Seasons Aviara which is in Carlsbad and a little north of la Jolla...

Just know that the Ritz in Laguna is high up on a cliff and you take a golf cart down to the beach or walk (It is a hike for those going to Salt Creek Beach) the property is a little dated imo - I have stayed there. But nice. I am sure your family would enjoy it.

I think based on what you have shared I would most likely pick the Hotel Del - depending on rates etc.

I love Southern California - have lived here for most of my life. I hope you all enjoy it as well!

And the Grand isn't actually IN Del Mar, although it is lovely. It's not even on the ocean side of I-5! But it's close.

Rancho Valencia is a fabulous tennis resort, but I'm not sure how child-friendly it is. It's also not very close to to beach, although the closest beach would be Del Mar!

http://www.ranchovalencia.com/

Have you considered La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and the La Jolla Shores Hotel? They are adjacent to each other on the beach at La Jolla Shores. They're usually pretty busy in August, though.

www.ljbtc.com

Barbara...I have never stayed at Rancho Valenica - but have a wonderful memory of going there almost exactly 15 years ago - Dh was my bf and it was our first Mother's Day together - he and my ds took me there..ds was about 6 :)

MomDDTravel had suggested Huntington Beach on an earlier post (Hyatt and/or Hilton). These two resorts are right across the street from the beach. The Hilton happens to be tad closer to the pier, and downtown/Main St., where there's plenty of places to hang out, shop and eat. Both resorts have tennis courts too. Your son might also find interest in taking a surf lesson (Huntington Beach is aka Surf City). Huntington Bch also has fire rings if you are looking for a late night smore on the beach.

Although I can't recommend any particular places to stay I did want to offer up some unique areas of Southern Califonia for you.


BALBOA ISLAND (Newport Beach, CA). This area is quaint, and fun, with loads to offer not only for your son but you as well. You can drive to Balboa but it is much more fun to take the ferry (car, bike, and pedestrian friendly). Again plenty of places to shop, eat, and there's even the Balboa Fun Zone (arcade/amusement park). You can rent bikes, boats, etc. If you were to stay right on the island there would really be no need for a vehicle unless you wanted to visit other spots in OC county. Lastly you have the option of taking the boat over to Catalina Island from this area (for a day or night trip).

Which brings me to my other unique location in So Cal (as mentioned above) CATALINA ISLAND.



http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/index
www.vrbo.com (why not rent a cottage on Balboa Island)

http://www.catalina.com/main.html

a correction for the link above:

http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/index.cfm

Overyonder,
Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island are two differnt locations. I too like the Island, but many of the places you mentioned are on the Peninsula. If you are talking Peninsula, may I add the Wedge, Spaghetti factory and Blackies to list?

Thank you my favorite Fodorites!

Actually, I made some interesting but even more baffling progress since I last posted.
Lvk had mentioned two new luxury villa resorts: Pelican Hill and Terrenea. Pelican Hill seemed a little pricey. Terrenea is in Palos Verdes on the peninsula and is slated to open mid-June. It looks beautiful but I'm not sure what a 13 year old would do. Here's the funny part, I inadvertently called the Terrenea's marketing department (actually an outside PR firm). Great guy, San Diego native, very helpful and friendly. He gave me a rundown on Aviara (too staid), Ritz Laguna Niguel (ditto), La Costa (no way), Grand Del Mar, (not kid-friendly). He did like the Hotel Del for us. I looked into booking in the new Cottage/Villa area. The least expensive option was a one-bedroom suite (1100) a night. Granted, it's 4th night free but still. I'm too hesitant to try the main building. I'm so confused now - Overyonder are there accomodations in Newport Beach near Balboa? Here's the thing, if you were flying across the country to experience California as a family of three with a fun,lively mom (me), a cantakerous huband, an XBox and sports playing boy, where would you stay? I haven't even thought about bringing a friend???????Help!

LOL - sounds like a trip I might go on :)

I do not know your budget but if you can afford that hefty 1100 a night that might be your ticket.

About Balboa Island - yes it is near Newport Beach but Newport is tricky. We just stayed at the Newport Hyatt for a getaway weekend (dh and I) and there is NO way I would recommend it for your family but a person could end up staying there just because it says "newport beach" - we have rented beach houses in newport on three different occasions. Twice in the summer and once in the winter for a long weekend.

I love to wander around Balboa Island but can't think of any beachy type hotel I would recommend in Newport Beach. I really think you might like the Hyatt Regency or Hilton Waterfront in Huntington Beach and I think your son would enjoy it too. You aren't that far from Newport Beach or even the coast down to San Diego and you could go down to other areas for a day trip. We have stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach and liked it very much and have attended many events at the Hilton but have not stayed there. Both hotels seem very nice. There were lots of families at the Hyatt when we were there. There is a bridge across Pacific Coast Hwy to the beach from the Hyatt. I am trying to remember if there is one at the Hilton but can't remember.

To FrankS

Right, there are different sections but in my mind I felt that someone that's not familiar with the area/or from out of state will not be aware of where one area ends, and another begins (and it is for that reason only that I referred to it as Balboa Island).
In fact even on the official Balboa Island website it only speaks in terms of Balboa Island. But again thanks, and also for bringing up the Spagetti Factory (now I am hungry)!


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Overyonder,
Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island are two differnt locations. I too like the Island, but many of the places you mentioned are on the Peninsula. If you are talking Peninsula, may I add the Wedge, Spaghetti factory and Blackies to list?

to luckylass:

Sorry I am not able to suggest any accomodations in Newport Beach (near Balboa). I grew up on the So. Cal coast and only recently moved away so I/we never had the need to stay in a hotel.
When I made the suggestions (in regard to Balboa and also Huntington, and Catalina) they were made with your son in mind (I happen to have my own in that age group). In fact you just now state the thought of bringing a friend along. Am I to assume the friend will be for your husband since you mention that he is the cantankerous one? (just kidding) :)

Anyway I too now live clear across the country and if I were to bring us all back (and if we needed a place to stay) anywhere along the So Cal coast I'd rent us a house/cottage (through www.vrbo.com) on Balboa (course that's just me). Now that's not to stay that Laguna isn't great, or Huntington, or San Diego, or Torrey Pines, or Dana Point, or even Seal Beach (and I won't even begin to start with the L.A. beaches) as your head is probably spinning enough already. ;)

Lastly where ever you decide upon I wish all of you the best!


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Overyonder are there accomodations in Newport Beach near Balboa? Here's the thing, if you were flying across the country to experience California as a family of three with a fun,lively mom (me), a cantakerous huband, an XBox and sports playing boy, where would you stay? I haven't even thought about bringing a friend???????Help!

Im not surprised that the Balboa Island website speaks in terms of Balboa Island, but I would be surprised if Balboa Peninsula would call themself as part of the 'Island.'

Hi guys-

Well, I vaguely remember going to Balboa Island with Glamour's Pasadena based rep at the time. It was fun back in 1985. However, I really think we need a full-service resort. I really like the vibe of the Terrenea resort in Palos Verdes. although I don't think it has a classic beach. I heard it has more of a ranch atmosphere, which is infinitely appealing to me. We don't have a kid who's interested in eco-tourism. (big emphasis on that there).
So, it seems we need to focus on Laguna Niguel or the Hotel Del. What's the deal on the Surf and Sand? If we go closer to LA are there more spots? Is Shutters on the Beach where are the business travelers go when they want to chill? We could do the LA/entertainment industry thing, I guess. Someone who knows someone knows the guy who put Hannah Montana together at Disney! I do remember lots of traffic on PCH and 405 (are they the same thing????) Help me as I sit in rainy, chilly Connecticut!

PCH is Pacific Coast Highway, whereas the 405 is a freeway. Surf and Sand is nice, but you will be driving most places.

I like the surf and sand... but it is not really a kid friendly type place... but it is right on the beach and right in Laguna...

There are not many full-service resort properties located right on the sand in Southern California. (probably because of Cal. Coastal Commission rules, which keep us from looking like Southern Florida with high-rises and huge hotels right on the beach.) Most of the larger resorts (with tennis courts, kids' programs, etc.) are either on a bluff overlooking the ocean, across a street from a beach, or a bit more inland.

I would not recommend Santa Monica for a relaxing beach vacation. It is much more urban than the other locations you are looking at, and yes, the traffic is still horrible there, whether on the 405, 10 or PCH. I'm not sure about the child-friendliness of those hotels (Huntley, Shutters, Loew's, Le Merigot), and I don't think any of them have tennis courts.

The Terranea beach would not be a classic beach, just a private (and probably kind of rocky) beach, down the bluff from the resort. The classic sandy beaches are about a 10-15 minute drive away in Redondo or Hermosa, as are the restaurants and shopping. There is nothing within walking distance. However, since we live so close, I might be able to send my 14 yo son down to play Halo and skateboard with your son. ;) (Hmmmm, maybe I just invented a new summer job for DS, "Skateboard & X-box Concierge")

I'm still thinking that Santa Barbara might work for you. Either the Four Seasons, which is high end and close to the beach; or the Fess Parker Doubletree, which is not as posh, but closer to the action (wharf, restaurants and shopping) and more child-friendly.

San Diego is the most child-friendly location of all the places under consideration. All the others are great for adults, but San Diego has a lot for kids AND adults. This is where the Zoo is, the Wild Animal Park, the first California Mission, Old Town San Diego. An hour's drive away into the mountains is the old gold-mining town of Julian. We have the Padres (baseball) and the Chargers (football). We have golf AND tennis. And we have beaches, miles and miles of beaches.

Sort of wondering why you skipped over the Huntington Beach recommendations..because they are not ON the beach?

I think the Huntington Beach Hyatt or Hilton would be lots of fun for your family. My 3 boys love going there, renting bikes, going to the beach, fun places to eat,lots to do. Knott's berry farm is fun also or Knott's water park. There is always Disneyland and California Adventure.

I think most of these properties are not too anything....they are all gorgeous places and most would have a lovely stay at any of them. The settings vary but the places are very nice. I find some resorts similar in the 5 starrishness: Grand del mar, St. regis and Aviara. The Auberge del mar is actually IN Del Mar, right in the heart of the village and I think it is a great location, one block to the gorgeous beach and surrounded by shops and restaurants in a fabulous neighborhood. The Hotel Del is a unique property as well but I slightly prefer Del Mar, maybe because I live here.

I also think San Diego has the most activitis to offer. In addition to what others have mentioned, I love kayaking in the La Jolla shores area and hiking the Torrey Pines state reserve.

may i put in my 2 cents for santa monica? for a teenager (and I have 2) a beach hotel is nice as long as there is SOMETHING happening near there. If not san diego, I think the rest of the options might be boring for a teen with no friend. santa monica has it all (yes, I live there). there are quiet places on the beach, places to hike, and much to do when the restless teen urge hits. Unless he is a shy, keep to himself kind of kid (and I have one of those also), I would recommend somewhere where there are choices along with a beach.