Southern Calif here we come-well almost.....
 

Hi,
Hubby and I are finally finishing up planning on coming to Southern Calif. on Sept 29th. for my 50th BD... Hope weather is good.
Have a bunch of questions to help us finalize... Sorry...
So far we've decided on 3 nights in LaJolla to explore the surronding area
Zoo, LaJolla Shores & caves (Kayaking)cabriello monutment, torrey state park, Coronado, Midway perhaps.
Am I missing anything?
He also wants a good fish taco, any suggestions?

Then going to Laguna Beach for 1 or 2 nights (can't decide).. HELP!!!
Walk around, shop, relax and go to Las Brias for sunset cocktails...

So now we have 2 more nights and can't decide where to go. sigh

Should we go to LA and do the rodeo drive, hollywood thing (Both never been). Stay in Santa Monica or Malibu, beverly Hills?

Or since its the fall should we drive up to Santa Barbara and Sovlang? We've been to Santa Barbara once before but not Solvang.

Also thinking of driving to Vegas and fly out of there to go home, BUT I don't think there is anything much to see on the drive is there?

I really appreciate all of your replys, thanks so much for all of your help.

Best fish tacos are at El Pescado on Pearl St in La Jolla!

Skip Las Vegas this trip - there's plenty to do in SoCal, you don't need to factor in a 5-hour drive in the limited time you have.

If you do decide to visit Vegas, fly, don't drive. The drive is totally boring.

For a 2 night stay, I think Santa Barbara would be a better spot than Solvang. You could still explore Solvang, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos from Santa Barbara. And IMO, it wouldn't even take a full day.

if you decide on LA, definitely stay in Santa Monica if you're not from a beach city and drive out to West Hollywood/Beverly Hills during the day for half-day and walk around and have lunch there; it's only 20-30 mins away. If you want a nice hotel on the beach, book asap! Not sure what your budget is. Once we know that, we can provide some recommendations.

I would finish it off in either Santa Barbara, not Solvang..
Vegas would be another fun time and I would do 2 nights and stay at the Wynn or Bellagio.
Where are you staying in LJ/Laguna?

If your last 2 days are Sat & Sun then do the Bev Hills tour, traffic is lighter and you can see lots. The Getty Center, Will Rogers State Park, Griffith park & The Observatory...
Stay on the westside for ocean breezes, Sept can be blazing hot.

Best fish tacos in San Diego are on George's Terrace!

Though I like Santa Monica, since you'll already have beach time in your other places... how about downtown proper, Beverly Hills, Hollywood that last couple nights? The Biltmore in the heart of LA is a classic.

LOL! Barbara-yes they have great fish tacos too, but line to get into the restaurant is usually long. And they probably get their fish from El Pescador!
But, the view at George's is worth any wait in my opinion.

Thanks everyone, o.k. vegas is out..

Haven't decided where to stay yet in LaJolla or Laguna.
Was thinking of The Grande Colonial or Estancia In LaJolla, getting mixed vibes from tripadvisor. Laguna thinkin of the Inn At Laguna, would love to stay at the Sand and Surf or Montage, BUT $500.00 and $700.00 a night is a bit much...
Any other suggestions or feedback?

I'm getting a free round trip ticket once my points are transfered over to Jet Blue, so hopefully will be done next week so I can book.

Theres a little place in Malibu called Casa Malibu Inn, would that be a good location if I wanted to do the Santa Monica, Beverly Hills,Hollywood touristy thing? OR would staying somewhere in Santa Monica be better?
Any suggestions?

I haven't been there, but South Beach Bar and Grill in Ocean Beach is supposed to have amazing fish tacos...

Hi Donna:
We had our daughter's wedding at Estancia. Many of our family members & guests stayed there and they enjoyed it.
The one complaint though, was the check out service at front desk was slow.
Estancia is really lovely, quiet, relaxing, and about a five minute drive into downtown La Jolla.

Grande Colonial Hotel in LJ is right in the heart of the village and a block from the seals and the ocean but its mostly a great walk to the LJ Cove.
For the price its a great place to be so central to everything.
Estancia Hotel is somewhat new and up on the hill next to UCSD/Torrey Pines Golf..like this hotel and you have to drive to everything 5-10 minute to village but they have some great deals on Expedia or try direct with both.
Do eat at George's at the Cove in LJ on the terrace or formal would be the modern restaurant..always wins awards..
Maybe drinks at the Marine room to watch the waves on the window and great place to have a drink.
Surf and Sand Resort in LB is one of my fav's..
Have a great birthday Donna!

georgesatthecove.com
marineroom.com
grandecolonialhotel.com

If you stay in Malibu, be aware that it's a 30 minute drive to Santa Monica and another 30 from there to Beverly Hills. Staying in Santa Monica would be more central if you want to drive down to Malibu and BH/Hollywood. Check out Loew's, Viceroy, The Fairmont etc on the beach. DoubleTree in SM is also not bad, but it's not at the beach, but next to the freeway (don't get a room facing the freeway).

So if wanting to do the Hollywood/Beverly Hills "thing" and possible Malibu drive staying in Santa Monica is the best location?
Great thanks!!!

Well, yes, in the sense that Santa Monica would be in-between the other two (and has a lot to offer in itself too).

yes, exactly. Santa Monica would be best in this case.

Checking out the hotels for Santa Monica, would love to stay at Shutters but at 600.00 a night!! Wow
The Hotel Belair is having a great special, would spending 1 night in Santa Monica and 1 night in BelAir be a little to hectic since they are so close to one another?
The Hotel Belair looks so nice and is almost the same cost as the Lowes and Fairmont.
One day in Santa Monica and drive up to Malibu and the next day do the beverly hills/hollywood thing from belair.
PS:Booked all the other hotels in LaJolla & Laguna, thanks for all you help ans suggestions.....