Southern California Trip in December
 

I am in the planning stages of a Southern California trip for Christmas week. I have two children ages 6 and 9. So far I planned the first leg of the trip out of Santa Monica. We are staying at the Loews Santa Monica. After a few days, we want to head south and visit Laguna, La Jolla and San Diego. I am looking for suggestions on where to base our family out of for this leg of the trip. We like great views, family friendly but still somewhere special. At first I picked the Hyatt in Huntington Beach after reading good things about it but then I thought it really isn't far enough south for us since some of the things we want to see and do are in San Diego. My husband and I loved Laguna but I think of Laguna as more of a romantic destination you go to without the kids. I have never been to La Jolla so I don't know if that would fit the bill. Or am I just better off just staying in San Diego and then where in San Diego??? We are flying home out of LAX (the only airport that gets us home nonstop) so what goes down must come back up! Any comments would be appreciated.

Christmas at the Hotel Del in Coronado is one of the prettiest places to be during the holidays and they put on quite a show and would be great for the kids..
For La Jolla, The Grande Colonial Hotel is wonderful too.
Driving from SD to LAX will be ok since most of it to the airport you could use the carpool lane which is not so congested as much of the 5 North.
Have a great time in San Diego!

hoteldel.com
thegrandecolonial.com

Thanks for the suggestions. What are your thoughts of La Valencia? Is the Grand Colonial child friendly?

i'd consider the pacific terrace inn on pacific beach too.

Love La V..Whaling Bar is tradition with us locals in LJ for Christmas Eve..
Grande Colonial has new suites that would work great for you and the kids...I would do either LJ/Del Mar or Coronado.
L'Auberge Del Mar is a lovely hotel in Del Mar.
If yo do go to Laguna, the Surf and Sand Resort is a great hotel.

I'd second the Hotel Del by far.

Another option is the Loews in Coronado--it is alittle further down the Strand but you might get a good deal for 2 in a row. HIlton Torrey PInes is nice too.
But I think the favorite all around location for kids is the Shelter Pointe on Shelter Island.

We have stayed at the Del numerous times, and over Christmas and with our kids and think it is perfect for what you are looking for. We have always stayed in the Victorian building, and the rooms have been quite nice. We used this as a base for visiting family as well as for hitting the usual zoo, etc tourist hits. The Sunday brunch is nice, even for the younger kids.

I agree. I think the Del fits the exact description of what you want in the resort/the location.

Have fun !! :)

I live in the area and have kids 8 & 9 and can tell you that Laguna is very kid friendly. Parks, beaches, lots of restaurants with childrens menu. The town will be decked out with Christmas lights and decorations. Another idea is to check out the St. Regis Hotel. It is in Dana Point which is the next town south of Laguna on Pacific Coast Highway. Its pricey but has lots of kid activities around the holiday; gingerbread house making, etc.. The concierge there will be able to recommend lots of kid activities. Also Dana Point has a big Marina, the Ocean Institute, sailing, surfing etc. Perhaps a bit chilly in December but depending on what climate you are coming fun it could be quite enjoyable. San Diego is a great city in pretty much every aspect. I think where you stay depends on what you want to do while you are here (general sightsee, theme parks, beaches?)

Good luck & enjoy your travels!

We stayed at the Del 3 nights this past December, the Christmas decorations were gorgeous and there was an outdoor ice skating rink set up that the kids would love! We booked under the Winter Romance package for $250 night which included $20 resort money to be used each day. The Del is a wonderful place to be during the hoidays! ***kim*** ((f))