I'm going to be in LA in early August and plan to catch up with a close friend living in the Lake Arrowhead area. We only have a weekend- which should be full of catching up (i.e. good beach, comfortable accomadations) but also some night life (as we are both early 20's and can't turn down a night out). We don't mind a drive, but want to stay in the mid to southern California coastal area. Any suggestions for places along the coast that would make a nice weekend stay? San Clemente, San Diego, and LA are out of the question- been there one too many. Thanks!

Newport Beach
Laguna Beach
Santa Barbara

Make reservations ASAP.

Since you mention nightlife, and you are in your early 20's, I suggest Hermosa Beach. Lots of fun places for 20-somethings. Availability at this late date might be tough, but not impossible.

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http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us/

http://huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/i...tyhocn=HUBWHHF

ttt.

seaspritemotel.com absolutely, in Hermosa Beach, it's ON the beach, and there are a bunch of nightsports for 20-somethings one block away.

It's not a Hilton, but you don't really want to stay in your room when you are ON the beach, do you ?

Arrowhead ? that may be up to 3 hours away, each way, depending on traffic.

Here's another vote for Hermosa Beach. You might have an easier time finding a hotel room if you stay a few blocks from the beach. There are many good nightspots for youthful crowds within walking distance of the pier.

Woody

I would also recommend laguna Beach. We just came back from there and it is awesome! The beach is great and there is a lot of shopping, restaurants and bars. It is a beautiful area and the people were great. We are in our mid-twenties and there were lots of our aged people around. We actually stayed in Dana Point, but I believe there are lots of great places to stay right in laguna.

Yep - easier to find a room, and cheaper too, but I ask myself 2 questions:
1) What does a room cost ON the beach in Laguna or Malibu, and
2) If you are going to spend X dollars on a vacation of any type, the few extra dollars spent towards a room with a location are worth it.

An example is we outlined $3000 for a week in LA, so why not spend $160 per night for a room with a great location vs. $110 for a room 3 blocks off the beach ?

Oh - wherever you stay - and Hermosa's downfall - parking. A motel may give you a space, but if you have friends coming in, they will be searching. Be sure to find out about parking when you book.