Any ideas for a surprise trip for daughter turning 21. It will only be me (mom) and her on this trip. We love warm weather, beaches, but also the big city life....
Would appreciate any ideas. Thanks

What time of year, and where do you live?

Miami?

Where do you live and how far to you want to travel liz? Do you want to drive or are you thinking of flying? How many days will you have, including the travel days? Also what time of the year will your daughter turn 21?
What a beautiful idea..sounds like a fun time

We can travel in June or July. She turns 21 in June. We could have as long as a week, sat.-sat. to go. Also if you suggest a place, please give me things to do or see if you have visited there yourself. Thanks.

I don't know where you live but take her to Kauai. Or...do san Francisco and Los Angeles. Just MHO...but have fun no matter what.

How about Santa Monica-Malibu-Venice
Beach-Rodeo Drive...

Well SF would not be considered warm weather in June or July IMO. And I don't think of SF as a place to go to if one wants beaches. It is a big city for sure.

Vegas is an awesome place for a 21 year old. Lots of cool clubs, shopping, fabulous restaurants, and shows. It is hot and most of the resorts have fabulous pool areas and pool parties to hang out, people watch, etc. If your not into gambling there is tons of stuff to keep you busy.

You could fly into San Jose, CA and work both San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Monterey/ Carmel/ Pacific Grove area into the mix. Beaches are nice Santa Cruz and south (may not be that warm though). In San Francisco you have great hotels, dining, shopping, museums and fun neighborhoods. Santa Cruz is a fun & eclectic college town, with more dining shopping, beaches, etc.. Monterey area is more upscale, but has fun areas to walk around as well as the Monterey Bay aquarium and downtown Pacific Grove which I really like. If you want specific hotel, inns, B&B and dining suggestions, I can give them for all the areas I mentioned.

Liz,
I'm with schoong324.
Santa Monica - Third Street Promenade at night (lots of people and street performers)
Malibu - maybe people can post some fun ideas
Venice - rollerblading during the day (lots of interesting people, muscle beach is there too)
Rodeo Drive - interesting
Garment District in LA - fun inexpensive shopping, lots of people
Hollywood Blvd. - fun to walk
Maybe a good concert:
House of Blues in Hollywood
Greek Theater
Kodak Theater
Wiltern Theater
(what is her favorite band)
Whatever you decide, hope you and your daughter have fun!

Vegas, baby!! There are SO many things to do there, and she will have a blast! You might consider staying at the Hard Rock, which is very popular with the 20-something crowd.

For a 21 year old either Vegas or South Beach Miami.

I would let her take a friend along.

If Vegas, my picks would be Hard Rock, the Palms or Paris in that order.

Beaches in Vegas?

Actually, I think both the Hard rock and Mandalay Bay have beaches, LOL.
I'd personally vote for Central Coast CA.