My son just moved to Newport Beach and we will be visiting at the end of April. I'm trying to plan a trip and find hotels. We plan on one day in San Dieago, two days in Santa Monica and three days in Newport Beach area. What should we do. We do not like amusment parks. Thanks

Newport beach has several hotels: Hyatt, Marriott, Balboa Bay Club, Doryman's Inn. You could also stay in Costa Mesa or Irvine for some less expensive options. Newport has great beaches, restaurants, shopping, and views.

There is the Bowers Museum not far away. A performing arts center in Costa Mesa by South Coast Plaza. The Mission at San Juan Capistrano. There's a wide variety of live music in the evenings, including a piano bar in the Irvine Spectrum called Sing Sing. In the Corona del Mar area of Newport Beach, there's a great little beach tucked away in front of the cliff, perfect for a picnic. You could have cocktails and watch the sunset at The View, which is on the top floor of the Marriott in Fashion Island. With Versace, Chanel and Cartier South Coast Plaza is a great place to window shop. There's open air market every Saturday and Sunday at the Orange county Fairgrounds.

Personally, I would take the day in San Diego and spend it in Laguna Beach. Personally, I don't find San Diego all that interesting (I've lived in Newport beach and now live in San Diego county) and for those that do like San Diego, I don't think a day would cover it all. With no traffic, San Diego will be about an hour and a half drive, on a week day during rush hour much more.

I live in Corona del Mar, and indeed the beaches here are fantastic. If it's nice weather, bring a picnic and just enjoy. End of April, who knows? It's been very foggy lately. It's a bit of a drive out of Newport, but if you've never explored this area before, you should go to the Nixon Birthplace and Library. It's a really well-done presidential library. (I'm a Democrat but I still enjoy taking visitors here.) It's in Yorba Linda, and there is a nearby Italian restaurant called Foscari that I just love. Have fun!

BobbiOh, I thought I was the only one who didn't find San Diego all that interesting! lol !
The best part of San Diego is Coronado Island, or Balboa Park.
In Newport Beach if you can afford it, I think the Balboa Bay Club might be your nicest choice to stay, unless you can really afford it, then stay at the FourSeasons! A more moderate choice would be the Sutton Place Hotel (might be Costa Mesa), which has a wonderful Sunday Brunch!
I live in San Juan, and it's a great place to walk around on a nice day. The Mission is lovely, and there's a wonderful spot within walking distance by the train tracks called the Ramos House Cafe. Perfect for lunch or Breakfast, it's got some of the highest Zagat ratings in OC for food quality, & it's charming. The Cedar Creek not bad either, right across the street from the Mission and also has a lovely patio.

We always enjoy Balboa Island, right next to Newport Beach. Very upscale homes, fun to walk around and oggle them, plus the beautiful yachts in the harbor. Lots of little shops and restaurants there, too. For the best grilled seafood and clam chowder, go to The Crab Cooker at Newport Beach. Not fancy, but fantastic food and good prices. Just thinking of their grilled lobster tails... The waiting line will wind down the sidewalk at dinnertime, so get there early. Your son has probably already discovered it.

Franki and BobbiOh - We should start a club - the desprate residents of San Diego. I live in N. County and yes the ocean is beautiful. There really is not much to do here and nothing exciting ever happens. Laguna is much nicer and more interesting.

And here I thought I'd get shot for saying that I don't find San Diego interesting.

I've lived in Belmont Shore (Long Beach), Newport Beach and Carlsbad....and I've been trying to get back to OC or the Shore ever since we moved from there.

BobbiOh - I know what you mean about God forbid saying anything about sunny SD...funny thing is that I am the only native born Californian I presently know outside of my family. I can hardly belive that 13 years has blown by so fast. I am originally from L.A. and before I moved to SD I lived in wonderfully exciting places and knew creative, intellectual people. YAWN! I'm now putting myself to sleeeeeep.

I agree with BobbiOh, though Sing Sing is gone. Laguna is awesome and the Spectrum in Irvine is fun for evening, nice restaurants and bars, people watching.

Calamari and BobbiOh -- I'm originally from the east coast and had a hard time getting used to Orange County, but I definitely have to say I prefer it to San Diego! And I thought EVERYONE else Loved San Diego! Nice to know I'm not totally crazy!

Can I join the San Diego Is Boring club too? My sister lives there and I dread the visit. YAWN.

I love this thread! I am joining the San Diego is boring club. I moved there for three months, wanting to be near my daughter who had moved for a job. I had to escape. I found it right wing and dull and I live in Salt Lake City!! I did live in NYC, London, San Fran, Boston & Key West so I have some perspective, but San Diego was a true disappointment.
I am looking for a decent (interesting) hotel in Irvine where my daughter now resides. Any suggestions?