We're considering a trip to the southern CA coast with our 2 yr old.
Weve never been there, can you help?
Here's our criteria:


-Staying in Los Angeles area, would like a two hour or less drive
-Child Friendly B&B INN or Hotel( Breakfast onsite at least)
-Must be safe for strolling/exploring
-Not too crowded
-Easy access to beaches/parking
-The more country-ish the better.

Hope we're not being too picky!
Thanks.

My first reaction was to suggest Laguna Beach or Newport, but then I remembered my brother-in-law who always took their little kids to Ventura (they live in the valley). I think they used to stay at the Holiday Inn Beach Resort which they found was great with the kids--on the beach, playground, kids pool etc. There's not a tremendous lot to do in Ventura other than see the mission, but you are quite close to Santa Barbara for day trips or over to Ojai as well. Ventura is very quiet and family oriented. Hope that helps a bit--they should have a website.

Manhattan Beach is lovely and very convenient to LA, very family-friendly, great for walking around, lots of nice shops & restaurants.

Laguna Beach is the most beautiful beach in Southern California. The town is really nice with a lot of art galleries and boutique shops. The view from the Laguna hills is marvelous. You will enjoy it.

San Clemente! South of LA, and so beautiful!