Quote:
Originally Posted by Swiss Carrera
Hello everyone!
Heading over to the USA this summer with family and looking for some reccomendations as to where to stay on the beach south of LA, after a 10 day trip out to LV, GC,MV and then back on route 66.
Ideally want somewhere ON the bach but willing to be inland a bit if there is a better beach nearby that doesnt have direct access.
Looking for somewhere that has that unique SoCal vibe with plenty of places to eat, shop and with a chilled out feel.
Was thinking along the lines of Huntingdon or Balboa, but really, really want to hear any reccomendations from you local guys.
Specific Hotels suggestions also gratefully received.
Will be in the USA from mid July to 2nd week of August so if there are any Porsche related events happening that i should know about, please tell me.
Many thanks in advance!
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This is difficult to answer without knowing your budget.
Mid-Range:
If you are in the mid-range ($250 per night) the Waterfront Beach Hilton or the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach are great spots. Huntington Beach will certainly give you the unique CA feel, and the downtown went through a significant gentrification in the early 2000's. From both these hotels you can walk to the restaurants on the pier and on Main St. The beach is still the most popular surfing location in the state.
The Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach is good too ($200-$250). A little too far to walk to the beach, but they have shuttles to Balboa Island and The Pavilion out on the Peninsula. Newport is a more posh city, with a lot of pretentious people and higher-end restaurants, but is also a very CA feel.
Higher-End:
If you're into the higher end ($500 per night), and maybe you want to golf, The Resort at Pelican Hill is AWESOME. The beach is a rocky shoreline and a lot less crowded. The resort is self contained, with spa, bars, and one of the best golf courses in CA.
The Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach ($350 per night) is a favorite of my wife and I. Its a smaller hotel right on the beach, and most of the rooms look right onto the waves, fireplaces, with spotlights on the waves at night. Laguna Beach is a more artsy city with galleries and shops, and VERY walkable. From the Surf and sand you can walk to literally dozens of restaurants. It's a much more picturesque coastline, with rocky outcrops and sandy coves. Downtown Laguna has basketball court on the beach that can have pro players in pick-up games on any given day.
Lower-End:
San Clemente is the king of "chilled-out feel". It would also be my place if I was on a shorter budget ($100-$200 per night). There are several decent motels just off the 5 freeway, but walking distance to downtown and about a mile to the beach and pier. The beach is super family friendly and the pier has a great place for fairly priced seafood or burgers. One of my favorite restaurants ever is on the main drag in San Clemente, Sonny's Italian (you can't be afraid of garlic). The serve a house chianti in a decanter for $10 that is great, and they have a super outdoor eating area.