need help choosing a beach area to visit!

[cepmom]

we are going to be visiting CA this summer, probably around 8/12 - 8/21, We are going to Disneyland for a few days and also want to see a bit more of the state. A beach visit is a must for us, but I can't figure out where to go.

I am open to traveling as far south as San Diego or wherever is suggested. We are a family of 5, DH and I, DD20, DD12 and DD9. A safe, reasonably priced, clean place to stay would be nice. I know we won't find beach front accomodations reasonably priced ($250 max) but as long as the area is nice and the beach is easily accessible (ie: parking), I don't mind having to drive to the beach.

I just don't even know where to begin! Suggestions please!

[wendydarling33]

How long are you planning to be at the beach? The reason I ask is that there are some modest near beach rentals in that price range both in Carpinteria (near Santa Barbara) and Mission Bay/Beach in San Diego. The only thing is that most of them require a week's rental in summertime. Try searching rental sites. Both of those beaches are really nice and family friendly IMHO!

[cepmom]

thanks for your reply...we will not be spending a week's time at the beach unfortunately. We will have 9 nights total in CA which includes our travel days. I did find a hotel near the beach in Carlsbad which I have booked. I haven't seen any negative reviews of this particular hotel (Inns of America Suites) the price was right and the accomodations look comfortable for our family of 5 for a few days; $179 per night for a family suite. It's hard to find rooms that fit 5 comfortably! Hoping it's a good choice!

[PatsGirl]

Cepmom ~ I am also in the midst of planning a SoCal trip and a friend of mine recommended BW Bluesea Lodge. She has stayed there many times and although it isn't fancy, it is beachfront and easy on the wallet. I'm pretty sure we'll be booking it for at least three nights but not until next April 2011. Worth a look-see;)

[all night long]

as far as oc beaches go, its always the holy trinity. huntington, newport and laguna

huntington beach has a lot of water sports/activities like body boarding, skim boarding and surfing (north side of the pier for hard boards). main st. and PCH has a lot of shops, bars and restaurants if you guys get tired and just wanna chill

newport beach is similar but far more crowded especially during the summer. hard boards are not allowed prior to 6 pm so its "safer" to swim and/or bodyboard. but parking at newport can be a pain.

laguna beach is more richie rich and has a "lets see the sights" vibe rather than "lets go swimming at the beach" type of thing. ocean ave. and PCH is pretty much where everything is at.

[dizneygurl007]

All the above mentioned beaches are nice. I also like the Santa Monica beach. It was really calm when my DBF and I went. There weren't a lot of people.

[cepmom]

thanks for the suggestions.

Patsmom...looked at the Bluesea lodge but the price was highger than we want to spend. It does look nice being right on the water though....