Ideas neeed for after Disneyland/Hollywood Trip - Newport or ???

scottmel · May 3, 2015

This is stressing me out far too much. In July we are doing the ADventures By Disney tRip with Backstage Disneyland and Hollywood.

We plan to arrive a day early and do the Warner Brothers 2 hour Studio Tour and Farmers Market.
The rest of the trip will b with Adventures by Disney and we are tagging on an extra night to the back end for more Disneyland! So far so good!

My initial plan when ABD ended, was to go to Newport Beach for 2 nights and visit Balboa Island a day and then have a complete full day with nothing planned before flying home the following afternoon. I am struggling with this empty day - a Sunday.

I looked into San Diego Zoo and it seems such a hassle to get to the Amtrack station from the hotel, then the 2 hour ride THEN some other bus to finally get to the zoo. But it certainly would fill up an entire day!!!

Can anyone think of a Plan B instead of the zoo? I don't mind the metrolink or heck even amtrack but boy the cost seemed high (300 for 3 of us to get to the zoo and into the zoo!). It is me , DH and DD16...

All ideas welcome. Heck I am not even sold on Newport right now if I could make better use of the 2 days elsewhere...NO CAR...

Plaid Princess · May 4, 2015

Firstly, any particular reason you don't want a car? It limits your options in So Cal pretty drastically.

Secondly, you might like staying in Laguna Beach or Huntington Beach more than Newport. Newport Beach is pretty residential, and there's not a lot that is walkable if you're skipping the car. Laguna and Huntington have a lot more within walking distance from hotels (not to mention, more/better hotels), so you could take a cab or Uber to Balboa Island for however much time you're spending there (it's not a full day, unless you're planning on combining it with the peninsula/beach etc.).

If you don't like the Zoo option, what about Catalina Island? You could even stay there, rather than in Newport, if you didn't want to go for the day.

There are also several great Whale Watching excursions that leave from Orange County; I like Davey's Locker, the prices are great and the guides are excellent.

You'd definitely need to rent a car, but there's a great Zipline Course in Corona.

The Long Beach aquarium is always fun!

There's always all the fun water sports like surfing, kite-surfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling... all of which offer classes for different levels and prices. (Try Groupon for great deals!)

scottmel · May 5, 2015

Thanks!!! Great idea on whale watching. I just printed the Davy link. And a recommended hotel they list is a Marriott I am staying at in Newport so I am hoping this translates to CLOSE BY!! Why Newport you ask? Well I have a 100k Marriott points for free lodging and Newport seemed the best option....Couple that with we are on Adventures By Disney and they give us free airport shuttle to John Wayne Airport which by the map looks VERY close to Newport...so just sort of seemed logical for me to use the points a thte Marriott this way. But please if you know of a Marriott better near Laguna or Huntington I am all ears!!!!!! I am stayng at the Marriott Spa one in Newport currently. THanks!

Plaid Princess · May 5, 2015

Yes, if you're using Marriott points, then the Newport Beach Hotel and Spa is the way to go. It's located within the Fashion Island shopping area, and it's about 20 minutes from SNA. It's a really nice hotel, and there's a lot of dining options and 2 movie theaters at Fashion Island. The only other option would be the Newport Coast Villas, and they're not ideal for point users in the high season.

Just be prepared that without a car, you'll be pretty stuck in Newport unless you want to shell out for a taxi or Uber.

Davey's locker is great... be sure to check Groupon and Living Social, or your hotel concierge, because they almost always have coupons. And they're located in the fun downtown bit of the peninsula. The last time I went on one of their trips I saw 2 humpback whales, a minky whale, and a bunch of dolphins. Quick tip: don't go out on the first trip of the day, because their captains talk to each other and let the others know where the whales are hanging out. The first group of the day has to do a lot more searching.

scottmel · May 5, 2015

Such great advice! thanks! Second whale watch for sure then

Never would have thought of that....You seem to know the area REALLY well. Would you say the Davy whale place is close to our hotel? I was at FAshion Island MANY MANY MANY years ago as a teenager and really liked it and the area. So I sort of planned on arriving around 1 a the Marriott from DL and then heading over to Balboa Island for the rest of the day and have dinner there too. Then the following day sleep in and do the whale watch. Is the distance reasonable to the whale watch? Any good restaurants near the Marriott?

scottmel · May 5, 2015

Oh I just looked into rental cars per your suggestion. Price not near as bad as I thought. 90 for 2 days! I think I am going to do this for sure....so that opens me up nicely to Laguna Beach and Huntington to explore. Any must see spots or places to eat? thanks a million!

bcla · May 5, 2015

I'd just point out that SNA can have really good rates, although many would recommend staying away from the fringe rental agencies like Payless/Advantage/EZ/Fox/etc. Advantage is showing $40 total for a midsize July 10-12. Alamo is showing $68.

I mainly worry about Advantage for their reputation for finding door dings and charging the renter.

If you rent a car, you could drive yourself to the airport and even do that San Diego Zoo trip you were talking about. It's kind of sad that there aren't great options for using public transportation, but Southern California car culture is alive and well.

Plaid Princess · May 6, 2015

Ha ha, yeah I live in Huntington Beach, and I actually worked at the Marriott's sister hotel in Newport Coast for a couple years. I love the area.

Davey's locker leaves from the Balboa Peninsula, which from Newport is easiest to access via car ferry from Balboa Island. I'd say 5 minutes from your hotel, plus the time for the ferry. You can also drive around the peninsula, but this is an extra few miles. Parking is ample on the peninsula, and the Davey's office is easy to find, with lots of food carts, games, and other boardwalk activities nearby.

For a beach day, check out Coronal del Mar or Mother's Beach (get there early, the beaches are crowded in the summer)!

Food wise, there's pretty much anything you could think of:

My favorites at Fashion Island are Roy's Hawaiian and True Food Kitchen, although the restaurant in the Marriott is pretty good as well.

In nearby Corona del Mar, I like El Ranchito, Rose's Bakery (for coffee, pastries, and killer breakfast burritos), Ruby's Diner, and the Crow Bar.

On Balboa Island, I almost always go to Shanghai Pine Garden (I've been eating there since I was 8) or Amelia's, but almost all the restaurants on Balboa are great (skip Wilma's Patio... their food is bland bland bland). Parking on the island is a challenge, as the streets are very narrow, be prepared to park a few blocks away as there are no parking lots.

If you want to venture a little farther to Laguna Beach, there's Javier's, Alessa, and Big Fish Tavern. Parking can be challenging in Laguna on the weekends, so give yourself plenty of time. Most meters take credit cards.

Not to be missed is The Beachcomber Cafe... you have to commit to this one, as the wait can build up to several hours in the summer, however they do take reservations on their website (which must be made at least 24 hours in advance). I'd make them ASAP if you want to eat there. It is fully worth the wait, as the restaurant is a holdover from the 1920's artist colony that built up on the beach, and it's right on the sand. The food is great, and there's a little museum and art gallery there, as well as an excellent swimming beach, tide pools, and vintage beach shack cottages. The whole area is protected as part of the Crystal Cove State Park. Parking is at the state beach lot across the highway and is validated by the restaurant, you can walk (15 minutes) or take the $1 shuttle to the restaurant.

Hope this helps! I'm also a SD Zoo member, so if you have questions, hit me up!

bcla · May 6, 2015

I'd just clarify that my suggestion was maybe get a ride to the airport before going to Newport Beach, to rent a car. Then you'll have a car to go wherever and to return to the airport. You did say you're leaving from SNA, right?

And a totally random comment:

Oh, they had a little party down in Newport;
There was Harry, there was Mary, there was Grace.
Oh, they had a little party down in Newport,
And they had to carry Harry from the place.

Plaid Princess · May 6, 2015

bcla said:
And a totally random comment:

Oh, they had a little party down in Newport;
There was Harry, there was Mary, there was Grace.
Oh, they had a little party down in Newport,
And they had to carry Harry from the place.

scottmel · May 6, 2015

Thanks! I am actually renting a car from Disney's Grand Californian and then returning to SNA. 81 for 2 days so I am good with that!!!

I think it is BUDGET as I agree I stay away from the off beat rentals. Thx much!

scottmel · May 6, 2015

Plaid Princess said:
Ha ha, yeah I live in Huntington Beach, and I actually worked at the Marriott's sister hotel in Newport Coast for a couple years. I love the area.

Davey's locker leaves from the Balboa Peninsula, which from Newport is easiest to access via car ferry from Balboa Island. I'd say 5 minutes from your hotel, plus the time for the ferry. You can also drive around the peninsula, but this is an extra few miles. Parking is ample on the peninsula, and the Davey's office is easy to find, with lots of food carts, games, and other boardwalk activities nearby.

For a beach day, check out Coronal del Mar or Mother's Beach (get there early, the beaches are crowded in the summer)!

Food wise, there's pretty much anything you could think of:

My favorites at Fashion Island are Roy's Hawaiian and True Food Kitchen, although the restaurant in the Marriott is pretty good as well.

In nearby Corona del Mar, I like El Ranchito, Rose's Bakery (for coffee, pastries, and killer breakfast burritos), Ruby's Diner, and the Crow Bar.

On Balboa Island, I almost always go to Shanghai Pine Garden (I've been eating there since I was 8) or Amelia's, but almost all the restaurants on Balboa are great (skip Wilma's Patio... their food is bland bland bland). Parking on the island is a challenge, as the streets are very narrow, be prepared to park a few blocks away as there are no parking lots.

If you want to venture a little farther to Laguna Beach, there's Javier's, Alessa, and Big Fish Tavern. Parking can be challenging in Laguna on the weekends, so give yourself plenty of time. Most meters take credit cards.

THANK YOU!!! I will review this tonight after work and try to get a sketchy plan together. I am a BIG planner so I love the idea of the hard to get in restaurant. DH and DD LOVE FOOD, I am not picky and could eat a salad every day but these two live for food! LOL so I will big some places from your list. Super helpful. I will be back in touch if you don't mind as sometimes I get over ambitious on what I think I can do thx again!
Not to be missed is The Beachcomber Cafe... you have to commit to this one, as the wait can build up to several hours in the summer, however they do take reservations on their website (which must be made at least 24 hours in advance). I'd make them ASAP if you want to eat there. It is fully worth the wait, as the restaurant is a holdover from the 1920's artist colony that built up on the beach, and it's right on the sand. The food is great, and there's a little museum and art gallery there, as well as an excellent swimming beach, tide pools, and vintage beach shack cottages. The whole area is protected as part of the Crystal Cove State Park. Parking is at the state beach lot across the highway and is validated by the restaurant, you can walk (15 minutes) or take the $1 shuttle to the restaurant.

Hope this helps! I'm also a SD Zoo member, so if you have questions, hit me up!

Plasticletters · May 6, 2015

My assumption is that if you rented the car, your problem is solved right? San Diego Zoo then?

Some other suggestions for day trips that weren't mentioned-
Universal Studios (not as expansive as the studios in Florida if you're familiar with those- but these ARE actual studios and many of the rides are the same or similar)
Knotts Berry Farm (if you and your daughter like rollercoasters) is right in Orange County - very close to Newport Beach and Disneyland.
Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles (something that would be a moving experience for all of you - but especially poignant for a 16 year old) as well as LACMA and the tarpits. Put those three together and you have an all-day event (or longer).
Try surfing? You can rent surfboards at shops near any of the tourist beaches.

Also, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but despite all of the suggestions for whale watching (which can be wonderful by the way) summer is actually a terrible time to go out and really see any whales. Most whales are migrating past SOCAL in in the cold months (well, as cold as it gets out here anyway). It's possible you'll see some during the summer, but the big species (blue whales and grey whales) won't be around and the resident species won't be in large number. Do this if you come back over the winter or during spring break sometime.

scottmel · May 6, 2015

Plasticletters said:
My assumption is that if you rented the car, your problem is solved right? San Diego Zoo then?

Some other suggestions for day trips that weren't mentioned-
Universal Studios (not as expansive as the studios in Florida if you're familiar with those- but these ARE actual studios and many of the rides are the same or similar)
Knotts Berry Farm (if you and your daughter like rollercoasters) is right in Orange County - very close to Newport Beach and Disneyland.
Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles (something that would be a moving experience for all of you - but especially poignant for a 16 year old) as well as LACMA and the tarpits. Put those three together and you have an all-day event (or longer).
Try surfing? You can rent surfboards at shops near any of the tourist beaches.

Also, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but despite all of the suggestions for whale watching (which can be wonderful by the way) summer is actually a terrible time to go out and really see any whales. Most whales are migrating past SOCAL in in the cold months (well, as cold as it gets out here anyway). It's possible you'll see some during the summer, but the big species (blue whales and grey whales) won't be around and the resident species won't be in large number. Do this if you come back over the winter or during spring break sometime.

Well now I feel confused. So many good options. yes now that I have a car one would think I am good to go for San Diego Zoo but now I worry that doing other things are more appealing. I know everyone says the zoo is INCREDIBLE, and we belong to a very nice zoo here in Pittsburgh, nothing like San Diego of course, but I don't get real excited for zoos but my DD16 would...I suppose I should reinvestigate this. So let's assume this:
Check out of Disney Sunday around 1 and I had planned on taking the shuttle to Balboa from the Marriott but is this dumb? Should I drive? Remain at Balboa for day from like 2 till 6 say.
Monday - San Diego Zoo OR and the big question - is my time better spent elsewhere? DD not an ocean person. Thax for the tips on the whale watch, DD was very skeptical of a boat in the ocean. She wasn't too thrilled ....So ZOO or better option?????

scottmel · May 6, 2015

Plaid Princess said:
Hope this helps! I'm also a SD Zoo member, so if you have questions, hit me up!

Hmm do you think the zoo is worth the one and only day I have that is free? MEaning Sunday is Balboa and Monday is wide open but zoo looks like full day commitment. Do you know if they have any programs there for a 16 year old like behind the scenes etc.?

scottmel · May 6, 2015

scottmel · May 6, 2015

scottmel said:
Hmm do you think the zoo is worth the one and only day I have that is free? MEaning Sunday is Balboa and Monday is wide open but zoo looks like full day commitment. Do you know if they have any programs there for a 16 year old like behind the scenes etc.? Do you think the Behind the Scense Panda in the morning is worth it?

scottmel · May 6, 2015

ok no more trying to do this on my iphone!! If you have done the early morning panda thing at the zoo...is it worth it?? or is another program better? thanks all!

bcla · May 6, 2015

I personally like the California Science Center. It's got several sections, including a small aquarium, a section on aviation, etc. and they have the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Best part is that it's free unless you want to see the Shuttle, and the fee for the ticket is minimal ($2 each I think). You'd also have to pay for parking, but Exposition Park is nice with a rose garden, a natural history museum, the Olympic flame from 1984, and an African American history museum.

We went to see the Shuttle on the way home. When we did a trip in 2012 we wanted one day in San Diego and chose SeaWorld over the zoo. Mostly it was because it was included with CityPASS. We're talking about another trip and seeing the zoo. We've seen pandas before (trip to Asia) but it was kind of a poor experience. It wasn't really a zoo but a panda theme park with cheap carnival style rides. The panda itself was just showing its butt outside and its head was visible through a grate. To see its head we had to look through a window and that grate. We're hoping for a better experience.

Plasticletters · May 7, 2015

scottmel said:
Hmm do you think the zoo is worth the one and only day I have that is free? MEaning Sunday is Balboa and Monday is wide open but zoo looks like full day commitment. Do you know if they have any programs there for a 16 year old like behind the scenes etc.?

I'm also an SD zoo member Scott. If you want a cool behind the scenes look at the zoo, there's a few options here
http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/tours/backstage-pass
and
http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/tours/inside-look-tours

But if you want something a bit different than the zoo experience you'd be used to, check out the Safari Park instead. It's park of the San Diego Zoo (both parks are operated by the same zoological society) but it's more centered on reintroducing endangered species to the wild (like the California Condor) rehabilitating injured animals, and breeding endangered species for conservation efforts. The dynamic is very different (HUGE open field enclosures for the most part) and there are a TON of different "safari" experiences. these are just a few.
http://sdzsafaripark.org/view-all-safaris

good luck and have fun.

Ideas neeed for after Disneyland/Hollywood Trip - Newport or ???

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