Santa Monica?

[Tara8595]

For the first half of my CA vacation, we'd like to stay in Santa Monica to be at the beach, and just drive to tourist attractions in and around Los Angeles. Is this a good plan?

What is Santa Monica like? Are there some nice affordable hotels oceanfront? Any recommendations? Are there any coves nearby that would be good to snorkel?

Help!!

 

[NancyIL]

We stayed at the Four Ponts Sheraton in Santa Monica in 1998 in October, and it wasn't cheap even then. It was several blocks from the beach, and not in the greatest area. Expect to pay quite a lot for an oceanfront hotel

 

[nccoke]

We stayed at Venice Beach on our trip to California last October2002. My family stayed at the Best Western Marina Pacific Hotel & Suites,1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA. Toll free 8004218151. We came from Australia and did a lot of research on the internet before booking our hotels, we spent three days at this hotel in a suite which was very clean and spacious. The staff were very friendly and helpful, we went to Universal Studios from here and spent a day at the beach and did a lot of shopping at the stalls on the beach. When you stay here they have a complimentry breakfast which was really nice and the position to the beach was walking distance 200 metres. I would recommend this hotel and the price was very reasonable, hope this has helped you in some way.

 

[Tara8595]

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll definitely check it out.

 

[JenniferW]

Santa Monica Beach as I remember is NOT a good place to snorkel. In fact, most of California has waves such that snorkeling is not easy unless you find a little cove. It is still a fun beach, I love the mall there, and the pier is fun.

The only place I remember being aobut to snorkel was down close to San Diego in La Jolla. Anyone else know a place to go? if that isn't a priority Santa Monica Beach is a nice choice.

Jenn

 

[ilovemky]

I would definitily pick San Diego anyday!

La Jolla has snorkling, etc. http://www.lajollabythesea.com/index2.html

La Jolla Cove (1100 Coast Boulevard) is a very small beach, tucked between adjacent sandstone cliffs. Due to its extraordinary beauty, La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. It is within a short walk of the commercial area of the community of La Jolla, but retains a character all it's own.

The north facing La Jolla Cove has unusually coarse sand. Grassy Scripps Park is immediately adjacent and an excellent area for picnicking. Water visibility at the Cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet, making it a popular location for scuba divers and snorklers. La Jolla Cove lies within the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which helps to ensure that marine life remains plentiful. This is a look but don't touch area and the possession of game is unlawful.

L

The beaches are beautiful and clean and you are close to Sea World, and the World Famous San Diego Zoo along with many other wonderful places to visit. And only 1 1/2 hours from Disneyland.

Santa Monica has suffered in recent years from rather unsavory characters--maybe this has changed but as a native So Cal resident, I have limited my beach experiences to San Diego and Laguna Beach.

have fun!