California - Southern California Tips for 2 day stay

Hey All,

Finally got some crystallization about what we are planning to do:

Day 1: Carlsbad Sheraton-Free via Points (June 30th)
Day 2-3: SD-Sorrento Valley HI Express-Free via Points (July 1-2)
Day 4-5? (July 3-4)
Day 6-7: Anaheim-BW Disney-Free via Points(July5-6)

Question, where is a good spot to visit and hunker down for a coupe of days for Days 4 and 5...

Kind of at a loss....

It depends on what type of place you want to be at. If you are traveling without kids, maybe a night or two at the Barona could be fun.

http://www.barona.com/ (Just an FYI, unlike Vegas casinos, I don't think the Barona allows alcohol on the gaming floor)

If that's not your thing, perhaps one of the OC beaches before you head to Anaheim.

You might give us a few hints as what you (or your travel companions) *like* to do...
;)

Why, for example, Sorrento Valley, since it's a ways from most attractions in San Diego? Just because you can use points? Do you need to use points ofr hotels on July 3-4? Staying someplace like Santa Monica or, as mentioned, an OC beach area, could be nice since temps likely comfortable and you should be able to find someplace from which to view fireworks (e.g., Santa Monica Pier), BUT it'll also likely be crowded and hotel prices could be higher than normal. Are you not going to L.A. at all?

If you can get the Carlsbad Sheraton (next to legoland?) for 4th of July, there are many places nearby to see the fireworks. Legoland does one and so does Park Hyatt Aviara which is nearby. I'm sure there are other local parks that do it, I just don't know which ones.

Beaches in OC or LA, as noted by others, are always a good idea, but also busy at that time, also as noted. another idea is to head inland for golf, pool time and some "dry heat" in the Palm Springs-LaQuinta desert area. also good rates...and likely possible options for hotel points usage.

Why, for example, Sorrento Valley, since it's a ways from most attractions in San Diego? Just because you can use points? Do you need to use points ofr hotels on July 3-4? Staying someplace like Santa Monica or, as mentioned, an OC beach area, could be nice since temps likely comfortable and you should be able to find someplace from which to view fireworks (e.g., Santa Monica Pier), BUT it'll also likely be crowded and hotel prices could be higher than normal. Are you not going to L.A. at all?

There haven't been fireworks off of the Santa Monica Pier on 4th of July for 15 years or more. The City's 4th of July event is almost always held the weekend before 4th of July and the firework display is at the Santa Monica College campus on the football field.

Hey all, thanks for the responses!

Traveling with my wife and two little ones (1 yo and 5 yo).

We will be staying in Woodland Hills with Family once we leave Anaheim for a few days (visit Malibu, Zuma Beach, Griffith Observatory, Camarillo Shopping, etc etc etc).

July 3-4 will be not on points so I'll be paying whatever.

Settled with:

June 30: Carlsbad Sheraton (Free)
July 1-2: SD: Sorrento Valley HIX (Free)
July3-4: SD: Courtyard by Marriot Airport/Liberty (Govt Rate which can be used for Leisure as well!...and we've stayed here before, nice place)
July5-6: Anaheim Best Western Plus (Free)
July 7-11: Malibu with Family


Looking forward to another Southern California Vacation (I think our 6th one in 2 years...)

Weather has been shapping up over the last few weeks... warm but not too hot... you should have a great trip if things hold up.

Disneyland has been pretty packed as of late [I live in "free firework" distance] so plan for some crowds, and take that mid-day break... place is open until 12 [shopping till 1] both of your nights

Weather has been shapping up over the last few weeks... warm but not too hot... you should have a great trip if things hold up.

Disneyland has been pretty packed as of late [I live in "free firework" distance] so plan for some crowds, and take that mid-day break... place is open until 12 [shopping till 1] both of your nights

Awesome!

We've never had bad weather in the past 3 years of visiting...good to know the trend will continue!

Yes with a 6 year old and a 1.5 year old, a mid-day break away from the crowd and heat will be a necessity!

How is Anaheim doing these days? :)

Yes with a 6 year old and a 1.5 year old, a mid-day break away from the crowd and heat will be a necessity!

How is Anaheim doing these days? :)

Good luck :D

Anaheim is booming for the most part. Lots of new developments but the same issues most of the country faces. Garden Walk, a mall built just down the road from Disneylad has gone from full to a few decent chain resturants and a lot of ghost stores. Still, there's lots more dinning, shopping and convinence stores around the area and stuff is getting upgraded at a quick clip too.

I've only lived here for a few months but it's nothing like the city I knew when I first moved to southern california a decade ago.

Good luck :D

Anaheim is booming for the most part. Lots of new developments but the same issues most of the country faces. Garden Walk, a mall built just down the road from Disneylad has gone from full to a few decent chain resturants and a lot of ghost stores. Still, there's lots more dinning, shopping and convinence stores around the area and stuff is getting upgraded at a quick clip too.

I've only lived here for a few months but it's nothing like the city I knew when I first moved to southern california a decade ago.

The US just seems to be stalled...going to take a while before it gets churning again...and being your neighborhood your success is essentially our success as we are so closely linked in trade!


Looks like a great weekend in Anaheim for you, enjoy! We only have 5 more sleeps till we land in LAX.

If I remember correctly, Last time I was down there a few weeks back I saw that the flower fields are in bloom, check those out if you can!