California - Malibu, San Clemente or La Jolla in February?

I am going to be driving cross the country in February making stops in Virginia, Arkansas, Santa Fe and Arizona. I have a choice of ending up in Malibu, San Clemente or La Jolla for 2 to 3 weeks. We want to rent a house and those are the available options. Any thoughts on which is better. I know it is the off-season and we are just looking to chill out and see a few sights. We don’t want to go anywhere real dead but its not important to be right next to the action. What will the SoCal weather be like in mid-February? Does vary amongst those three towns?

The weather does not vary a huge amount between the three cities, none the less, If picking among them, I'd still suggest La Jolla as being the best by having a touch more sunshine and being a bit warmer. La Jolla is a the most "up scale" of the towns (Beverly Hills south), Malibu is "rustic chic", while San Clamente has become mostly a high-end commuter subburb of Orange County. While you're not quite as close to the tourist areas of LA metro area, it's not an impossible trek (two hours max, outside rush hour)... While the best of San Diego is all less than 30 minutes away.

Frankly, you are not apt to be vastly dissappointed in any of these choices...

...but if you have specific activities in mind, they might help sort better.

I think San Clemente has gotten a whole lot nicer recently - more shopping restaurants, etc, than previously described, but still probably not where I'd want to spend 2 - 3 weeks.

Why don't you do 1 week LA beaches - Malibu or more happening in Manhattan Beach now & the last 1 or 2 further south - my strongest preference wuld be for Laguna Beach by far (there's tons of VRBO rentals there) - much more to do there than any of the other 3 mentioned, very much more charming town, nice restaurants, galleries, people hanging out, walking around, elegant resort hotels to visit, etc.

Weather is variable in mid Feb. Could be beach weather, if the Santa Ana winds out of the desert are blowing, could be rainy and a little chilly. Most likely, in the mid sixtys to low seventys at the beach in the afternoon with sun. If you come from the East, it will feel like paradise when you arrive. Californians will be shivering and wearing mittens at night.

La Jolla has less rain (and mud slides) than Malibu in Feb.

I'd echo the LaJolla suggestion. If you wanted surf lessons, LaJolla would be best for beginners. Try www.surfdiva.com. Also, check out Salk Institute for Louis Kahn architecture and Torrey Pines State Reserve www.torreypine.org

I know it wasn't on your original list but anywhere around Santa Barbara would be a fantastic CA beach option. Doesn't swilling wine like Miles in Sideways have some appeal?

Have a fantastic time.

La Jolla---hands down.

Stay close to La jolla cove and you wont regret it. The seals hang out on the beach at the cove and are something to go see. There are lots of upscale places to eat--galleries, Shopping, etc. The beach will be empty of tourists (and locals for the most part). Tons of attractions within a half hours drive of La Jolla.

But if you are thinking of doing water sports--it will be COLD. 56 degrees or so. But a lot of people like to rent the ocean kyaks at the cove and paddle around (water is clear and you can often see quite a bit of fish near the Kelp forests) Two person Kyak will run you 40$--they deliver them to the water and pick them up for you.

I stopped at Malibu and La Jolla on my last trip and I had such a great experience walking around in La Jolla. The seals alone is worth the trip.

About 30 mts north of San Diego and 1 hr north of the US/Mexico border. If you ran out of things to do in La Jolla, you can always drive south.

Thanks for all the great tips and information, everybody :)

It looks like La Jolla is the best bet even though the Malibu house sent a really good offer for 3 weeks rent. I guess they are negotiable since it is the off-season. I am assuming the cost of living is a bit higher in La Jolla but it sounds more like what we would enjoy.

Since I will have both of my dogs does anyone know if it is a canine friendly town (like the beaches and in town areas)?

Thanks for the surfing link but a walk on the beach is about as far as I will go. ;)

Since I will have both of my dogs does anyone know if it is a canine friendly town (like the beaches and in town areas)?

Here's a link to SD dog beaches and parks....
http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/7/68

and dog friendly places to eat...
http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/7/69

I'd go for La Jolla as well, and would like to add that downtown San Diego is closer to 15min than 30min away. Enjoy.

Here's a link to SD dog beaches and parks....
http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/7/68

and dog friendly places to eat...
http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/7/69

Those are perfect. ^

Thanks again to everyone that replied.

La Jolla