Go to MB or HB its much closer and you won't run into the megalopolis of homeless people that you will in SM

MB and HB will give you more access to beach front establishments too and isn't as geared toward the sucker tourist

take a cab at least on the way back. It will be a 10-15 minute ride and $25-30 beans

stay and extra day or two and catch the beatdown that USC gives ND at the coliseum on Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend