Sunny Category 4 Destinations?
 

I've got a bunch of cat 4 certs that I'm looking to use. The gf and I are considering taking a trip to a sunny destination for a weekend sometime soon. It looks like the best options are South Florida, LA, or San Juan PR.

I know I've heard good things about the FS in Manhattan Beach, CA from people on here, but am wondering about other options in SoCal?

The main option in SJ, PR is the San Juan Miramar CY. It looks like a business hotel, with not much for tourists, but I'm wondering if it's a decent place to stay in the area. We'll likely get outside and explore Old San Juan, go to the beach, etc. We're not planning to spend a ton of time at the hotel. Is it a decent location for those activities?

In FL, considering Ren Boca Raton, FS Boca Raton, RI Miami Coconut Grove, and the RI Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach. Are these decent hotels for beach access, exploration of the area (shopping, dining, etc)?

What do you all think about these options in these cities? Do you have other suggestions for cat 4s in warm destinations for a weekend? To reiterate, I know I won't get a resort. I'm looking for something located decently, ideally not that far from beaches, and in a good area to "explore". Thoughts?

EDIT: Sounds like LA might not be the best choice.. so scratch that.

It was in the low 40's here last night, I think if you really want warm, southern FL or the Carribean is a better bet for winter than Southern California.

I would recommend the Fairfield Inn in Santa Maria, CA. Easy access to both Pismo Beach and Santa Ynez Wineries. Property is relatively new and there are a couple of very good "old school" steakhouses in Santa Maria for dinner.

I just got back from Boca Raton. Stayed at both the FS and the Ren. FS is more of a business hotel - if I were going for the weekend I would opt for the Ren. You have to drive to the beach from there, but the hotel has an awesome pool with a waterfall. It was definitely warm enough to lay out in January. Plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby - easy interstate access.

I dont mind driving to the beach. Sounds like it's what, about 10-15 min away? A nice beach, too?

IF you are a golfer I suggest the Ren at World Golf Village. Very nice and near St. Augustine too.

Unfortunately I'm not a golfer, but I still appreciate the suggestion. Mainly looking for proximity to beaches, dining, shopping, and/or other fun outdoor things (state park, sightseeing, etc).

Didn't go to the beach from here, but I would estimate about 15 minutes. Subsequently stayed at the Harbor Beach Marriott which is about 30 minutes away, and their beach was nice, so I would estimate the beach near Boca to be similar.

I was just in LA over the weekend - generally nice weather (sunny), but still too cold to be laying out on the beach. Probably recommend South Florida over LA for sure if you're looking mainly for beach/warm destination.

What about the Courtyard in Kona Hawaii or Courtyard in Maui? Or the RI La Jolla in San Diego.

Hawaii would be great, but I'm not sure if it's worth the flight for what would basically be an extended weekend. We're looking to travel Thursday evening - Sunday evening.

I take it you are MSP based, so why is HI too far but PR or MIA isnt?

Coming from a client in the midwest, but yes, MSP based. In either case, HNL is about twice the travel time of either MIA or SJU.

I agree, also time zone change is a killer.

Florida or LA or perhaps even AZ if you could do without the beach but depedning on when you go, you could use the pool!

MIA is about 3:30 direct from MSP. Msp to Hawaii nonstop ( if you can even get it) is close to 9 hours

Here is a cat 4 pointsaver in St Pete, a fun area. I would guess the beaches are 10 minutes tops as you have several in the area to choose from.

MSP is also my home airport and United typically has plenty of 25K R/T coach tickets to TPA

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...tt-clearwater/