Where in San Diego for 10-11 nights with 3 year old?

OK, here%26#39;s my dilemma, and I hope someone can help. We%26#39;re spending a month, mid June to mid July touring California. After extensive reading, and internet surfing, I think our trip is looking as follows, but I need a bit of insider advice to make sure we get it right!

San Francisco - 5 nights

drive down to LA, stopping at the infamous Madonna Inn

8 nights - LA or Newport Beach (Query 1 on LA forum)

11 nights - San Diego area (Query 2)

fly back up to SFO and spend 3-4 nights at Half Moon Bay then back to UK.

OK, my first query, is would we have a more enjoyable time with our three year old son renting a cottage / house in Santa Monica for 8 nights vs. Newport Beach for 8 nights.

We like simple things like playgrounds, a swimming pool, maybe a day or two at Disney (still a little unsure if he%26#39;s too young), the beach, a nice bookshop and just generally hanging out with us. We like to visit the malls (I remember Fashion Island being good and kid-friendly). Where would you choose Santa Monica or Newport? And would you say house rental is better than a hotel in these areas?

My second query is around San Diego, and trying to choose exactly the right area there. We%26#39;ll want to go to Balbao Park, Legoland, Seaworld, the beach etc., and again simple things like a playground, and other toddler oriented activities! We don%26#39;t want urban, but we would like to be within walking distance of at least a playground. We%26#39;re considering renting a house as this is probably cheaper so somewhere close to a grocery store / simple restaurants would be good. I think the areas may be Mission Bay, Coronado, La Jolla, Carlsbad? Am I on the right tracks or way off??!!

Thanks from a very confused mum!

Where in San Diego for 10-11 nights with 3 year old?

Many areas of San Diego have a much more suburban feel than a city like London. I think renting a house/condo will give you and your child a more homey visit but that is a personal choice.

The beach at La Jolla SHORES has a grassy park next to the sand AND a playground. There is a hotel that has family cottages that may suit you called the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. The AREA is posh,residential but the hotel is an older property that people love for its location, not for its amenities. There may be houses to rent there as well which you may find at :

www.vrbo.com or other sites.

The area is about a 20min. drive north of our downtown and the zoo. It is about 30min south of Legoland.

Coronado is actually a separate city ,across the bay from downtown San Diego reached by a short no toll bridge. It has a small town feel. I cannot picture where a playground is located but there are definitely parks. The VERY expensive Hotel Del Coronado has villas for rent on the beach. There may also be condo rentals in the city. In summer this hotel , however is VERY full of tourists who come to look at it so it may not be the perfect place to stay.

There are many areas of Mission Bay as it winds around for a looooong way so IF you find a rental there post its address.

Carlsbad is a suburban town right near Legoland.

Again there are different areas of the town. The 4 Seasons Aviara Resort has wonderful family accomodations. There are also houses to rent.

There are other suburban towns between Carlsbad and La Jolla like Del Mar, Encinitas,Solana Beach.Any of these would be fine places to stay. Again ,I cannot tell you specifically where you will find playgrounds so when you find a rental that interests you we can look into the area further.

Where in San Diego for 10-11 nights with 3 year old?

Thanks for the swift response. I think I%26#39;m errring towards La Jolla after reading lots of posts on this forum. We prefer renting cottages/houses as it gives us a lot of flexibility, although I don%26#39;t get much of a break!

I suggest that when you find a place/s that interest you, post back here with an address.

Coronado and La Jolla are both gorgeous areas of San Diego to spend time in. You little one will love the sea lions at the La Jolla Cove. Fashion Island in Newport is a shopper%26#39;s paradise. Have fun! :)

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