Visiting in November, seeking your suggestions (San Diego, Long Beach: hotel, university, live)

[chloeg]

My husband, son and I will be in Irvine the first three weeks of November. Hubby will be overseeing a corporate merger and we are travelling with him. This is our first trip to California. That being said, I am seeking your advice on what to see while we are there. We already have a few days planned for Disneyland, but that is it. Any recommendations for day trips or activities for our son and I while my husband is working will be great. Our son is 5, if that helps. Also, if you have a favorite restaurant, please let us know.

I just have one final question...what can we expect, weather-wise? Where we live it is ranging from 50's-60's during the day and 40's at night right now; however, November will be much colder (think possible snow). Will we need jackets and layers or will shorts and sandals suffice?

Thanks so much! We look forward to hearing from you.

[Charles]

Legoland (Carlsbad)
Sea World (San Diego)
Long Beach Aquarium
Maybe Discovery Science Center but maybe too advanced for a five year old?

We went to Tanaka Farms in Irvine yesterday, great for kids but not sure if open in November.
Irvine Spectrum Ferris Wheel
Irvine Great Park Orange Balloon.

http://www.ocfamily.com/oc-family-listings-10.aspx


Weather will be perfect, Most likely in the high 60sF or low 70s, though there could be a could days in the low 60s and/or a couple days in the 80s.

[Coldjensens]

Legoland is great for a 5 year old. They even serve alcohol, so it can be tolerable for adults too.

Sea Workd is neat.

There is a beach just outside Laguna Beach (north on coast highway). IF you go there at low tide there will be all kinds of tide pools int he rocks. If you peer in and stand really still for a while you will see things like fish, sea stars, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, octopi, crabs, and those things that grow on rocks and move (sort of in between plants and animals).

Corona Del Mar beach has gentle surf and rarely (maybe never?) has a rip tide. It is the most popular beach for families with small children (if they can find it. It is hard to find).

There is (was?) a place called Mud park. Kids can play in mud. It is neater than it sounds. I am not sure if it is still there, we have nto been there in years.

IF you have a car with good clearance, there is a nice and very easy trail to Holy Jim falls. It is short, easy, beautiful and pleasant. It is very hard to get to the trail head though. You need high clearance, however I did make it out there in a Camro Z28 once.

You can take a tour of the Newport Bay on a little boat, or just ride the ferry a couple of times. (To a 5 year old, it is just about being on a boat, does nto matter where you go).

Rubies on the pier is neat. They have great malts and shakes (and decent burgers) and you might see dolphins swimming just off the pier while you are eating.

Weather is hit or miss. It can be warm during the day, but might be cool. It will probably be cool at night. You should bring shorts, pants, long and short sleeve shirts and a light jacket.

[designmunki]

San Diego Zoo!
Salt Creek Beach is lovely for a picnic. Rolling green hill meets beach = perfect.

If you're down Laguna Canyon Road you can also stop by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. It's a tiny place, but the neat thing is that it's rarely crowded and you can see sea lions up close (albeit behind a fence). Perhaps not worth a trip in itself but worth a stop if you happen to be in the area.

If you plan to be anywhere near the beach at night you will definitely need a sweater and/or a light jacket.

Favorite places to eat:

Pricey:
Fukada restaurant for Japanese food. The spicy tuna over brown rice is delicious!
Daily Grill for good ol' American.
Houston's has delicious burgers.
Las Brisas for Sunday brunch..try to get a table with a view of the ocean.
Il Fornaio - Italian. Recommend the creme brulee
Capital Seafood - dim sum


Less Pricey/Casual quick eats:
Philly's Best - chicken, cheese and mushroom sub!
Wholesome Choice (grocery store but the food in the deli section is actually quite tasty. Falafel plate, yum!)
Pho Bac - good place to get/try pho. Egg rolls are really good too. Recommend vietnamese iced coffee but careful, it's potent!
Cha for Tea at University Center - if you want to try the OC favorite - bubble/boba tea. Which is next to..
Yogurtland - self serve yogurt with a toppings bar
Chipotle - massive burritos!
Veggie Grill - vegetarian food
Arriba at Metro Point (specifically this one) - good mexican-style food
Cosi - flatbread sandwiches
Avila's El Ranchito
Wahoos fish tacos
In-n-out burgers

Obviously I like good eats. ^_^

[chloeg]

These are great suggestions! We really appreciate your help! Let me know if you think of anything else.

Chloe

[Matt Kim]

Don't plan long drives on back to back days. It will wear you out. Socal is spread out, the distance are deceptive. One day on a road trip. One day low key near the hotel. Trust me!

[jacobwilliam77]

Originally Posted by designmunki

Salt Creek Beach is lovely for a picnic. Rolling green hill meets beach = perfect.

That reminds me of Hawaii.

[Vary]

There's actually a lot at the Discovery Science Center that a 5-year-old would enjoy. It's very fun, hands-on exhibits.