San Diego vacation recommendations for a family (Santa Ana, Orange: rent, hotels)

[luzianne]

We were wanting to take a right after Christmas family vacation, probably early January. Our options include a cruise, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, southern Florida, or San Diego.

There will be 8 traveling, ranging from 50s to 1 year old, three generations. What I would like to find is someplace that there will be plenty to do for adult kids and they can go off and do things without traveling in a family pack, and we (grandparents) can watch the baby if our kids/significant others want to go do something without old people and kids.

A cruise and the Caribbean are both really expensive. I have read that a lot pools in Mexico are not heated in the winter, and a pool that is swimmable is a must for our 20-something kids/significant others.

The reason I am considering San Diego is I know at least there the pools will be heated. Thought about renting a beachfront home, but I think our kids would like it better to have their own quarters/hotel room instead of in a big house with the whole family.

I know last winter was colder than usual, but in general is January an okay time to travel to San Diego? I have been there in May/June, but not in the winter. I know January is possibly also a rainy season? Would it be better to ditch plans for January and plan to come a different time of year instead?

Now about places to stay - north county is appealing to me because I prefer suburban/more upscale to urban. But obviously staying downtown or Coronado would give us better access to attractions and the ability for the "kids" to venture off and find things to do on their own. A place right on the beach would be nice; our kids love the ocean (I know it will be too cold to swim). A kind of resort type place would be nice, too, where there are things going on or things within walking distance and a big pool or several pools.

To try to explain what I like/don't like - I didn't particularly like Mission Beach. I guess I don't like areas where it's built up a lot and the area seemed run down to me; would prefer someplace more upscale than that, newer construction, etc. I love the ocean near Cardiff and Carlsbad - but is that too far north and secluded from attractions in San Diego?

I have driven through Solana, Del Mar, La Jolla, but didn't see anything except the street.

Basically, someplace that the family can spread out, do their own thing at times and come together at other times, heated pool, on the ocean or very easy access to the ocean, and plenty to keep young adults busy. Anyplace like that right off the top of your head?

Would you recommend San Diego in January?

[bigdaddy5]

Near downtown - Hilton Bayfront, Hyatt, Marriott
Coronado - The Hotel Del

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Second Coronado but it's mostly old build too.

[cruitr]

Maybe the Catamaran: San Diego Hotels | Catamaran Resort and Spa, San Diego, CA

It's right on Mission Bay. Lots to do in the immediate area. Very walkable. Great beach biking too.

[bigdaddy5]

Check with Tripadvisor.com

[luzianne]

Originally Posted by bigdaddy5

Check with Tripadvisor.com

I have, extensively. For months. I research thoroughly. I am checking for recommendations by local people. I appreciate the recommendations so far.

[Encinitan]

If you've been to and liked the North County Coast, why mess with a good thing? There are some great resort hotels in Carlsbad, which has heated pools and beaches and is 30 mins or less to downtown San Diego by car or 45 mins by Coaster commuter train. There's a cute walkable village with tons of restaurants and shops. Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar are just minutes down the coast. Even South Orange County is within reach from there.
As for the time of year, January is really hit and miss. It could be sunny and 75, or it could be raining and 50, which with El Nino rains predicted to arrive may be the more likely weather for that time of year. I'd recommend a Spring or Fall trip instead, but that's your call.

[elchevere]

I agree with all of the above. Some love Coronado and the Del; will still be festive though as noted it is an older hotel and has a musty smell that annoys me. Great place to visit, but I might opt for Glorietta Bay Inn or Marriott. Catamaran would also be a good choice

I also agree with Encinitan for his fair assessment about January weather. Some will tell you it is beach weather here 365 days a year, which I disagree. Driving to the beach but being in long sweat pants and a long sleeve shirt topped off with a sweatshirt does not constitute beach weather to me, though you could rent and ride a bike at the beach on a non rainy day. If we get a Santa Ana condition it will be nice--but that might be one week (or less) out of the month. It can get cool, bordering on chilly in the morning and evening with a warm up from 1-4 PM in the afternoon. If you are from Minnesota that will still be very nice for you that time of year but you will not receive the consistent, warm weather that month that you will find in Florida (with the exception being a fluke 3-4 day Canadian cold front), the Caribbean, or South America and you definitely will not want to consider going into the ocean without a wetsuit.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

As for the time of year, January is really hit and miss. It could be sunny and 75, or it could be raining and 50, which with El Nino rains predicted to arrive may be the more likely weather for that time of year. I'd recommend a Spring or Fall trip instead, but that's your call.

I agree with this also. While the weather here will be better than 90% of the country, January is historically our coldest and wettest month of the year. With the prediction for a whopper El Nino, it will likely be wetter than usual.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by luzianne

We were wanting to take a right after Christmas family vacation, probably early January. Our options include a cruise, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, southern Florida, or San Diego.

Don't forget to throw Hawaii into the mix.