Which areas of San Diego/socal have the least amount of traffic and are near the water? (Seal Beach: camp, beach)

[cruitr]

Originally Posted by Aracheli

I'm terrified of driving, especially on the highways, but i also want to have nice weather. Are there any places out there that meet this criteria?

Sunset Cliffs. Except at sunset.

[Axxlrod]

Originally Posted by Aracheli

Which towns would you recommend? I am also worried about fires so can't do thousand oaks or nearby areas. Maybe Ventura? Never been there though.

You'd have to go north out of the major population centers.

Carpinteria
Grover Beach
Pismo Beach
Shell Beach
Morro Bay
Cayucos
San Simeon

Bring your wallet and a jacket.

[stablegenius]

Originally Posted by Aracheli

I'm terrified of driving, especially on the highways, but i also want to have nice weather. Are there any places out there that meet this criteria?

Shhhiiiieeeettt

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by Aracheli

Which towns would you recommend? I am also worried about fires so can't do thousand oaks or nearby areas. Maybe Ventura? Never been there though.

San Luis Obispo

[NORTY FLATZ]

"Terrified of driving." This kinda leaves you with few (as in zero) choices.

Where are you now?

[tstieber]

I'm confused by some of the responses in terms of saying Southern California is too sprawling to avoid needing a car but then recommending small towns where the density is even lower. Yes, they have cute little towns where you could walk, but that's no different than Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado, etc. Truly, there are walkable neighborhoods or towns all over SoCal and on the Central Coast, but you could never live in them without a car unless you want to be trapped in one place all the time. Really, only a few cities like SF, Berkeley, Oakland, parts of LA, maybe downtown SD (easy biking to Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, and trolley access), and Seattle would meet these criteria of walkability with significant infrstructure. You're really talking about city life.

I do think most of urban SD fits the OP's bill in terms of being near the water, being walkable, and having a temperate climate. But it's always nicer to have a car if possible.

[NORTY FLATZ]

Originally Posted by Aracheli

I'm terrified of driving, especially on the highways, but i also want to have nice weather. Are there any places out there that meet this criteria?

Yes, after further review, there’s an option.

But bear in mind, that these “limitations” you place on yourself, are “self-imposed.”

Catalina Island is about the only place I can think of.

You’re NOT getting on San Clemente Island, so that’s out.

Too bad freeways terrify you, as they’re quite useful. Maybe some therapy could help?

LOL, who an I kidding, I KNOW therapy can help. I see it everyday.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by tstieber

I'm confused by some of the responses in terms of saying Southern California is too sprawling to avoid needing a car but then recommending small towns where the density is even lower. Yes, they have cute little towns where you could walk, but that's no different than Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado, etc. Truly, there are walkable neighborhoods or towns all over SoCal and on the Central Coast, but you could never live in them without a car unless you want to be trapped in one place all the time. Really, only a few cities like SF, Berkeley, Oakland, parts of LA, maybe downtown SD (easy biking to Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, and trolley access), and Seattle would meet these criteria of walkability with significant infrstructure. You're really talking about city life.

I do think most of urban SD fits the OP's bill in terms of being near the water, being walkable, and having a temperate climate. But it's always nicer to have a car if possible.

I lived in PB for many a year and only drove when I had to. I had a mt bike with a trailer so any grocery runs etc were all by bicycle. The part that sucked was I had to commute to work after working from home for a few years. That commute was bad.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Around UTC. Actually somewhat doable now with the trolley, although the place has become an urban nightmare as far as I'm concerned (I remember the hills between La Jolla and UTC being covered with yellow mustard flowers in June...)

I suppose one could live without a car in Mission Beach/PB, too. There is reliable bus service. I know many college students stay there for a few years, and then move on.

[someguy10]

Originally Posted by Aracheli

I'm terrified of driving, especially on the highways, but i also want to have nice weather. Are there any places out there that meet this criteria?

Will you need to commute to work? Is the near the water just for weather or for using the ocean/beach?