We stay a couple times of year in the Pacific Beach area, north of the pier at the Pacific Terrace Hotel. We love the location right across from the beach, and have never had problems with college kids south of Garnet.

http://www.pacificterrace.com/

Thank you ihave2dogs we do have a packed week but I'm looking forward to doing as much as possible, there will be plenty of time to rest when we get home. It's good to get different opinions on the areas and I'm glad we will be staying in Huntington beach rather than mission beach from what you have said. Any suggestions as to reasonably priced hotels in HB?

I'll check out the pacific terrace hotel for another time as it looks lovely thank you CAnative!

What do you consider "reasonably priced" pinkydinkyire?

We saw the Best Western Regency was 90 dollars for the night so booked it yesterday evening. I don't think we will get more reasonable than that in HB :-) other hotels seemed to be around 250-300 per night for the time we wanted to book which was a bit high.

The BW Regency is priced low for a reason. It is not at the beach. It is about 2 miles north of the ocean on a busy street and is surrounded by car dealerships and service businesses.

That said, it is a decent accommodation -- clean and serviceable and convenient for getting to the beach and to Orange County tourist destinations by car.

We are only staying one night and will be meeting friends for dinner so the BW will be fine for sleeping and a shower. Thanks for all your help!

the area of Huntington Beach is beautiful and within minutes you have Newport Beach, which I suggest you go to and ferry to Balboa Island which is different than anything else you'll see. If you have time, you should drive then to Laguna Beach and stroll the town; if you don't have time for this at least go and enjoy the coastal drive...amazing scenery. I agree you should skip San Diego which is fantasic but save for another trip, too much to do