Another problem that the OP may encounter, along with the obstacles of public transportation, is the extended "Spring break" period, during which prices go up everywhere. It may even be too late to get a good beach close hotel for their visit.

Very good suggestions here re Laguna, Newport and Huntington. However I agree you shoud reconsider Santa Monica...it is fantastic with the beach, pier, promanade...the shuttle bus will take you everywhere including Venice. After a week last year in Newport we rented a house on the water in Malibu...beautiful as it was I was bored because you cannot walk anywhere and you are isolated so you made a good decision.If yo decide on Laguna check out the Inn at Laguna amazing view

Newport Beach has a lot of public buses that travel the area, and has lots of great shopping options, such as Fashion Island and nearby South Coast Plaza, lots of restaurants, multiple piers, etc. That would be my first choice.

Huntington Beach has a a couple of very nice 4 diamond Resorts, the Hyatt and Hilton with great beach placement. The nearby Main Street tends to trend to a younger crowd, and is known for its sporty feel.

www.visitnewportbeach.com

www.surfcityusa.com

Thanks LSCats - will book Super Shuttle this evening while in hotel in Mariposa. $64 total for 2 of us, and I guess for convenience and wanting to get to the hotel asap I'll pay that. Another forum poster advised on a very cheap way of getting from Laguna to Hollywood, so the cost of that trip should be very low.

What is your nightly budget for a hotel room?

sorry mate, this was a thread from about a month ago, I just wanted to thank LSCats for info on how to get to Laguna from LAX. Got Pacific Edge, beach view for $700 for three nights, including tax, should have got it cheaper but one of their employees messed the booking up and I didn't take the booking reference.

Thanks for letting us know.