We are a family of 3 that will be in Southern California for 10 days at the end of March, beginning of April. Instead of traveling around, we would like to have a base to explore the Disneyland Parks and San Diego. Would the San Clemente area work or are we better off just splitting up between Anaheim and San Diego?
As someone who visits that area at the insistance of our kids and we love it too, I would suggest splitting up the time between the two areas.
First time we went there we stayed at one of the Disney hotels. If you would like to do that great, if not the forum has many suggestions on places that are walking distance or very close by. Subsequent to that we prefer staying in Orange County at a beach and driving in.
San Diego has a different feel for it and is a lovely city and i suggest you enjoy that place by staying there.
just my humble opinion
Edited: 3:02 pm, December 12, 2011It really depends on which you hate more,driving back and forth to San Diego and Disneyland from San Clemente, OR changing hotels.
I think it would make more sense to change hotels,especially when you'll be in California for 10 days.
IF you tell folks your budget/preferences we can make suggestions.
San Diego has a lot to do/see and the theme parks in and around Anaheim will also be fun for you. Give each their time and enjoy the differences!
OK, the Anaheim is great for a base, but I think splitting up the trip is a good idea, and not staying in San Clemente.
There are plenty of different types and styles of Hotels/Motels in the Anaheim/Garden Grove area with decent pricing due to the competition.
Also, there is plenty to do other than Disneyland (a typical visitors spend 3 days just at the Disneyland Resort (2 different Theme Parks) in the area, such as Knott's berry Farm, Three Different Dinner Shows, Museums, Major Sports venues, lots of great shopping, and if you want to visit a beach, lots to choose from with a reasonable drive. Here is a link to what is offered in the area.
If you are interested in LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (Northern San Diego County) I would plan to do that driving between the two cities, leave early from one, spend the day at LEGOLAND and then arrive at the other in the evening.
As for San Diego, of course, SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo are the most well known ones, but there is much more.
I would look at what type of things you would want to do at each area, and then do the split, many folks would go 6 or 7 nights in the Anaheim Area, and the rest in the main part of the city of San Diego.
I agree with others- split up your time to avoid the hassle of adding commute time. I would only stay in Anaheim during the time you are at the Amusement Parks. IF you want to experience any of the OC coast I'd pick up and move when you're done with Disneyland etc.
Darkbeers suggestion to hit Legoland on the way to San Diego is sound advice.
We did this trip 4 years ago with our 7 and 5 year old. Stayed in Carlsbad and had a blast. Easy drive to San diego. Coming back this year and staying in San Clemente. I think we are going to do more LA activities this time around.
