Summer Vacation: Huntington Beach, Santa Monica or Newport Beach?? (Redondo Beach: apartment, rental)

[bizkitgto]

Hey guys,

Where would be the best place to go for summer vacation (guys/girls in their 20's) in June/July (maybe 4th of July weekend)? We're looking for mostly good nightlife and good people (we're willing to spend a little extra if it's worthwhile). Does anyone know which would better suit people in our demographic? I'm leaning towards Santa Monica, but my friends heard Huntington has better atmosphere, but I don't know much about any of these places. The people I'm going with are all leaning in different directions, I've been to LA but never to any of the beaches. It'd be great if anyone can shed some light.

Thanks.

[BRinSM]

all three would be a good option. each city has plenty of places to ride your cruisers on the beach and has plenty of bars within walking distance of the sand. from my experiences, newport is the easiest to rent a beach house for a short term. santa monica would also probably be the most expensive and may be the most difficult to secure a short term rental (unless you just plan on staying in a hotel). good luck with whichever city you choose.

[1200RT]

Agreed with BR, as usual. SM will be the most expensive, followed by Newport and then HB. They would all be fun - in fact, if you had a car, you could easily visit each. I think it'll probably come down to cost for hotels. Hey - you could always do a night in each spot (if you're going to have a car).

[LASam]

Santa Monica will provide you the widest variety of options for nightlife. To save some cash, I'd recommend staying inland a bit (but west of the 405) and taking the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to get around. You'll have easy access to Venice Pier, Venice Canals, Venice Boardwalk, Abbot Kinney, Main St Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Promenade, Santa Monica Pier, and Montana Ave Santa Monica. You also can rent bikes in Santa Monica and take the bike path all the way down to Redondo Beach if you want to see the South Bay beach cities (Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo). Just be prepared that summer starts late and ends late in LA. Our summer doesn't start in earnest until July usually, as June is often associated with fog and cooler temps (June Gloom).

[bizkitgto]

Originally Posted by LASam

Santa Monica will provide you the widest variety of options for nightlife. To save some cash, I'd recommend staying inland a bit (but west of the 405) and taking the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to get around. You'll have easy access to Venice Pier, Venice Canals, Venice Boardwalk, Abbot Kinney, Main St Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Promenade, Santa Monica Pier, and Montana Ave Santa Monica. You also can rent bikes in Santa Monica and take the bike path all the way down to Redondo Beach if you want to see the South Bay beach cities (Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo). Just be prepared that summer starts late and ends late in LA. Our summer doesn't start in earnest until July usually, as June is often associated with fog and cooler temps (June Gloom).

Thanks for the response, do you know if you are trying to get a hotel or rent a house/apartment how far in advance you should book if you want to get a good location near the beach? I was thinking of renting a apartment (any high rises in the area?) near the beach, close to restaurants/nightlife. Any idea how expensive a cab ride to West Hollywood one night would cost? I'd like to experience the LA nightlife at least once.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by bizkitgto

Thanks for the response, do you know if you are trying to get a hotel or rent a house/apartment how far in advance you should book if you want to get a good location near the beach? I was thinking of renting a apartment (any high rises in the area?) near the beach, close to restaurants/nightlife. Any idea how expensive a cab ride to West Hollywood one night would cost? I'd like to experience the LA nightlife at least once.

I hope you plan to come with some $$. Obviously the closer to the beach the more expensive- not to mention, santa monica is one of the most expensive place to live/rent in Souther Cal.

[bizkitgto]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

all three would be a good option. each city has plenty of places to ride your cruisers on the beach and has plenty of bars within walking distance of the sand. from my experiences, newport is the easiest to rent a beach house for a short term. santa monica would also probably be the most expensive and may be the most difficult to secure a short term rental (unless you just plan on staying in a hotel). good luck with whichever city you choose.

What's the vibe like in HB, SM, NB? Are the people pretty laid back, easy to talk to?

[BRinSM]

HB and NB have a very OC vibe and SM has a LA vibe. Only someone who has experienced both will know what i'm talking about. however, both are pretty laid back and have great bar options (nightclubs tend to be inland). some of the bars definitely go off though. you may also throw san diego into the mix as well. pacific beach is probably the biggest party beach town in all of CA and downtown san diego has the highest concentration of nightclubs i've ever seen.