Vacation without flying -- from L.A.

[alleinesein]

Monterey- not really a beachy destination but you can veg out and do nothing

Santa Barbara- some beaches

Palm Springs- lots of resorts with great pool areas

Temecula Wine country- wine, wine and more wine. A few wineries with lodging. Day trip to Glen Ivy Hot Springs

San Diego/Coastal North County- variety of beach communities, lots of outdoorsy stuff to do (balboa park, hiking, etc)

[emilyinchile]

I was going to say Palm Springs too. CA beaches are too hit and miss with fog to qualify as good "do nothing sit on the beach" destinations for me, so I'd rather "do nothing sit in the desert"

[steph196]

Not a CA resort, but what about a Mexico cruise out of San Diego or Long Beach? They are so cheap right now!

[daisypaloma]

Big Bear, CA is a ski resort but they have summer events too. 

Catalina Island - you can hike, scuba dive, etc

I would pick either Santa Barbara or San Diego\La Jolla\Del Mar\Carlsbad\Coronado Island if you really want to just relax by the beach/pool.  You can get a vrbo for either one of these places.  Even Newport Beach/Huntington Beach would be a decent destination from the norm.

[GilliC]

If you're looking for a do-nothing type of vacation, I'd also consider a cruise. We took one departing from LA last summer for a mini family reunion, and the per-night rate was very affordable. Many of them start at less than $100/night even for a balcony cabin, which is pretty incredible considering that's full room & board!

[savan]

We spend a weekend here every summer. The beach and water can be a bit chilly earlier in the summer but we enjoy 2 days at the pool.

embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-mandalay-beach-hotel-and-resort-OXNCAES/index.html

[itsme]

Apr 29, 2015 19:10:32 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

I was going to say Palm Springs too. CA beaches are too hit and miss with fog to qualify as good "do nothing sit on the beach" destinations for me, so I'd rather "do nothing sit in the desert"

No no no!  I live in the desert and HATE it.  Why would anyone come this way?!  No.

[emilyinchile]

May 1, 2015 17:25:24 GMT -5 itsme said:

Apr 29, 2015 19:10:32 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

I was going to say Palm Springs too. CA beaches are too hit and miss with fog to qualify as good "do nothing sit on the beach" destinations for me, so I'd rather "do nothing sit in the desert"

No no no!  I live in the desert and HATE it.  Why would anyone come this way?!  No.

Palm Springs for a long weekend when all you want to do is drink and tan is fun. Doesn't mean I want to live there - I'm neither 80 nor an avid golfer! sxia said she wanted to sit on a beach and chill and offered the ideas of AZ or NM, which to me indicates she wants warmth, and as you know, most CA beaches are a crapshoot when it comes to sunshine and temperature. If what she wants is ocean views/sand/sound of the waves without the temp being that important, then my suggestion changes.

[nancybotwin]

I LOVE Avila (right near Pismo). Great vacation spot and easy drive from LA.

[sunny]

what's your price point? Amangiri