I’m joining DH for a long weekend later this month. He’s attending a conference and I plan to just relax–maybe shop a bit, hopefully walk on the beach, etc. I’d like to visit a gallery or two in the Laguna Beach area but that’s all I have planned. It’s been suggested that whale watching in this area can be very exciting–can anyone speak to that? Might be fun.
I had in mind that it would be warm there but as I look at the forecast online, I’ve found it’s not really all that warm and perhaps a bit rainy.
I’d welcome input from those familiar with the area between LA and San Diego—what to wear and what not to miss. I will be pretty much on my own except for a dinner or two with DH. …leggings and ballet flats with a lightweight jacket? Is walking on the beach an option?
The temperature can vary by 30 degrees through the day.
As far as what to see----that depends on what interests you. I always recommend that friends of mine book lunch or dinner at the restaurant at the Getty Museum. It’s a spectacular view of the west side to the ocean and the food is good. And the art is not too shabby either.
I second layers. Just came back from Santa Barbara via LA. Boots or closed-toe shoes, fleece or really light-weight down jacket, sweaters, jeans, long and short sleeved Ts, shirts, or sleeveless tops to wear under other layers so yo can peel off/put on throughout the day. It was 60 during the day an mid 40s at night. If it’s still raining, bring an umbrella and don’t complain about the rain. They need it–just not all at once!
If you’re driving, get the Sigalert app for traffic. Layers, yes. Walking on beach very much an option. Third Street in Santa Monica (and the pier, eh) very popular. My relatives from the Midwest love driving around Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, etc just to look at houses. Bring flipflops in case weather is good. I could’ve worn them today.
ETA: If it’s raining and you’re driving, be careful! Southern Californians do not drive well in the rain.
Lots of Whale Watch tours out of Dana Point. Very fun, not expensive, there are Groupons and other deals available… If you are coming from a cold place, you’ll think it is hot and you’ll only need a t-shirt. I never wore a coat when I lived there but I’d see others walking the dogs bundled up like they were going to the north pole. Layers is a good idea. On the water is a little breezy. Dress warmly if you go on the whale watching.
Whoops, just looked at online menu for lunch at Las Brisas. Pretty pricy. There is a lovely landscaped park/walk/gardens along the bluff there with a couple of places with stair access to the beach. You could walk along the beach, go up to the park for a different view, walk there and then back down.
Laguna area is one of my favorites and we will be back there in March. Do you have a waterproof layer, like a Marmot PreCip? It’s an El Niño year.
This is an El Nino year, so yes, more rain than usual. We spent a week at Laguna Beach last March (but first week). I was OK with shorts and long sleeves during the day with walks on the beach (even wore short sleeves a couple of times), as long as I was active. In the evening, you’ll want a jacket in addition to something long-sleeved if you’re walking into town for dinner. As long as we were walking around and it was sunny, I was fine in shorts. We did a hike at Crystal Cove State Park one afternoon, and I was hot! But it was quite a strenuous hike.
I live about 20 min from Laguna Beach. More than likely you will think it is warmer than we do. Anything below 70 degrees and we break out sweaters and Ugg boots. The highs should be in the mid to upper 60’s. Walks on the beach will definitely be possible (as long as it isn’t raining) just not in a bathing suit. I recommend Crystal Cove State Park (just up the road from Laguna), if you go,have lunch at Bear Flag Fish Co, at the Crystal Cove Promenade, also 1000 Steps Beach (in Laguna), downtown Laguna Beach. if you like to walk my favorite walk is Balboa Island in Newport Beach, there is a boardwalk all around. You can take the Ferry across to Balboa Peninsula, and be sure to have a Balboa Bar.
For clothes I would say layers but during the day you will be fine with light paints and a light sweater. It is an El Niño year, but so far we have only had a couple days of rain.
We did see a few crazies who went into the water in their bathing suits. 95% of them had wet suits on and were surfers or paddle boarders. But yes, coming from the midwest, it was like a heat wave for us.
I grew up there and now when I visit from a colder place I take a maxi dress or two, some capri pants and one pair of long pants. I layer with tanks & shirts, jackets & I take a lightweight scarf. Yes to the flip flops, too. How fancy you are depends on where you go! That’s what I am taking this month when I swing by the check on the old folks.
I just spent six weeks in OC over the winter and everywhere i went in my summer dresses I saw women working in big sweaters, boots, etc., I call it pretending it’s fall For me, 60-85, that’s summer.
I’ve never been a big fan of layers…I wear long sleeved shirts during the day in winter and some sort of jacket at night (usually denim or leather). Never need more than that. I’m also not a big fan of shoes and socks; I wear Ugg-type clogs in winter, sandals in summer.
Laguna’s nice - it’s halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. Great theatre in both places. There are 2 Getty Museums in LA - one has a large collection of Renaissance Art and some modern art; the other is a Villa with cloisters, etc.
If you come down to San Diego, Balboa Park is beautiful. So are Coronado and La Jolla.
For me, 60-85, that’s summer.