<p>Well, we are looking at properties on the beach, but are not needing it to be beach weather. When we were along the Oregon coast in August, it was in the upper 60s, and it was perfect - we could go out hiking all day long and not get too hot. We didn’t need to go in the water, but wanted a beach to walk along. Upper 60s and sunny will be a HUGE improvement over Chicago in February. I just want a nice place to hang out with my kiddos - we don’t need a lot of nice restaurants (but do want a nice kitchen - D2’s SO is a sous chef), or shopping/museums, etc. Just a laid back smallish town that makes us feel as if we and our neighbors are the only ones around for miles, and where we can walk along a beach for a long time, or take a bike ride for many miles without dealing with lots of traffic, etc. </p>
<p>I don’t mind spending some money on this rental because we will actually be saving money by not having to pay for D2 and SO to fly to somewhere else to meet us (if this doesn’t work out with D2 and her SO, then H, D1 and I will likely go to St. John, because I like the remoteness of it). I really just see us all hanging out, taking the dogs out for long walks, etc. Some of the places I’ve looked at have game rooms with pool tables and spas. Not probably stars’ homes, but not something really small… although one of the places I looked at claims to have been owned by a few stars (it listed several names, which I now forget - oh, Captain and Tenille was one), and it’s really, really nice with gorgeous mountain views and ocean views, but probably a couple of miles to the beach, so I ruled it out. </p>
<p>I hope very much that it’s pouring rain at the California beaches this February (no offense, teriwtt, but when one can take a hike on the bottom of what is usually a reservoir, it’s a problem). If you want to go to the beach in February, how about Florida?</p>
<p>I’m not a fan of Florida or the desert. If it were me, I’d go to Mendocino. I’d expect cold and fog, bring warm clothes, and go for long walks on the beach and in the redwoods.</p>
<p>CF - I know there are drought problems in CA and they desperately need rain - D2’s SO’s family lives in the Sacramento/Folsum area - they’ve been hit hard. We’ve done Florida several times in the winter, and to do Florida, D2 and her SO wouldn’t be able to spend as much time with us as they’d be spending two days of their time away on travel, and they’d have to either board their two dogs, or pay a dog sitter. Anywhere within driving distance for them (so they can bring the dogs) is what we really need to do. And D1 has lots of travel flexibility, so it just makes more sense for D1, H and I to go to D2 and SO in So Cal.</p>
<p>If we are within easy driving distance for them, they might even spend a few days with us, go home for a couple of days, then come back and join us, depending on their work schedules (she works mostly weekends). We visited her last February for her birthday, and the timing/weather were perfect for a getaway from the midwest winter.</p>
<p>I agree that the San Diego area would be a good idea to consider. This place in Del Mar <a href=“BRAND NEW REMODEL - 5 STAR QUALITY! - Del Mar”>http://www.vrbo.com/585585</a> is a few blocks from a place we stayed in a couple of years ago (our place only rents by the month). It’s literally a block and an half from the beach, and a few blocks to town. The north end of the beach is a dog beach, about 10 minutes up. It is a gamble how warm it will be - we were there in February and some days you needed jackets; on rare occasion we could sunbathe. You can get to the 5 very quickly and head into San Diego.</p>
<p>colorado_mom - when I do a VRBO search, it allows me to filter my search with dogs welcome or not, and while that narrows down our choices, there are rentals that allow them that meet all of our criteria. Yes, you have to put down a deposit, but you have to do that at most hotels you stay at, too, when you travel with pets. </p>
<p>La Quinta Inns are dog and pet friendlly, if you decide to go that route. They also offer free included breakfast and reasonable rates. We have stayed at a few.</p>
<p>@dietz 199 - I’ve heard wonderful things about Santa Barbara and I think it’s in consideration; however, I’m not sure how far one can go up the coast and still be somewhat assured you might see some days with highs in at least the upper 60s/lower 70s. I realize when I mentioned Carpinteria, it’s basically Santa Barbara. </p>
<p>If we do that area or anywhere Malibu north, I’m definitely going to keep in mind the Channel Islands National Park; that’s just the kind of thing we’d enjoy doing. </p>
<p>@nottelling - yes, the places I’m looking at, I’m seeing on a map. I am reading each listing very, very carefully; I don’t even want to be on the other side of the PCH; several really beautiful places are across the PCH, in the hills, and have gorgeous views, but I’d prefer to be on the beach, not even just a couple of blocks away. I want nothing to stand in my way of sitting out on the deck with a book, enjoying the sounds of the ocean, and views, then when my eyes get tired, putting the book down and going for a walk on the beach. </p>
<p>I think some of you who live in CA and are saying it’s not warm in February, may not be taking into consideration that it will likely be 32° here for a high, if we’re lucky! Absolutely nothing in bloom, and lucky if we see the sun. If we see the sun, it means the skies are clear, which likely means it will be much colder than 32°. This is all relative! I’m not looking for 85°, just anything above 65 for daily highs. When we were in LA last February, it did get to 85° a couple of days - I know that that’s unusually high, but even ten degrees cooler than that would be awesome!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on many – if not most – beaches in Southern California. Many of our loveliest beaches are part of the state park system; the “no dogs allowed” rule is enforced strictly on those beaches. The rule applies only to the sand; dogs are generally allowed on trails on the bluffs on leash. </p>
<p>Malibu Colony is a private beach ( at least to the mean high tide line). Might have better luck with dogs there.</p>
<p>Try Airbnb for La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach or Encinitas. Last February we had almost no rain in San Diego and mostly good weather. We ride bikes and paddleboard year round on the bay. Great hikes at Torrey Pines or further inland at Iron Mountain or Potato Chip Rock. You could to a day trip to Palm Springs and another to Julian in the mountains. Also you are less than 2 hours from LA if your d needs to go back for a day or two.</p>
<p>Thanks @nottelling - I will keep that in mind. H and I would be the only ones who would be leaving our dog at home, so it won’t be a problem for us! </p>
<p>Ds will have to deal with it if they can’t walk their dogs on the beach. I think we’re being pretty darned accommodating by including the dogs on this vacation.</p>
<p>Re going “north” of LA to Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara is pretty far WEST of LA but is barely north at all. There’s not going to be a significant difference between Malibu and Santa Barbara when it comes to latitude. </p>
<p>If you want remote and isolated on a beautiful, uninhabited beach: I wonder if there are short term rentals in Hollister ranch, just north of Santa Barbara. The parcels are 100 acres, one house per lot. They don’t allow day trippers at all. It is crazy how isolated and wild it is. The houses aren’t fancy. I don’t know if they allow VRBO-type rentals. Probably not. </p>
<p>How’s the tar situation on Hollister Ranch beach, nottelling? 35 years ago DH and I both ruined pairs of athletic shoes during the corporate picnic from hell. (Get on the bus at 8:30 in the morning, nothing whatsoever but alcohol and mixers until 4:30 pm when Santa Maria bbq was finally served.) </p>
<p>We like Laguna Beach a lot, and there is a beautiful small botanic garden in Corona del Mar that always raises the spirits. San Diego is really nice, but typically warmer if you are a little inland. La Jolla could be gorgeous at that time of year, or could be foggy. </p>
<p>Quick update… I emailed D2 earlier tonight before I started this thread, and just heard back from her. She says all of those areas look awesome to them, and they’ve never been to Palm Springs. So this might actually pull together!</p>
<p>@nottelling - yes, you’re correct; I often forget how that part of CA goes more west than north. I only just made my second trip to LA last month, so I’m still learning the area (D2 has only been out there for two years). </p>
<p>One more suggestion, if you are open to a more modest beach cottage/ shack or two: Crystal Cove, which is half way between Newport Beach and Laguna. </p>
<p>It is one of my favorite beaches. It is a very long and wide beach that is at the bottom of a steep bluff. Pch is at the top of the bluff but when you are at the beach it really feels like a world away. The CA State Parks Service has restored a small group of old beach shacks and they rent them out. There are lovely tide pools on the beach and hiking trails into the hills on the other side of PCH. </p>
<p>It might be a downside for you, but it is walking distance to a small upscale outdoor mall with nice restaurants, shops and a Trader Joe’s. </p>
<p>Even though you are only five minutes from the glitz of Newport Beach or Laguna, when you are on the beach you feel like you are worlds away. </p>
<p>I’ve never stayed in the cottages but I’ve bern to the beach there often in the winter. A big plus is that the beach is protected from the wind so it is a good winter-time beach. No houses on the beach other than the rental cottages. They truly are shacks though.</p>
<p>Also – I did a quick look; Hollister Ranch is a no go. (PS – i haven’t been ti HR for 10 years but yes there was a lot of tar in the sand when I was there too!)</p>
Many of our loveliest beaches are part of the state park system; the “no dogs allowed” rule is enforced strictly on those beaches. The rule applies only to the sand; dogs are generally allowed on trails on the bluffs on leash. </p>
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