Recently a pregnant friend who lives in Southern California asked me where a fun place might be to take the other three kids for a last minute get away before baby #4 comes.
Now, I remember traveling at that stage of the game, and it is hard to move around, participate in an adventure trip, etc. All you want to do is just relax. but with three other kids around?
So – the key my friends is to keep the kids as happy as possible. And you don’t have to put them in a camp at the place I am going to recommend. It will still be a family vacation in all sense of the idea.
The place I am referring to is the La Jolla beach and Tennis Club. Now mind you – my well-healed travel friends have been known to complain about the amenities…the dumpy rooms..the low standards in beds. But – that’s not why you go here…You go here for a true beach vacation, where you don’t mind that the kids are dragging in sand from the beach just steps, YES steps from your door. (There are rooms farther away, so don’t get mad if you book a room that doesn’t happen to be right on the beach.)
You have access to a great family beach with small waves…food service on the beach…all kinds of activities like canoing, tennis, even a small par 3 (OK – maybe 2) golf course right on the property. There is also a swimming pool. It’s all right within walking distance, so the kids, if they are old enough, can go do their thing while you relax on the beach, or you can all participate as a family.
One of my favorite things is the night time dinners – you can order ahead and the LJ Beach Club will set up tables for you with a delicious BBQ right on the beach. RIGHT ON THE BEACH. Sit and watch the sunset while someone prepares dinner for you right there. You can also go to the store and buy your own food, and they will still set up the tables nd BBQ for you.
BUT _ don’t miss the s’mores. Your kids will always have that summer memory. The LJ Beach Club delivers the marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and once again the BBQ – and you make old fashioned s’mores right there!
If you want to leave the property, there are some cute dining options within walking distance. And let’s not forget San Diego’s attractions! You might want to add a few days if you are thinking about Legoland, Seaworld, etc. because there is too much to do – or not to do! – at the Beach Club.
I do want to warn the interested traveler, however…this palce can book up a year in advance. September is a great month to go is you can swing it with school starting and all – great weather and better room availability. AND – the prices are steep for the room that you get. But, as i said, you are paying for the true California beach experience.
