So it’s Memorial Day…I can tell because when I went grocery shopping all the bbq sauce, chips, and beer were displayed front and center. Got me fired up….except then I remembered we have no plans. Scratch that – we actually do have plans – sitting in the hottest part of LA watching baseball tournaments and softball tournaments for our son and daughter.
Don’t get me wrong – I love it. Love the other families… love the sport…love watching my kids play. But, c’mon…I am also in the mood for a true So Cal summer kick off.
There is one place that comes to mind for that no-other-like-it-summer-feeling. It is the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club near San Diego, CA.
It is a fun family get away. Located on La Jolla Shores, the beach is totally gentle yet fun for kids to boogie board also.
And some of the hotel rooms are right on the beach, which is convenient – especially when you have younger kids who need a diaper change or can’t nap on the beach. (Funny, that is NOT a problem for many adults…)
The rooms are VERY casual so you don’t have to worry about dragging in sand (if you are used to only 5 star resorts, this may not be for you)..and some come with kitchenettes. Which leads me to my favorite thing about the hotel – at night the staff will set up a beach bbq for your family and friends if you want. Literally – tables, linens, chairs, and a bonfire right on the sand.You can grocery shop yourself and bring the food and drink, or you can order through the hotel. Key to the kids’ enjoyment: Definitely order s’mores stuff from the hotel or buy it yourself.
The dinner can be as casual as you want it….(my friend’s kids climbing on the chairs…)
Or nicer for a special occasion.
If you are on the beach and want lunch, simply raise a flag on your beach chair and a hotel waiter will come and take your order for lunch then deliver it to you beachside. Nice.
The hotel has other amenities that make it stand out – a great tennis program, with courts right there. A pool, so kids can go back and forth between sand and swimming. And a par-3 golf course, really great for the kids.
You never have to leave the hotel, but if you do, there are a number of great things to do in nearby San Diego – Zoo, Sea World, and Legoland in Carlsbad which is a little farther away.
Important tip: June can be very gloomy and cold – it is a gamble. You may get lucky. September is most beautiful.
If I may continue with the theme of MY upcoming weekend, a short stay here is a home run.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend….
