Best beach town to walk/shop/eat between San Diego to Anaheim?

[Fall1]

We are heading to CA for the first time in April and would love a west coast counterpart to a cute little New England beach town. Ideally somewhere to walk, shop, eat and see the beach.

Where would you suggest? We are spending 2 days in SD before driving to DL.
Thanks!

 

[DLgal]

Either Carlsbad Village or Laguna Beach. Either is good. Parking is easier and food is cheaper in Carlsbad.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Either Carlsbad Village or Laguna Beach. Either is good. Parking is easier and food is cheaper in Carlsbad.

We are doing 4 nights in Newport after 4 nights in DL. We originally booked a home in Laguna but it was cancelled on us and the owner recommended Newport. Good call or no?

Also, we have two young kids, where is the tide pool beach in that area?

Sorry for thread hi-jack!

 

[DLgal]

We are doing 4 nights in Newport after 4 nights in DL. We originally booked a home in Laguna but it was cancelled on us and the owner recommended Newport. Good call or no?

Also, we have two young kids, where is the tide pool beach in that area?

Sorry for thread hi-jack!

Newport is more family friendly, so yes, good call. There are tide pools at Corona del Mar beach. On the south end.

 

[cruisehopeful]

We are heading to CA for the first time in April and would love a west coast counterpart to a cute little New England beach town. Ideally somewhere to walk, shop, eat and see the beach.

Oceanside harbor has all of that. There's lots of boating, small shops and restaurants. The ocean is a short walk (maybe a block) and there's also a pier not far from there that you can walk to. The pier has a restaurant on the end of it.

 

[oakleycat]

For wandering/eating/shopping, Laguna Beach is my favorite. Carlsbad Village and Dana Point are also good.

For kids and a 4-day stay, definitely Newport. Corona del Mar is the best for kids.