2-3 nights after Palm Beach conference.

Question

Im flying to LA May 27, renting an SUV, and heading out to a work conference with a friend and her 5 year old at the GORGEOUS LA Quinta Country Club resort (formerly Waldorf pre-Covid. I have 2 or 3 nights to be a tourist after conference where half my time will be poolside. I LOVE a good clean calm beach. Don't need beachfront or luxury (cant afford that anyway).but I've never been IN the Pacific Ocean. I require air conditioning, safety, a decent bed and close to shops or restaurants. Walking distance to a beach would be nice. I also love clear clean lakes and have no idea what a place like Joshua Tree would offer (limited hiking due to bad knee). I'm 61 and will be with a mom and young kid but possibly alone part of time too which is not a problem for me at all. Suggestions on places to stay. Beach or lake towns? Leave LA on Tues.June 3rd. PS. Social activism,nonviolent protest to save Democracy with my LA friends could become a priority.

Answer

For your post-conference stay in Southern California, you have a variety of options depending on whether you prefer the ocean, a calm lake, or a desert experience like Joshua Tree. Given your preferences—clean beaches, safety, air conditioning, decent beds, and proximity to restaurants and shops—here’s a breakdown of possibilities.

Beach Towns: Southern California has many accessible beach towns, each with its own vibe. Since you want clean, calm beaches without the crowds of luxury beachfront resorts, these are recommended:

Manhattan Beach: A quiet, upscale beach town south of LAX. The sand is clean, the water is usually calm, and there are plenty of restaurants and small shops along the pier and main street. Hotels are smaller boutique-style, most with air conditioning.
Hermosa Beach: A bit younger and more active than Manhattan, but still relatively calm. Walking along The Strand is enjoyable, and there are many casual restaurants and cafes.
Redondo Beach: Offers a more relaxed vibe with a long pier, and you can find modest hotels or vacation rentals that fit your budget and requirements. The beach is clean and often less crowded.
Laguna Beach: South of LA, known for its art galleries and clean coves. The beaches are stunning, often quieter than Santa Monica or Venice, and there’s a charming town with shops and dining within walking distance.

Lake Options: While the Pacific Coast is the main draw, California does have lakes suitable for calm water experiences. Options include:

Big Bear Lake: About a 2-hour drive from LA. Offers mountain scenery, clean lake views, and calm water. Plenty of hotels or cabins with air conditioning. Shops and casual restaurants are nearby. Easy walks along the waterfront are possible.
Lake Arrowhead: Smaller and quieter than Big Bear. The town is picturesque with boutique shops, restaurants, and a very calm lake suitable for reflection and gentle walks. Ideal for a relaxed stay with a mix of nature and amenities.

Desert Option (Joshua Tree): If you want a desert experience, Joshua Tree is famous for its unique landscape. Since you have a knee issue, limit hiking to short, flat trails. Highlights include:

Hidden Valley Nature Trail – a short, easy loop.
Cholla Cactus Garden – minimal walking, very photogenic.
Visitor center exhibits and scenic drives allow enjoyment without strenuous activity.
Accommodation ranges from cozy Airbnbs to small resorts. Expect fewer shops or restaurants compared to beach towns.

Given your interest in social activism, staying closer to Los Angeles proper might make it easier to connect with friends or attend events, particularly in West Hollywood, Downtown LA, or Santa Monica areas.

Recommended Strategy:

For 2–3 nights, pick one beach town like Manhattan, Hermosa, or Redondo for convenience, calmness, and accessibility. You’ll have proximity to restaurants, shops, and gentle walks on the beach.
If the lake experience appeals more, Big Bear Lake is a good compromise between relaxation and access to amenities.
Joshua Tree is best if you want a unique desert experience, but plan for minimal walking and longer drives.

Transportation-wise, since you’ll have an SUV, all these options are easily accessible from LA, and you can drive to nearby shops, restaurants, and sightseeing points. For lodging, aim for hotels or rentals with air conditioning, parking, and good reviews for cleanliness and comfort. Early booking is advisable for late May to early June as it’s a popular travel time.

Overall, if your priority is calm beaches and easy access to food and shops, Manhattan or Redondo Beach is the safest bet. For scenic lakes, Big Bear is ideal. Joshua Tree is more adventurous but requires careful planning given knee limitations.

2-3 nights after Palm Beach conference.

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