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So Cal Done Right...and Within Budget

By Lisa Barry-Gofberg July 8, 2014
Southern California, known for its high cost of living, high gas prices, and for being an expensive vacation spot can be just the opposit. There are options all over Southern California that allow families to explore its amazing destinations without breaking the bank. Here are three hot summer destinations that will allow you five fabulous nights for around $1000!

Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach


     Photo courtesy of HGI Carlsbad Beach

The HGI Carlsbad Beach is located in Northern San Diego County directly across the street from the picturesque Carlsbad State Beach and offers everything your family needs for a great vacation - a huge pool and jacuzzi area, plenty of outdoor space, an onsite restaurant, and close proximity to some of the area’s top destinations, including Carlsbad Village, LEGOLAND, and, of course, the beach!

This summer, you can experience it all with their Beach Family Package which includes overnight accommodations, complimentary breakfast for two (kids eat free when accompanied by equal number of adults) and 15% off a host of activities and attractions.

HGI Carlsbad Beach has a prime location allowing you to explore all that Northern San Diego County has to offer. With fridges and microwaves in all rooms, complimentary wi-fi and rates starting at $229/night, you can make a $1,500 five-day vacation happen.


La Casa Del Zorro


     Photo courtesy of La Casa Del Zorro

La Casa Del Zorro is a unique resort located in the heart of Borrego Springs in inland San Diego County. While summers may be hot out that way, with 26 pools, the hotel has plenty of ways to keep cool. 

The hotel's 40+ acres offer family activities like a life-sized chess board, horseshoes, ping pong, tennis, shuffleboard and bocce ball and its location near Anza Borrego State Park offers the chance for beautiful hiking and amazing wildlife sightings.

This summer, you can book a two-bedroom casita for six nights for $999. Choose their Summer Stargazing Package and learn about how La Casa Del Zorro is a great spot for stargazing. This package offers accommodations, breakfast for two, use of hotel telescopes and on select nights, join the Stargazing Party (with a professional astronomer) and the chance to check out meteor showers as they pass by. Be sure to sign up for the new Kids Camp and enjoy summer s'mores and stories and dive-in movies on Saturday nights.


Kimpton’s Hotel La Jolla


     Photo courtesy of Hotel La Jolla

Kimpton’s Hotel La Jolla just north of the city of San Diego is a perfect destination for kids. Their ‘Kids Have All the Fun’ family initiative invites kids to choose a welcome prize from the hotel’s treasure chest and gives them access to s’mores, family game nights, miniature golf nights, kids’ movies under the stars, beach cruiser and scooter rentals and the use of Kimpton signature animal plush robes.

Kimpton’s Hotel La Jolla has partnered with local companies Surf Diva and Everyday California to offer kids the chance to snorkel, kayak, and surf at a discount. Check out their Something Fishy package, explore hands-on educational activities and gawk at the daily shark reef feedings.

Rates start at $209 in early August and $189 in late August.