ATSEAMYLIFE

Truer words were never spoken. I use Uber all the time both in the US and Europe and it's amazing how we did without it.

Eric is dead on, plenty of hotel shuttles from LAX but no hotel does a shuttle to the port. You might consider a Carnival shuttle from LAX if they offer one. We did that on RCL from Orlando airport Grand Hyatt after spending the night after a late flight the day before.

You won't find any hotel shuttles that will do that route. You will find plenty of shuttles from LAX to hotels near LAX. But from the LAX hotels to LB you will have to hire somebody. Best to just price shop for LAX hotels and see what rates you like. We always stay at the Hilton LAX as we like the shuttle, rooms, location, food, and bar.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and we stayed at the Doubletree. It wasn't one of my best experiences at a Hilton property. We got in late and the shuttle to the ship was sold out so we had to RSVP an Uber. Rooms were a little tired and dark. We ended up with a 3rd floor room overlooking the courtyard and there was a wedding reception with very loud music. I went down to the front desk and asked how much longer and they told me they had to shut down at 10:30 PM, which I'm good with but come 11:15 and then 11:30 I'm not OK. Pro: the food at the restaurant was excellent as was the service. It sits directly on the marina with outside meal seating so much better view than the CP. I would stay again but would book a marina view room.

Now that's the way I would do it. My mom and dad lived on Coronado at the Landing and there's several very good places to eat near the ferry landing and the trip isn't bad also. Now if you want to go 1st class book a dinner or cocktail sunset bay cruise.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and have stayed many times at the Hilton directly across the street from SNA. In fact have walked a few times to/from. The hotel has a very nice restaurant if you don't want to walk. There's an IHop, El Torito, and Gulliver's all within walking distance and not bad. Personally I would just eat at the hotel. Yes those times should be good for avoiding traffic.

It's not near the cruise terminal but a short trolly ride into Gaslamp our fav is Louie & Mickey's. Just avoid it if there's an event at Petco. https://www.louandmickeys.com/

We found it rather calm almost like being on a lake most of the time.

Eddie V's (steak and seafood) is good and in a cool area. It doesn't open until 4:00 PM however.

Still a great place to stay.

All things being equal I would pick John Wayne. It has better services when you are waiting for the flight at the end of the cruise.

We see plenty getting brought in during lobster season and it's pretty easy to tell if it's fresh and from the locals. Best thing is lobster season is for the most part low tourist season especially during the week for lunch. We usually go in January and February. We haven't found the "top" rated places on the review sites to be the best. Sandra's gets high marks and we weren't impressed at all. Ortega's Patio was very good. Seite Mares we haven't tried but friends really like it. It will be our next spot to try.

Mexican Rivera lobster is out of season, if you find it it's probably frozen and flown in from China or south America. We have never found good lobster in Baja after February. We only live a few minutes from Puerto Nuevo and we can watch the lobster fisherman tending their traps from our balcony. I haven't seen any activity for at least two weeks.

I wouldn't bring a "puffer" but plan on dressing in layers. If you're out late in the evening it will be cool and during the day if the sun is out and there's no wind you can wear shorts and t-shirts. The further inland the warmer and along the coast cooler with fog in the AM. It's seldom "ski" jacket cold, but a sweatshirt and wind shirt/jacket can be welcome. Best thing is weather can be fairly predictable in advance. So watch the local LA weather reports a week or two in advance and they will be pretty accurate.

We have stayed at that ES several times. If you step out the side door into the alley and turn left down a few steps is the "G Street Deli" they have a great selection and might have it. It's easy to check before walking all over. They have great deli sandwiches if you happen to want to do a little picnic.