Which beach area to stay?

Question

I am still undecided on where to stay.

Will stay in Sedona first i think, then a couple of nights in the Grand Canyon before heading to the coast for a beach holiday.

A couple in our 50's and we prefer busy livelier places. Looking for a nice hotel with a good pool as more pool people than beach people but do like walking along the beach.

Looking for a location to stay where maybe we can hire a car to visit Palm Spring possibly or hire a car to visit other places.

Want a location where there are cafes and shops during the day but at night lots of restaurants, bars, cocktail bars within walking distance,

The places that keep pooping up are Manhattan, Laguna and Huntingdon beach.

Recommendations please.

Answer

For a lively beach holiday in Southern California that balances daytime relaxation with vibrant nightlife, your options of Manhattan Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach all have distinct vibes and amenities. Given your preferences—pool time, walkable cafes and shops, and easy access to other attractions like Palm Springs—here’s a detailed overview:

Manhattan Beach: This area is upscale, with a trendy yet relaxed vibe. The downtown area near the pier has excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars within walking distance. Hotels here often have pools, and the beach is wide and perfect for walking. It’s relatively close to Los Angeles for day trips, but it’s about a 2-hour drive to Palm Springs.

Pros: Trendy downtown, great restaurants and nightlife, clean and scenic beach, good hotels with pools.
Cons: More expensive, less of a resort feel, Palm Springs is a longer drive (~2 hrs).

Laguna Beach: Known for its artistic vibe and scenic coves, Laguna Beach offers a more intimate and charming coastal experience. Downtown is walkable with boutique shops, art galleries, and fine dining. Hotels often have pools, though the beach is rockier in parts. Nightlife is quieter compared to Manhattan Beach or Huntington Beach.

Pros: Stunning scenery, charming town, boutique shopping, quality dining, good pool hotels.
Cons: Nightlife is more subdued, less easy access to Palm Springs (about 1.5–2 hours), parking can be challenging.

Huntington Beach: Famous for its surf culture, Huntington Beach is lively and more casual. Downtown is busy, with lots of bars, restaurants, and evening activity. Hotels near the beach usually have pools, and the long beachfront is excellent for walking. Access to Palm Springs is around 1.5–2 hours by car.

Pros: Lively nightlife, great for walking along the beach, casual surf-town vibe, more affordable than Manhattan Beach.
Cons: Can be crowded, less upscale than Manhattan or Laguna, beach may feel more commercial.

Given your priorities—pool over beach, walkable cafes and shops, lively evening options, and reasonable access to Palm Springs—Manhattan Beach or Huntington Beach would be strong candidates. Laguna is beautiful and charming but less lively at night.

Suggested approach:

Stay 2–3 nights at a hotel with a pool near the beach (Manhattan or Huntington).
Use a rental car for day trips, including Palm Springs or exploring nearby coastal towns.
Spend daytime relaxing by the pool, walking the beach, or visiting local shops and galleries.
Evenings can be spent exploring restaurants, cocktail bars, and local entertainment within walking distance.

In summary, for a combination of lively atmosphere, pool-friendly hotels, and walkable day/night activities, Manhattan Beach offers a more upscale trendy vibe, while Huntington Beach is more casual and energetic. Laguna Beach is beautiful but quieter, better if you prefer scenic walks and boutique culture over nightlife.