OCEANSIDE (CBS 8) - 'Tis the season for vacation planning, and this year the Himmel family decided to head to one of the world's most exotic ports of call -- a gorgeous spot with unbeatable weather, beautiful beaches, scenic mountains and amazing amenities.
This year we're staying right here in San Diego, and I'm going to show you some great bargain staycations right in our own backyard. We begin at a cozy cottage by the sea.
To say that this is a staycation without peer would not be accurate. This is a sweet spot with pier and harbor and surf and sand just steps from your front door. Welcome to Roberts Cottages, a pint-sized slice of paradise at a bargain price.
"They were built in 1925. They were originally built as one complex and in the mid-50s they were split up and sold," Doug Thompson of Pacific Coast Real Estate said.
Now each cottage has a separate owner.
"Not all of the individual owners rent, but about 13 or 14 of them do. They've been getaways, and people come from all over," Doug said.
The quaint cottages are located just north of the Oceanside Pier, just a short windswept stroll to the harbor. This staycation is designed for those who don't mind close quarters.
"They are all decorated different, although they are all fully functioning kitchens. Full kitchens, TVs, microwave. They are fully furnished and there's plenty of parking here, which is nice because parking at the beach is always a premium," Doug said.
The cottages can sleep up to four, shoehorn style with trundle beds. The two rows of cottages are staggered so everyone has an unobtrusive ocean view. Weekly summer rates run around $1,000 to just over $1,100 a week. From September through May, a week's stay starts at just $699 per week.
"It's a Saturday to Saturday. Saturday check-in is at 2 p.m., Saturday check-out is at 10 a.m.," Doug said. "We typically take book at the beginning of the year for that calendar year."
For Grass Valley visitors like Tim Fike, Roberts Cottages is more than a breath of fresh air.
"It was wonderful to wake up to the sound of the ocean. It was actually pretty warm this morning so it felt great. We came from northern California, where we've just had a long, snowy winter. We're ready for a break.
"You can't beat the location. This is a nice jewel. Just smelling the ocean and feeling the nice air, it's been great. I feel very fortunate to be here visiting your area," Tim said.
When it comes to finding your place in the sun, there is no place like home.