I found my own accommodation in Seal Beach about 30 minutes cycle ride away. Cycling not recommended - I was taken out by a small truck at traffic lights (my road). Broke a rib, punctured a lung and rode rode 11 miles home . Next day was Sep 11! Anyway spent a week in Pendleton Marine Camp hospital getting fixed. My lawyer said I was very lucky - most people cycling around there get shot!
Accommodation is very much personal preference. I was very lucky with Seal Beach. You get very much what you pay for.