A Place To Visit Between LAX And SD
 

Will arrive LAX in the morning but room in SD is not available until late in the afternoon. Is there a tourist type place the wife and I can visit (between LA / SD) while waiting for a room.

Tons of them. I like San Juan Capistrano. Easy to get to and easy to get back on I-5 to continue to SAN.

Yes, lots of things to see between LAX and SD. There are Spanish missions to tour, probably a bit off the main drag, but not far. San Simeon area is nice, too. Take a look at the map and ask specifics.
There are wineries east of San Diego, but probably not on your way into town. Good for a visit later, if you feel like a drive into the country.

The San Diego Zoo is a classic.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is beautiful and very close to I-5. Laguna Beach is lovely and not too far either.

If the traffic's bad it could take you that long to get here without a stop!

I agree with the San Juan Capistrano suggestions. You could also consider visiting the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Have lunch in San Juan Capistrano or Del Mar. Both pleasant stops.

Maureen, you're the one who should look at a map! San Simeon? That's 4 hours NORTH of Los Angeles!

I am with Barbara as far as traffic is concerned. I think I would head south as soon as possible so you aren't in the rush hour traffic around LA and Long Beach (which often starts as early as 2pm-or actually may never end LOL). San Juan Capistrano would put you pretty far south and might be a good stop however, I think I would get down to San Diego and do some sightseeing around there if your room is not ready.

if i was planning on seeing the wild animal park, i'd head there for the day on your way to san diego.
or, i'd drive to laguna beach and stroll around there for a while, have a nice lunch and then head on down.

I wonder if Maureen meant San Clemente, which is a pretty little spot.

Into boats? A walk around the gigantic marina at Dana Point and having lunch there would be a pleasant stop.

Sorry-- I was thinking San Clemente!

All are excellent ideas. Will attempt to visit them all (both on the way down and while in SD). Thank you so much for your quick responses.

If you enjoy fish, stop for lunch in Carlsbad at Vera Cruz restaurant. Wonderful food at great prices. Also, if you like to shop, head over to the Carlsbad outlet mall.

I live in Carlsbad and love it but would vote for San Clemente for a short stop.
Have lunch at the Fisherman. The food is usually good and the view is great because it is on the pier. Also, there are some shops nearby that are not your usual chain stores.
Carlsbad's outlet mall is fine if you don't have access to an outlet mall where you live, but it is like any other outlet mall.
If you do go there, I would recommend King's Seafood for lunch. It is across the street. If you like to sample area beers, Karl Strauss Brewery has a restaurant nearby that is popular.
Carlsbad does have some antique stores in its downtown area, if that is your thing. For lunch in the downtown area, I would recommend the Armenian Grill for Greek food if the weather is good (there is a big deck). Las Ollas just opened in downtown Carlsbad and has good Mexican food. For an espresso, try the Vinaka Cafe. It's a pleasant change from the chains.
And (sorry enjoylife), in my opinion, although the Fish House Vera Cruz in downtown Carlsbad has moderate prices, the food is unreliable. Almost everyone I know has swithched to King's for seafood. It is more expensive, but better.

I would jump on the 405 and head south into Orange County. Exit at Jamboree Rd. (nr. John Wayne/OC Airport) and take it all the way west, past PCH, until you cross a little bridge onto Balboa Island (NOT Balboa Peninsula - different place.) "Little Bal" is adorable, beautiful houses, shops, restaurants - perfect for brunch or early lunch.

Stroll around, think about which bank you'd need to rob to move here, then back over the bridge to PCH/SR 1, take it southbound through Laguna Beach, Dana Point, until you rejoin I-5. If you still have time after Bal, the mission at SJ Capistrano is fine, or more shops/boats etc. in Dana Point, San Clemente, or La Jolla, all attractive communities, ought to fill the remaining time.

My wife and I visited a small winery called Orfila Vineyards that would be something neat off the beaten path. It is not too far from the Wild Animal Park, maybe 45 minutes north of San Diego.