Laura

Any more suggestions?

Ryan

Laura,

If you're interested in Newport Beach and Universal, rent a car. The respective drives aren't that bad. Rent a car, drive down to Neport Beach (you can parallel park, right?). The next day, drive up to Universal Studios.

Arrive early at Newport, park, find a spot for your family. Enjoy the beach. Walk around; have lunch; visit Balboa; walk/drive down to the Wedge so your kids can see the shore break off the jetty.

As for Universal, your hotel will give you specific driving directions. It's pretty much right off of a freeway (follow the signs, etc.). It's no big deal. There are definately worse places to drive in Los Angeles.

Laura

Please help. We are leaving in four weeks and need more advice.

Laura

Trying to keep it at the top.

Leslie

dana point's marine center is closed for expansion, but they have wonderful tide pools for the kids. not much else there though. if your base is at disneyland, stick with newport beach, balboa island and laguna beach for ocean fun. venice beach in l.a. is a fascinating typical southern california experience and worth the drive. not much else in l.a. will work for your kids--i lived there....i have kids.....
have fun!

Carol

I live in Laguna Niguel...see the Pacific from my house. You will get Disney burn-out, trust me. Rent a car for at least one carefree beach day...Anaheim is not that far from the ocean....you won't get lost...go to Huntington Beach, or main beach at Laguna Beach...tide pools for kids..(lots of boutique shops to browse in Laguna)...eat at B.J.'s Pizza, right across from 'Main Beach'. Newport is not a beach per se, but it has a little carnival-type of place for kids out on the island...(lots of restaurants there, too)... Dana Point Harbor is a great place for a walk...lots of boats..little shops...picnic areas...and yes, a little marine place for kids... Ritz Carlton has gorgeous grounds... btw: 10 minutes at the Q. Mary is ridiculous...it offers a several hour tour... Do not drive into L.A. if you are nervous drivers & are not used to heavy traffic, but yet, if you haven't been there before, you should see Grauman's Chinese, etc. The baby will get over-tired at Universal... Beverly Center is a mall...period, end of statement...not anything to write home about. If you tour a mall, go to South Coast in Costa Mesa... My favorite beach is a state beach inbetween Newport/Corona del Mar and north of Laguna area, but way-too-much walking for kids before you hit the water and bathrooms are back at the parking lot.

Linda

The one thing I haven't seen mentioned that I believe a 9-year-old would really enjoy is the LaBrea Tar Pits. Never saw a 9-year-old who didn't love dinosaurs, and he's old enough to really learn from the experience.

Laura

Thanks for the replies. Taking in all the info.

xxx

There's a small boat cruise near the ferris wheel on Balboa Island. There's two routes that they offer - both around 45 minutes and I think maybe $7 a person in cost. It's a fun cruise - cheap way to be on the water. And you see all the big fancy waterfront houses which is quite impressive for tourists. There are a lot of children on the tours. Just make sure to bring plenty of sunblock - the water really refelcts the sun.