We are planning a trip the 2nd week of March to California. This is our 2nd trip. The first one we were north of LA. This time we wanted to spend time in San Diegeo and then maybe LA. We have 1 week. We were going to land in LAX pick up a car and head to SD for 4 nights, then maybe Disneyland for 2 nights. Question can we see Univ. Studios in 1 day if we just spend 1 night in that area and then head to LAX the next day? There will be 3 of us traveling, my son is 12. We took him to WDW a long time ago not sure he remembers and we always talked about going to Univ Studios in Fla but never made it.

Yes Universal Studios can be done in one day. Universal Studios in Hollywood doesnt stand up to Orlando IMO. Yes I know it is an actual working studio but to me that isnt enough. I personally would go to Knotts Berry Farm or go spend a day at Catalina or one of the beaches.

Thanks, we are now thinking of driving up from SD and spending the day at disneyland overnight there and then spending 3 nights closer to Hollywood so we could do other sightseeing including universal. I was looking into Catalina but thought March would be cold there and isn't Knotts Berry Farm more for younger children?

Knotts Berry Farm has "Camp Snoopy" for little kids. But there are quite a few thrill rides for older kids. Too wild for me - I hate rollercoasters. But my kids regularly went to KBF through their early teenage years (we live close by).

Universal Studios are doable in a day. Make sure to go downstairs for the tram ride. The visit can be just plain fun, if you go to the rides only, or can be educational if you go to the shows.

Universal Studios Hollywood is indeed inferior to the Orlando theme park experience-- if you're only going for the theme park experience. If you spring for the VIP tour, you get real time on a historic working movie studio's backlot-- sets, costumes, props, the whole enchilada. That makes USH far more special than USO-- but if you don't care about motion picture production and history, it will be lost on you.

Better idea: Do Knott's, Disney CA Adventure (if you must) and do a tour up and down the Orange County coast. Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente... beautiful coastal towns well worth the time.

Someone mention roller-coasters? If your son likes 'em, he'd much prefer Six Flags Magic Mountain to Universal.

I agree beachbum! I looked at her sons age (12) and decided not to mention Six Flags. If you and your family want thrill rides Magic Mountain is top of the heap (ok I will give props to Cedar Point as well!)
For what its worth however Knotts really has added some very good thrill rides with a couple that I would rate toward the top of my list and I am a thrill ride junky!