My husband and I a going to California (flying into L.A.) for a week. We have three daughters, ages 15, 12 & 9. We are looking for a nice, clean, reasonably priced place to stay and a recommendation of places to go/things to see. The kids, of course, love "doing" and we love the scenery. Should we drive north for a few days towards Santa Barbara or south towards San Diego or stay put in L.A.?

Well if the kids are star struck you could take a studio tour and a tour of the stars houses . That was fun when we did it last year with my 17 and 14 year old .I kids saw so many celebrities in the strangest places . They can't wait to go back!!! we also saw a taping of a show but i believe your kids are too young unless you can find a particular show that takes younger children . Look on line www.audienceunlimited.com ( i believe) . That was alot of fun. We also went to a movie premier at night which the kids got a kick out of. Can't help you with the north or south question . I did have a friend who went on the sand dunes at pismo beach (you rent sand buggys .atv 's ) and had a blast. So check it out .

Thanks for the help. We'll look into the studio tours and you are right - they would love to run into some "stars!"

When are you coming here, and what do you consider "reasonably priced"? The Montage Resort in Laguna Beach starts at $500 a night, but it's reasonably priced for the level of luxury. I think you're looking for cheaper places. If this is a summer visit, I think you should plan to spend a bit more and stay at the coast. It's prettier. In the Santa Monica area, I'm thinking you might consider places like the Georgian, the Loews and the Huntley. The last property is one of the hidden gems of SM-- not right on the coast, but just inland and a very nice property, two blocks off of the Third Street Promenade (it's just a strolling street with all the usual mall stores, but people love it; I'm so over it, having working two blocks away for 17 years).

I would consider staying in the LA/Orange County area. If you want pretty drives, head up PCH to Malibu, or hop the I-405 freeway to south of Long Beach, head to PCH and drive SOUTH toward San Clemente. You'll find a spectacular stretch between Newport Beach and Dana Point. San Diego is a great town, and so is Santa Barbara. But I think you won't have any problem filling the time in the LA area. If your girls are into shopping, there are places I haven't mentioned that will have them over the moon.

Thanks. It is out of the question to find a place in the $200 a night range somewhere along the coast?

I forgot to mention - We are arriving next Friday, July 8th and leaving on Friday, July 15th.

At this late time, you are definitely going to have difficulty finding something anywhere near the coast for less than $200 a night, especially in suites. You may be stuck at a facility near LAX. This is a popular tourist area and the hotels on the coast are especially popular. Have you tried Priceline? You never know-- some participating hotels might try to stuff their rooms to the brim this weekend. But I'm a bit doubtful.