TTams, this reminds me of people out of state, thinking I should be blond and tan cause I'm a native Californian. LOL. ;-)

Well, if Universal, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and Malibu was all I saw of L.A., then I wouldn't be a "big fan" either. But, I also would not claim that I experienced L.A.

Lvk--
We all have different tastes. I have been to LA MANY times previously on business/pleasure trips. Have visited friends and family who have lived from Fairfax to PP to Palmdale (though I know that's not LA). Have visited Venice and Malibu and the San Gabriel Mountains, and the high desert and some funky neighborhoods in the Fairfax area, etc. I'm no expert but I still enjoy other cities more. This trip (as short as it was) was for the children and family. I'm still not a big fan of LA--but I do love your weather and your flowers!

Santa Monica is beautiful and a great location to stay to see both downtown Los Angeles and have a taste of the beach. One way or the other you'll be driving the freeways to get around.

I have heard only good things about Farmers Daughter Hotel and it is in a central location for seeing downtown.

Things I would do that I think the whole family would enjoy:
Santa Monica Pier
Venice Boardwalk
shopping on Melrose Avenue
Olvera Street & Chinatown
Disneyland

I was born & raised in LA btw
;-)

I'm thinking that all the people doing the botox parties etc thing are actually from Michigan looking to live what they preceive as the "California dream".

I've lived here all my life and don't even dye my hair. I like the silver highlights.
Besides, I thought we were known for a metaphysical culture and yoga. Aum...

February is our wettest month and Disneyland closes at 6 p.m. at that time, but discounts are available. With that in mind, I would play it by ear as to what you do in L.A. during the day -- meaning, if it's sunny or overcast, but not windy or rainy, by all means go to Disneyland and enjoy our other wonderful outdoor walks, even bike along the beach on the bike path(rentals are available next to SM Pier). Hollywood Blvd., Westwood Village (touring UCLA is, actually, a fun thing to do); taking in a college sports game (too early for the Dodgers) or professional basketball game is fun too. Old town Pasadena is a great night activity, as is 3rd Street promenade in Santa Monica.

If it's rainy, take advantage of some of the indoor things, like the LA County Museum of Art, some of the studio tours in which you are protected from the weather, indoor music venues like the Gibson Universal Amphitheatre (with dinner at Universal)(it was just announced that Van Morrison will be playing there on Feb. 21st, if you will be in L.A. at that time and he interests you), the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Blvd., the Wiltern, Keyclub, Whisky A Go Go are all places where kids are permitted. House of Blues as well, depending on whose playing (their age limit changes accordingly).

I feel your pain as it took me months to plan our summer vacation last summer. LA is difficult to get around and you'll need a car. I had a hard concept with that as many other big cities sites are walkable.
We spent 5 nights in the Cabana room at the Beverly Hill Hilton and LOVED it. Was fortunate to see celebrities in the lobby which was that much better. Yes the area is quiet at night but we were always busy somewhere else.
Spent 5 nights at the Pacific Terrace in San Diego, It was nice but unfortunately a let down at the Beverly Hills Hilton.
The last night we stayed at the Loews in Santa Monica. Did not like the area at all. Yes , you can walk around but it wasn't anything I would ooh and aah over. A day trip if anything.

Hope this helps!