sc - ignore em. you know your sh*t...in fact i wanted to ask you about the nearest imax theater (3d) near valencia and if it's worth going to. i've been to the one near mainplace and liked it alot.

sorry, no familiar with Valencia. i would recommend checking www.yelp.com for reviews though. it's the best site in LA for reviews for such things in my opinion. very detailed and the posters are always happy to answer questions there.

You have gotten some good recommendations from others for LA area and en route to La Jolla. For La Jolla itself I would like to highly recommend the Scripps Aquarium, we went a couple of years ago on a weekday and it was only about $7 (may be more now).

Thanks for the Scripps mention - it is on our list. Legoland may or may not make the cut depending on time.

I should probably post another topic on this - but for those of you who have been helpful so far - do you have a recommendation for a hotel in Santa Monica? I would like to keep it to $250/nt if possible. Important that it be in walking distance to attractions(since I'll have the car) and a pool would be a plus.

The nice hotels in SM are Loew's, Viceroy, Fairmont. You can try and see if you can find a deal for under $250. It depends on when you're going. You didn't mention dates. DoubleTree is another options that is walking distance away, and it's next to the freeway (make sure to get a room not facing the freeway if you book there).

If you do want to stay in or near Studio City then I second Griffith Park as a fun day for you 4 year old. My son loves Travel Town museum. The zoo is there and right across the street from the zoo is the Gene Autry museum which is a great, hardly ever busy, has a fun kids area inside and lots of grass outside, a great gift shop and a fantastic casual restaurant that has food your child and you will enjoy (great quesadillas!).

In the evening you could do Universal City Walk though it can be kind of busy on the weekends.

The Getty is fun too if you decide to stay in Santa Monica. They have a lot of outside areas to play, your child will get to ride the tram, the view is bautiful and great food for all. The Getty is open late on Fridays (and Saturdays - check website to be sure).

The problem you have is being walking distance. I don't know how long you meeting is but, if it is long, Santa Monica near the beach/pier or Universal City (near the Walk) are good options walking distance to fun while you are away. Then, you could do Travel Town or The Getty after your meeting.

I've seen the Cal-Mar suites recommended on this board. It is supposed to be well-located and family-friendly.