Laguna Beach and Anaheim from LA
 

Hi, I need some help 'cause I'm not used to the American Highways. We are staying for some days in Santa Monica and have an 11 years old kid. Do you think we could drive just for the day to the Disney Studios in Anaheim? Which is the fastest route we should take and how long it will take? My second question is: I've been told that Laguna Beach can't be missed. Is it also far away from santa Monica? How far and can we go and spend the day there? Which is the the route? Any suggestions on restaurants there? Thank you very much for your help. I'd also like to know if there is a website to explain to a foreigner how the lanes work on your highways.
Milli

It would be best to do this on a Sunday. One would not want to drive Santa Monica -Disneyland on a weekday, and Saturdays are usually the most crowded. On a Sunday, I would think it would take about an hour each way.

There is a lot of discussion of both Disneyland and Laguna Beach here, so I suggest a search first, then post again if you don't see anything mentioned that works for you. Sorry I don't know about a website like that!

laguna beach is beautiful. a day there would be great. some nice beaches there and some cool galleries. the 11 yr old would probably not get into the galleries too much but there are some funky ones. great pizza place right on the main drag called bj's (i think). or there are other good fancier ones.
the tips i give people who are driving the freeways for the first time are (1) look at a map before you leave and know the 2 exits PRIOR to the one you need. that gives you time to make sure you are in the right lane to get off. (2) in general, i recommend staying in the 2nd lane on the right. most freeways are 4 lanes wide. the one furthest to the left is the "fast" lane. the one furthest to the right can sometimes turn into an exit lane. so the second lane is a good bet. (3) give yourself plenty of time to get places in la and come with a lot of patience. driving there can be horrible. try to plan your times out to avoid the major rush hour traffic.

Disneyland is the theme park-- it's in Anaheim. The Walt Disney Company's studio facilities are headquartered, as I recall, up in Burbank.

mlgb's suggestion to go to Disneyland on Sunday is a very good one (hi, mlgb!). Traffic becomes much less of a problem. From Santa Monica, on a weekend day your best route will be simply to take the Interstate 10 East (we call it "the 10"), then take the exit to Interstate 5 South (many call it the "Golden State Freeway" or simply "the 5"). Exit at Disneyland Drive (toward Ball Road), follow the signs into the park. An hour's drive is a good estimate.

Laguna Beach is a favorite day trip destination of mine. I will give you the quick route, then the scenic route:

QUICK: I-10 East to I-405 South. Follow the 405 into Orange County. Take the CA-133 South exit (Laguna Canyon Rd.) and follow all the way to the end, which is Pacific Coast Highway (we call it "PCH"). At that point you are in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach (and at the main beach, helpfully called Main Beach), so I'd find parking around there and explore a bit. This will take, on a weekend day, one hour and fifteen minutes or so (it's 62 miles-- just about 100 km-- from downtown Santa Monica, where I work, to downtown Laguna Beach).

SCENIC: I-10 East to I-405 South. Follow until just into Orange County. Exit at Seal Beach Blvd., and head west to Pacific Coast Highway. At PCH, take a left and follow it south. This will offer some nice views of the ocean; a famous stretch of coastline called Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna and is notably gorgeous. Frankly, this drive could take upwards of two hours, especially if the surf in Huntington Beach is really good (this takes you right past the Huntington Beach Pier).

An expat Brit/Australian has put together a fairly helpful description of CA's freeway system:

http://www.caldrive.com/roads.html

Just know that the freeways are very well-marked, and driving here is not nearly as hard as one would think. However, patience is always a good idea.

Thank you all. And specially to Itt and rjw lgb ca, who have given me precious hints. Since I understand you are from there I ask another couple of questions:
1-After spending the night in Pismo Beach I have to drive the same day to LAX to catch a 5:50 pm flight. The worst is that I also have to deliver back the car. How long in advance (meaning how much time it'll take me) should I leave to get there and not miss the flight? It'll be a wednesday. Could you also suggest me the quickest route?
2- Which are the "rush hours" I should absolutely avoid in LA area?
Thanks again for your patience.
Milli

rush hour depends on what freeway you are on, what direction you are going etc. ask at the place you are staying. but, in general, i would try to stay off the roads between 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Hi milli. I am right by Pismo Beach and we usually allow at least 3 hours to get to LAX from here. I would plan on leaving around noon from Pismo. You will need to allow time for the rental car shuttles to take you to the airport, etc. If you are flying international, you will need to allow more time for check-in at the airport.

Hi Laurenzo, the flight is to Hawaii. Is the rental car delivery far from the Departures Area in LAX? And is thre just one route to get to LAX from Pismo or is there any "quicker" one? From what Itt said (thanks by the way) I guess in any case I should avoid to get to LA area around 3:00 pm or I can get Stuck in the traffic. is that correct?
milli

There is always traffic in LA, especially near LAX. I take 101S to 405. I would still plan on leaving around noon to allow enough time. If you happen to get doen there early, you can return the rental car and hang out at the airport. There are some shops and restaurants there. I am not sure how close the rental car agencies are but most likely, close by. I hope this helps.

Cafe Zoolu - excellent food but small and quirky.

Info from net about Orange Co:
Cafe Zoolu
(Restaurants - American)
860 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach 92651-2733 • 949-494-6825

Description: LAGUNA BEACH. Perhaps one of OC's best (yet most under-publicized) contemporary American options, Cafe Zoolu is a true product of its surroundings: The eclectic, funky decor features the gaudy (zebra-striped seats), the unusual (autographed photos of k.d. Lang and the Kingston Trio), and the outright eccentric (Polynesian-style salt and pepper shakers). Owner-chef Michael Leach's menu, noted for its global appeal, is the true star, with superb potstickers, veal chops, and grilled swordfish earning raves from critics. Reservations are accepted.
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-10pm

Pricing: Average Main Course Price: $20.00

I thank you all for your help. For an european isn't that easy to drive on American freeways! Thank Laurenzo, I'll follow your suggestion to leave around noon. and I'll try Cafe' zoolu when in Laguna Beach!.
Hope to meet you again on another post.
Milli