My in-laws are visiting us in San Diego in early September. We are going to Santa Monica for 2 or 3 days, they have already been to SD three times. Any suggestions on where to stop along the way, and way back? We will also be travelling with our 2 1/2 yr old. My plan now is, Wild Rivers in Irvine on the way up, the Pier, beach etc. and the Getty while there, and Mission San Juan Capistrano on the way home. I've not been to any of these places, so does this sound ok, or am I missing anything else?
Also, need hotel help in SM, preferably under $200/nt as we will need 2 rooms, and within walking distance of Pier. Is the Hoilday Inn nice?
Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

A 2-1/2 year old is really too young to enjoy Wild Rivers - geared for older kids. So I'd suggest spending the time in Laguna Beach or on Balboa Island.

Isn't there a 'toddler' area at Wild Rivers? I have a pass to Soak City in San Diego and my son loves it there. He likes the little slides & floating on the river & the wave pool. We wanted to go to Wild River because we will have 4 adults to tag team with my son, so the others (me!) can go on the big slides & tube rides. I would appreciate any info on the little tikes area there. Any other info regarding our trip would be appreciated. Thank you!

The Shangri-La hotel is close to the Pier, you might be able to get a good AAA rate or special.

The Holiday Inn is fine, on the national Holiday Inn website they have a special 50th anniversary "second night half price" program that might get you a good rate.

The Getty is close to "Bel Air" and the mansions of the rich & famous. A little auto-tour of the area would probably be fun for the in-laws.

Thank you joesource, driving through Bel Air does sound like fun. Any one else?

ttt

Any other suggestions? Thank you!

The 2 1/2 year old will really enjoy Legoland, and I've heard lots of adults say that they enjoy that theme park too. It's in Carlsbad north of San Diego.

Long Beach has the Aquarium of the Pacific, and if anyone in your group is into cars, the Petersen Auto Museum is terrific and not too far from the Getty.

We have been to Legoland, and actually my son was too short for most of the rides. I was surprised because he can ride most things at Disneyland.
Is there anything else in the Santa Monica/LA area we should see? Any other hotel recommendations? Thank you.