Thanks! That's what I wanted to hear.
For a 10:00 flight...what time should we leave San Diego?

For a 10:00 pm flight, you need to arrive at the airport at about 8:00 which means returning your rental car about 7:30. Figure about three hours from SD to LAX without stops (that's probably a little longer than it will actully take) means departing around 4:30 pm.

If you are cautious, as I am, I'd build in another three hour cushion, just in case of a car breakdown or a severe accident that shuts down the freeway. If problems do not occur enroute, you'd have an extra three hours to go to the beach or drive around Beverly Hills, or spend your time however you would enjoy.

Thanks dwooden. I hadn't really thought of padding it that much but it does make sense. Worst case scenario we grab a quick bite to eat.

If you have a little time to kill, try heading to the Manhattan Beach pier area. It's only about 10 minutes from LAX and has great shops and restaurants. www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com

Aside from Encounter, (that futuristic looking restaurant in the center of LAX) and the International Terminal, there are no restaurants outside security at LAX.

Laguna Beach. DO NOT miss cocktails at sunset at Las Brisas, accommodations there are not cheap but it is worth it. We have been to CA maybe 40 times, but this place is a must-see.

Agree with Manhattan Beach idea, on your way to the airport. There's a wonderful little Italian restaurant there. I think it's called Mama D's. You'll know it by the line forming on the sidewalk. It's a couple of blocks up the hill from the pier. Ask anyone in town and they'll direct you there.

Don't try to go to Beverly Hills, because the traffic will eat up all your time getting there and back to LAX. Never underestimate L.A. traffic!

Have fun. California is great.
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Yes you can get reservations at Crystal Cove Cottages. It just takes a lot of luck. We got a 2 night stay last September, which we made in March 2007. We have been lucky to stay there a total of 4 times. It is absolutely gorgeous. Very other worldly. Even a one night stay feels like a 2 day vacation.

Count me in for Laguna! We do the LA-SD trips several times, and always stop in Laguna, the quintessential American beach town. Don't miss Las Brisas for drinks, lunch/dinner, eaten outside out over the water (northern end of town near the little museum) on the 101. The scenery and location atop the bluff will make the trip worthwhile. Laguna is not exactly a budget town. San Diego is much more 'user friendly' and faster to navigate than LA, but not sure of your interests. In SD I'd recommend you NOT miss seeing the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado, and dinner at Kemosabe up in Hillcrest (near zoo & Old Town). If the beach is your think get to Konos in Pacific Beach (just south of LaJolla) and maybe try the bungalows over the water believe named Crystal Pier. Catamaran on Mission Bay is very convenient to both beach and bay (walk), but you may opt to stay downtown.

Kemo Sabe is one of our favorite restaurants. It is somewhat "near" Old Town and the Zoo, but not a comfortable walk from either.

It is located on the west side of Fifth Avenue, between University and Washington. There are parking garages on that block, one right across from the restaurant, and a "valet" lot just before you get to Kemo Sabe.

Chef/co-owner Deborah Scott offers some of the most inventive Asian/Southwestern fusion dining you will ever find. The portions are large and varied.

Las Brisas is great, we dined there last Dec. when we stayed at the Casa Laguna Inn for 3 nights, we love Laguna Beach! Sapphire, Splashes @ the Surf and Sand and Ristorante Rumari were some of our favorite places to eat.

The Studio @ the Montage is fabulous, our dinner there was amazing when we stayed at the Montage. ***kim***

The OP took this trip in April, so it has already passed.