Advice Needed: San Diego to USH

[Shell4624]

Hi all. Looking for a bit of advice here. I will be in SD for a business conference 9-20 to 9-22. DH and our girls (5 and 10) will come out late 9-22 to join me. We have free passes to USH. I would also love to do SeaWorld. Can you help me decide the following?

1 - Can you recommend any Hilton based hotels that may be midway between SeaWorld and USH?

2 - Its cheaper for the family to fly in and out of San Diego, is it really worth driving back down to SD international airport from the LA area or is that a big hassle that should be avoided if possible?

3 - In what order would you plan your touring? How bad is the drive between SD and USH on Fridays and Saturdays and is it feasible that we'd stay in San Diego and drive up to USH for a day trip?

4 - Finally can you recommend a good family fun beach spot between San Diego and USH?

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and input!

 

[Mabel67]

Hi!
I can maybe help with a few points..
We have commuted from one city to the other on a few occasions. I do not find the drive a problem - just avoid rush hour!!!
I prefer to operate out of a 'home base' hotel and not be packing up and moving hotels all the time, but you may prefer not to drive...it's all personal preference.

As far as beaches, we have been to San Clemente, Huntington, Santa Monica and Venice. I would say avoid Venice, especially with children. We found it to be quite seedy. Santa Monica was ok. But we really prefer the first two. Both have been enjoyable for our family on numerous occasions.

Have fun!