Can you help me figure out what days to do what?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I am a compulsive planner (like most on the DIS) And I am having an incredibly hard time trying to figure out our trip next year. Usually I know by now exactly what our plan is, and this is driving me nuts. Part of the problem is, I don't really know what is out in LA to do...

We will be flying in on a Saturday mid August next year. We HAVE to be in DLR on Monday because it is DD's birthday. I want to do 3-4 days at DLR. We also want to go to the beach 1 day, and go see Giant Sequoia national forest for 2 days (drive up there, hike, next day go horseback riding, and drive back to LA area.). I have heard that going to the beach is crazy on the weekend, but so is going to DLR. Would it be ok to do the park on the weekend?

What if...
Sat. fly in, Drive to Sequioa, hike
Sun. Horseback ride, hike, drive back to LA
Mon-Wed (or Thursday) DLR
Fri. Beach day
Sat./Sun (not sure if we would fly back Sat or Sun)

Or...
Sat. Fly in, then???
Sun. Early beach day, maybe head to DLR and do fantasmic at night, parades & fireworks
Mon-Wed DLR
Thurs. Drive to Sequioa, hike
Friday. Horseback ride, drive back
Sat ??? undecided what to do or fly back home.

Or...
Somehow break up the days at DLR to go to the beach in the the middle so the family gets a much needed break from the compulsive commando style touring their mother likes to do!

None of this looks "just right". HELP!!!
What looks less "stressful" for a DH that will tolerate "commando style touring", but would rather have it be less crazy. If that makes sense...

 

[Mugglemama]

all that flying and driving on day 1 (it's about 3 hours to sequoia national forest) may leave you a little less than energetic enough for hiking.

but, being one myself who crams everything she can into a vacation, it's still do-able. if it were me planning, i would do the first itinerary you have here. just be aware, that coming back into L.A. on sunday will take longer than 3 hours probably, because everybody is coming home from their weekend trips, coupled with those who commute for the week and come in sunday night, and traffic back into the L.A. area can be utter madness on sundays from about noon on.

how early can you plan horseback riding in the sequoias? the earlier the better, because if you can get on the road in the morning towards anaheim, you'll be less likely to be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic that moves about 1 foot per minute, lol.

 

[HydroGuy]

I like your plan #2. I would not hesitate to visit the beach on a weekend - Sunday in your plan. Three days at DLR would be about right. Then you can go up to Sequoia on Thursday.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks guys. What would you recommend for a Saturday afternoon, for the day we fly in?

We aren't interested in doing another theme park, but something to fill the time... Unique to the area.

 

[BecBennett]

Are you interested in the touristy thing? You could go see Mann's theater, and look around that area - also stop by the Disney Soda Fountain - I love that place!!

Or just do some shopping around Down Town Disney. That's how we spent our first half day, we didn't want to go into the park, but got immersed in Disney by people watching and strolling around. It was a great way to get in the mood for all things Disney!