One day break from Disneyland- Laguna + San Diego OR Hollywood + Santa Monica?

[WDWOswald]

We are headed to anaheim to visit disneyland for the first time on Wednesday. Our plan is to do dinner at napa rose and visit downtown disney on wednesday evening, go to disneyland on thursday, california adventure on friday, visit southern cali on saturday, and go back to disneyland on sunday- then leave on monday.

With only one day to do sight seeing- what's the better option.. laguna beach and san diego, or santa monica and hollywood? We've never been to California and want to see the nicest places we can with the limited time we have. We will have a rental car and I don't mind driving- especially if it's scenic.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Laguna and San Diego are far from each other, and you may spend a large part of your day on the road instead of enjoying the sights. San Diego is large, as well, so you will need to specify where you want to go and what you want to see.

Hollywood and Santa Monica are closer, but don't necessarily fit the bill if "scenic" is the priority. They are more touristy and less "classy" (if you know what I mean) -- and I get the impression that you are looking for classier locations (correct me if this is inaccurate).

I still would suggest that you look into driving up to Santa Barbara on your non-Disney day. It fits the bill with "scenic" -- drive up along the coast (PCH, aka Hwy 1), will take you through Malibu and other pretty places, and Santa Barbara itself is very pretty -- has nice shopping and dining -- has a lovely mission -- and could easily entertain you for an entire day.
Hope this helps.