Here is a helpful link on nearby hotels -
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132
Here is a link to my detailed August Trip Report, that has information you might find useful -
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=886607
Some people prefer the DLR hotels, of which the GCH (Grand Californian) is the most popular and closest to the gates. We stayed at the
Disneyland Hotel in 2000.
The hotels right across the street from DLR on Harbor are very close. We stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn in August. We have four boys 9, 10, 12 and 13, and the BWPPI worked out great for us. When we are at DLR, we spend all our time in the park except for an afternoon nap (and a swim - in the summer). So a nice hotel is not worth it for us, because we only sleep there.
A lot of people like HoJo's up the road, We stayed there in 2003, and while it is nicer than the BWPPI, it is also an extra 5-7 minute walk to DLR. Each way. When you walk back and forth to DLR at least two times a day, the extra walking time from HoJo's took a noticable toll on us in 2003.
Like other places on Harbor, the BWPPI has suites with a refrigerator and microwave, which we used heavily in August for breakfast and lunch. We do eat some meals in DLR, but it can be expensive and time consuming to eat in the parks and so we try to eat and snack a lot at the hotel.
Depending on how many days you are there, you should plan some time for DCA. Most people who go to DCA spend 20-30% of their multi-day trips at DCA.
Other things in SoCal include the La Brea tar pits, which are very cool. Universal Studios Hollywood is a one day outing and worth doing. In San Diego there is Sea World, the SD Zoo, and the SD Wild Animal Park, all worth doing as day trips.
In San Celemente there is Mission San Juan Capistrano, which is interesting if you are into that kind of thing.
If it is warm, the Santa Monica Pier is fun. And the drive from LA up the coast to Santa Barbara is beautiful.
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