Suggestions for a Sunday in S. Ca?

[Sleestack]

Hi- Our group of two parents and our three kids: a 24 yo w/his gf and our two kids 8 and 5 will be leaving DL Sunday morning after breakfast with Goofy. We will have basically the entire day to roam the streets of S. CA before our flight home. We considered Universal Studios, but are not sure how fun it will be to the younger ones. I think we will be burned out on rides, more something interesting or relaxing but not boring for the 24 yo. We will have a rental car, but dont really want to get lost and miss our flight. Any suggestions? (We decided the San Diego zoo would be too far of a drive. Hate to spend 4 hours in the car... opinions?) (3rd week October).

Open to ideas!

Thanks.

 

[Sleestack]

PS: Any opinion on the Aquarium of the Pacific?

 

[DizneyMommy]

Yes! That is my stand-by suggestion for this dilema! The Aquarium is wonderful and there are other things to do within walking distance of the one $3 parking garage. Lots of restaurants, Shoreline Village and the Pike with shops and carousels, short whale watching trips. You could also head around the corner to the Queen Mary, which is really neat. You could also go the other direction around the corner to 2nd street in Long Beach and stroll down the street checking out shops and stuff. We have a membership to the aquarium and hit it up a couple of times a month, my 2 year old loves it, lots of hands on exhibits and touching stations. Just get there right when they open as it does get crowded later in the day on Sundays, and DON'T eat at Cafe Scuba - horrible food!!

Long Beach harbour is only about 20 minutes or so from DL on the freeway, easy drive!

 

[DizneyMommy]

Another suggestion... consider Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana - a couple of short exits South on I-5 from DL. There is lots for all of your age kids to enjoy there, my 2 year old loves the toddler area and the Dino exhibit. It is an easy couple of hours. As you exit, you are facing the parking lot to Mainplace Mall, which has some nice dining options for lunch, Olive Garden, Cal Pizza Kitchen, and a great food court. That keeps you on the 5 to make easy access back to either airport!

Both the Science Center and Aquarium offer AAA discounts so bring that card if you have it. Teachers get into the science center free, so bring your proof of credentials or union card there! Either one is a great value and really inexpensive. We have a membership to the science center and hit it every month also.