We are flying into San Diego and spending a couple of nights there. Our plan was to see things around LA other than Disneyland since that is what we normally do there. California Science Center, Universal Studios, Venice or Santa Monica for a beach visit and Griffith Observatory.

Based on the recommendations so far perhaps we would be better off staying in several different hotels closer to the things we want to see. It may not be possible to conveniently do this trip in just one hotel.