It's not much time to stay in Santa Monica and LA. Universal Studios is a ¾ day trip Disneyland is a 1 - 2 day trip If you have small children downtown LA has a wonderful Children's Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry is the best. If you are searching for a hotel to make your dollars go further, try Sea View Hotel on Ocean in Santa Monica, it's within walking distance of almost everything and is near the Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade ( a must see!), and the Visitor's Center which has multi language information, maps, and tour bus & discount coupons, and is in walking distance. Parking is FREE and so is the wifi. Some rooms have kitchenettes and separate eating areas. Inside is trendy and furnished out of HGTV. Upstairs is a lounge deck 1 block to Santa Monica Beach Many restaurants within walking distance Close to PCH and Malibu The beach area also has playgrounds for kids to pay The Pier has an amusement park and rides If you reserve early enough they have a special rate on 1 - 2 rooms for only $89/night, about $100 with tax.... almost unheard of in Santa Monica. Rooms are clean with no lice or bed bugs! Upscale Hotels are: Carlton Fairmont Mira Mar - on Ocean and Wilshire Blvd. Shore Hotel is really nice! Oceana Beach Club Hotel Driving to Las Vegas: Leave as early as possible to avoid really congested traffic, seriously! There is one spot where the road curves and merges, be careful not to speed, we've lost a few friends in accidents there. Might want to google it. Not as much of a problem if you leave early. Not going to tell you what to do in Vegas, it's fun! New York New York has a coaster and the Stratosphere Hotel has a lot of things for kids of ages including shows, rides, arcade, and was safe when we were there. Venetian Hotel and Bellagio are nice.

There is street metered parking at the Visitor's Center on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica, you could park in the Visitor's Parking on 2nd St just below Wilshire Blvd and walk there. The parking is free for the first hour or so. You could park in the lot next to the Sea View Hotel and have lunch or breakfast and walk to the Visitor's Center. But you would not be able to park there for too long. I'd order and while waiting for the food, make a quick walk there. It's located near the Pier on Ocean.