Things to Do in L.A/Orange Co.

Leave the kids. They won't have much fun doing Hollywood stuff. Sounds like you've done the big things with the kids.

Hollywood walk of Stars
Rodeo Drive
Griffith Park Observatory (cool laser show)
Some people like a tour of the stars homes
La Brea Tar Pits
Getty Center
Getty Villa ( I love this place) - you have to have reservations
Paramount Studios
The Greek Theatre - take a concert in
Chateau Marmont - have a drink - lots of stars hang here and get in trouble
Universal CityWalk
Hollywood Bowl - cool place for a concert, you'll never forget
Angel's Flight Railway
Olvera Street
Hollywood sign (near La Brea Tar Pits)
Venice Beach Boardwalk

and we haven't even gotten to OC.....

Lots of Beaches
*Do 1000 Steps Beach in Laguna Beach
Catalina Island (which might be in LA county, but you can leave from Dana Point or Long Beach by taking a ferry or a helicopter - cool factor)

Also in LA - Chinatown and Japan town, Civic Center, you can take the train or metro to someplace from Union Station. From Union Station you can walk to Phillippes, famous for their dip sandwiches. Try the lamb double dip. The place is retro for real, the pies are good, too. They don't take CCards.

Catalina - rent a golf cart and putput on the small hilly roads around the island. Do not take one of those bus tours. You will be stuck inside instead of enjoying the beautiful views and ocean air.

Doheny Beach - there is a small marine museum, tide pools and you can go next door to Dana Point harbor to find restaurants, shops and walk and see all the boats docked there.

Laguna Beach Art Festival, Art-a-Fair and the Sawdust Fest all in Laguna Beach. One of these, I think the Sawdust, is more casual and kid friendly with live music and hands on craft stations for children. At night, you can see the "Pageant of the Masters" . You might need tickets ahead. Lifesized works of art are created on stage with volunteers, stage sets and lighting.

Cabrillo Beach has a small, free aquarium just right for kids. It's across the parking lot from the beach.

Studio Tours - I think Sony does tours, maybe warner bros. There are behind the scenes tours that include sitting in as they televise a game show. You have to clap. Your kids may be too young to be in the tv show audience but might enjoy the tour. You can find info on these online.

In my neck of the woods (OC), Laguna Beach is a must-see. I love Crescent Bay for beach time. Great shops, gorgeous beaches and diverse beach-goers as it's a popular destination for world travelers. I also second the suggestion of the Sawdust Festival in Laguna, as well. Of the 3 in that immediate area, the Sawdust is the most fun and laid-back. http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/

Right across the street from the Sawdust Fest is the Pageant of the Masters where live people re-enact masterpiece art works on a big stage. It's phenomenal, but not inexpensive. http://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org/

In LA, we love the Getty Museum. I've also heard wonderful things about the California Science Center and we'll be checking it out sometime this summer. Admission is free, bonus! If you're in LA and want to catch a concert, the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theater are fabulous venues, probably my favorites in So Cal.

Good luck and have fun!

If your brother and SIL live there, they would be the best resource, I would think. I am from OC and there is Knotts Berry Farm, the Wax Museum, Midievil Times, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, etc. But those are the normal tourist things that everyone wants to do besides the things you already listed. I hope you get some good responses. Good luck and have fun!

I've been looking at the American pride pirate dinner cruise out of long beach. Have not gone yet but looks fun!