Can you be more specific about your agenda? Disney is in Anaheim; Legoland is about 2 hours south of that in Carlsbad; the zoo is about an hour further south in San Diego. Are you looking for a place near Carlsbad or down in San Diego?
We really like the Homewood Suites (Hilton line) at Liberty Station, which is close enough to the Zoo. There is one up in Del Mar, too, which is closer to Legoland, but I never have stayed there. There are numerous Hilton brand hotels throughout the area, but be sure to check about parking fees. The Hampton Inn near Midway had a daily charge, which I never have seen for a Hampton Inn anywhere else. (The Homewood Suites has complimentary parking, complimentary hot breakfast every day, and complimentary light dinner M-Th.)
Old Town San Diego and Seaport Village are some other options. They are near each other and near Liberty Station. There also is the rest of Balboa Park (the part that isn't the zoo). There are museums, playgrounds, and sports facilities there (frisbee golf!). There is a little boardwalk park with a roller coaster and a few other rides in Misssion Bay, but I'm drawing a total blank on its name. It would not fill a whole day but could be combined with something else (maybe Seaport Village). [ETA: Belmont Park]
Last edited by sariana; 09-12-2013 at 12:10 PM.
DS '04 "Boogaboo"
DD '08 "Lilybear"