Traveling in Cali w/ a toddler- LA and SF

My DH surprised me with a trip to California for my 30th bday. We're spending 2 nights in LA then driving to San Francisco and staying 3 nights there.

Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat that will be fun for DD (15months)?

Also- if anyone can recommend a hotel in SF- I would appreciate any help! He already booked the LA hotel.

Re: Traveling in Cali w/ a toddler- LA and SF

I can't help with SF, but in LA:
LA Zoo
Griffith Observatory area- there's a playground and I think pony rides there
Logn Beach Aquarium
Venice Beach
Santa Monica Pier (rides and a carousel)

At 15 months, they can go where you want to go, but the above are fun for them. I've also been to a indoor play area in Pasadena that has open play hours, but I doubt you would want to go there.

There's also the Hollywood and Highland area- that has some stores and a giant sprinkler in the middle.

Also, Universal City Walk and Studios
Disney in about 45 min away

Re: Traveling in Cali w/ a toddler- LA and SF

In San Fran, the Bay Area Discovery museum in Sausalito is fantastic for toddlers, ferry rides across the bay are fun, the zoo is really small but perfect for young kids, Golden Gate Park has a cute carousel and a great playground. My kids loved loved loved the Japanese Tea Garden where you can stroll around and then have tea and cookies afterward. Can't help you with hotels because we always stay with my mom who lives out there! I have heard Hotel del Sol is good for kids but don't know firsthand.