Mom/Daughter trip to San Diego need advice!

[Itscindy]

Hi there,

I am flying to San Diego with my 13 year old daughter on June 28th, we will be in the area for 6 days leaving July 4th. My daughter is a huge fan of the television show "The O.C." and I want to take her on a tour of filming locations. I'm thinking of renting a convertible when we arrive at the airport and heading straight to Laguna Beach as that's where a friend recommended we stay as home base. I thought 3 nights in this area, then we will head back to stay in San Diego. We have tickets for the American Idols tour on July 2nd. This should clinch the "Mother-of-the-Year" trophy for me! "-)

I would love some recommendations for car rentals, and best places to stay. We are on a budget, I'd like to stay below $200/night for accommodations. I have looked on Travelocity and the Laguna Beach Inn looks like a suitable place, close to the beach and town and has lots of good user reviews. I'm "this close" to booking this hotel but would like some advice first! We will be in San Diego for 3 days at the end of our trip - can you recommend a good place to stay that is clean, safe and close to the beach and/or attractions?

I'm also a little nervous about driving in a strange city with my kid. I'm from Vancouver, BC and there's no such thing as freeways with 6 lanes in each direction. Are we going to live??

Thanking you in advance!
Cindy