Want to rent a beach cottage next summer for a month. Santa Monica or Laguna Beach?

Will have my 2 children (14 & 7) and we want to go to Disney Land & San Diego Zoo while we're there, but also see Hollywood, Malibu, and my son wants to learn to surf. I have found cute beach cottages in both of those places. Laguna Beach looks adorable online. Santa Monica & Venice beach look more fun. Please advise.... Thanks!