L.A. has the strange distinction of being the best place to live, (if you know what you're doing), and the worst place to visit in the U.S. All of the touristy stuff is gross, (urban malls like U.C.W., talk show tapings, etc.), IMO, but if you can somehow capture ordinary life in a cool part of town you might like it. This is basically how I feel about every city, however.
Got a map? Take Cahuenga to Mulholland some evening, drive west to Laurel Canyon, then south, (towards L.A., not the valley), down to the second stoplight and turn into the Country Store lot. Valet the rental car and walk around the corner to the restaurant, (Pace), and have dinner. I recommend going after dark, (open 'till 11), you can Thank me later.
Skip the touristy/driving around shizzle, you'll just wind up hating the city that you never really saw. And you won't even know it. Have fun!
