^ Thank you for your answers!!! I got my first experience ever driving in LA today! And it was awesome I must say! (Well, much better than expected).
Also the GPS is the best invention ever!

And about freeways, first thing today I decide to go to West Hollywood and I wanted to use the surface streets, but the GPS put me on the 405 right away (when I realized, it was too late to avoid it, I hadn't deactivated that feature!). Wow! But it was easier than expected. Then I wanted to go to the beaches, I though of Venice, and drove that way, but all I could find were meters (and still no coins). I drove till Will Rogers beach, where I found an alternate side street parking and no meters. And in time for an amazing sunset.

I loved it very much, and thanks to driving now I find Los Angeles a much beautiful and friendly place to visit (my previous visit, cabs fares were $50-$70 for very short trips, I got to see very little and paid over $300 within 3 days).

Now I have Friday, Sat and Sun in LA with car sounds much better. I'll use parking lots and shopping center you mentioned. Your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks!