EAT: a bit of the offbeat

San Antonio Winery: 737 LaMar St. a mile or so E of downtown. Last operating winery in LA and a fun experience. Eat inside with the wine casks or cross the little street and dine in their park. Wine at shelf prices available for lunch. Say hello to Santo and tell him Randy sent you...he will not remember who I am though.

Olvara Street: for that Mexican experience..on the East side on Downtown in the pueblo de Los Angeles. Lots of walk around, gift shops and history

Phillipes (sp?): for the oldest sandwitch shop I know, again by Olvera Street. Order your sandwitch from the counter and eat at community tables without any decor or fuss. Free parking midblock accross from entry. Suits, shorts, and homeless together to eat.
Long Beach Aquarium
LA County Museum of Art (5905 Wilshire Blvd)

The above may get your juices flowing, however this list could be completely different if I knew your likes and dislikes. I have done all of the above and therefore recommend them if we have similar tastes.
Natural History MuseumOf LA (Exposition Park)
Musuum of Tolerance (9786 W Pico Blvd)

McDonalds: Lakewood and Florence in Downey(15 miles SE of downtown off I-5), the oldest operating McDonalds in the world. Take your camera. If you do not eat there but only visit, then eat at Chris and Pitts (like the bbq sauce in the market. It is located just off the I-5 at Lakewood Blvd and you pass it on the way to the McDonalds. Good pork ribs, modest place and prices.

Tommy's: 3rd and Rampart, w of downtown- argueably the oldest and best hamberger experience in LA. Open 24 hours? NO sitdown

Pacific Dining Car: 6th st just a few blocks west of downtown (SWC)..Outstanding food and service, medium dress code..expensive!!! Crummy neighborhood, private parking lot ($2 or $3).

Farmers Market: 3rd/Fairfax: eat and shop in informal atmosphere. Also nearby is Canters for the Jewish Deli experience.

visit:
LA Zoo...Griffith Park
Gene Autry Museum...Griffith Park
Chinese Theatre..6925 Hollywood Blvd. try you hand prints in the cement with movie star impressions, visit the Wax Museum, people watch, drive the neighborhood for a look at the complex mix of homes.
Queen Mary: Long Beach, brunch on the Queen is delightful and then a walk thru the ship and down to the ocean can be delightful. A few nice shoping villages. Get in the water if that is a thing for you!
Universal Studios is worth the visit if you have not had that type of movie making experience.