There actually are a few things to do in Tijuana besides drink! There is a rooftop miniature Mexico somewhat like Maduradam in Holland. Also a Baja California Museum and, of course, the shopping street. All walkable from the Trolley. Definitely, even if you have a car, you should take the Trolley.
You have not said whether museums interest you. The LA Modern Art Museum is walking distance from Checkers. It is a great hotel and, even if you miss the walking tour from the Conservancy, you must go across the street and take in the Biltmore. All along the street en route to the Art Museum is public outdoor art and a water spray display. The Temporary Contemporary Art Museum, near Japantown will remind you a little of the Tate Modern.
You will want to go to Central Market for Mexican food and ambiance. The downtown library is nearby and is an example of LA's 1920's Art Deco/Spanish architecture. At least go for lunch at Cicada because the architecture is wonderful, the old Oviatt building (short subway ride - long walk). You could easily take a short cab ride to the museums and IMAX at Exposition Park. You will want to go to Olvera Street where you will see a typical Mexican shopping street and across from it the famous Union train station (if you take the train from SD, this is where you will land anyway) from which movie stars in the past took off on vacation. At Christmas, there will be music at Olvera Street. You will want to pick and choose depending on the weather. If you like hotels, see the Westin Bonaventure which is made up of three huge black glass cylinders, very cool in the 70's when it was built. They decorate inside with 30,000 white twinkling lights. We stayed there on Priceline for $50/night. Think Heavenly Beds.
LA has two really amazing museums: the Getty (not close to downtown) and the Huntington in San Marino (not terribly far). Your concierges at SD or LA can set you up with tours. In LA, ask about the Dash bus - takes you all over downtown on the cheap. There is also a short but very impressive subway. Do not be intimidated by your lack of car. You WILL be busy!
I used to live in LA and I think it is a highly underrated city. The new Disney Concert Hall (Frank Gehry) is near your hotel as is the Music Center with two live theaters and a concert hall. The Mark Taper Theater has new plays, pre-Broadway, and sometimes last minute tickets for $10! You might even want to see the new Catholic Cathedral. City Hall will look familiar to you from lots of old movies!
As you likely know, the earthquake centered at Hearst Castle. It is fine but the surrounding towns are a mess, to varying degrees. They might not be up to taking tours out yet. It is a long trip from LA - I would save it for another time. LA will keep you quite busy and I am stunned to hear that one of our own said nada was happening near Checkers. It is an up and coming area. We stay in downtown often and always find something new to do.
Have fun!
[This message has been edited by Karen2 (edited Dec 24, 2003).]