I will be returning to LA later this summer. I went last year, in August and am doing the same this year. I know that there is so much to do and I am somewhat overwhelmed by the options. Last year, I did the tour of Beverly Hills and celebrity homes. I went to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Also, I went to the Walk of Fame and toured the majority of Hollywood Boulevard. I went to the Getty Center and just drove around downtown LA. Also, I drove Mullholland Drive. Also, I walked around and went in the high end shops of Beverly Hills. I got a Warner Brothers studio tour. I did all this with my family. Most of it I will do again. With a few exceptions. What I am wondering is, what else is there to do?

* Malibu, Santa Barbara beaches. Does Malibu have a city center to walk around and do they allow you on the beaches, I say this because it is very residential and celebrity filled?
* In Downtown LA, is there an observation center at the First Interstate World Center?
* Is Catalina Island worth doing again, I did a full day there last year?
* I'm not really into the whole theme park scene, is Universal Studios good? Has anyone been there?
* What about other studious to tour? Paramount and others, are they good?
* I sent away for TV tickets for the Tonight Show back in December, for those who have been able to get tickets by mail, was that early enough?

I'm staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel, did the same last year, the concierge should have an idea, but I want to get other opinions on what to do.