I second Chad’s idea about Palmdale vs. Mojave.
Good ideas. There is also Magic Mountain in Valencia, lots of rollercoasters & rides. And of course Disneyland and California adventure park down in Anaheim. Disneyland just christened a new steamer on there railroad. Also Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, where they have a mine railroad theamed ride. All good if you have kids. I like to go up to Griffith park and catch a show at the lasarium from time to time. And of course there are the beaches, Santa Monica pier and Venice beach are good for girl watching and freak shows. Or if you really want to see the freaks there is Hollywood and Vine.