Personally, I love LA which puts me in a minority I know - Stay in West Hollywood ideally (on that bit of Sunset between Beverly Hills and Hollywood). Getty Centre, Holocaust Museum, Venice Beach, Beverley Hills tour, Universal Studios, Venice Beach, etc, etc bit of kitsch and culture. Vegas is great - you've got to do a bit of gambling too. Play $1 table Blackjack and you'll meet some interesting people will be unlucky to lose more than $10 an hour on average and will get 2-3 'free' drinks in that time so probably cheaper than sitting at a bar and far more interesting. Go an see the light show up on Fremont Street where Vegas used to centre around until the 'strip' took over. Why I sort of agree about not staying in a big casinos's hotel as they're massive and a bit souless (although big clean well serviced rooms) they do offer some amazing deals, especially if you stay in the week (no 'batchelor parties')- we stayed in the Alladdin for about $20 per night midweek, get on the internet just before you go or even when you get there for last minute room deals. I'd say Grand Canyon's a must too.