Trip to Los Angeles

[AOX81]

For our vacation this year my husband wants to go to Los Angeles. I've only been to the San Diego and San Francisco areas so I'm clueless about LA. Any suggestions for a good place to stay? We aren't really the "tourist" type of people but we would like a place that is somewhat close to the beach for the daytime and close to a lot of different types of restaurants/bars/shops for the late afternoon and evening. We will probably be going with two of our old roommates so we will be in need of things to do!

Also, how necessary is a vehicle? We have been looking into renting one for the week...

Thanks!