Ok, so I take it you guys are going to have some sort of transport (car). I do not know San Francisco very well, a must see is The Golden gate bridge
8-16-2007-149.jpg
Alcatraz/Angle island
There are trips you can take to the prison, might be a little costly but no bad.
8-16-2007-127.jpg
Lombard street (worlds most crooked street)
Trams
8-16-2007-164.jpg
China town. SF has one of the biggest Chinese communitys in the US.
In Los Angelis there is tons to see.
Just the drive down from SF to LA is great, if you drive the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) It will take you past some great scenery.
Also visit the Pieterson Motor museum The displays rotate so there is always something new to see.
Cars and Coffee on every Saturday morning, very early, it is at the Mazda HQ Worth a visit, all the exotics get together there. More Lambo's and Ferrari's than you can shake a stick at.
Then the usual touristy things,
Paramamount studio tours
Beverley Hills/Rodeo drive
8-16-2007-115.jpg
Santa Monica pier
Disney Land
Chinese theater. On Sundays a bunch of people in costume hangs out so you can take pics.
I have looked for VW shows at that time, but could not find any listed at this time. But will update if I hear of any.
As it seems like you have some free time, I would strongly suggest that you drive to Las Vegas for a day or two. It is something to behold, and it is only about 6 hours one way.
I will think of more things and let you know, maybe some of the guys from that aria could chip in with more info
Also, I take it you are not with a tour group, just winging it? What are you going to do for places to stay?