Big yes to all of of the above from me. There are some nice places between LA and San Diego too, with San Diego itself also worth a visit. If going out to the Canyon or in Vegas, the Hoover Dam is well worth a visit too. Didn’t think San Fran was particularly great to be honest, like many cities...
Been a few times including to San Fran & Vegas a couple of months ago (flew to SFO and then on to Vegas). Personally would try to avoid LAX, especially if hiring a car - we found the traffic horrendous everywhere around the area. Don’t like the city much either.......much better places to go...