STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

We finally decided-we're going to Southern California for vacation! Thanks to everyone for their input and ideas. We ruled out Germany (although I really wanted to go there after seeing Bastet and Alliegurl's pics!) because we just didn't have enough time to fully explore it (we only have 6 days to work with). So we decided on Southern California/Palm Springs. Here is our tentative itinerary:

Day 1-Fly into LAX drive to Palm Springs (hotel-Morongo Casino and Hotel)
Day 2-Palm Springs (same hotel as above)
Day 3-Drive to Dana Point (b&b/inn-The Blue Lantern)
Day 4-Drive to San Diego (not sure of hotel yet-thinking about trying Priceline for a 4* hotel in the Gaslight District-what do you think?)
Day 5-San Diego
Day 6-Drive from SD to LAX-spend night near LAX


Keeping in mind that we are on-the-go type people, how does this itinerary sound? Is it worth staying two nights in both San Diego and Palm Springs or should we change it up some (we don't mind driving)?Can anyone recommend "must go to" boutiques, restaurants, sights, places? Should we do a day on Catalina Island? We also even thought about driving to Las Vegas one day (are we totally crazy???) Thanks!!!