There are some positives to living in LA & southern California.  You discovered one already (In & Out).  Don't forget there are mainland's version of malasadas- Randy's Donuts welcomes flights into LAX.  There are at least 18 different versions of "Tommy's Burgers" dotted around LA.  As LA has been such a melting pot, one of its great gifts is the abundance of independent food joints for all types of tastes and flavors. 
take it slow.  LA & SoCal is one big giant 'mess' of unbridled growth.  One city melts into the next, very little to distinguish each *until you get to $$$ Orange County (wait, everything is $$$ there (too!)). 
There's some great beach communities which have that ~aloha attitude, even today.  Mission Beach & Carlsbad down San Diego way and on up north of 'town', Malibu on up to Zuma and north more.  Some great surf spots but many have territorial dopes who act like they own the waves.