Get a day bus tour worth it, less tiring and less time consuming - a package that will include all the major tourists spots including statute of liberty and empire state building. you can get it around $40-50 these days. Do not buy online if the price is more than $40-45. You can buy this tour package around madison square garden, herald square or 34st/broadway area.

About food, if you want to nepali/indian food-go to Jackson Height area. If you want to stay in Manhattan Area- stay around 34-44 st, 5-7th ave so that you are around timesquare area. priceline.com or anysimilar site to find hotel/motel as per your budget and requirements. Also visit Madam Tushad wax musuem. Central Park will be another place to visit.

if you want to qucik visit DC or Baltimore, you can take BUS from Chinatown/Pennstation but you need to spend a day for that.It will cost you $35 for two way. Since you are coming from CA, if you had not visited Niagara Falls, then you might want to go there. You might want to rent a car and drive 6hrs or take bus tour package. It depends on your choice and schedule.

I want to visit LA, SanFrancisco but never been down there.

have fun! enjoy your stay.