any suggestions for things to do and places to go and dining in malaga spain area?

Enjoyed the Picasso Museum in Malaga. Ate great tapas at Gorki.

We flew into Malaga, then stayed at a beautiful seaside resort in Benalmadena-costa. Enjoyed the drive to Marbella, Ronda, and Cordoba. You can get a good rate with National car rental at the airport, and take day trips. Come back for seafood or steak with champinones (mushrooms) and a stroll along the promenade at sunset.

If by Malaga area you mean the whole Costa del Sol, that is a big area. There are a lot of cities in towns well worth visiting. Where will you be staying? That might help to make some suggestions about restaurants.

We are staying at the Marriott Playa Andaluza Resort