If you are going to visit CA then a drive along the coast (Hwy 1) is an absolute must. FWIW I-5 (the inland route) is quicker, but one of the most boring drives in the continental United States, while 101 is somewhat faster, but you miss a lot of great scenery along Big Sur...So in other words your current alternative is the best way to go. Santa Cruz (1-1.5 hrs south of SF) is extremely pleasant, has a tourist but fun boardwalk, and is generally pleasant. Head to the Univiersity in the hills overlooking the city for spectacular views and redwood trees. Monterrey (2-2.5 hrs south of SF) is well worth visiting, especially the Aquarium. Carmel is nice if you like shopping. I especially recommend visiting Point Lobos just south of Carmel which has spectacular scenery. There are some fine State Parks in Big Sur (the region South of Carmel). South of There you ll also want to visit Hearst Castle (the estate of the man whom Citizen Kane is based on). Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo are good places to stop for the night.The only really compelling reason why you might want to take an inland route (aside from needing to get from SF to LA quickly) is to visit Yosemitie--which is definitely well worth visiting. If you are heading back to SF from LA I would recommend going through Yosemitie fwiw. Either way you ll have lots of impressive scenery. Have fun!
I read that you re taking the slow route (for lovers and campers) through Carmel, I tried that once in 1994, from Carmel to Cambria, and it took almost forever on those twists and turns in the fog mist. A nice scenic drive would be Highway 101 south from San Francisco down to Ventura and then over to highway 126 east up to either Moorpark or Simi Valley. If you in a big hurry, you can take Interstate 5 which is mostly boring until you cross over the Mountains before the Los Angeles basin.
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Best is in the eye of the beholder. Like everything else, thee are trade-offs. How much time do you have to spend? How much money? How important is a scenic drive to you? What would you be driving? What sort of places do you want to stay at? How s your tolerance for twisty roads? Fog?
I think I-5 is faster- Sf to LA is about 6 hours. In Monterey- go to Santa Cruz beach walk for a deep fry twinkles then check out the Mystery Spot.
3 choices-I-5 is the most direct and may be the fastest but very boring and will have 18 wheelers jump in front of you at 45mph from the slow lane- kind of nerve wracking. 101 to the 405 to the 5 is more scenic and can be as fast as I-5 101 to 68 to 1 is going to take an extra 2-3 hours. Beautiful coastline, Carmel is a great stopover if you go this route. or you can hang in Morro Bay too, Eat at Dorns if you like clam chowder. The drive through Santa Monica has a ton of street light traffic. Great trip though. about 9 hours give or take. You can modify it a little by taking hwy 1 til you get to Morro Bay and then pick up the 101 to the 405 to the 5.Very BEST stay over is in Carmel- Lots to see and doContact Cathy at the Carriage House Inn and tell her I sent you (more info below)http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29058��Next pick would be the Apple Farm Inn or Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. If nothing else, you should stop and take a look at the Madonna Inn men s bathroom- looks like a cave. Downtown San Luis blocks off the streets on Thursday nights for a fantastic farmers market with lots of food and entertainment. it is a college town so it rocks.Solvang is a quaint Danish village--unique and you can go the back route over the mountain that comes out at Santa Barbara. Great vista views and a lake. There are wineries out there and an Emu farm.There is a nice natural history museum, zoo, and mission in Santa BarbaraIf you make it to Dana Point- further south- stay at the Golden Lantern Inn- wonderful place! Tell them carpe diem on the day of your stay if it is the same day you call and you may get the room for 1/2 price! Get a harbor view room...cheaper and you still have a great view.Have a wonderful trip!!