California Coast driving trip for spring break?
 

I am looking for ideas/suggestions for a driving trip with my husband and 13yr old for spring break. I was thinking of a driving from LA to San Francisco with a few night to stop along the way. We are really open to ideas at this time, so any ideas?

Did this a few years ago stopped at Solvang Treebonesresort.com and carmelcalifornia.com
over several days had a wonderful time.Hearst
castle was worth a visit. classic,mapquest.com
for route planning. carrentals.com out of LAX
for me, Got a good deal on Westin Bonaventure
bidding priceline.com for lasightseeing.net
for a couple of days.Similar in SF the Marriott was
nice there for me from $80 bidding priceline.com.

Have fun!

Lots and lots of ideas :) This is a great trip to take and pretty popular, so there are tons of threads about it on this board.

I'd probably overnight in the Pismo Beach/San Luis Obsipo/Cambria area and also in the Monterey area. This breaks up the trip nicely and there are plenty of things to do in both those areas. Santa Cruz would be great too - the Boardwalk is there, beaches, surfers, etc.

Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are perfect stops along Highway One from LA to San Francisco.

Big Sur is the place to be for hiking and beautiful views. Check out Glen Oaks and Deetjen's for hotel accomodations.
http://www.seemonterey.com/big-sur-california

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for shopping, art galleries and good food. The Carmel Mission is also a fun/historic place to visit. There are several B&B's and smaller inns like Lamp Lighter Inn and Hofsas House.
http://www.seemonterey.com/carmel-by-the-sea-california

Monterey is larger than the two areas previously mentioned and has the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. Some of the larger hotels include InterContinental the Clement Monterey, Portola Hotel & Spa and the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.
http://www.seemonterey.com/monterey-california

Better way is to go north-south from SF to LA. You'll be on the ocean side and will have unobstructed views. Also easier to pull into and out of some of the viewpoints.