After visiting our son in Portland, my husband and I want to travel down Highway 1 in California to San Francisco. We have 3 days to do this before a convention. Does anyone know any places of interest on Highway 1, or nearby, that we should stop and see? And are there any neat bed 'n breakfasts along the way? Thanks so much.

Highway 1 is very confusing in California because it doesn't really start until you turn off 101 at Leggett.
(101 runs down the 0regon coast & upper part of CA coast.)
So Highway 1populated areas begin at Fort Bragg (you can turn off 101 at Willits and go west to coast.)
You really need to look at a CA map to clarify all this.
there are motels and B & Bs in Fort Bragg, Mendocino,---(high prices) Albion & Little River--- then tiny
communtiy of Elk has a B&B:: Point Arena has a re decorated "Inn" "Wharfmaster " (I think!!) :farther down coast is Gualala has several accomodations. Sea Ranch also in area and has a lodge.
When you get to Jenner you can turn east along the Russian River and get back on 101 and on into SF.coast
This seems dis-jointed, mainly because this is a big area & I was not sure if you were leaving Portland down highway 5 AND how much time you planned to spend on the coast.
At least this is a beginning,,,Good luck

OOPS I forgot to mention one area that you MUST see...Redwoods just below Crescent City ..If you are going down Hgw.5 you can cross over to 101 at Grants Pass..
Good luck...

I think the Redwoods the above post is mentioning is Avenue of the Giants.
It is wonderful. Mendocino is wonderful and so are the other towns.
We stayed at the Elk Cove Inn in Gualala, which was beautiful although their prices have gone up.
The ocean scenery is spectacular in this area. Website:www.elkcoveinn.com

You have received good advice. Have you already explored the Oregon Coast? If not, highlights include:

 Cannon Beach,
 Newport (Nye Beach area),
 Yachats (Overleaf Lodge),
 Cape Perpetua area including the Sea Lion Cave,
 Three State Parks near Coos Bay,
 Bandon,
 Gold Beach, and
 Brookings.

Highlights in California are the aforementioned Redwoods, Eureka's historic district, Ferndale (a Victorian town), Mendocino, and the twisty drive on Highway 1 which begins in Westport.