I was taken to Paradise Cove in Malibu. The food is very standard burger fare, but the scenery is gorgeous. We sat right in the sand at tables with thatched umbrellas.

HI..
I agree with rjw on Gladstone's..view is great but the food is below average..I would do drinks there but then head up the coast to Neptune's Net which is such a character place and you can't beat the local vibe in Malibu..
happytrailstoyou.. I can't believe you think that Carl's Jr is better than
In-Out Burger! Oh well..
Do get a double double with cheese and extra spread and onions..Yummy! Best $2.75 you'll spend and the fries and the shakes are delicious..
In Napa, I like Bouchon and French Laundry but the FL is a pain in the butt to get in..
I am a big fan of Lefty O'Doul's in SF, across the street from the St. Francis Hotel/Union Square but it is more of a bar/piano bar and it does have good food...ran into alot of ballplayers and some great people that I will never forget..It is one of the oldest bars in SF..Classic!!

Another vote for Sow's Ear in Cambria.

Also, the Wine Cask in Santa Barbara

Big Sur - Ventana. Although I love Post Ranch Inn to stay (big big splurge...an event)

San Fran - lots of great restaurants

LA - also lots. I like Toscana for Italian and the scene while still being friendly.

As to Gladstones...go for the suggestion of Paradise Cove. The two restaurants are owned by the same company, and the food is not anything special, but the burgers are big and get raw seafood...how bad can it be? But the view is better at Paradise Cove!!

We had an excellent dinner(Italian Seafood) at "I Cugini" on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica the other night. As to Gladstones- if your taste buds are gone and you can tolerate awful service then it's the right place for you!
There are many good restaurants in Santa Monica and all around L.A.
Check out Chowhound.com for more definitive posts.