Driving options
 

What is a better drive for a week long, sight seeing vacation. Los Angeles to San Francisco OR San Francisco to Seattle. I'm leaning to the northern route.

Any tips along the way?

What time of the year are you planning to do this trip?

And by "tips," I presume you mean "advice on things to see."
If that is, indeed, what you're asking about, then you'll have to specify WHAT you hope to experience on this drive. Something I would find fascinating, you might utterly boring -- and vice versa. Thus, nobody can give any meaningful advice unless you specify what YOU want to see.

Otherwise, all you'll get are places that WE would enjoy, which (most likely) will have no connection to what YOU would enjoy.

Trip is for mid-October. Just wife and I, no small kids tagging along. Like good scenery, not into camping or sky diving. History and nature at a relaxing pace is desired. Haven't gotten any further west than Vegas and would like to take in some of what California has to offer.

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Both trips are great, but since you haven't been in California, I suggest you do the Los Angeles to San Francisco drive (on Highway 1 wherever possible). Both cities have much to offer, the drive is beautiful, and there is much to see along the way.

HTtY

I like the Oregon coast more than any part of the California coast with the possible exception of Santa Barbara. Are you flying to start off this trip or driving your own car (from where?)
If you are flying and renting, why not fly to Seattle and then come south along the coast all the way to San Francisco?
If you have to return the car to Seattle, just drive up I-5 and if you have a few extra hours swing by Crater Lake.

As for the California coast, it's hard to beat Big Sur/Monterey, etc.
That coastal drive is beautiful--lots to see.

Agree with the southern CA coast suggestions....SR 1 and US 101 in places from Oxnard to SF is hard to beat. You might consider going past SF a bit to the Point Reyes Nat. Seashore area.
For history visit some of the Missions along the way. For scenery from Morro Bay to Monterey and on to Half Moon Bay, fantastic.
Also you pass through the really good wine country if interested in that, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Carmel VAlley, etc.

If scenery and nature are what you're looking for then heading north is what I'd recommend. Not that the scenery along Highway 1 isn't great -- actually, it's spectacular -- but there's just MORE scenery and nature north of SF.

Point Reyes. Humboldt Redwoods. Eureka. Redwood NP. Crescent City. And wait till you get to the Oregon Coast!! When you get to Washington State, you'll have Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier, and Olympic NP.

IMO, the drive from SF to San Luis Obispo (halfway to LA)on Highway 1 is the best scenic drive in the US. If you haven't done it, it's worth it, even if you have to backtrack to San Francisco. It's probably 8 to 10 hours, just to San Luis. I'm a big fan of the northern part of California, and you can make a very nice trip without leaving that half of the State.

If you want to go north, PaulRabe's suggestions are excellent. Humboldt has some of the most spectacular redwoods that you'll ever see. Muir's Woods, right across the Golden Gate also is great for the trees. Mendocino is the only town north along the coast that I really like, and it's a nice stop.