Driving the PCH
 

Which direction is better for sightseeing from Santa Monica. North or South?

Really, if you're leaving from SM, you can only go north (PCH becomes Lincoln Blvd through SM and goes through some truly ugly sections of the LA metro area before it gets nice again), and then you're heading to Malibu. The views can be spectacular as you drive that way. However, after a while it becomes "Pretty ocean view-- whoopee", so be prepared.

There are some gorgeous coastal views driving PCH south of Newport Beach to Dana Point as well. You can stop in Laguna Beach on the way, which is always a pleasure.

If you are going to make more than a day trip out of it, head up to the Big Sur coast.

Whoops! To clarify, PCH (CA-1 from US-101 to Dan Diego) meanders like a toddler high on Nyquil and with a full diaper through southern CA. To head north on PCH from SM, you either jump onto the I-10 freeway heading west (and through the "McClure Tunnel", where I-10 ends and CA-1 begins) or you catch the "California Incline" off of Ocean Avenue. CA-1 code-shares with I-10 between the McClure Tunnel and Lincoln Blvd., then CA-1 continues as Lincoln Blvd until LAX, then it's Sepulveda, then it splits AGAIN in Torrance to become PCH again (where it goes through some of the butt-ugliest parts of LA County you could imagine). PCH isn't a pleasant, picturesque drive between SM and the Orange County line (well, down to south Seal Beach), so don't even try.

"Dan Diego"?! WTF...? I need a drink...! :p

Hey! Dan Diego! Wasn't he in a film with Wes Covina and Sam Dimas?

here_today: :))

RJW, after reading your description of a 10 minute drive, I think you already had one. :D