My best friend and I (from Illinois) are driving from her home town Las Vegas, NV to California where I have never been. We are married with children just wanting to get out and have fun, excitement and refresh our friendship. What is the best route to take and what are some attractions to see. I want to see the ocean.

Where in California? Its a big state. How far are you willing to drive and how much time do you have?

If you want to see the ocean, you'll end up on the Pacific Coast Highway. It's about a 6-hour drive from Vegas, depending on whether you veer north or south of LA. Here's a great site that might help you decide: http://www.destination-southern-california.com/.

Of course, I'm partial to Santa Barbara. It's a great place for wine tasting with an ocean view: http://www.discover-santa-barbara.co...-wineries.html.

Have a great trip!
DiscoverSB

Let's make some assumptions - if you had 5 days and you wanted to make several stops (as opposed to just driving to LA and staying at the beach): You could leave Las Vegas and drive to Pasadena, overnight at Huntington (look for specials in low 200s) or at the Residence Inn by Marriott or the Westin in Old Town, do a little shopping, museum going, go to the spa at the Huntington, visit the Huntington gardens, do afternoon tea (at Huntington, or Chado, or Rose Tree Cottage)- a day of pampering and culture.
Next day drive to Hollywood, stay at Farmer's Daughter or another centrally located hotel and do the major Beverly Hills and Hollywood sights, LA Farmer's Market, LACMA, Hollywood walk of fame, get a make-over at Nordstrom, get your haircut in BH (I know a good place if you are interested), go out to dinner at a hotspot and follow up with a night out dancing (I am not terribly hip but I am sure others could suggest if this is of interest) - a girls night out.
Next day drive to beach - consider Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach - stay two nights for days at the beach, casual breakfasts, riding bikes, go for a hike and explore Malibu, go to the Getty, do a little shopping (Fashion Square or 3rd street Promenade if you like malls or visit the little beach boutiques and Montana Avenue if you like something a little different) - time for the two of you to just relax.
For the last night head out to Riverside (Mission Inn) or to a stop in the desert (Joshua Tree) or La Quinta (for more spa treatments).

If you want fewer hotel stays I would suggest two nights Pasadena and three nights at the beach.

That's a guess, let us know a little more info about how long, your budget and what your interests are and we can provide more suggestions.

What month is important also.