Thinking about traveling to CA for family vacation but haven't got a clue where to start. Will have 16 and 18 year olds too. Son, loves baseball so would like to catch a game. Daughter loves shopping and is into music, acting, etc. Should we fly to LA and head south or north? Will have about a week. They are out of the museum stage. Any ideas would be helpful in putting me in the right direction.

I'd say start in SF and drive the Pacific Coast Highway south towards LA - the views are beautiful and it's definitely worth seeing. Taking it all the way to LA would take a long time, - SF to LA on another highway away from the coast would only be 6 or so hours so maybe spend half on the PCH then switch, that's what I did last March. LA should satisfy the shopping needs. Some of the small towns south of LA (Newport, Laguna) have very pretty piers and smaller shops and restaurants, they're fun to see too.

With a timeframe of one week and given the interests of the kids, I'd fly into L.A., spend about 2 to 3 days there and then make it down South in the direction of San Diego. Maybe you can catch a Padres game there. This itinerary would give you some time to spend at the beach, too.

While the drive down from S.F. to L.A. via PCH is spectacularly scenic, I think you would need an open-jaw flight into S.F. and out of L.A. in order to fully enjoy it. The faster inland route on the I-5 is not scenic at all IMHO.

Thanks for the suggestions. Is the Hollywood tourist trap anything worth doing?

in my opinion, the hollywood thing is a big waste of time. unless the kids want the amusement parks, i'd just go to san diego. go during padres home game. stay downtown for a couple of nights for the baseball game and shopping and then move to one of the beach motels. kids that age might enjoy a day trip down to rosarito beach in mexico. rent a car or go on an organized bus trip. tijuana is not worth any time.
or, i'd go to san fransisco with a side trip to monterey for 2 nights.

I'm not sure what all is covered by the "hollywood tourist trap" but I really like parts of downtown Los Angeles. Your daughter might enjoy Melrose for shopping. And kitchy things like the old Farmers Market, Chinatown, the walk of the Stars is well worth the time IMO.

With only a week your time will be a bit tight for driving, though an open jaw into LA and out of SF or the reverse would be a big help to economize (time not money).