How long would it take to drive from Monterey to LA[San Pedro] on Coast highway?
Also would like hotel and restaurant recommendations in Monterey or Carmel area?

If it's all CA-1, I'd guess at least 8 hours (some parts really slow down). However, I would NOT try to stay on CA-1 all the way. Once you're in Santa Monica, hop the I-10 freeway to the I-405 south, then take the I-110 south into San Pedro. Just easier.

www.mapquest.com. You don't need to enter specific addresses, just the cities. It'll give you mileage an estimated drive time; then you can try to factor in traffic.

From Monterey to King City it is just over an hour. (depends on if you have traffic on the 68 between Monterey and the 101)From King City to Paso Robles it is one hour. Another hour to Santa Maria and another hour and 20 minutes to Santa Barbara. Again, depending on time of day, Santa Barbara can really slow you down. Another hour to Oxnard and then to San Pedro... depend which way you go, what day, what time, accidents etc. Add time to eat and use the facilities... Yep... I'd say six to 8 hours easy. Are you trying to ruch or do you want ideas to have fun along the way?

errrr...moneygirl....OP said the "coast" highway...