Must see's in California!
 

Hi
Apart from the obvious (LA, San Fran, San Diego) what other areas/towns close to Route 1 are really worth seeing for a first timer to California? There are so many places to visit and i am just starting to plan for next year so any suggestions would be great!
Also any suggestions for great beaches that are worth visiting would be appreciated.

Don't know if this falls into the "obvious", but a must see IMO is La Jolla (San Diego) and Monterey (near San Jose) and a nice midway that is also worth seeing is Santa Barbara. Check out Solvang also!
As far as beaches, I LOVE Huntington, Newport and Laguna. Venice is worth "seeing" for its unique individuals, perhaps Santa Monica as well.

I think you should try to see a redwood tree. If you read a John Steinbeck book about California (Grapes of Wrath, Cannery Row...) you may want to see Monterey or Carmel or Salinas.
San Francisco is a weeks worth of fun in itself. LA has some good sights but is harder to explore; it is very spread out.

I'm sure you have seen the posts regarding Portland to San Francisco drive. The redwoods in Northern California are a must. Avenue of the Giants an unforgettable experience.

I think going on a whale-watching cruise and/or a kayak trip where you can see otters and seals up-close-and-personal is a real treat.

Visit one of our beautiful old Missions. (Santa Barbara is nice)

Lots of choice for beaches... depends if you want party scenes, secluded, surf or no surf, tidepooling, etc...

In San Diego visit Torrey Pines State Park and Beach. In my opinion best beach in the county.

Thanks all for this useful info!
We have watched baseball when we have visited the states before, that was good fun and such a good atmosphere!

Oops, i posted my reply to the wrong subject! that was for my other post!

The Carmel Highlanders vs the Mission Padres is always a great game! :S-