We're going to take two days and one night to drive from SF to LA. (January 5-6) Where should we stay? What to see? thanks

If you are interested in a tour of Hearst Castle, then that is about half way, and the nearby town of Cambria is quaint. http://www.hearstcastle.org/ http://www.cambriachamber.org/

The Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur area is also spectacular, but the weather may be unpredictable to get the most out of a pricey Big Sur view. If you haven't been to the Monterey Bay aquarium, it is wonderful, and I like the history and atmosphere in Monterey.

The small towns between San Francisco and Monterey have charm, and Duarte's in Pescadero is famous for its pies and artichoke soup. http://www.duartestavern.com/

I like Santa Cruz, but it is more of a summer pleasure.

Santa Barbara is also lovely, but you'll be almost to LA by then. Stop and enjoy some art, architecture, pretty beaches to prepare yourself for LA freeway living.

A room on Moonstone Beach Drive in Cambria is the ideal place to spend a night on the Highway 1 drive between SF and LA even if you don't visit the Hearst site in nearby San Simeon.

HTTY

Cambria, Morro Bay or Pismo Beach

I would argue for the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area - but then again, I'm biased! The Aquarium is, as mentioned, fantastic, plus there are a number of wonderful restaurants. The scenery is breathtaking.

If you stay in Big Sur, you'll be halfway to LA, and if you get an early start you can do a tour of Hearst Castle in the morning.

Here's a road trip itinerary I wrote for exactly the kind of trip you're describing. It's a bit longer than the trip you're planning to do (it's 2 nights), but you could cherrypick from it in order to build your own trip. http://www.seemonterey.com/itinerary-road-trip

Are you taking the coast highway all the way down? I would also vote for Cambria but it depends if you are going to take the time to drive through Big Sur. I would highly recommend it. If it rains heavily which can happen in Jan, sometimes the road through Big Sur can be blocked by mudslides. So I would just keep on eye on the weather which is usually just fine.

If you end up driving 101, then San Luis Obispo would be a good choice. Monterey is great but not really half way between SF and LA.

I vote for Cambria. Was there in April this year. Also went to the Hearst Castle and enjoyed the tour. Watch the beach just north of the turn-off for Hearst Castle. Depending upon the time of year you may see the elephant seals. We saw the females in April. There were hundreds of elephant seals. Fun to watch them. The photo from January shows a few seals.
http://www.elephantseal.org/Rookery/...N-04-04-09.htm

I like SLO (San Luis Obispo). It's about half way and at a convenient divide point to decide Big Sur or not Big Sur. Plus there are some good restaurants there..my favorite is Big Sky Cafe but I like to eat healthy. Novo is also good.

You could also take your chances hope for good weather and stay in Pismo Beach.