I'll be in LA in a few weeks for the first time.
I would like to see the coastline north of LA County. I've been to Big Sur while traveling to San Fran Area and I haven't forgotten how beautiful it is.......Can someone give me any ideas with some good cheapER eats along the way. I'm willing to drive 100 miles north.
Thanks,
Jen

100 miles doesn't get you very far - not even to Santa Barbara depending on where in greater LA you start.

How much time do you have?

nope, 100 miies doesn't get you far. if you'd like to try south, you could go to the nice coastal town of laguna beach. great place to spend an afternoon or day.

I would definitely go south. North from LA wont get you to the particularly scenic parts.

We had a similar desire on a recent trip to LA and we satisfied it by driving on Highway 1 from Santa Monica to Laguna Park (which is where Highway 1 turns inland to Oxnard). This drive includes several miles of built up Malibu, but it also includes rugged unpopulated stretches and ocean views that are as spectacular whether driving east or west. On the return trip we skipped Malibu in favor of a wonderful drive through the Santa Monica Mountains.

Another possibility is to drive 101 to Santa Barbara, but I think a bit of Highway 1 with the Santa Monica Mountains will provide more sustenance for your soul.