SF to San Diego via Cambria
 

I know there are a lot of driving questions on this site. If you're as unfamiliar with California as I am, looking at a map just doesn't answer them. I am planning to spend three nights in SF in late February and then drive down the coast to San Diego for 3-4 nights. Will one night's stop break this drive up enough? I was thinking about spending the night in Cambria, touring the Hearst Castle in the morning, and then resuming our drive.

When we did the drive from SF, we spent a night in Cambria and a night in Santa Barbara. San Diego is a long haul from Cambria, especially if you hit traffic in LA.

I'd recommend spending 2 nights on the road if you can, 3 would be even better since you will be travelling along some of the most beautiful coastline anywhere and it would be a shame to rush through it. SF to Cambria is definitely doable in 1 day, lots of driving, but if you get on the road early you will be fine. You could take Hwy 1 all the way down, or cut over to hwy 1 at Santa Cruz or Monterey. Cambria to SD will be a long drive - I am thinking at least 6 hours without stops.

Thank you, Craig and J C -
Do you think Cambria and Santa Barbara are the best two places to choose for an overnight stay or are there other good places to consider along this route that would break things up fairly evenly?

Cambria and Santa Barbara are good choices. I would choose Cambria or Morro Bay and then Santa Barbara or Ventura.