I started writing my post an hour or so before finally completing and submitting it - I'm at work -- so I hadn't seen ClairBear's informative message until after I had sent mine.

I had forgotten all about Highway 1, which is near the coast but not right on it like 101 and is straighter, more level, etc. There must be a scenic-but-comfortable route that combines stretches on the two roads. Using 101 all the way would not only be nervewracking, but too time-consuming as well. On the other hand, I agree with Claire that the quick inland route, Interstate 5, has nothing to recommend it.

The Hearst Castle is pretty amazing. It's the real-life counterpart of "Xanadu," the title character's estate in the film "Citizen Kane."