It really depends on which route you're taken. Highway 1 (PCH) is the best and most beautiful route, but really takes the most time. I would get down to Monterey as quick as you can and make Monterey/Carmel (great aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium Gift & Bookstore, and a cool little coastal drive right around Monterey) your first stop, but I'd plan on spending most of your time in Big Sur.

Grab some pastries at Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant, glass of wine at Nepenthe while enjoying one of the best views on the west coast. Pfeiffer Beach is my favorite beach stop (for Keyhole Rock) and McWay Falls is a easy, beautiful stop. The last big attraction before exiting Big Sur is Hearst Castle, as folks have already mentioned. 

Morro Bay or Cambria are good midpoint stops. For lodging in Morro, I'd recommend Anderson Inn and have some really unique beers at The Libertine Pub. 

I've written a few guides about Big Sur:

http://whiskeytangoglobetrot.com/guide-pacific-coast-highway-big-sur/

www.latimes.com/travel/california/la-tr-d-morro-bay-escape-20150111-story.html

Hi Andre,

I just did this road trip over the weekend, and it's a lot of fun! I've driven down Highway 1 a few times, and there's always something new to see. As far as staples go -- and if you like aquariums -- Monterey Bay Aquarium is worth a stopover. When you're back behind the wheel, wind your way down the 17-Mile Drive to zoom under a canopy of cyprus trees and across beachfront roads. From there, you can stop at Pebble Beach to work on your golf game (although that'll set your budget back a bit) or ride through pretty downtown Carmel for food and shopping. Then, continue the drive across Bixby Creek Bridge for a stellar photo-op. 

If you want to take a break from the road at this point, I'd check in at the Big Sur River Inn. Like the name suggests, a river runs along the back of the property, and you can sit out on the water in a cozy adirondack chair. It's lovely, but a far cry from what you can see at Hearst Castle further down the Pacific Coast Highway. Save that for the morning.

Have fun!

I would take Highway 1 and make a long day of it... You need to be selective but some good bets are: Santa Cruz (Elephant Seals), Carmel, Cannery Row, 17 Mile Dr, Big Sur, Point Sur Naval Facility, Piedras Blancas (Elephant Seals) and just driving Highway 1...

Andre,

Morro Bay is a good midway point. From SF to LA, you can stop at a few places:

Carmel

Monterey

Big Sur

Hearst Castle

Santa Barbara

Taking highway 1, although longer, will provide a very scenic route and make stopping at these places much easier. 

Happy driving!

-Kristal

If you have the time, stay on the Pacific Coast Highway and hug the coast. It'll take twice as long as Interstate 5, but the views and scenery make up for it exponentially. Spend a night or two in Big Sur (camp or get a cabin) and explore the cliffs and forests. 

Make sure you stop at Hearst Castle. It is totally worth the trip!

Big Sur is beautiful