[Danr55]

Here's something to think on..
Leave on Thursday morning by 0400 to drive across the desert and arrive in So Cal by 11:00. Drive to Santa Monica and up PCH to Topanga Canyon. Spend the rest of Thursday and Thursday nite there.
Friday: Drive up US 1 through Pt. Mugu and Oxnard, Ventura to Santa Barbara for lunch. On to Solvang. Rest of Friday in Solvang. Drive back to Buelton for the evening.
Saturday, head to Morro Bay thru Cambria/Pismo Beach and San Simeon. Saturday nite in Morro Bay.
Sunday into Monteray. the Monteray Aquarium and various sites in Monteray.
Monday head for Stinson Beach thru San Francisco across the Golden Gate and Muir Wood. Spend Monday nite in Stinson Beach.
Tuesday head for Napa/Sonoma. tour through Napa and head into Benicia for Tuesday nite.
Wednesday drive to Bakersfield. Wedneday nite dinner at the Sheephearders..
Thursday drive to Palm Springs. Spend the nite.
Friday, leave by 0400 and be home in Phoenix by 1100.

The two long legs will be to Santa Monica and back from Palm Springs.

All open for discussion except the aquarium in Monteray.. for me that's a must.