This time is an all-pleasure trip as my first time in SFO was work-related and was a very short stay. Visiting Alcatraz, Napa, Monterey and driving south on route 1 to LA. Any suggestions of what spots are a must?
Monterey aquarium is very cool, Carmel is kind of a cool area and there's always the Hearst Castle...
I'm a big fan of the Pacific Coast Highway - and an awesome time to go, too. You'll have a great time.
I will highly suggest the aquarium! It is right on the bay and several levels look out into the kelp forrest. You can take kayak trips out into the bay as well, not to mention all the cool wild life... I've been to the aquarium in Atlanta and several other cities too, but Monterey blows them all away!
Hiking in the woods is great, but that part of the country is increasingly infested with deer ticks, so be careful. If you are bitten, retain the tick and have it tested, otherwise you'd be well advised to take a three week antibiotic run. Lyme disease ain't no joke.
Took the trip down Hwy 1 from SF to LA a few weeks ago, and I must say it offered some terrific views along the road! See to it that you have plenty of time when you go there, you don´t want to rush by. Big Sur: