[Cali Panthers Fan]

As for your trip...

Portland is cool. A stop at Voodoo Donuts is a must.

You obviously should stop in SF on your way. The whole bay is nice, but the city is a lot of fun and there are great restaurants everywhere and fun watering holes. I still recommend doing the Alcatraz tour, but you need a few hours and probably should buy your tickets in advance. Fisherman's Wharf is really touristy, so beware.

Santa Cruz is nice enough but nothing super special unless you're into surfing or being a hippie. BUT, if you have time to do the Mystery Spot, do it. It's fun and weird and kinda cool. Makes for great photos.

Drive to Nepenthe Restaurant on your way down the #1 highway through Big Sur. Some of the best beauty is in that area. Carmel is nice, but full of blue bloods, so if you want a more laid back approach go with Big Sur. The drive alone will be worth it.

You may be coming during the mating season for the elephant seals. As you go down the coast road toward San Luis Obispo, you will come across a few beaches where they are and there are spots for tourists to come and see them. Really cool sight if you're into that kinda thing.

Hearst Castle is awesome...definitely take the time to do it.

Once you're in SoCal it's a mixed bag, but there are plenty of hip spots in L.A. I'll let someone else advise you on that since it's not my area.

Have Fun!!!