Fishermans warf get some sourdough bread and lobster bisk at the light house right there on the water. Enjoy the switch backs right in that area, ever watch BULLITT? That movie was filmed in that area!
LA isnt too far, chinese theater, PCH 1 , hollywood.
LA to las vegas is 2.5 hours. Then drive to the grand canyon. Head north or south from there.. I drove from kansas city to LA a few times and seen it all, are you going the south route or the north route? And what time of year?