mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

If you get to Carmel, do take the 17 mile drive along the coast and through the Pebble Beach golf course. Go early, early in the morning. It's just georgeous.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That is a good point.

jearlwebb

Thank you everyone so much for your time and suggestions! Got some great new ideas. I might head back south on HWY 1 on my way to Yosemite.

ELNikkor

Only the passengers will be able to enjoy the view while the car is moving. The driver needs to stay focused as the road swerves a lot, and crossing the road to park means cutting across the on-coming lane if you are going south to north. It is a beautiful trip, though, good luck!

unlucky2 Loc: Hemet Ca.

Just getting started, don't be in a big hurry leaving SF. After crossing the Golden gate, exit for Battery park, the best location for bridge and other photo ops including a lighthouse and the potato patch (weather dependent). Then just up the road is Muir Woods a wonderful walk in the Redwoods not to be missed. End of day one and you will have covered less than 50 miles but wow what you will see (full card, hope you have others).

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Yosemite is very far from the coast of California. It would take several hours, about five I think as I recall, to get to Yosemite and the crowds in June would be overwhelming. I would not do this detour. I live an hour and one-half away from Yosemite and stay far away from it in June.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Central Coast from Monterey County to Santa Barbara offers awesome diversity from Point Lobos trees and rocky outcroppings to rolling hills. Depending on how much rain we get now, it could be green or could be dried up in the foothills. One place of interest that has photo ops is Hearst Castle. Guided tours but no flash allowed. Also another gem area and sequestered off of Highway 1 in Santa Barbara is Jalama Beach. It is the site of the Navy's worst maritime non-war disaster (1923), and is known for serving the best Jalama Burger at their remote beach cantina. Not too far from Jalama is Solvang and Buellton. Solvang is a Danish town with all the trimmings, there is also a California Mission, Buellton has Andersen's World Famous Split Pea Soup. Buellton is on Hwy 101 (Fuel) and Solvang is just east of Buellton. South of Buellton is Santa Barbara (City) which has a nice boardwalk and pier you can drive on with excellent eats, a zoo nearby and SB Mission which is beautiful. Goodluck! California coast is a long drive and the stretch between Carmel and San Luis Obispo is, as someone mentioned, dangerous if you don't pay attention. Also, always check "Cal Trans" website for road conditions because with all the rain Highway 1 has developed landslides in that area that often block Highway 1 for weeks/months at a time.

elent

I live in Eureka. The road to Happy Camp (96) is quite scenic and even better beyond--heading to Yreka. Narrow and two lanes, isolated, cliffs, gorges and spectacular river views. June can be really hot and it is right in the fire season. Think about river rafting while you're there. Have fun.

dino21 Loc: McAllen, TX

Used to live in N Ca. I used to really like the area around Bodega Bay. You can go out to the "bodega head" and have some beautiful views. It also has numerous trails that go along the bluffs with spectacular views. Close by is the old schoolhouse where they filmed "The Birds". I think it may be an art gallery now.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Absolutely! Southbound drives are MUCH better than North.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

CA 1 between Big Sur and Ragged Point was closed during the recent rain storms but was opened this morning (Friday 01/18). By June there should be no issues.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

You won't have difficulty finding photo ops - you'll just drive into them. There is one place that is off the beaten path that you should try to see and that is The Lost Coast. You will have to google it to find it as it's not well marked.

I also might suggest if your going to go as far as Eureka why not go as far as Arcata just 15 min north. Arcata is a bohemian, artsy town with tons of great eateries & breweries. My son in-law manages Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka and there is Redwood Curtain in Arcata - both excellent with live music most nights. If you plan your trip right to Arcata you must go the the Farmers Market at the Plaza downtown every Saturday Morning.

If your traveling with your significant other or even friends then I might suggest traveling 20 min north of Acata and Booking a cabin at View Crest Lodge outside of Trinidad - absolutely beautiful rustic cabins that have their own kitchens with a fantastic continental breakfast with anything you could want. The lodge is only 5 min from Patrick Point State Park which is beautiful and fun to explore (Photo attached). In Trinidad there are beautiful redwood walks overlooking the coast and don't forget the Clam Chowder at the Trinidad Pier - Amazing!

I really could go on and on - Fern Canyon, Strawberry Rock and more. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun.

Patricks Point State Park

(Download)

Ms Karley at Patricks Point

napabob Loc: Napa CA

many useful suggestions, only one I would add is Avenue of the Giants, been through many times and never tire of it, one trip south from Oregon I vowed to make every right turn traveling down the coast, don't regret it..............

LESTAHL Loc: Colorado

If you fish, try the Smith River or Fort Bragg for rock fish. Prairie Creek State Park offers chances to view the Roosevelt Elk. Be careful though-they are very large animals.

grathbun Loc: Placerville, California

I would second one of DanielB's suggestions (Fern Canyon) and add one that I didn't notice anyone else suggesting (Shelter Cove).
Fern Canyon would be a detour a bit north of Eureka, but I think it's worth it. A beautiful little canyon about 15' to 30' wide with vertical walls covered with ferns, trickles of water coming down the walls here and there, a little stream (unless it has recently rained, in which case it's a BIG stream -- bring wading footwear) meandering through a gravel bar that is the floor of the canyon. Redwood forests on top provide shade, and the canyon is pleasant even on warm days. Lots of Roosevelt elk in the area.
Take a detour off 101 at Redway and head out to the old fishing village of Shelter Cove. It now has a lot of timeshare homes on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Quaint and relaxed, and near the Lost Coast, which someone else suggested.