My wife and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary on June 8th and we have decided to fly to Las Vegas (because it's stupid cheap) and then drive to Ventura, CA to begin our drive North on Highway 1. We at least want to get North of San Francisco before we turn around and re-trace our steps back to Las Vegas. We will get to Vegas on a Sunday night and fly out of Vegas on Thursday afternoon. Not much time.

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel . . .

Watch out for LOTS of idiot drivers.  Too bad you're not going south from there or north from San Fran, those are the nicest areas of the coast!

craigb
Watch out for LOTS of idiot drivers.  Too bad you're not going south from there or north from San Fran, those are the nicest areas of the coast!

This is what we need to know...I want to see Big Sur, Monterey Bay (I was there once in 1994), Carmel, cross the Bixby and Golden Gate bridge. What are the highlights? What should we not miss? We thought about starting at Dana Point, but I don't know if we have time. We will try to get as far North as we can...I've read it's pretty.

Hmmmmmm Ventura, CA. 23 miles west of me I live .25 miles off the 101.
 
 
Clint to his wife: "Missed him by THIS much".

I want to miss as much traffic as possible...we have been looking at routes between Bakersfield and L.A. trying to find the best way through. When my wife finds out we will be that close to the great bapu, she may want to stop for an autograph. I told her your famous for your vast VST collection and bass playing chops.

Be very careful on Mountain Pass on I-15 when you get into California. That drive can be dangerous and the people are crazy. Also watch your speeds going across the desert. You'll be going faster than you realize.
 
A neat little detour is in Goodsprings outside of Vegas. I accidentally stumbled into the Pioneer Saloon back in 2003 on my way back across the country because I wanted to wait until night time to go through Vegas and see the lights. Really cool old western bar that has had a few movies shot there.

Clint,
 
More like pork chops.   Errrrm becan.

We're wondering if driving down to Dana Point and starting our drive from there would be a good idea? Would it be worth the time spent? It looks like it would take 3 to 4 hours to get to San Simian from Dana Point. The other idea is to just start at San Simian and drive North...One of these two options seems to be better than starting in Ventura. We only have 3 days to do this drive.

From Dana Point to Ventura is pretty much the same as Ventura on up given the limited time you have.