We drove the Pacific Coast Highway from Newport Beach to Santa Monica.
We didn't realize that with our meanderings, it would take us 6 hours to cover that distance. But stops to see tar ponds, look at beaches, eat, and look at lifeguards ends up making for a LOOOOOOONG day.
Lots of nice beaches, a lot of "Bay Watch" sites, and lots of quaint little towns next to the ocean is what you'll see.
And just hope your travelling companion doesn't sing...
"All I wanna do is have some fun
Until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard"
all day -- I was ready to kill Sheryl Crow!!!