I will be working my way down the California coast (detouring around the darn mudslides) between August 4th and August 15th, from San Francisco to San Diego. Any sites anyone want to recommend to see?

Fisherman's Wharf

Alcatraz

Pier 39

Golden Gate Bridge

Of course Hollywood

Chinese Theater 

Walk of Fame

Hay! I can actually answer this question! Lol! 😅

Our favorite beach is right there in Carlsbad San Diego. I don't know if you will be traveling with youngins but in our opinion it is the best spot we found for our children to have fun. The sand is not too rocky. It is clean. There is more then likely a chance to find a spot to park then to not find a spot. Parking is free. The walk from the car to the beach is short. The waves (most of the time) are pretty gentle to play in. It is not too far from food, grocery, gas, lodging, etc. The only "problem" we tend to come across is when we go we stay out there a night or two and it is difficult to find a motel with a room available ESPECIALLY if there is an event going on plus Legoland is near by so that makes it more difficult to find a place to stay. But if you can book in advance or money is no option for a motel then you will be fine. ☺

Either away I hope you and yours has a safe and fun trip!!! 😊

To add to the others..

Big Sur

Solvang

Wine tasting in Napa valley

Sequoia National Park

Yosemite National Park

Venice Beach.  Walk the boardwalk

Disneyland don't bother with California Adventure

Dodger or Angels game

Farmers Market.  Eat at Dupars,  my recommendation is their pancakes and a brownie to go.

Superior Dairy, Hanford, California. My recommendation is a shake or a banana split.

California Science Center to see the Endeavor Space Shuttle.

Canters Deli one if my favorite Jewish deli's. Been around a long time.

Griffith Park Observatory

San Diego Zoo is my favorite zoo anywhere. Actually an afternoon at Balboa park is awesome. Bring a picnic. Look at some local museums, the observatory, a live performance at the open theater.

On your way south take highway 1.  Very scenic, very beautiful.

I was born and raised here. It is a very beautiful state with everything within one day driving distance. You can visit a museum one day, and be hiking on a cool trail that afternoon. Let me know if you have any special requests and I'll tell you my suggestions. I tried to include a wide array of things. Not sure what you'd be interested in seeing.

I haven't made the trip, but have been too San Fran a couple of times. The first two on my list I have been to. The last one my hubby has been to and enjoyed.

The Winchester House in San Jose

The Moss Beach Distillery Café in Moss Beach (Maybe you can see the Blue Lady ghost)

The Hearst Castle in San Simeon

When I was in San Diego I didn't make it to the Coronado Hotel but it is on my list if I make it back.

I've lived here all my life, and I think Dragonfly pretty much covered it.  I also love the Huntington Library here in Pasadena.  (Beautiful gardens and tea room .... Plus you can see the original Pinky and Blue Boy paintings.)

Oh, Hearst Castle on the coast in San Simeon is also worth seeing!