That helps me figure out what to tell you, Mrs. Briggs
OK, so I'd suggest you fly into LAX. You'll need a car rental to get around LA. Spend three or four days here, may go see Disneyland, maybe go see Universal Studios, maybe go to Knott's Berry Farm. Maybe see the making of a TV show. You could easily spend 10 days in LA, but you've got 10 days for the whole trip, I guess, so that's all you'll have time for. Then head out of the city. You'll want to head out on Hwy 101, which takes you through Ventura and Santa Barbara and the up to San Luis Obispo. Spend a few hours in Santa Barbara. Go see the old mission and the pier and beach and stuff. It's beautiful! Stay in San Luis Obispo. Here you get off Highway 101 and take the Pacific Coast Highway, route 1. This hugs the ocean on the way north. A great beautiful drive, one of the best I think. A good stop here is the Hearst Castle if that stuff interests you. Head north towards MOnterey. There are some small stands of Redwood here before you get there, Pfeiffer state Park I think is the name. At least overnight in MOnoterey with morning visit to their great Aquarium. Finish up in San Francisco.
Get rid of the car in San Francisco. Spend as much or little time here as you want. Take cabs or cablecars or buses but don't drive around. The road pattern will drive you nuts.
Fly out of SFO. Great trip. Busy, but great