Have just read this, and what memories it brought back. SanFran, yes, did all of that, so laid back that place; 17 mile drive - wow; San Luis - great; Vegas - laughed at a notice "Please turn off room lights when you leave"; Grand Canyon - will never, ever, forget. Car broke down at Hoover Dam - remember it well. Giant redwoods,not to be missed - now protected I believe. Santa Monica in LA was our base so we saw a lot of LA.
Anyone thinking of this - go for it. It really is a dream.
Sylvia