You're going to want to drive California 1 instead of US 101 where the 1 follows the coast. Big Sur is world renowned as a scenic drive, for instance, and there's no real reason to see Salinas. There are three main sections where this happens: from Rockport down to Mill Valley, from SF down to San Luis Obispo, and from Pt Mugu down pretty much all the way to SD
That said, while the California coast is pretty amazing, I've seen better from the water in AK, so maybe it's not really going to blow your skirt up. But the inland sections of the 101 in California really aren't all that impressive.
Hearst Castle in San Simeon is on the 1, worth a visit. Side trips to Sonoma wineries. Notable breweries along the way or nearby include: North Coast, Lagunitas, Firestone, Russian River, and a veritable s--t-heap in San Diego County. Seriously, the SD beer scene is top notch.
