Do NOT hit SF Through Santa Cruz during commute times, HWY South becomes gridlocked, you will sit for an hour. Between Santa Cruz and Monterey, is Moss Landing, you can't miss the power stacks and harbor, Phil's out on the Island is a cool place, good food, but avoid at lunch hour, it fills up, line out the the door. There is a Phil's sandwich Shop right behind the highway, but the main Phil's is on the Island over the bridge.
I have driven it from north of San Fran, up to Port Angeles WA multiple times...
this is to just do it for the scenery and leisure, no rush...
I always enjoy it....plenty to do and see anywhere along with way....
