Cali Road Trip!

[trigjones]

Ok, so I'm looking for some pointers from some locals, and seems lots of people from Cali on on here. My (female) friend from Portland, and me (from Seattle) are planning on driving down from Portland, and stop at the following cities.
1. San Francisco (never been)
2. Santa Barbara (been once, sister lives there)
3. Los Angeles (been once, stayed in Inglewood but mostly hung out solo at Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Venice, my host was working when I was there, and didn't go anywhere cool)
4. End in San Diego (never been)

I've got friends I can stay with/hang with in every city but L.A.

I thought about driving my hatch, but it'd be $500 in gas, and I could rent a Prius and including car rental fees and gas spend about the same. Granted, its not cool, but I want something you can nap in, quiet, and with a smooth ride.

So, figured I could see what is worth seeing along the way and in all the major cities. I'm taking as much time off as I want, basic plan is 2 days drive time round trip, and two days in each city. I'm planning on taking Highway 1 all the way down from San Fran.

I'm not really into tourist crap, I don't want to see the Star Walk, any of the Hollywood stuff. Real local ish, hikes, nightclubs or awesome bars to see live shows. Small towns to see along the way. Anything and everything to make this trip epic.

Speaking of, advantages/disadvantages over renting a boring hybrid vs my own car. Also, make it a group thing with a few friends or just me and chica?