[Germanauto]

When leaving SD, get off I5N at San Clemente. That's the first town in OC and the start of PCH.

Dana Point has a couple beautiful beaches that are less crowded than other OC beaches.

Laguna Beach, while touristy, is a must see. There's a great place to grab food/drinks right on the beach called "the Deck." Adonis is a great shwarama place just steps away from the beach. There's plenty of other restaurants and bars to explore.

Fashion Island Mall is just a nice spot to hang out at Newport Beach.

I personally have yet to drive PCH from LA to SF, but I have stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. Please do yourself a favor and stop by here. It's a famous property with breathtaking views, located just a little south of the Bay Area.

BTW, while you're in SD I'd highly recommend getting brunch at the Grand Del Mar hotel. This is probably one of California's most famous hotels and having brunch aside their grounds is memorable.