I know earlier that you said you were considering flying into SFO and just beginning your holiday there, however, should you choose the LAX option with an overnight stay, I will echo another poster who mentioned Monterey and Carmel. I would consider overnighting around LAX, picking up the rental car (hire car) and then heading North along US 101 with perhaps a stop in the Santa Barbara area and then Monterey or Carmel before continuing up to SFO.