Originally Posted by
kenish
Re-reading your post, if there is Friday-Monday to make the trip it could include the Sierras (Yosemite or lesser known Sequoia/Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks) to see the giant sequoias. Or Death Valley, there should be wildflowers in the desert this time of year.
Yosemite or Sequoia/Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks, will risk tangling with late season snow and/or icy roads. The 10 day forecast suggests precipitation, which depending on time of day and altitude is apt to be messy.
If you want to show them big trees, the Coastal Redwoods up near Santa Cruz are nearly as nice (and a lot more accessible)...
Death Valley?
Ummm... Only if they prefer spending all their time inside their rental car, rather than sightseeing! That's about 950 miles of driving....since you can't plan on going through the Sierras North of Tehachapi or South of US-50.
Hearst Castle is a sound idea, but get reservations in as soon as possible for a holiday weekend (it already may be too late). If you're the wine tasting sort, there are some great vineyards in the Santa Barbara north county, and exploring the Santa Barbara may satisfy female shopping genetics. (for more hardcore sorts, try the outlet malls in Pismo Beach & Camarillo)
Oh, and pull off US 101 somewhere from Santa Maria south to Camarillo and find a fruit stand... The locally grown strawberries are at their peak, and are absolutely nummy.