one month documentary(from spain)

I've been looking forward to driving America's west coast for over twenty years, ever since a road trip in the Florida Keys. This is it! My wife and I arrive San Francisco February 24th and plan to stay a few days in the city before heading up to Tahoe for some skiing with friends. We then have 2-3 weeks before we fly back to the UK out of LA and want to enjoy the best of California's scenery,hotels,food and sunshine. We'd also like to rent a great convertable ... a'vette or 'stang.
Any route/destination/lodging/restaurant/car rental suggestions would be greatly appreciated.