Road Trip from Chicago to Huntington Beach CA! NEED ADVISE ON SITES AND THINGS TO SEE

[Cjones]

Any help on this would be great! This is my first post and from reading others this looks like there are a lot of people with some great stories and ideas for a trip like this. Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

I am taking a quick road trip out to Huntington Beach CA with a buddy of mine who is moving there from Chicago. This is going to be a quick trip and one point along the way that we have to stop at is Phoenix AZ. So any ideas from Chicago to Phoenix and Phoenix to Huntington Beach, CA.

The trip begins Wednesday June 15th 2011!

Below are a few things that I would enjoy to get out of the trip:

1. I love food, I watch the travel channel and would like to stop at any notable places along the way. Diners, Dives, anything goes.

2. Miscellaneous stops that are quick and easy to access from main roads.

3. Must see nature... any places that are must sees.

Other than that I am open to any suggestions. This is kind of an off the cuff trip with no real plans other than an end destination. Hope to hear anyone's thoughts and tips!

Thanks!

Chris