California ideas -advice appreciated!

[rhinocharge]

Travelling October 12-26 I thought about Boston to Niagara via Canada. I have now thought again and would welcome guidance and opininon re my ideas.

In principle I thought of stopping 4/5 max covering one of the following routes:

1. Fly to Los Angeles, drive to San Diego (4 nights), then to Phoenix (3 nights), then to Flagstaff / Grand Canyon (1 night), across to Las Vegas (4 nights) then back to Los Angeles (2 nights)

2. Fly to San Francisco (2 nights), drive to Las Vegas (4 nights), then to San Diego (3 nights), then to Santa Barbara (3 nights) then back to San Francisco (2 night).

How far is reasonable to drive in a day allowing for time to stop on route? Are the routes OK, and doI need to book hotels early or can I find places on the day? Can you cancel hotels and get money back? What is parking like in hotels - is it free?

Sorry for all the questions......