My suggestions (for what its worth).... I agree with first choice being fly into SF and Out of LV (or backwards). The whole middle area doesnt really need to be seen twice (i live here, so i know). If you really can only fly out of LA or SF because of international flights or price then my next choice would be LA > LV > Central Coast > SF. See link below for the way I would do it.

Places to stay in the central coast that i suggest are
Morro Bay (sleepy little fishing town with good restaurants along the embarcadero)
Cayucos (even smaller town with very quite vibe)
San Luis obispo (good shopping for your wife downtown) Try to schedule being there on thursday night for farmers market.
Pismo Beach or Avila Beach (great views of the Pacific ocean)


Then also search this forum for all the suggestions for central coast and big sur driving and restraunts.

Good luck and drive safe!

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=L...ia=2,4&t=m&z=8