Quote Originally Posted by fbarao
As a matter of fact we were not considering driving from the Grand Canyon straight to Sequoia Park, we were planning stoping for the night somewhere in the middle of the way.
Rather than go back north again to Las Vegas I would suggest making "some tracks" to the west and stay over-night at either Barstow or Tehachapi so that you can get an early start for exploring the region around Sequoia NP. Mark Helmlinger's field report from that area provides a nice overview. After leaving Sequoia you can see if you have time to drive into Yosemite and look around.
About Route 1, we are planning three stops along the way, so we can try to enjoy most of the great sights on the way. After leaving SF we plan on staying for the night in Carmel, then Pismo Beach but we are not sure about the last part, maybe Solvang (a bit off route) or Santa Barbara, these night, along with the one on the way from Grand Canyon to Sequoia are the only nights we have not planned on a place to stay.
When at Carmel take the time to do the 17 mile drive. It is a toll road, but hardly that expensive and the views are sublime. Best book to pick-up and carry for your Coast Highway jaunt is this one.