If you have a couple of days to spare -- a couple of options (without going into LA) could be

- Santa Barbara/ Solvang area. Depending where you were planning to end your PCH run, you can extend it a bit farther south. There are some nice places along the coast through Shell Beach -- Sycamore Mineral Springs has been turned into a very upscale resort (I went there when it was hot tubs on a hillside). Madronna Inn near San Louis Obispo is always a kick.

- A bit farther south is the wine country around Solvang/ San Ynez. This was the background in the recent movie "Sideways", and has a number of very good wineries and several very good restaurants, such as the Hitching Post. Solvang, as a replica Danish area has wonderful pastries as well. Jalama Beach over west of Solvang area is probably one of the most isolated and unique beaches south of the redwoods. No motels to stay there, but a very interesting beach to walk.

- Then there is Santa Barbara -- the Mission there is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in California, and wandering the little stores and boutiques in the Presidio area is always fun. Depending upon the day, you watch them play polo at the polo field in Montecito. Or you can come a bit farther south to Ventura, and go inland to Ojai which is a very funky artists community in the local mountains.