Dave, as your trip gets closer, hit me up here or through 2nd Light, I periodically go down to Point Mugu & North Island ... Maybe hook up for a surf &/or a brew.
I just got done driving the PCH last week. Amazing experience. If you can splurge for a convertible than do it. If you are into camping stop anywhere in Bug Sur. Also, make sure your passenger has some motion sickness pills. I learned that the hard way.