Los Angeles to Monterey drive: 16 ranked stops, break in Paso Robles

Hollywood's oldest restaurant, open since 1919, a red-jacketed old-school grill famed for martinis and classic continental fare. Order: Flannel cakes.

Restored 1854 Army post at the top of the Grapevine with original adobes and living-history days; the fort once hosted the Army's camel corps.

A Mexican bakery-cafe on Soledad's main drag that works before the west-side Pinnacles entrance — pan dulce, breakfast plates, and grab-and-go fuel for a hot trail day.

Twin-lake reservoir under a 425-foot dam: motorized upper lake, quiet lower lagoon, picnic coves.

La Brea hot dog stand slinging chili dogs since 1939, a celebrity-loved LA landmark with lines around the block. Order: Chili cheese dog.

Viewing platform over the protected herd of tule elk - the endemic California subspecies brought back from near-extinction; monthly auto-safari tours.

A Pete Dye course winding up a sunny valley inland from the Monterey fog, at a relaxed luxury ranch resort. Oaks, vineyards, and warm afternoons.

Tiny family-run Glendale institution beloved for expertly grilled, generously salted kebabs cooked over charcoal. Order: Beef lula kebab.

Simon Rodia’s 99-ft mosaic spires

The undisputed star of Sawtelle, drawing perpetual lines for its rich, pork-based dipping ramen in West LA's Japantown. Order: Tsukemen.

Gold standard of Bakersfield Basque dining since 1954, serving the full family-style spread of soup, beans, salad and rotating entree. Order: Lamb stew.