Hwy 1 from the Bay Area to Big Sur is amazing! Also just visited San Louis Abispo, the beaches and nature is gorgeous and not crowded. 17 Mile drive through Pebble beach is really nice too.
If you want mountains, and want to see something few see, consider Lassen park, (in the far north of the state) also. Also, Kings Canyon is SO so far away from the highways/freeways that there is sadly no way you can do it in your timescale. Consider "Big Trees" near Arnold in the mid state Sierra for amazing Sequoia grove, easy access, and no crowds!
No way. I've been to Gundlach Bundschu out in Sonoma a few times. Nice little place for wine tasting. I'll tell them Landlord Landry said hello next time I'm there. FYI, it's harvest season right now, so the wineries are extra packed.
Yosemite is a MUST. If you get the chance, hike up Half Dome. There are a TON of hikes and if taking photographs is your thing, you'll have lots of scenic places to snap shots. If you had more time, I'd say go to San Diego. Most laid back city in CA. If you want to go to Monterey Bay, you have to visit the aquarium there. It's HUGE and it's pretty much amazing.
