Great drive in store for you. Plan to pull over ofTen on the big Sur coast and on south.
There is a classic old boardwalk amusement area in Santa Cruz on the beach built around 1905, the kids might enjoy.
We stay in Cambria often, and our kids enjoy the park near the north end of town , it is right next to where a stream comes down from the hills bringing all kinds of stones and minerals down to be polished on the beach. Fun rock hunting on that moonstone beach.
Morro bay is cool too. Good plan to enjoy the central coast area.
Happy travels to you!
Richard
My son and I cruised thru the area this summer, big fun!