Tink,
We did what you are planning last October. The essential guide book is California Road Trip from Moon Handbooks.
We flew into and out of LAX, you pay a premium to fly into Vegas, for us it would have been around GBP 100 extra for Vegas over LAX or SF.
Vegas we can take of leave, we stayed in a junior suite in the Elara which is next door to Paris, Paris and opposite the Bellagio. Very nice, modern, swish , comfortable but a bit soulless. Vegas as Mrs Stoat described it is a bit like Blackpool with extra alcohol and gambling, seriousley, people walking down the street at 10 am with extra large beers or jiant cocktails. If you do not like the smell of tobacco smoke Vegas is not for you, the smell is all pervasive in the Casino Hotels.
Having said that, go see a show, we did Cirque, and the buffet at the Bellagio is stunning, the TI buffet less so. We renewed our vows in a helicopter over the Strip at Night and also did the bus trip to see the Grand Canyon which was a good day out, saves a lot of driving.
LA traffic is the nightmare you would expect. You need satnav, the roads are not as well signed as they are in Florida. If you are out in Annaheim, it is around half an hour by car from the airport. Nose to tail 60mph traffic. My advice is book a taxi transfer in advance, then pick up your car later if you are doing that option. Disney is expensive for a one day ticket for both parks. You might want to consider Knotts Berry Farm as an alternative.
The california coastline north to SF is just stunning I would take two or more days and break your journey as there is so much to see and do. Do not miss Hearst Castle, views and the place itself are stunning. Monterey is a nice place and the aquarium is the best I have visited.
SF was more to our taste than LA. Look into the SF city pass, that includes Metro and bus transport, the DeJong museum, exploratorium, Monterey or SF Aquarium, and you can upgrade it to give an Alcatraz trip (well worth it).
From there you can drive over to Yosemite which is just stunning. We spent two full days there before heading over the Tioga pass (also stunning) before spending a night in Mammoth Lakes and visiting Bodie ghost town and Mono Lake. That puts you near Death Valley, stay out of here if it is summer, it is baking hot. In the cooler months it is amazing, bleak but compelling. We stayed at the Furnace Creek Ranch. You can get deals online for around $125 a room avoiding weekends as opposed to the $325 walkup rate if you search online in advance. It is really a little oasis, with its own spring fed swimming pool. Must visit is Scottys Castle in the North end of the valley.
That should give you some ideas, let me know if you want any more details.
