The inland route will take you through lush fruit and nut groves, as well as drier, more desert-like terrain, while the coastal route will keep you at the edge of the Pacific for the entire trip. Stop in Los Angeles to visit Hollywood, Universal Studios and Beverly Hills, or attend a live taping of one of your favorite TV shows. Get back onto I-5 when you leave Anaheim, and continue south to San Diego, via San Juan Capistrano. While in San Diego, don't forget to visit the famous zoo, or maybe spend a day at SeaWorld. Consider packing picnic breakfasts and lunches in a cooler if you're trying to save money.
Fast food can get expensive, and there are lots of pretty picnic sites along all the major routes.
Just be sure to store all perishables safely, and replace your ice as soon as it melts. Try to reserve ahead at hotels, motels or hostels they often fill up quickly, especially during the high season. Just visiting a couple of major attractions could set you back a few hundred dollars. Even in the cooler months, it's easy to pick up a sunburn in southern California. For your personal safety, avoid stopping for hitchhikers or others who may try to flag you down.