We did a similar trip last May from Seattle area down through Oregon on Hwy 101 to Willits. We then took Hwy 20 to Ft Bragg and picked up Hwy 1. We're doing a similar trip next week but will stay on 101 as it was a long slow drive on Hwy 1 north of San Fransisco. We did cross the Golden Gate Bridge at rush hour on Monday evening. Not too bad, just followed the Garmin closely. There are no toll booths, you will get a bill in the mail later. We followed Hwy 1 through SF down to Santa Cruz. Staying on Hwy 101 this year we should get into SF around noon. Our goal that day is Mount Madonna Park near Watsonville. We may take Hwy 1 south from there, but am thinking we'll stay on Hwy 101. Our destination is Huntington Beach with a night stop in Ventura on the way. Enjoy the trip.
Doug