Southern California hints

I'm going to second what SCVJeff said. That route takes you around most LA traffic and brings you to the beach. The 138 is also known as the Pearblossom Highway. We volunteered for 5 winter seasons at Emma Wood State Beach, it is close to Ventura Beach RV Resort. It is RIGHT on the water but no amenities, no elect, water or bathrooms. There are surfers there every day. The reservations start mid May. It's pretty busy in the summer but if you arrive Monday or Tuesday you can probably get a site. Site #5 is the best, big & wide. You can ride bikes from there to downtown Ventura with grocery store and restaurants. Great town. There are also some county parks, Rincon, which has no amenities, also Hobson and Faria. Look at the Ventura County parks for reservations. Reserve America does the reservations for Emma Wood. There's probably a surf shop in Ventura that gives lessons. These parks are also right next to the 101 freeway, easy on & off.