The good news is that there is NO wrong way to see this great Country! The point your nose and go attitude is the correct one. While I love visiting S. CA (we are in Temecula now) there are so, so many wonderful places in the Country that you will find it hard to breathe it all in. The NW all Summer long, the UP of Michigan, NY State, the Canadian Providences, fresh Maine Lobster, Key West, FL (avoid all the rest of FL!), Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Arches and Canyonland....Don't get me started. It's great. Just plan to go slower than whatever you currently have planned.