In this season you've probably chosen the best route, given that 80 over
Donner Pass may be snowed in. In terms of places to see, it depends on how
much time you have to take detours. Death Valley isn't far off your route,
nor is Sequoia National Park. The roads you've chosen may appear barren to
you, if you're used to the greenery of the East.

Once you get closer to the Bay Area, there are a ton of places to see. Sort
of on your route is San Juan Bautista, a restored mission and the place
where Hitchcock's "Vertigo" was filmed. If you want to do the classic road
trip, come in through the south and follow Highway One up through Big Sur.
Palo Alto itself is fine esp. if you like upscal restaurants and the like.
Don't try to buy a house there.

Caltrans has a lot of real-time freeway cams on its website
(http://www.dot.ca.gov/) and there is a good park selection, with pictures,
at  http://www.parks.ca.gov/.

Geza