Yes, definitely stop off in Santa Barbara along the way and check out Stearns Wharf and the harbor. Also along the way Solvang is a unique Danish-themed town. If you like the movie Sideways, it was mainly filmed/set in the Solvang/Buellton/Santa Ynez area. Depending on when you are traveling there, you should check to see if there will be a rocket launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base. in and around SLO, I agree you definitely should check out Morro Rock and the area along the bay there (where you can almost always see otters and seals hanging out). I also like the little micro-town that is Avila Beach (and go check out the Pirate's Cove). Pismo Beach is also nearby and Dinosaur Cave Park is very pretty and there is Pismo Preserve right by it. North of Morro Bay, I would highly recommend Hearst Castle and the nearby Elephant Seal rookery (hundreds of seals every time I have been there). If you are into hiking, look into the Tri-Tip Challenge.