SFG -
Not entirely clear about some things.
I'm guessing that if your daughter starts in mid May, you'd ride in late April/early May.
Also, the "68" in your username is probably not your preference for '68 car models.
Guessing from your bikes that you are experienced. Camping, motels??
Also, the Coast Highway south of Monterey is closed.
Given those pieces, plus your Florida elevation ...
The Sierra foothills are gorgeous in late April/early May.
You could start at the Golden Gate Bridge - -
Ride along the Bay Trail in San Fran - -
Then take the ferry to Vallejo - -
Ride the Carquinez Strait Trail (some hills) - -
Hop Amtrak to get out of the Metro - -
(Roll-on, roll-off service)
Then from Pittsburg take the high bridge to the Delta - -
Ride Florida-flat Delta roads - -
Cut over thru wine & almond orchards via Lodi - -
Hit the Sierra foothills - -
Ride down to Fresno or Bakersfield on quiet county roads.
Or a portion of the above.
<<<>>>
Or you can ride from the Golden Gate Bridge along the coast -
Down past Santa Cruz (much busier traffic, but shoulders) -
Then cut inland to San Juan Bautista and Pinnacles National Park -
Coming out at San Luis Obispo & Morro Bay.
This would be a hillier ride.
