I would do the 49-miles drive. It is not so far from San Fransisco. We did that in 1984, and it took my breath away! Here are some links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49-Mile_Scenic_Drive

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...08/15/WBW2.DTL

There are lots of other ideas in that first link!

Then, how about Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park?