California has about 700 miles coastline. You need to ride all of it, I especially like the redwoods. Don't forget there are mountains on the West side.

 

I did LA to San Fran back in '99 on a Heritage, it was awesome although weather could be a bit flaky at times.

As a foreigner, riding a Hog over the Golden Gate bridge was about as "American" I could get! Great time.