I have done a lot of car and motorcycle trips up and down highway 1 in California.
North of Leggett is "Avenue of the Giants" which is an old growth redwood forest which is pretty cool, about 25 miles long and parallels highway 1 (101 in that section). Many spots to jump back on the freeway if you get enough. Anything North of that, I have not been...
From Leggett to Morro Bay should not be missed. Plan on 2-3 days just for that part, (~500 miles) with plenty of stopping and viewing the scenery. There will likely be fog in some spots and clearing in others as the microclimate weather is unpredictable along the entire coast. You could have end of the world dense fog, then 20 minutes later you come out into the clearest skies you've ever seen. This will take you south along the coast, eventually through San Francisco, past Alice's, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, etc... Many side roads to explore, not sure what you're driving or if Mrs. Skids is into performance driving, or if this is purely sight seeing...
Going south past Morrow bay takes you inland for awhile. Then you will be near Solvang, look to Google to see if it's for you. Further south is Santa Barbara, Ventura, then you're into Los Angeles area, where my interest stops...
Let me know a bit more about what you want to do, your expectations, etc...
The news makes it seem that we all carry guns, but that is just a distortion of reality. The areas you will be travelling will be safe, except maybe LA and Seattle...
Most people are just trying to live their lives, it's the few morons that screw it up for everyone else.
For myself, and to my kids, I let them know when they are traveling out of town before stopping for gas, make sure you get your situational awareness in check so you are not surprised by some idiot local looking to jack you. Only had one issue in my life, but glad I was aware and just moved on to the next gas station. Just good to be aware and vigilant, since you are in an unfamiliar place.