road trip: seattle - los angelos

i am a young nyc chowhound who is looking to do some west coast travel time.

i'll be traveling from seattle to los angelos by car in early next week .

certainly will be willing to take time to absorb the terrain.

can anyone tip me off onto some good tangents re:

food
photogenic sights
extraordinary values in lodging
wine spots
people watching
kick backing

thanks in advance for you west coast help

johnny