L.A. north to redwood np in late jan.???

I am on vacation for the month of jan. and rented a house in palm springs. I am looking for route suggestions north of L.A. I have a week to wander while my wife's friends visit. Do I just follow PCH? What about weather, is it possible to zigzag 1 to 101 north? Rain and cold not a problem I'm coming from the midwest so heated clothing I've got. Thinking of leaving early on a saturday morning and slabing it around L.A. and starting the fun on mulholland down to PCH. Long days are OK I'm really kind of gas and go rider. Any ideas?