stockton!
LOL yeah mega-dump...let me suggest the following;
Mendocino Coastline and especially "Sea Ranch" area for remote and stunning coastline.
Yosemite - Bucket list park GO TO IT, you won't be disappointed
Carmel/Monterey pennisula - I live in Santa Cruz so I will totally get you baked if you get up here but it truly is beautiful.
Desert's- I have to agree man, night in the dessert is magic, pop some shrooms and watch the stars amazing
Los Angeles - Hey it's LA, hit Venice Beach for the freak show, Hollywood, just walk around Burbank you would be AMAZED who you might see their,Newport Beach is sweet if you like that kind of thing, farther south way south is Laguna Nagel thats a trip.
San Francisco - hit it on your way to Mendo, another must see city.
If you really want to see remote beauty, go north on I5 till you hit Weed, Ca (yes Weed lol) then head North East on 97 you'll hit Oregon sooner or later (Crater Lake is amazing) but it is also a great trip.
Lake Tahoe - Man that lake is BLUE! And their are Casino's! lol
Have fun I love this state but I live here.