Thank for the replies.
Big Sur is too far, could have been if I chose to go the San Francisco instead of Las Vegas, for sure next time when I get around San Francisco.
Mt Whitney was initially on the list but there is no way we can hike anywhere close to the top, a combination of skills, weather and equipment, and I don't want to go there just to look at it. Heading towards it though and the crossing the Sierra towards Death Valley remains an option, the longer drive though.
The southern route that you mentioned remains the most appealing. I have to decide it it's worth camping, maybe in the Mojave area. My guess is that I'll have to carry tons of water.