Where should I go in California? Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…

Our group of 8 is going to CA. I only have one chance to go to California and I have never been? One week/7 days in May 2011. We will be flying in and renting a car. We don't party, or club, or drink. Looking for natural beauty, ocean, mountains, wildlife, whales, sea lions and such. Age group 17-60. What city should we stay in, I was thinking of getting a rental house. I would love to have a breathtaking ocean/mountain view. please only serious answers. I would like to do the Pacific Coast Hwy and the Redwoods. We were thinking of flying into Long Beach, San Diego, or La. Any thoughts?