So my friend wants to spend a few nights on the beach, and I would have to drive a rental car to that place from the Bay Area having had no driving practice since 2009. He has had no driving practice for over ten years, so I come out as the more reliable driver.

I have been thinking about where to go. Santa Cruz? I fear highway 17. Carmel? Too far. And he has been there. A place a bit closer than Carmel, such as Marina (near Monterey but cheaper)? What about Half Moon Bay? I think I can handle highway 92. Has anyone stayed in Half Moon Bay?

How about north of Half Moon Bay? Which places should I check out?