I like the highly scenic/rugged coastal route if there is no coastal fog to deal with. Also, the coastal route offers generally favorable winds from the NW if you are flying south-bound. The coastal route has fewer emergency landing spots along the way but does have a number of good airports enroute. The inland route generally has better weather (i.e., no fog) but can be somewhat turbulent and hotter during summer months. For scenic diversity I often like to fly one route (coast or inland) one way and return on the other route -- depending on the weather and turbulence. Where in the SFO area do you plan to alight?