San Simeon, Hearst Castle and Cambria are all beautiful, as is Morro Bay.
I have not taken a large bus from LAX to Long Beach. You can catch a Super Shuttle for approximately $35.
I take the LA Metro Blue Line (light rail) into Downtown LA from Long Beach. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT FOR TOURISTS OR YOUNG WOMEN especially at night. It runs through Compton and Watts. They will not get mugged, but it might be an experience they'd rather skip. In theory, they could take a bus to the Green Line to the Blue Line and it would be a few dollars.
What day and time are they doing the trip from LAX to Long Beach, Mick. If I can, I will give them a ride.