Answer: Dispersed camping in Big Sur can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it comes with some important considerations, especially in early July when the area can be busy. Since you’re looking for ocean views, dispersed spots are somewhat limited along the coastline due to private land and protected areas.

Answer: Hi Trevor, no worries at all! You're correct that a section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Route 1, has been closed due to landslides and other structural issues in certain areas along the Big Sur coastline. The closure is primarily affecting a portion of the highway between the towns of Gorda and Ragged Point, which is expected to remain shut for an extended period of time due to the severity of the damage and the complex nature of the repairs.

Answer: Your proposed three-day PCH itinerary is ambitious but feasible if your group is comfortable with early mornings, long drives, and a mix of short stops for sightseeing. The Pacific Coast Highway is incredibly scenic, but it’s slow going in many sections due to winding roads and potential traffic, so planning for flexibility is important.

Answer: Visiting the northern part of Big Sur in one day from Santa Cruz is very doable and offers a chance to experience some of the most iconic coastal scenery in California. With children aged 6 and 9, it’s best to balance scenic stops, short hikes, and places where they can stretch their legs.

Answer: For your itinerary from Santa Cruz to Monterey and Big Sur, it largely depends on how much driving you want to do in a single day and what your priorities are in terms of sightseeing.

Answer: Gas prices in Big Sur and surrounding areas tend to be higher than the state average due to its remote location and the limited number of gas stations along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). The area’s popularity with tourists also contributes to higher prices.

Answer: Congratulations to your daughter! A trip from San Jose to Big Sur in May offers some of the most classic California coastal scenery, with winding highways, ocean vistas, and redwood forests. Here’s a detailed guide for lunch stops en route and highlights in Big Sur for a memorable 3-day visit.

Answer: Your Big Sur/Monterey itinerary looks fantastic, and it's great that you’re focusing on the scenic beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your plans, along with some suggestions and considerations to help ensure a smooth trip:

Answer: Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the most scenic road trips in the U.S., and planning 2–3 days for the route is reasonable, though the experience depends on how much you want to stop, explore, and relax along the way. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Leaving luggage in a car while exploring Big Sur and nearby areas is a common concern, and it’s good that you’re thinking about security. The risk of theft is relatively low in Big Sur compared to urban areas, but it’s not zero. Highway 1 pullouts and parking areas can be isolated, and opportunistic thefts do occasionally occur.

Answer: Your California road trip sounds amazing and very ambitious! With 2–3 weeks, careful planning will help balance long driving days with relaxing stops to enjoy iconic coastal sights and family-friendly activities.

Answer: Your plan to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles in August while exploring Big Sur is generally sensible, but there are a few considerations to maximize your experience and manage driving times safely.