Answer: You are correct that the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Route 22, which previously ran from Monterey to Big Sur (including stops like Nepenthe), has been discontinued. Currently, there is no regular public bus service that will take you through Big Sur from Monterey or elsewhere, so relying on public transport for a full Big Sur day trip is not feasible.

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: 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: Your three-day Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) plan is ambitious but doable if your group is comfortable with long driving days and some early mornings. The main challenge is balancing sightseeing with travel time, especially with the road closures in Big Sur. Here’s a breakdown and some suggestions to make it more manageable and enjoyable.

Answer: Hi Trevor — good question, and not silly at all. Yes, you’re correct: part of Highway 1 (PCH) in Big Sur is still closed, and that has major implications for your road trip planning. Here’s what the latest is, what it means for traveling the coast, and how you might work around it.

Answer: Traveling to Big Sur from Southern California in late April or mid-May is generally feasible, but there are a few things to keep in mind due to road conditions and seasonal changes. Highway 1 is the main coastal route through Big Sur, and although there are occasional closures from landslides, maintenance, or construction, these tend to be more common north of Big Sur, near the Monterey/Carmel area, than in the southern stretches. Checking Caltrans road updates before you depart is highly recommended.

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: Good question — unfortunately, there are major closures on Highway 1/Big Sur right now that make it very difficult (or impossible) to drive the full iconic coastal route from Monterey down into Santa Barbara. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation and some alternate suggestions:

Answer: Your proposed Big Sur/Monterey itinerary is doable, but it’s quite ambitious—especially with two tweens and factoring in driving times along the scenic but winding Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The main goal—experiencing the PCH and its iconic views—is well covered, and your planned stops hit many highlights.

Answer: Driving from San Jose to Big Sur offers some beautiful spots for a leisurely lunch and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the classic California coastline scenery. On your way south, you’ll want to balance convenience with scenic views and local flavors. A few recommended stops for lunch along the route include:

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: 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: Your plan is generally sensible, but there are a few considerations that can help you maximize your time and enjoyment along the California coast, especially given the closures and the long distances involved.

Answer: Storing luggage in your car while visiting Big Sur and the surrounding coastal areas is fairly common among road-trippers, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

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: Good question. Here’s the latest on the Regent’s Slide (Big Sur) situation, based on the most recent Caltrans and local reports: