Is Big Sur Walkable?

Big Sur/Coastal Highway trip with no reservations?

• I'm taking a trip up the coastal highway and would like to know if I can get last minute lodging or camping (from Big Sur to San Francisco). We kind of made this vacation last minute and would prefer to just stay in cheap motels and campgrounds. Will I wind up having to stay in my car since we don't have reservations anywhere?

• Answer:

  Highly unlikely that you will find cheap lodging. All the motels and Hotels charge "Summer" rates now on the California coast. Campgrounds generally are reserved months or years in advance. Sleeping in the car is problematic but I have done it before. Just be completely dressed. If a cop pulls up and asks you about stopping there, I would tell them that I just pulled over for a few minutes because I was too tired to keep driving. You might still get a ticket, but maybe not. Parking lots of 24 hour establishments are safest. You can make the drive between Morro Bay and Monterey in a few hours. Try private campgrounds in Salinas or Gilroy. Some farms have set some up. Good luck.