California coast

Some of our favorite places up the coast are Pismo, Morro Bay and Avala Beach. Avila has first come, first serve spaces overlooking the bay. Although these are a half day drive from Ventura.
One place we stayed was Julia Phiefer ( sp ) State Park. It was off the 1 around Big Sir. They allowed overnight dry camping and it was beautiful.
There is plenty of beach camping north of Monterey in the Monterey Bay. Sea Cliff SB is our favorite and they do have a few spots a day on the lottery system.
Then head thru Watsonville, over Pacheco Pass, thru Los Banos to the 99. Your at the foot of Yosemite.

My thoughts are if your main objective is getting to Yosemite, then skip the coast. But if the travel is an important part of the journey, then head up the coast. Indirect but much more scenic. BTW, we traveled hwy 1 in June and the fog was so thick, I didn't even know the ocean was just down over the rail.

Parking in Big Sur with big coach is a problem.
There was cliff campground, close to Hert's Castle with NO hookups and no dump station. Later I learned that Hert's parking allows overnight.
But about 1/2 way of Big Sur I found gas station that had parking for few RV. They charge me like $5, but that was over 10 years ago.
So dump your holding tanks and fill up water before going there.
Coastal fog unfortunately is an issue.
Years ago I had friend coming from Montreal on bussines trip, what gave us 3 hr to see San Francisco.
I drove him to Twin Peaks - very scenic mountain above the city.
I could barely see curbs driving there and friend had to take my word the view is spectacular.
To top it, being in a hurry he pick up SF guide for his wife.
Back home they speak French, English, Polish and Spanish.
DW ask him what was the purpose of picking up German guide.