We were just on the Big Sur coast in January and Highyway 1 is in good shape from SF to San Simeon. New tunnel between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay is really cool! Once you get to San Luis Obispo, just stay on 101 to Santa Barbara, its along the coast most of the way.
During the winter months there is alot less traffic, even on the weekends. So far we haven't had much rain and the days have been clear and nights cool. Autumn is good too for no fog & less crowds but the hills will be brown and dry.
At Bodega Bay it is a good spot to cut back to 101 to hit the Golden Gate Bridge, then say right and take 19th Ave though the city and catch Hwy 1 in Daly City to head over to Pacifica.
Enjoy the ride!
