Big Sur Do’s and Don’ts

Driving down Highway 1 can have a euphoric effect on people.

“Heaven, absolute heaven,” said Ruthie Roberts from North Carolina.

That’s why some, like these German visitors, mapped out their trip to Big Sur two years ago.

“The plan is to go from L.A. to San Francisco to Los Vegas, then back to L.A.,” Johannes Wehrmers said.

But that route has been chopped up because of winter storms.

“The plan, of course, for today, for such a nice day, was going (to) Highway 1. I’m a bit sad,” Wehrmers said.

This week, the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to let tourists know that more places in Big Sur are now reachable.

“With Paul’s Slide opening, there’s additional access to the destination. We want to make sure we let visitors know how to experience that area, how to be cautious and respect the destination,” said Alliah Sheta with the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Here’s a note of caution for those looking to venture to the southern section of Big Sur through Nacimiento Fergusson Road.

“Residents know, it’s really winding and can be very dangerous and we don’t recommend large vehicles travel that road. We don’t recommend any inexperienced drivers. We recommend bringing your own supplies, it’s dark,” Sheta said.

As more visitors flock to the Central Coast this summer to grab a piece of heaven, the visitors bureau hopes its daily and weekly updates will help prevent any mishaps.

“We encourage them to be mindful while they are there, to be respectful of the residents and the community, to make sure they are not camping where they are not supposed to, to use the appropriate turn-outs, and to be aware that we are in fire season and to not have campfire and coal stoves while they are down there,” Sheta said.

The bureau also plans to translate the information in different languages, making it easier for those who don’t speak English.