Originally Posted by
Kacee
No I wouldn't avoid for those reasons, just note that the area can be a bit sleazy and parking overnight on the street could be risky.
There are also lots of options as you get down towards Monterey, including a very good HGI.
But note that it's not currently possible to drive the coast, as the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is collapsing and will have to be replaced.
Highway 1 Closures, Bridge Collapse Taking a Toll on Tourism.
For visitors who are unfamiliar with the central coast, there are two ways to traverse the coast. There is the Highway 1 route through Big Sur as Kacee noted, which is now blocked.
You can also take 101. That is inland most of the way, but hits the coast at various points. It's a very nice drive, just not spectacular like Highway 1. In or near urban areas, 101 can and will hit some traffic jams.