We are planning a road trip from Santa Cruz south past LA in mid February. We realize that we cannot go south of Lucia on PCH and must backtrack north to the Monterey area and continue south on Hwy 101 to the Morro Bay area. On the section between Monterey and Julia Pfeiffer State Park, I am wondering if we could drive south on Hwy. 1 and return north on the 17 Mile Drive. If so, is it better to drive north on one and south on the other? Also, is going all the way back to Carmel/Monterey the best bay to continue to the southern part of Hwy 1. Can you advise how much time we should allocate for this portion of the trip allowing sufficient time to enjoy the sights. We are seniors. We can do some easy hikes. We'd enjoy walking on some of the beaches, but are not interested in spending time sitting on the beach other that to enjoy the views and/or wildlife. If an overnight is suggested, where would be recommended to stay... Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur?
Thank you for your help.

Unfortunately, a lot can happen to road conditions between now and mid-February, and there could be further closures. You would need to keep checking the Caltrans website as well as weather forecasts.

https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php

Today, the drive from Santa Cruz to Big Sur would take at least 90 minutes and Big Sur to Morro Bay would take 3+ hours. The 17-Mile Drive would probably add another hour. Sunset will be before 6:00 p.m. Rather than try to do all of this in one day, I'd make the drive to Big Sur if possible, have lunch, return north to do the 17-Mile Drive, then spend a night in Carmel and do a short hike in the Pt. Lobos State Reserve or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium before leaving for Morro Bay. I think a lot of what you'll want (and be able) to do will be weather dependent. If it's raining buckets, Hwy. 1 to Big Sur could be closed, you won't enjoy the 17-Mile Drive much, and the drive to Morro Bay will take longer.

Hopefully there isn't a winter storm and there are no additional closures. But in any case, I agree with Jean. I'd never try to visit Big Sur, JPB state park, 17 mile Drive and drive all he way aroud to the south end/Morro Bay.

I'd do the northern bits of Big Sur and JPB State Park and Point Lobos as a day trip from Monterey or Carmel. I personally would not stay in Big Sur in the winter. More than once tourists, along with locals, have been stranded between rock slides and unable to get out either north or south.

Staying in Carmel or Pacific Grove or Carmel are all good options. I'd go by which specific properties you find that seem to fill your wish list whether decor, or views, or price . . .

I think you may be confused as to where 17 Mile Drive is located. It's located entirely within the gated community of Pebble Beach and is not a road that would be used to or from Big Sur. The only way in and out of Big Sur is Highway 1. Returning to the Monterey Peninsula is currently the only option and is also where I would spend a night or two. You could spend a night in Big Sur but be aware that while less likely there can be slides and road closures in the northern section of Big Sur as well.

Hey there! Road tripping from Santa Cruz to LA sounds like a blast! For that Monterey to Julia Pfeiffer State Park stretch, driving south on Hwy. 1 and returning north on 17 Mile Drive is a solid plan. Views are killer both ways, but I'd say go north on 1 and south on 17 for that extra wow factor. As for heading south on Hwy. 1, swinging by Carmel/Monterey is your best bet. Allocate a good chunk of time, maybe a day, to soak in the beauty and do some easy hikes. Big Sur for an overnight stay would be my pick – breathtaking scenery and good vibes. Enjoy your trip, seniors on tour!

It almost sounds as though you've never been there?? 17 Mile Drive isn't a 'thoroughfare' for driving from one place to another . . .

LOL. I think the compass broke... south/north, north/south, south/swing.