Los Angeles to Big Sur roadtrip

Hello everyone! I’m planning to visit Big Sur and I wanted to ask you guys your opinion in some of these topics.

• I think taking the route in the first pictures is definitely worth it even thought it’s 7 hours instead of 5 right? (First route is up until Lucia and then going around because of the HWY 1 closure)

• Are there any spots along that route that are a must see that you recommend? I want to get there before 5pm, I’ll be leaving at 6am so I have around 3 hours to do stops.

• I can visit this upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday, the 7th and 8th or I could go next week’s Tuesday and Wednesday 14 and 15th. Do you think it will be less crowded on the 14 and 15th? Does it really make a difference?

• Finally any tips or recommendations for the trip would be very appreciated. I’m 19 still in college and I’ve always wanted to visit Monterey and Big Sur.

Thank you guys so much!!