The Price of Paradise: When Overtourism Becomes a Fatal Attraction California's Big Sur coastline has long been touted as a slice of heaven, but this summer's string of wildfires, road closures, and traffic chaos has turned it into a recipe for disaster.
The region's economy, which relies heavily on tourism – accounting for 90% of its local revenue – is unsustainable. The problem extends beyond the sheer number of visitors; their behavior also contributes to the issue.
Social media has transformed Big Sur into an Instagram playground, where people prioritize taking the perfect selfie over respecting the natural beauty they're in.