Hello.
I'm planning on cycling the Pacific Coast Route this May. I have experience with touring/bikepacking throughout New England and some in Arizona along the Arizona Trail. I've never biked in the Western USA, but I'm planning this trip to end off my gap year ceremoniously. I have a few questions regarding the route.

A) Logistically, I need to bike the route South to North (likely San Diego to Seattle). This is because I'm meeting my family for a graduation in Seattle in June, and I'd like to arrive by bike. I've heard both poor reviews and alright reviews about the S-N route. Is it that bad of an experience? Will it be wholly unenjoyable or simply a bit more of a grind? I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of tailwind comfort in order to make this trip work out logistically.

B) Bikepacking in the past I've typically rented mountain bikes. For this route (and others to come) I'm looking for more of a touring/gravel/hybrid. Definitely drop bars, access points for a rear rack, panniers, etc. Looking into Surly Long Haul, Cannondale Topstone 4, and others. I'm a tall guy, need a larger frame. Hoping to keep the expenses beneath 1500. Any good recs for bikes that fit these specs? I have plenty of bike shops around me so could also piece something together.

Any help or wisdom is greatly appreciated. Thanks.