Travel Alerts & Know Before You Go

A little planning and a little patience help protect the places you came to experience. Travel conditions can vary throughout Monterey County due to weather, seasonal visitation, roadwork, and major events. Before you travel, check the latest alerts, review transportation options, and plan ahead so you can spend less time navigating logistics and more time enjoying your visit.

Current Travel Alerts

Big Sur Fires

Last updated: September 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m.

Highway 1 is fully reopened after closures related to the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Travelers can now travel directly between Cambria and Carmel via Big Sur. However, as fire operations continue, please check road conditions before traveling and stay alert for emergency vehicles and activity.

For real-time updates regarding the Timber Fire, visit the CAL FIRE website and Monterey County's Department of Emergency Management. Visit HOW2HWY1 to help plan your trip.

Evacuation Rates

Evacuation orders and warnings are still in effect for areas of Big Sur due to ongoing fires. Hospitality communities throughout Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz counties are offering special evacuation rates to support residents and visitors in need of temporary accommodations. See Monterey and the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) extend their sincere appreciation to our hospitality communities for stepping up and supporting those impacted during this time of need. A list of contact information for lodging properties offering evacuation rates can be found below:

Road Conditions

overnight ramp preservation project

A project to upgrade existing ramp locations along US 101 and Highway 1 in Monterey County is set to last through late September. Travelers will encounter overnight ramp and intermittent lane closures on US 101 and Highway 1, northbound and southbound, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Ramp locations:

• North SR 1 to N Fremont St.
• North/Southbound SR 1 to SR 68 East connector ramp
• SR 68 to N Freemont St.

Carmel Valley Road Resurfacing Project

Travelers should expect delays on Carmel Valley Road between Carmel Rancho Boulevard and Via Petra due to a road resurfacing project. Construction will continue through October 2026, with lane closures and one-lane traffic control in place during work periods.

Construction hours:

• Overnight Work (roadway paving activities): 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• Day Work: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Visitors traveling to or from Carmel Valley should allow extra travel time during construction periods. To check road conditions for real-time updates, go to Dot.CA.Gov or follow Caltrans District 5 on Twitter (X).

Parking

Popular beaches, scenic viewpoints, and downtown areas can reach capacity during peak travel periods. Arrive early, allow extra time, and park only in designated areas to help create a safer, smoother experience for everyone. Never stop in traffic for photos, block driveways, or park on vegetation or road shoulders. These behaviors create safety hazards and damage the coastline.

Parking updates:

• Starting August 6, 2026, the County of Monterey implemented a 12-month no-parking zone near Bixby Bridge, including Old Coast Road. Visitors should use designated parking areas at nearby parks, beaches, lodges, and businesses instead. Never park on road shoulders, block traffic, or make illegal U-turns. A parking citation fee will be issued to those who park illegally.

Weather Conditions

Get the latest weather updates for Monterey County from the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey, CA. Access current conditions, forecasts, and hazard alerts to plan your day with confidence. From coastal conditions to inland forecasts, stay informed and prepared with accurate, up-to-date information.

Park Closures

Please refer to the websites of individual Monterey County, California State, and National Parks for the latest updates and trail closures.

Safety Information

Beach & Ocean Safety

Monterey County’s coastline is stunning, but its powerful currents and cold-water conditions require caution. Follow these essential safety tips to stay safe in and around the water:

• Never swim alone.
• When in doubt, don’t go out!
• Choose lifeguard-protected beaches whenever possible.
• Follow all lifeguard instructions and posted warnings.
• If caught in a rip current, stay calm to conserve energy and maintain clear thinking. Do not fight the current. Swim parallel to the shoreline to exit the pull, then head toward shore.
• If you cannot swim out of the current, float or calmly tread water until you are able to move safely toward shore.
• If you still cannot reach land, face the beach, wave your arms, and call for help to get attention.
• If you see someone in distress, alert a lifeguard immediately. If none are available, have someone call 9-1-1, then throw a flotation item and provide clear instructions to help the person escape the current.
  • *In-water rescues should only be attempted by professionally trained personnel. Many drowning incidents occur when untrained individuals try to rescue someone caught in a rip current.

For more information on ocean safety, visit the California State Parks website.

Wildlife Safety

• Keep your distance: Never approach animals. If an animal stops what it's doing, stares at you, or acts agitated, you are too close. A good rule of thumb is that if the wildlife notices you, you are too close and should create more space between you and the animal.
• Stay on trails: Protect fragile habitats and avoid disturbing resting or nesting areas.
• Never feed wildlife: Human food can harm animal health by teaching animals to depend on people for food.
• Foraging: Exercise caution when gathering wild food, including mushrooms. It is not safe to eat wild mushrooms unless they are identified by an expert. Visit the County of Monterey Health Department to learn more.
• Use zoom lenses: Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars for closer views of wildlife while maintaining space between you and the animal.
• Best Times to View: Dawn and dusk. Animals are most active in the early morning and late evening.

Wildfire Safety

Wildfires predominantly occur in remote, forested areas away from population centers. It is important to follow all laws regarding open fires, camp only in designated areas, dispose of cigarettes properly, and put out all fires in designated areas. Travelers should also have an emergency plan and follow any evacuation orders.

RESOURCES

• County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management: For active alerts in Monterey County
• CalFire Wildfire Prevention: For campfire safety
• West Coast Travel Facts: For real-time air quality readings, emergency resources, and alternate itineraries for California
• CalFire and Incident Information: For fire status across California
• Caltrans: For road conditions

The Right Path to Responsible Travel

As our destination welcomes visitors, we ask that you follow the safety precautions in place. Please practice the following guidelines:

Local/Regional Resources

• County of Monterey Health Department
• County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management
• Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula – Monterey, CA
• Salinas Valley Health Medical Center – Salinas, CA
• Mee Memorial Hospital – King City, CA
• Natividad Medical Center – Salinas, CA
• City of Monterey

For additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]