COVID-19 Travel Updates

Monterey County is open to travelers looking to explore its awe-inspiring Central Coast destination safely and responsibly with some restrictions in place. The entire county is working diligently to ensure the health and wellbeing of its visitors, residents and employees by incorporating the highest safety and cleanliness protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mask Guidance

Stay Safe & Travel Responsibly 

Monterey County is adhering to California Department of Public Health guidance. Please follow these guidelines  regarding where and when to wear a face mask:

• Wear a mask indoors at public places including hotels, retail shops, museums, attractions, restaurants, wineries, etc. as required
• Wear a mask outdoors in crowded places where proper distancing cannot be maintained, this includes busy sidewalks, pedestrian areas, and organized events.
• Wear a mask at all times on public transportation.
• Safely enjoy the outdoors unmasked as long as you can maintain social distance from others.
• Leave no trace behind by properly disposing of all trash including face coverings.

Help us keep Monterey County beautiful!

Individual businesses may have additional safety protocols and maintain the right to enforce them. Please respect these requirements and inquire directly for information. For more information on Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings, visit CDPH.CA.GOV.

California's Yellow Tier:

Monterey County is in the yellow tier of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Additionally, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has made modifications to gatherings, private events, meetings, receptions, conferences and indoor seated live events and performances. The Governor has also announced his plans to fully reopen the state on June 15. 

View the state's travel advisory guidance here, as well as health and safety protocols for specific industries here. Monterey County hotels and lodging properties are following the highest industry standards provided by the California Hotel and Lodging Association Clean and Safe guidelines for added preventive measures during your stay. For additional health guidance and frequently asked questions when planning a trip to Monterey County, visit here.

Emergency Road Closures in Big Sur

Big Sur is a magical place for all.  It personifies the essence of the Central Coast and is truly the greatest meeting of land and sea.  But did you know that most of Big Sur is private land?  On August 7th, 2020 Los Padres National Forest Monterey Ranger District released a COVID-19 Emergency Road Closure Order. Before setting up camp, please be sure you are on public land and have made the proper reservations and have obtained the proper permits where appropriate.  Fines for illegal campsites and fires are upwards to $5,000.  Please do your part to protect Monterey County's majestic outdoors.  

We encourage all travelers and residents to follow the safety guidelines offered by the CDC and local and state public health authorities.

For additional public health and travel guidance, including health care providers in our area, we encourage you to visit the links throughout this page.

We are #MontereyCountyStrong