COVID-19 Travel Updates

Monterey County is welcoming travelers to explore its awe-inspiring Central Coast destination safely and responsibly. 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.

View the state of California’s 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.

Stay Safe & Travel Responsibly 

Help us keep Monterey County open for all to enjoy. We ask that all travelers visit responsibly and follow the proper safety precautions, as outlined by health care officials, including:

• Wear a Mask: face coverings are required indoors and outdoors. Fines are in effect. Follow CDC guidelines. 
• Follow the 6-foot rule: stay at least 6 feet apart at all times. This includes time spent on trails, at parks and other outdoors spaces.
• Stay home: if you show signs of illness, stay home. Self-quarantine for at least two weeks if you have been in a high-risk area.
• Leave no trace behind: Properly dispose of all trash and plastics, including face coverings. Help us keep Monterey County beautiful for generations to come.

Additional Updates:

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, 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. 

Lodging Update: Hotels in Monterey County are open for all travelers with health and safety protocols in place following the California Hotel and Lodging Association Clean + Safe guidelines. Carmel-by-the-Sea Innkeepers have an additional Clean + Safe Pledge found here. Campgrounds also will begin to open at this time.

Restaurant Update: Restaurants in Monterey County are open for outdoor dining (where possible), takeout or delivery services with safety protocols in place. Restaurants require guests to wear masks upon entering and while being seated. Additionally, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside and other areas have expanded outdoor seating experiences to accommodate more guests. Reservations are recommend, but not required at all locations.

Wineries/Breweries Update: All wineries are open for outdoor seating with safety protocols in place. Many tasting rooms require advance reservations, as well as for all guests to wear masks upon entering. Tasting hours will vary and be limited to accommodate guests safely. Visit Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association for additional details on wineries. At this time, breweries and bars are closed.

Attractions Update: All attractions including zoos, aquariums and museums can only operate outdoor experiences, if applicable. Many Monterey County businesses will reopen on their own schedule. Please check individual websites for information. Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Steinbeck Center remain closed at this time.

Parks Update: Monterey County Park and State Park trails are open, but with social distancing and face coverings required. Congregate spaces remain closed. Please check individual park websites for updates. For information on Big Sur, please visit here.

Beaches Update: Many Monterey County beaches are open for active use with proper social distancing and face coverings. Parking is limited. 

Recreation Update: Outdoor recreation including biking, kayaking, scuba diving, surfing and more are open with social distancing and sanitation procedures in place. Golf courses have reopened with modified operations to follow proper safety and health requirements. Monterey and Moss Landing boating launch ramps are open for recreational boaters.

Shopping Update: Retail shops are open for walk-in customers with safety protocols in place. Visitors must wear a facial covering and practice social distancing. Malls are closed at this time. 

Event Update: Many events in Monterey County have been canceled or postponed. Please visit here for event updates.

Monterey Regional Airport Update: Monterey Regional Airport is open with limited flight service. Visit here for more details.

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

Our thoughts are with those affected by this virus. 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