Travel Alerts & Know Before You Go

A little planning and a little patience help protect the places you came to experience. Travel conditions can change throughout Monterey County due to weather, seasonal visitation, road work 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 8, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Highway 1 is closed from Kirk Creek Campground to just north of Gorda to facilitate firefighting and evacuation operations related to the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Visitors traveling to or from Monterey County are encouraged to avoid Highway 1 in this area and use an alternate route via Highway 101. Visit HOW2HWY1 to help plan your alternate route.

For real-time updates regarding the Timber Fire, visit the CAL FIRE website and Monterey County's Department of Emergency Management.

Evacuation Rates

Evacuation orders and warnings are currently 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

Beginning August 30: A project to upgrade existing ramp locations along US 101 and Highway 1 in Monterey County is set to begin Sunday, August 30 and last through late September. Travelers will encounter overnight ramp and intermittent lane closures heading both north and southbound on US 101 and Highway 1 from 7 pm to 6 am.

Monterey (Highway 1) Ramps include:
North SR 1 to N Freemont St.
North/Southbound SR 1 to SR 68 East connector ramp
SR 68 to N Freemont St.

Maintenance near Big Sur Creek

Beginning August 10: Travelers on Highway 1 south of Big Creek Bridge should expect daytime one-way traffic control Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for approximately three weeks while Caltrans completes maintenance work. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible. Plan ahead, allow extra travel time and watch for electronic message signs along the route

Parking on Highway 1

Parking on Highway 1 is extremely limited and restricted in many areas. Always use designated parking areas and obey posted signs to help keep traffic moving and ensure emergency access.

Highway 1 parking updates:

• Beginning August 6, 2026: The County of Monterey has implemented a 12-month no-parking zone near Bixby Bridge. Parking along Highway 1 near the bridge is prohibited. 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.
• Old Coast Road off Highway 1 at Bixby Bridge is a no-parking zone. A parking citation fee will be issued to those who park illegally.

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)
  • August 24-September 4, 2026
  • Work Hours: 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• Day Work
  • September 1-4, 2026
  • Work Hours: 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:

• Beginning August 6, 2026: The County of Monterey has implemented a 12-month no-parking zone near Bixby Bridge. Parking along Highway 1 near the bridge is prohibited. 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.
• Old Coast Road off Highway 1 at Bixby Bridge is a no-parking zone. 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 ocean safety information, visit the California State Parks website.

Wildlife Safety

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.

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

• Monterey County Department of Emergency Management: For active alerts in Monterey County
• West Coast Travel Facts: For real-time air quality readings, emergency resources and alternate itineraries for California
• Cal Fire 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

• Monterey County Health Department
• Monterey County Office of Emergency Services
• Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula – Monterey, CA
• Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – Salinas, CA
• Mee Memorial Hospital – King City, CA
• City of Monterey
• California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

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