Carmel-by-the-Sea Travel Updates

The health and wellbeing of our visitors and our residents is our top priority.
Please stay informed and visit responsibly.

Updated February 7, 2024

Weather and Road Closures
Carmel-by-the-Sea and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula are open and accepting visitors. There are no major weather issues at this time, however recent storms have left some limited areas without power. It is always a good idea if you have plans to visit the area, please check conditions before heading out and call ahead to your place of lodging to confirm. Please adhere to local signage in case there are roads closed or areas with limits on ocean access due to storm damage and/or high surf. For details, official resources and hotel rates for locals in need, contact See Monterey's Travel Alerts.

Highway 1 to Big Sur
Access to Big Sur from Carmel is open. However, Highway 1 remains closed in Big Sur from just south of Deetjens to the San Luis Obispo County line due to rockslides. There is no estimated time for reopening. For additional details on the closure, timing, location and duration, please visit and follow visit Caltrans District 5 for regular updates.

Lodging
Carmel's hotels and inns are open and welcoming travelers. Book direct with Carmel-by-the-Sea hotels and inns for the best rooms, rates, and personalized service. Please contact individual hotels for additional information and questions.

Restaurants
Carmel restaurants are open for both indoor and outdoor dining (weather dependent). Takeout or delivery services are also available. Please plan ahead and make reservations if a restaurant recommends it, particularly during busy weekends.

Carmel Beach
Watch for safety warning signs and temporary barriers limiting access to sections of Carmel Beach. There may be pathways that are washed out and unsafe.There are specific rules about fires on Carmel Beach, depending on time of year, and they are enforced. Visit here for more details and beach rules.

Monterey Regional Airport
Monterey Regional Airport is open with direct flight service from Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, Portland (seasonal), Burbank (seasonal), and Orange County (seasonal). Visit here for more details.

Mask Guidance
As of April 2022, the California Department of Public Health recommends that all persons, regardless of vaccine status wear masks in Indoor Public Settings (especially where the risk of infection may be high), however that masking is not required. Universal masking shall remain required in only specified settings. More information can be found here.