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.

September 16, 2026

Carmel-by-the-Sea and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula are open and welcoming visitors as per usual. 

Highway 1 South to Big Sur and beyond
Highway 1 is fully reopened after closures related to the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Travelers can now travel directly between Carmel and Cambria via Big Sur. However, as fire operations continue, please check road conditions before traveling and stay alert for emergency vehicles and activity. As always, please practice responsible visitation. For real-time updates regarding the Timber Fire, visit the CAL FIRE website and Monterey County's Department of Emergency Management.

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, Burbank (seasonal), and Orange County (seasonal). A nonstop flight from Chicago on United Airlines returns in May 2027. You can book your flight now! Visit here for more details.