Napa Valley → Big Sur&
165 mi · 3h 18m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Coastal Flood Advisory in effect along your route
Napa Valley
67°
37.7°
59°
36.9°
58°
Big Sur&
63°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 165 mi · 3h 18m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
59°F, wind 3 mph
Rest Stops
3
Restrooms, water, Vending
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Hunter Hill Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
- ● Rest Stop 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Hazards Ahead
2 road closures may affect your route · 12 construction zones on route
12 Construction Zones on Route
CA-128 eastbound: Lanes 1, RShoulder of 2 closed for utility work between Conn Creek Road and Junction 128 Silverado Trail and 128 Sage Canyon Road
Napa, CA
CA-121: Lane 1 of 2 closed for retaining wall
Napa, CA
CA-152: Lanes 1, RShoulder of 2 closed for striping operation between Santa Teresa Blvd and Mt Madonna County Park
Santa Clara, CA
CA-152: Lanes 1, RShoulder of 2 closed for striping operation between Watsonville Rd and Santa Teresa Blvd
Santa Clara, CA
CA-152: Lanes 1, RShoulder of 2 closed for striping operation between Watsonville Rd and Santa Teresa Blvd
Santa Clara, CA
CA-183 southbound: RShoulder closed for roadway excavation between Poole Street and Pajaro Street
Monterey, CA
+ 6 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via I-680 South → US-101 South
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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CA-12 - TV484 -- SR-12 : E12 Before County Line - East
Napa, CA · EB
CA-12 - TV485 -- SR-12 : East of Napa County Line - East
Fairfield, CA · EB
CA-12 - TV486 -- SR-12 : E12 EOF Miners Trail - East
Fairfield, CA · EB
CA-12 - TV487 -- SR-12 : E12 at Red Top Rd - East
Fairfield, CA · EB
CA-156 - SR-156 : SR-183/Merritt St - East
Castroville, CA · EB
CA-1 - SR-1 : North of Del Monte Blvd - South
Monterey, CA · SB
CA-1 - SR-1 : SR-68 East - South
Monterey, CA · SB
CA-1 - SR-1 : Sloat Avenue - South
Monterey, CA · SB
CA-1 - SR-1 : East of Munras Ave - South
Monterey, CA · SB
CA-1 - SR-1 : Carmel River CMS - South
Carmel, CA · SB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
5 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 5
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Sep 28: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Sep 26: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Sep 23: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The drive from Napa Valley to Big Sur& is about 165 miles and takes around 3h 18m. We track 10 live traffic cameras, 5 rest areas, 2 reported incidents and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Sep 30
91° / 67°
No precip
Tomorrow
Oct 1
88° / 57°
No precip
Fri
Oct 2
89° / 56°
No precip
Sat
Oct 3
88° / 63°
No precip
Sun
Oct 4
95° / 66°
No precip
Mon
Oct 5
93° / 65°
No precip
Tue
Oct 6
91° / 66°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌤️ Mainly clear at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
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Current Conditions
Napa Valley
67°F
Wind: 3 mph
Big Sur&
63°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Napa Valley to Big Sur&
The 165-mile drive from Napa Valley to Big Sur& takes approximately 3h 18m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across varying terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route connects Napa Valley and Big Sur&. A drive of 165 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Sudden rain showers reducing visibility
- High winds affecting vehicle stability
- Seasonal weather changes impacting road conditions
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Weather along this route varies by season. Winter months can bring snow, ice, and reduced visibility, while summer may see thunderstorms, heat-related road issues, or construction zones. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable driving conditions but can still surprise with sudden weather changes. Regardless of season, checking real-time conditions along your entire route before departing can help you avoid the worst of it.
Best Time to Drive Napa Valley to Big Sur&
For shorter trips like this 165-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 165 miles, the Napa Valley to Big Sur& drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Napa Valley to Big Sur&?
The drive is approximately 165 miles and takes about 3h 18m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Sunday, Oct 4 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Napa Valley to Big Sur& today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Napa Valley to Big Sur& route?
Yes, there are 5 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 10 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses CA 12, CA 156, CA 1. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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