Napa Valley → Big Sur'
165 mi · 3h 18m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Fog expected
Napa Valley
57°
Alameda County
58°
Santa Cruz County
58°
Big Sur'
63°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 165 mi · 3h 18m
Weather
🌫️ Fog
58°F, wind 5 mph
Rest Stops
3
Restrooms, water, Vending
Cameras
6 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Hunter Hill Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
- ● Rest Stop 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
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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TV124 -- SR-121 : SR-29 / SR-12
Napa, CA · SB
TV484 -- SR-12 : E12 Before County Line
Napa, CA · EB
TV485 -- SR-12 : East of Napa County Line
Fairfield, CA · EB
TV829 -- I-80 : East Of American Canyon Road
Fairfield, CA · EB
TV806 -- I-680 : AT PARISH RD
Benicia, CA · SB
TV209 -- I-680 : AT YGNACIO VALLEY RD
Walnut Creek, CA · SB
TVA13 -- I-680 : Paloma Way
Sunol, CA · SB
TVF54 -- I-680 : Jose Capitol Avenue
San Jose, CA · SB
TVC65 -- US-101 : S101 at Bailey Av
Morgan Hill, CA · SB
TVB64 -- US-101 : East Luchessa Avenue
Gilroy, CA · SB
US-101 : San Miguel Canyon Rd
Salinas, CA · SB
SR-1 : North of Del Monte Blvd
Monterey, 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:
- 🌫️Aug 16: Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile
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 12 live traffic cameras and 5 rest areas 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
Aug 21
82° / 56°
1% precip
Tomorrow
Aug 22
85° / 57°
1% precip
Sun
Aug 23
91° / 53°
No precip
Mon
Aug 24
90° / 52°
No precip
Tue
Aug 25
90° / 50°
No precip
Wed
Aug 26
91° / 50°
No precip
Thu
Aug 27
91° / 52°
3% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
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Current Conditions
Napa Valley
57°F
Wind: 4 mph
Big Sur'
63°F
Wind: 4 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, Wednesday, Aug 26 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. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
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 12 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 Other. 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?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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