Carmel Valley Airport (CA27) — Private Airstrip in Carmel Valley, California

Carmel Valley Airport (FAA identifier CA27, internal ID 27539) is a privately owned general aviation airstrip located in Carmel Valley, Monterey County, California. Nestled in the scenic inland valley approximately 12 miles east of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this single-runway facility serves private pilots, agricultural operators, and ranch access flights in one of California's most picturesque coastal valleys.

The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 892 feet above mean sea level (MSL), with its primary runway oriented to accommodate the prevailing wind patterns that flow through the Carmel Valley corridor. The surrounding terrain features the Santa Lucia Range to the south and the Carmel Valley ridge to the north, creating a defined channel that influences local wind behavior and requires pilots to remain attentive to rotor turbulence and density altitude effects, particularly during summer afternoons when valley heating can be significant.

CA27 is a visual flight rules (VFR) only airstrip with no instrument approach procedures published. Pilots operating into this field rely on the standard Monterey Peninsula sectional chart and should monitor advisory frequencies for traffic in the area. The nearest Class C airspace is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), located approximately 18 nautical miles to the west-northwest, which provides approach control services for the broader Monterey Peninsula area.

Carmel Valley itself is recognized as one of California's premier wine-growing regions, with numerous acclaimed vineyards and estates dotting the valley floor and hillsides. Pilots flying into CA27 often serve estate operations, private ranches, and vineyard access needs. The valley is also home to luxury resorts and equestrian properties, some of which maintain private airstrip access for their clientele. The Bernardus Winery, Carmel Valley Ranch, and several Tassajara Road properties represent the agricultural and hospitality character of the region surrounding the airfield.

Ground operations at Carmel Valley Airport are limited to the private owner's provisions. There is no fixed-base operator (FBO), fueling service, or commercial terminal facility on site. Pilots seeking avgas or jet-A fuel will need to plan for fuel uplift at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) or Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS), both of which offer full FBO services including 100LL and Jet-A fuel, aircraft parking, and rental car coordination.

The microclimate of Carmel Valley differs notably from the coastal fog zone experienced at Monterey Regional. While MRY frequently operates under marine layer conditions in the morning hours from June through September, Carmel Valley typically burns off quickly, with clear skies developing by mid-morning. This makes CA27 particularly accessible during summer months when coastal airports face visibility challenges. However, pilots should file a standard weather briefing through 1800wxbrief.com or ForeFlight and verify current conditions, as the valley can develop its own localized haze and restricted visibility conditions during high fire danger periods.

For pilots flying into the greater Monterey Bay area, nearby general aviation alternatives include Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) to the north in Alameda County, Meadowlark Airport in Huntington Beach serving southern California traffic, and the Oakland International Airport (OAK) complex to the north, which offers commercial connections and extensive FBO services. Direct Airport Shuttle and other ground transport providers serve connecting travelers who use Monterey Regional as a gateway to Carmel Valley destinations.

Carmel Valley Airport (CA27) remains an important private aviation resource for the inland Monterey Peninsula, supporting the agricultural heritage, private estate access, and general aviation needs of one of California's most celebrated coastal valleys. Pilots planning operations at this facility should contact the private owner in advance, confirm current runway conditions, and review applicable NOTAMs through the FAA's official NOTAM system prior to flight.

Carmel Valley Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Carmel Valley, California.

Name Carmel Valley Airport
Address 51 Ford Road, Carmel Valley CA 93924 Map
Phone (831) 659-7275
Website
Hours

Map of Carmel Valley Airport


Airports near Carmel Valley

Frequently Asked Questions — Carmel Valley Airport (CA27)

Carmel Valley Airport (CA27, ID 27539) is a privately owned airstrip and is not open to the general public without prior permission from the owner. Pilots intending to land at CA27 should contact the airport owner in advance and confirm access, current runway conditions, and any applicable local procedures. For unrestricted public general aviation services in the area, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) and Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) are the nearest public-use facilities.

CA27 is a single-runway, VFR-only airstrip situated at approximately 892 feet MSL in the Carmel Valley corridor of Monterey County. The runway is turf or compacted surface — pilots should verify current surface conditions with the owner before arrival. The surrounding Santa Lucia Range terrain influences wind and turbulence patterns, and pilots should be aware of density altitude considerations during warm afternoon hours when valley temperatures can rise significantly above coastal norms.

There is no fueling service available at Carmel Valley Airport (CA27). Pilots should plan fuel stops at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), approximately 18 nautical miles to the west-northwest, which has full FBO services including 100LL avgas and Jet-A. Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS), approximately 20 nautical miles to the east, also offers fuel and FBO services. Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) is an option for pilots approaching from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Carmel Valley experiences a distinctly different microclimate compared to the Monterey coast. While Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) frequently encounters low marine layer fog and reduced visibility — especially during summer mornings from June through September — Carmel Valley typically sees faster morning burn-off and clearer afternoon skies. However, pilots should obtain a complete weather briefing via 1800wxbrief.com or ForeFlight, as valley-specific haze, elevated fire danger smoke, and localized wind patterns can affect VFR conditions at CA27 independently of coastal reports.

Carmel Valley Airport (CA27) has no on-site ground transportation services. Passengers and pilots needing rental cars, taxis, or shuttle services should arrange transportation in advance. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is served by Direct Airport Shuttle, major rental car agencies, and rideshare services, and is the primary hub for organized ground transport to Carmel Valley destinations including Carmel Valley Ranch, Bernardus Lodge, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Pre-arranged private car services are the most practical option for arrivals directly at CA27.

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