Big Sur vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Big Sur

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Superhost
Treehouse in Aptos
Redwood TreeHouse in Aptos Mountain Retreat & Spa
Om Oasis is a beautiful and lush retreat center on several acres of a remote and peaceful 15 acre mountain top property. We host guests who wish to connect with the beauty of nature and experience peace. We are 10-15 minutes up the mountain and partially off-grid with little to no cell reception but with a great WiFi connection. There are a total of 7 guest accommodations (including this one) spread out over our developed 3 acres, making it always a very private experience and easy to distance.
Apr 12 – 19
$247 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 374 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Private romantic 1 br in Carmel Woods- love dogs
Dog friendly! Private entrance to 2 rm studio overlooking the forest w/ floor to ceiling windows. Queen memory-foam bed, bathroom w/shower & amenities, kitchenette w/ dishes, microwave/convection oven, burner, toaster, coffee.Far ocean view, sunsets, deck, gas grill. Quiet, fireplace, complimentary wood, free internet, TV, DVDs, LPS, All amenities. Beach towels/mats, ottoman/cot, free parking. Peaceful. Let us know about dogs when booking. note: ceilings are low in spots & there are some steps.
Feb 24 – Mar 3
$117 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 818 reviews
Guest favorite
Cabin in Felton
Whiskey Hollow A-Frame: As feat'd in Condé Nast!
Featured in Condé Nast's "30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways", Whiskey Hollow is a romantic retreat! View majestic Redwoods from the loft bed or the deck, luxuriate in the oversized bathtub by candlelight, cozy up in front of the wood fireplace, or cook a meal in the fully appointed kitchen. Nestled in the woods, you would never guess that it is only 2 miles to downtown Felton, 1.5 miles to Henry Cowell State Park, 15 minutes to downtown Santa Cruz, and 20 minutes to the beach.
Apr 23 – 30
$286 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 194 reviews

Popular amenities for Big Sur vacation rentals

Big Sur house rentals

Guest favorite
Home in Carmel
Isolation Retreat - ocean view & hot tub
Jan 18 – 25
$419 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 142 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Paso Robles
High Ridge Cottage, Paso Robles
Jan 21 – 28
$331 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Watsonville
Sunset Cottage
Jan 16 – 23
$225 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 614 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel
Carmel Oceanview Charmer
Jul 10 – 17
$486 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 539 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Modern Beach House
Jan 7 – 14
$207 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 608 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Aptos
Ocean View & Beach Walk at SeaBelow
Jun 8 – 15
$183 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 393 reviews
Superhost
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Cabin Nestled in Forested Canyon
Dec 29 – Jan 5
$1,000 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Cottage Retreat Steps from the Sea
Jan 15 – 22
$307 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 630 reviews
Superhost
Home in Cayucos
The Beach House - On Cayucos Beach
Feb 12 – 19
$584 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 263 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Sallie’s Cottage
Feb 4 – 11
$471 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 371 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Watsonville
Copper Nest beach retreat with stunning views
Jan 24 – 31
$508 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Aptos
Aptos Beachfront House
Sep 24 – Oct 1
$375 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews

Big Sur beach vacation rentals

Guest favorite
Guest suite in Del Monte Forest
Pebble Beach Guest House
Jun 8 – 15
$292 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 665 reviews
Guest favorite
Camper/RV in Half Moon Bay
Airstream Coastal Hideaway (Sunset)
Apr 24 – May 1
$282 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews
Guest favorite
Vacation home in Watsonville
Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes
Oct 25 – Nov 1
$295 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 327 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Morro Bay
*Seaside-Village Cottage*
Nov 7 – 14
$119 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 804 reviews
Superhost
Guesthouse in La Selva Beach
cute cottage walking distance to beach
Aug 25 – Sep 1
$153 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 555 reviews
Superhost
Cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Fairytale Cottage on Ocean Avenue, Downtown Carmel
Aug 5 – 12
$638 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Cambria
Private suite with panoramic forest / ocean views
Dec 6 – 13
$106 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 551 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Flora Belle, Perfect Carmel-by-the-Sea Getaway
$212 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 657 reviews
Guest favorite
Camper/RV in Half Moon Bay
Stunning California Coast Airstream (New Listing)
Oct 11 – 18
$381 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Seaside
Cozy Seaside Cottage
May 3 – 10
$163 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 914 reviews
Guest favorite
Townhouse in Watsonville
Romantic beach front paradise
Oct 3 – 10
$285 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 155 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Half Moon Bay
Luxury Beachfront Penthouse Walk to the Beach
Jan 2 – 9
$822 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 132 reviews

Beach house rentals in Big Sur

Guest favorite
Home in Cambria
Cute Cambria Cottage~Ocean Views and Dog Friendly!
Nov 26 – Dec 3
$140 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Beach Cottage - walk to ocean and restaurants
May 28 – Jun 4
$445 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews
Superhost
Home in Pismo Beach
SeaVenture Beach House - ON Pismo Beach..Literally
Oct 9 – 16
$713 per night
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove Mid Century Near Beach
Aug 19 – 26
$321 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 443 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Mermaid Crossing
Aug 17 – 24
$918 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 261 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Cambria
Cambria Beach House with Nature View
Oct 20 – 27
$130 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 267 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Cambria
Enchanting Cambria home ocean view: 2-block walk
Nov 20 – 27
$233 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Cambria
Hummingbird House in Charming Cambria
Oct 5 – 12
$190 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 362 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Aptos
Modern Beach Retreat-Free EV Charging
Nov 29 – Dec 6
$287 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 191 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Montara
A private beachy pad in Montara
Apr 24 – May 1
$116 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 266 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Charming Victorian Home Near Beach
Oct 15 – 22
$484 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
Serene luxury beach bungalow in Pleasure Point
May 26 – Jun 2
$418 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Your guide to Big Sur

Introduction

Big Sur is both a tiny town and a vast region located about two and a half hours south of San Francisco, stretching for 90 miles along California’s Central Coast. Here, you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend getaway full of towering redwood trees, breathtaking 360-degree vistas, stunning cliffs at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and trails for all levels of hikers and cyclists. Take a dip in the Big Sur River at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park before a late lunch in town, or peer through the fog line to catch a glimpse of California condors, a critically endangered species of bird whose wingspan measures up to nine feet. Whether you’re looking for an active retreat or serenity in nature, Big Sur welcomes you.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Big Sur

Fans of dramatic fog and moody beaches will appreciate staying in one of Big Sur’s cabins from late fall through the end of winter, when the region is darker and cooler than the rest of the year. Drive with caution in January, when peak rainfall can result in slippery roads and even mudslides. Sun worshipers, fear not—you can experience Big Sur in golden light and comfort during the late spring and summer, when highs are in the upper 70s Fahrenheit. The signature fog will still make an appearance, but the rain and chilly temperatures, not so much.


Top things to do in Big Sur

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

One visit isn’t enough to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and activities afforded at this intersection of mountains, forests, river, and ocean. Channel your inner adventurer on the eight-mile Mount Manuel Trail to be rewarded with views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, or enjoy shorter trails that lead to and along the Big Sur River.

McWay Falls

An easy half-mile hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will lead you to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows year-round. Time your trek right to witness the waterfall splashing directly into the Pacific Ocean at high tide.

Bixby Bridge

Built in 1932, this feat of engineering creates a path between staggering cliffs and allows cars to pass 230 feet above Bixby Creek. There are multiple opportunities to pull over for a clear view of the iconic structure that is often featured in car commercials.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Big Sur?

    Big Sur's coastal location lends it a moderate climate year-round. Summers are warm, with average highs of around 75°F (24°C), while winters are cooler, with highs typically reaching 59°F (15°C). The area is known for its frequent coastal fog, especially during May and June, which can add a mystical ambiance to your exploration.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Big Sur?

    Big Sur invites you to explore its diverse ecosystem. You can hike through redwood forests, discover hidden beaches, or admire the wildlife at Point Lobos State Reserve. Many travelers also find it rewarding to photograph the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge or to explore the historic Hearst Castle nearby.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

    Spring and fall are often the most popular times to visit Big Sur, thanks to comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Local events such as the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Big Sur Jade Festival in October draw many visitors. Winter offers quieter exploration opportunities, with the annual Gray Whale migration making it a prime time for wildlife watching.

  • What are the best places to stay in Big Sur?

    For those who enjoy being close to nature, accommodations near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are often recommended. The areas around Carmel-By-The-Sea and Monterey are also popular due to their proximity to shopping, dining, and tourist attractions. For a more secluded stay, Ventana Big Sur provides houses nestled in the serene wilderness.

  • What are the best places to visit in Big Sur?

    There are many natural wonders to explore in Big Sur. The frequently recommended spots include McWay Falls, a waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with its diverse wildlife and landscapes. For a dose of history, visit the Point Sur Lighthouse or Hearst Castle, located just outside of Big Sur.

  • What are some hiking trails in Big Sur?

    Big Sur has numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a frequently suggested, easy path through a redwood forest leading to a waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the Ewoldsen Trail circles through diverse landscapes with incredible coastal views. Don't miss the Point Lobos trails, where you can spot seals, sea otters, and birdlife.

  • What are some family activities to do in Big Sur?

    Big Sur provides a host of family-friendly activities. You can explore the tide pools at Point Lobos State Reserve, take a nature walk in Andrew Molera State Park, or visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Whale watching tours are also popular, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the marine life.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Big Sur?

    Big Sur's prime location allows for a variety of day trips. You can explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, take a scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive, or visit the charming town of Carmel-By-The-Sea. For those interested in history, the Hearst Castle is a fascinating site just a short drive away.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. California
  4. Monterey County
  5. Big Sur