Carmel-by-the-Sea vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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

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
Apartment in Pacific Grove
Spectacular Award Winning Ocean Front 2 Bed 2 Bath
Award winning historic ocean front home with beautiful Spanish revival decor overlooking Monterey Bay. Gather around the ocean front fire pit and watch whales, seals, sealions, otters, dolphins from the traditional Talavera tiled patio. Ideally situated for walking to Pacific Grove, Cannery Row, Monterey Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf. Fine dining, bars and shopping are a short stroll away. Convenient access for 17 mile drive, Carmel and Big Sur. A spectacular home in a World famous location.
Dec 16 – 23
$701 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 266 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Carmel Valley
Perfect Hideaway in Carmel Valley Hills
Nested within the ‘hidden hills’ of Carmel Valley this unique and stylish private quarters retreat is great for your next visit. Enter the space through your private deck and spacious sunroom which gives a relaxing vacation feel. The remodeled rooms offer a private bedroom with fireplace, cal-king bed. A private full bathroom and a separate private spa. Space includes a kitchenette with fridge and microwave, fully stocked and an orange juice / breakfast bar for an excellent start of the day!
Oct 17 – 24
$195 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 249 reviews

Popular amenities for Carmel-by-the-Sea vacation rentals

Stay near Carmel-by-the-Sea's top sights

Carmel by the sea354 locals recommend
Carmel Plaza24 locals recommend
Dametra Cafe67 locals recommend
Carmel Mission76 locals recommend
Carmel Bakery9 locals recommend
Sunset Center42 locals recommend

Carmel-by-the-Sea beach vacation rentals

Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Pebble Beach
Short walk to the Lodge at Pebble Beach
Apr 9 – 16
$675 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 191 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel
HawksNest Sanctuary DO NOT REQUEST, CONTACT US
Dec 20 – 27
$330 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews
Superhost
Cottage in Carmel Highlands
Cathedral Redwood Studio with loft
Dec 17 – 24
$171 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 264 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
Cottage in Del Monte Forest
Pebble Beach Mediterranean Cottage Retreat
Jul 7 – 14
$375 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 123 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 Pacific Grove
Cottage Retreat Steps from the Sea
Jan 15 – 22
$307 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 630 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
Home in Pacific Grove
Endless Summer Home Steps To Lovers Point Beach
Nov 26 – Dec 3
$502 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Adorable Sea House
Apr 13 – 20
$664 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 218 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
Guest suite in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Amazing & Cozy Carmel Getaway with an Ocean view
Jun 19 – 26
$220 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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
Superhost
Home in Carmel
Big Sur Dream Home
Nov 1 – 8
$499 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 327 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Elegant Carmel Cottage
Jun 1 – 8
$230 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 365 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Serenity On the Carmel River
Nov 6 – 13
$495 per night
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Spacious Carmel Home with STUNNING BAY VIEWS
Feb 19 – 26
$521 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pebble Beach, Del Monte Forest
Cozy Home with Ocean View
Sep 4 – 11
$447 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Large-yet-cozy, lovely, sunny, clean Carmel home!
Apr 9 – 16
$451 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews
Superhost
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Oasis By The Sea TOT # 001407
Aug 2 – 9
$741 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Del Rey Oaks
Cypress House in Monterey Bay
Aug 19 – 26
$376 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Carmel
Now and Zen - Tranquility ( Luxury Rental)
Oct 31 – Nov 7
$599 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 178 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 Del Rey Oaks
Top-Rated Monterey Bay Home 3 Bed/2 Bath
Oct 29 – Nov 5
$499 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

Beach house rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
La Piccola Casa "The Little House" Lic. # 0446
Jan 8 – 15
$360 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 161 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Sand City
Monterey Bay,2 Story,Ocean View,Fire Place,WiFi,WD
Jun 26 – Jul 3
$689 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 137 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
Guest favorite
Home in Monterey
Monterey Bay Oasis on the Ocean!
Aug 22 – 29
$550 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel only 2-day min
Aug 29 – Sep 5
$206 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 306 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Sand City
Ocean View on the Dunes - Monterey!
Nov 19 – 26
$296 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 451 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
Mermaid Beach House, Walk to Beach / Aquarium!
Jun 3 – 10
$806 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 321 reviews
Superhost
Home in Moss Landing
Oceanfront Beach House
Sep 27 – Oct 4
$525 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews
Superhost
Home in Pacific Grove
Beautiful Villa With Ocean View
Nov 10 – 17
$499 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 407 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Sand City
The Sea Glass Cottage
Aug 9 – 16
$999 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 367 reviews
Superhost
Home in Moss Landing
Oceanfront beach house with private hot tub
Feb 8 – 15
$618 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 315 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

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Total rentals

210 properties

Wifi availability

200 properties include access to wifi

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

90 properties have a dedicated workspace

Pet-friendly rentals

110 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

150 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

6.1K reviews

Your guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea

All About Carmel-by-the-Sea

Situated on California’s scenic Highway 1, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming town filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and cottages that look like they came straight out of a fairy tale. For more than 100 years, the town located just outside of Monterey has attracted creatives from all over, contributing to its distinctly bohemian, laid-back vibe. Besides its gorgeous beaches, Carmel boasts a lively downtown where you’ll find big-name stores alongside specialty, family-owned businesses. Stop by an independent cafe located in a European-style courtyard from the 1920s, or sample locally made wines in a Tudor-style home-turned-tasting room.

You can also take a stroll around the Comstock Historic Hill District, which features a collection of storybook cottages full of odd angles and quirky architecture, and each month there is an Art Walk when local artists showcase their work. Head to the late 18th-century Carmel Mission at the edge of town and admire its creamy exterior and richly decorated rooms. While the town of Carmel is certainly idyllic, the best way to explore the area is to get out of it through a scenic drive along the coastline.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Fall is one of the best times to visit Carmel, thanks to the warm, sunny weather that is perfect for exploring the nearby nature reserves and beaches. The temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much throughout the year, but it does take a little bit of a dip in winter, and you will see more rain from December to March, but this is the perfect time to visit if you’d like to explore the area with fewer people around. In the spring, the skies clear and bougainvillea blooms throughout town. The summer is the busiest season, and, though it never gets too hot, you will see almost no rain during this time. No matter what time of year you book your Carmel vacation rental, it is important to bring plenty of layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly here.


Top things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

This beautiful coastal reserve lies along the headlands of the Monterey Peninsula, home to rocky cliffs, white sand coves, and an array of hiking trails. The park has an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna, including more than 20 species of land mammals, such as pocket gophers, bobcats, and grey foxes, as well as sea lions, red-shouldered hawks, and alligator lizards.

Monarch Grove Sanctuary

Just over 15 minutes north of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this enthralling sanctuary is one of the main southbound migration spots for Monarch butterflies. As you walk along the sanctuary's pathways, you can catch a glimpse of these fluttering orange and black beauties resting in the trees. The migration season generally lasts from mid-October until mid-May, but the Monarch Grove Sanctuary is a wonderful, tranquil place to visit all year round.

17-Mile Drive

Connecting Carmel to Monterey, 17-Mile Drive is one of the most scenic drives in California that features rugged seaside cliffs against the dark blue backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Along the rocky coastline of the Monterey Peninsula, you’ll pass by the cities of Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, as well as luxurious seaside abodes and the 250-year-old Lone Cypress that stands all by itself on a rocky outcrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Carmel-by-the-Sea has a mild Mediterranean climate. During summer, temperatures average around 68°F (20°C), and in winter, it's about 57°F (14°C). Rainfall is common from November to April, and fog often blankets the town, especially in the mornings and late evenings.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Popular activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea include strolling through the local art galleries, visiting the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, exploring the unique boutiques and shops, or relaxing on the pristine Carmel Beach. Nature lovers can also enjoy bird watching at Carmel River State Beach.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    The most popular time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea is between April and October. During these months, the Carmel Art Festival in May and the Carmel Bach Festival in July are frequently suggested events for tourists.

  • What are the best places to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Downtown Carmel, known for its charming cottages and bustling boutiques, is a popular area to stay. The beachside area, with its close proximity to Carmel Beach, is also often recommended. The outskirts of the town offer a quieter, more secluded setting.

  • What are the best places to visit in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Visitors frequently explore the quaint Carmel Village, the historic Tor House, and the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica. Other popular places include the Carmel Art Association Gallery, and the breathtaking Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

  • What are some hiking trails in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    For lovers of nature, Carmel-by-the-Sea has several trails to explore. Point Lobos State Reserve provides trails with ocean views, while the Mission Trail Nature Preserve offers woodland walks. There's also the Scenic Bluff Path that showcases the beautiful coastline.

  • What are some family activities to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Families can explore the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, take a scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive, or spend a day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A trip to the Carmel Beach or a picnic at the Devendorf Park are also popular activities.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Popular day trips from Carmel-by-the-Sea include visiting the historic city of Monterey, exploring the world-renowned Big Sur coastline, or touring the vineyards in Salinas Valley. A boat trip to see the marine life around Monterey Bay is also often suggested.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 20 homes with self check-in, over 40 homes with a bbq area, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 90 vacation rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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