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The Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur region is one of my favorite California getaways. These three places are also some of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. So I’ve rounded up the top Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur vacation home rentals.
My top activity recommendations for this area are the 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, River Road Wine Trail, Carmel Beach, Ocean Avenue, and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls.
Pro Tip: booking vacation homes is one of my top ways to save money on a California trip.
Here are the best Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur Vacation Home Rentals!
John Steinbeck’s Writing Studio
John Steinbeck’s Writing Studio
Monterey
2 guests1 bedroom1 bed1 bath
John Steinbeck – author of novels such as Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row – used this cute cottage as his writing studio in the 1940s. So if you’re a literature buff or love historic homes, then this property is for you.
Cute Bungalow
Monterey
This Insta-perfect coastal bungalow has tons of character – from the blue exterior to the colorful furnishings to the wooden ceilings. There’s also a private fenced-in yard, grill, patio, and outdoor fire pit.
Oceanfront Luxury
Oceanfront Luxury
Monterey
13 guests6 bedrooms8 beds4 baths
With spectacular ocean views from almost every room, you’ll fall in love with this home. This property is a short drive from Carmel, Cannery Row, and Pebble Beach. Plus, you’ll love the hot tub, antique pinball machine, and chef’s kitchen.
Romantic Cottage
Big Sur
2 guests bedroom bed bath
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway that’s close to wineries, beaches, hikes, and the famous Refuge Spa, then this home is for you. You’ll love the outdoor fireplace and seating area, pergola, and coastal decor.
Coastal Retreat
Big Sur
6 guests2 bedrooms4 beds2 baths
Located between Carmel and Big Sur, this stunning property is the perfect home base for exploring the area. You’ll have incredible ocean views from almost every room in the house, and whale and dolphin sightings are common!
Fairytale Cottage
Carmel
5 guests2 bedrooms2 beds1 bath
This charming home looks like it’s straight from a magazine cover or a fairytale. The exquisite gardens will make you feel like you’re in the countryside, but you’re right downtown. You’ll have a stone fireplace, chef’s kitchen, breakfast nook, and a massive property with an outdoor ping pong table, multiple sitting and dining areas, a grill, and two fire pits.
Big Sur Dream Home
Big Sur
2 guests2 bedrooms2 beds1 bath
If you want a quirky and one-of-a-kind vacation home, then this house is for you. You’ll be on top of a hill with 360-degree views of the surrounding forest, and the hot tub is perfect for stargazing.
Wine Country Retreat
Carmel
6 guests bedrooms beds baths
This secluded home is perched on a hill in the heart of Carmel’s Wine Country. While it feels completely secluded, you’re close to wineries, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll be hard-pressed to beat the views from this house!
Recommended Tours in Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur
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What are your favorite Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur vacation home rentals? Share with us in the comments!
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Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur Vacation Home Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Carmel and Big Sur?
The top things to do in Carmel are visiting Carmel Beach and Ocean Avenue, exploring Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, touring the Carmel Mission, and seeing The Fairy-Tale Cottages.
My top activity recommendations for Big Sur are hiking the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls, hiking the Bird Island Trail, driving over the Bixby Bridge, visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hiking the Buzzard Roost Trail, and hiking the Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.
How do you get to Big Sur from Monterey?
Big Sur is about 50 minutes south of Monterey. It’s easy to drive between these two destinations because there’s a direct route along the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1).
What things should I do in the Monterey/Carmel area?
The best things to do in Monterey are driving the 17-Mile Drive (my favorite photo stop is the China Rock Vista Point), visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, tasting your way along the River Road Wine Trail, walking the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (which includes Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf).
I also highly recommend kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay, whale watching (if it’s in-season), playing a round of golf, and indulging in a spa treatment at The Esalen Hot Springs.
What are the best things to see in Big Sur?
My top activity recommendations for Big Sur are hiking the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls, hiking the Bird Island Trail, driving over the Bixby Bridge, visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hiking the Buzzard Roost Trail, and hiking the Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.
Other top things to do in Big Sur are hiking to Ragged Point, visiting Limekiln State Park, exploring Garrapata State Park, visiting Point Sur State Historic Park, and indulging in a spa treatment at The Esalen Hot Springs.
Should I stay in Carmel by the Sea or Big Sur?
Both of these seaside destinations are stunning! Carmel has lots of restaurants, easy-to-access beaches, shopping, and accommodation. If you want to be near civilization, you’ll want to stay in Carmel and visit Big Sur as day trips.
Big Sur is remote, with only a few accommodations and restaurants options. So if you want to stay in a more remote wilderness destination to focus on outdoor activities, you should stay in Big Sur and visit Carmel as a day trip.
Where is Big Sur in relation to Carmel?
Big Sur is only about 25 miles south of Carmel, and it’s easy to drive between these two destinations on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1).
What is there to see between Carmel and Big Sur?
Driving between Carmel and Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway is stunning! You can stop at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Sur Lighthouse, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe Restaurant, McWay Falls, Big Creek Bridge, and Limekiln State Park.
What should you not miss in Big Sur?
The best things to do in Big Sur are hiking the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls, hiking the Bird Island Trail, driving over the Bixby Bridge, visiting Pfeiffer Beach, hiking the Buzzard Roost Trail, and hiking the Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.
If you have more time, then I also recommend hiking to Ragged Point, visiting Limekiln State Park, exploring Garrapata State Park, visiting Point Sur State Historic Park, and indulging in a spa treatment at The Esalen Hot Springs.
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This article about Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur vacation home rentals is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur vacation home rentals are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
