The Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur region is one of my favorite California destinations. These three places are also some of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway.

My top activities recommendations for this area are 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, River Road Wine Trail, Carmel Beach and Ocean Avenue, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls.

Pro Tip: booking Airbnbs is one of my top ways to save money on a California trip.

So here are the best Airbnbs in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur for your next California adventure!

Monterey

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 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.

Monterey

 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath

This Insta-perfect retro-surf bungalow is all about color – from the sea-green exterior to the vintage red fridge to the quirky yellow bathtub. There’s also have a private fenced-in yard, shaded porch, and outdoor fire pit.

Monterey

13 guests · 6 bedrooms · 8 beds · 4 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 in Monterey, and Pebble Beach. Plus, the hot tub, antique pinball machine, and chef’s kitchen take this house over-the-top.

Forest Oasis

Big Sur

6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 baths

This charming 1930s cabin has a striking stone-tiled fireplace, an eclectic mix of colorful furnishings, a vaulted ceiling, and lots of natural light from the oversized windows and skylights. You’ll love the picture-perfect patio and views, which give you the ultimate Big Sur backdrop.

Coastal Retreat

Big Sur

4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2 baths

Located between Carmel and Big Sur, this stunning home 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!

Big Sur Dream Home

Big Sur

2 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath

If you want a quirky and one-of-a-kind Airbnb, then this home 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.

Fairytale Cottage

Carmel

5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 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.

Wine Country Treehouse

Carmel

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

This secluded Airbnb is perched on a hill in the heart of Carmel’s Wine Country. While it feels completely secluded, you can walk to wineries, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll never want to leave the wraparound deck, with its twisting oak tree branches, Adirondack chairs, hanging egg chair, hot tub, and spectacular views!

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What are your favorite Airbnbs in Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur? Share with us in the comments!

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This article about the best Airbnbs in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur 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 the best Airbnbs in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.