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Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

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. So I’ve rounded up the top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel.

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.

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

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Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

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.

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Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

Cute Bungalow

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    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.

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    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

    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.

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    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

    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.

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    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

    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!

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    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

    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.

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    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel
    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

    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.

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    Top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel

    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!

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    Recommended Tours in Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur
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    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 the top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel 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 top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post about the top Airbnbs in Big Sur, Monterey & Carmel.

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