Vacation rentals in Monterey
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Monterey
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Popular amenities for Monterey vacation rentals
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Monterey
cute cottage walking distance to beach
Haute Enchilada Beachside Resort
Cozy Top-Rated Home Near Carmel/PB ~Putting Green
Coastal Redwood Cabin | Hot tub | Private Creek
Mermaids & Moonlight by the Sea License #0447
The Vineyard House in the Pastures of Heaven
Short walk to the Lodge at Pebble Beach
Luxury Modern Home/ Pets OK & FREE EV
Home rentals in Monterey
Copper Nest beach retreat with stunning views
Charming Victorian Home Near Beach
Endless Summer Home Steps To Lovers Point Beach
Modern Beach Retreat-Free EV Charging
Pebble Beach Home for Ocean & Golf off 17 Miles
Sea View Cottage 2 Bedroom Suite - Seven Gables
Newly remodeled: Seaside Retreat
Home away from Home
Condo rentals in Monterey
One of a kind full River and Ocean view!
Beachfront Tranquility
2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View
Royal Villa - Ocean View - Heated Pools - Seascape
OCEAN Views and Steps from the BEACH, New & Modern
A Total "Distanced" Coastal Experience!
Flora Belle, Perfect Carmel-by-the-Sea Getaway
Aptos Condo with Spectacular Ocean Views
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Monterey
Total rentals
890 properties
Total number of reviews
81K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
460 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
290 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
90 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
450 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Monterey
All About Monterey
Follow the scenic coastal Highway 1 two hours south of San Francisco and you’ll land in Monterey, a beach town on California’s Central Coast teeming with sea life and rolling sand dunes that hosts a number of historic sites. Visit Cannery Row, named for its focus as a sardine-canning hub, which houses colorful repurposed warehouses filled with art galleries and boutique shops. Pop over to Fisherman’s Wharf, a wooden pier with delicious seafood and chowder restaurants, where local outfitters can take you out on whale-watching, fishing and sailing trips, and cruises along the Monterey Bay. Follow Alvarado Street, and you’ll reach the central historic downtown district of Old Monterey with wide pedestrian walkways that connect to hundreds of shops and restaurants like Japanese tea shops, maritime pubs, and historic coffee houses.
More than just a maritime town, Monterey has drawn music lovers to its shores since the ‘60s when it hosted a historic international music festival, and golf lovers flock to its world-renowned courses.
On the city’s protected beaches, you can watch sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat. Just down the highway, the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers incredible views of kelp forests, unusual rock formations, and forest and marine life.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Monterey
Monterey has a temperate coastal climate with warm, but not hot, weather and a steady amount of sun almost year-round, save for the rainy winter. Spring heralds the return of the “Magic Carpet,” a sea of purple ice flowers that coat the seaside hills for miles between April and May. In the summer, the city is lively during August as car enthusiasts spend time cruising down the coast for a well-known car show, and world-class golfers flock to the area for an annual tournament. The area’s annual jazz festival brings fans of famous jazz, blues, and folk artists to the area each September. Winter brings holiday lights to downtown buildings, and seasonal stalls sell Mexican-spiced hot chocolate.
Top things to do in Monterey
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran now lies an 18-mile paved pedestrian trail with unobstructed views of the ocean. There are a number of rental shops along the trail that offer bikes, in-line skates, and kayaks. Along the path, you’ll find restaurants and cafes where you can stop to catch your breath and grab some food. If you’d rather bring your own snacks, you can picnic in the designated green areas and watch the sea otters — the city’s unofficial mascot — play in the waters below.
Old Monterey
In the center of town, you’ll find Old Monterey. Restored brick and adobe buildings from the city’s Spanish and Mexican periods line a two-mile stretch known as the Path of HIstory. The small Monterey State Historic Park serves as the anchor for this district with adobe buildings and cactus gardens, and its Pacific House Museum exhibits artifacts from Indigenous, Mexican, and Spanish communities who have impacted the city. You’ll find houses of important literary and artistic figures in Old Monterey, as well as breweries, cafes tucked inside historical buildings with inviting back gardens, upscale boutiques, and candle lit fine-dining restaurants serving sustainably-caught seafood.
Monterey State Beach
This protected beach lies inside the boundaries of a state park shared with the neighboring town of Seaside, and its sand dunes topped with native scrub grasses, succulents, and wildflowers make it a stand-out in the peninsula. Beachcombers arrive early to lay their claim to a wealth of shells, and swimming, surfing, kayaking, and kite-flying are popular throughout the day. Rocky outcrops on the beach’s far side shelter a small series of tide pools teeming with wildlife like sea stars and sea cucumbers. Dogs are welcome, but only on the south side of the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Monterey?
Monterey has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. The average temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C). Morning fog is common in summer, which usually clears by midday. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the evenings.
What are some of the best things to do in Monterey?
Visitors to Monterey often explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk along the Cannery Row, visit the historic Fisherman's Wharf, or learn about the area's history at the Monterey State Historic Park. For nature lovers, a trip to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is frequently suggested.
What is the best time of year to visit Monterey?
Monterey is a year-round destination, but the most popular time to visit is from April to November. The Monterey Jazz Festival in September and the California Roots Music and Arts Festival in May are two notable events that draw crowds to the area.
What are the best places to stay in Monterey?
Downtown Monterey, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove are popular areas to stay. Downtown Monterey is known for its historic buildings, while Cannery Row is famous for its waterfront views. Pacific Grove has local charm and offers easy access to the coastline.
What are the best places to visit in Monterey?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey State Historic Park are among the most popular attractions. For nature enthusiasts, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Fish Refuge are also frequently visited.
What are some hiking trails in Monterey?
Monterey has numerous hiking trails. The Point Lobos Loop Trail at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the Cypress Grove Trail, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail are often recommended. For more advanced hikes, the Skyline to the Sea Trail offers a challenging experience.
What are some family activities to do in Monterey?
Families can explore marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, go whale watching, ride bikes along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, or participate in hands-on activities at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Monterey?
A drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive, a visit to the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or exploring the natural beauty of Big Sur are all popular day trip ideas from Monterey. A visit to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve for bird watching is also often recommended.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Monterey?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Monterey. From over 40 condo rentals to over 490 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Monterey?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 450 vacation rentals in Monterey featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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- Santa Cruz Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Seacliff State Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Carmel Beach
- Davenport Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Pinnacles National Park
- Capitola State Beach
- New Brighton State Beach
- Bonny Doon Beach
- Sumner Beach
- Corcoran Beach
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Winchester Mystery House
- Waddell Beach
- Asilomar State Beach
- Pasatiempo Golf Club
- Natural Bridges State Beach
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