
Vacation rentals in Big Sur
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Big Sur
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Santa Cruz A-Frame
This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

A Magical Redwood Tree Fort Retreat
A Magical Glamping Retreat in the Redwoods Escape to a dreamy Tree Fort tucked among redwoods, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Fall asleep to crickets and a bubbling creek, then wake to birdsong and fresh mountain air. Designed for couples and solo travelers seeking a romantic, peaceful escape. Relax in the hammock or gather around the fire pit with forest views. Enjoy hassle-free glamping with electricity, a cozy bed, a private bathroom with hot water, and a kitchenette. VRP#181501

Guesthouse Carmel Highlands ~ Ocean Views ~
Serene fully-furnished 900 sq. ft. studio guesthouse 6 blocks up the hill from the beach, with 180 degree ocean-view, and 180 degree mountain and wilderness view from a private balcony. The guesthouse is artfully decorated, and is quiet. Our whole neighborhood is affluent and beautiful with plenty of beaches to explore. It is the perfect place to stay and visit remote Big Sur to the south, but also be close to the incredible restaurants & shops in Carmel. Our guests prefer a no pets policy.

Airstream Coastal Hideaway (Sunset)
On 9 private acres overlooking the stunning Beach and Ocean from a breathtaking cliff top view. Stunning sunsets. Famous surf views with large windows. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, outside BBQ, outside griddle, Heat, A/C and fully stocked kitchen. Full bathroom with shower. Within 10 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive. If this one is booked, there are three other equally similar Airstreams on the property.

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin
Rest and connect in this warm, cozy, and private cabin that is nestled in the redwoods. Only minutes away from Henry Cowell State Park, where you can enjoy world class mountain biking trails, hiking, or swimming in the river. Or, enjoy the beach 15 minutes away. This is a perfect place to refresh in the magic of the Coastal Redwoods. Music fills most nights either from the Felton Music Hall or from the chorus of frogs. And wake up in the mornings to the mist in the trees when the fog rolls in.

Serene Redwood Retreat w/Modern Comfort
At our Modern cabin nestled among 150 year old redwoods, we invite you to embark on a unique adventure of embracing the outdoors while only minutes from town. Wine tasting in downtown Carmel, World Class Golf at Pebble Beach or Hiking trails of Point Lobos and Big Sur. "Magical", "Amazing", "A True Sanctuary" are just a few words used by our guest to describe their stay with us. Get away and unplug in the stillness and solitude of our Serene Redwood Retreat. Please see property description.

Beautiful Farm in Carmel Valley
Our 2 bedroom guest house in beautiful Carmel Valley is close to Monterey, Big Sur, Pebble Beach and Carmel by the Sea. Sight see all day and escape to a pastoral setting five minutes from Carmel Valley Village with quaint shops, restaurants and over 20 wine tasting rooms. Visit with our alpacas, horses, giant tortoises, goats, sheep, donkey and more! Wake up to sunshine, fresh air and the donkey braying for breakfast! (Due to the nature of our farm we have a strict "No Pets" policy).

Sunset Cottage Vacation rental permit #111394
Charming ocean front cottage with views from Santa Cruz to Monterey. Located in Sunset State Park near Capitola and Santa Cruz. Path to quiet beach for great walks and glimpses of dolphins. A perfect place for a getaway or romantic weekend. TWO people maximum on the property at any time. There is only parking for ONE car. Pets are not allowed. NO SMOKING on the property-inside or outside. Two night minimum. Certified vacation rental property with Santa Cruz County.

Big Sur/Carmel Lover's Private Getaway
Looking for the perfect tranquil getaway for one or two people? The Love Shack is located right off Highway 1 between Big Sur & Carmel. This newly remodeled studio bungalow features a full kitchen, soaking tub for two, relaxing outdoor shower, 4 postered queen bed & romantic led fireplace. This space shares an acre with another home. This whimiscal space has everything you need for a Romantic Getaway with the perfect location near where you want to be!

Lake Views Hilltop Ranch - 160 Acre Escape
Secluded private hilltop cabin just 5 minutes from the marina, between Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio. Set on 160 lake-view acres—bring your boats! Horses and longhorn cattle graze nearby (and no flies!). This artfully designed 3BR, 2BA ranch home offers sweeping lake, valley, and mountain views. Located on the Wildflower Triathlon route—perfect for cycling, scenic drives to wineries and missions, and epic stargazing. Wildlife sightings possible!

Mountain Top Yurt in the Redwoods
Peaceful, clean, spacious, beautifully decorated and quiet 24' Yurt completely surrounded by Redwoods on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Spend a couple days meditating, reading or writing the next chapter of your memoir. Walking distance to Mount Madonna Retreat Center (open now through reservation only). County Park hiking and horseback riding trails located within 3 miles. Ideal place for photography and mountain/road biking.

Vineyard View Cottage with Hot Tub
Escape to our private hilltop cottage in Paso Robles wine country! This stylish retreat offers breathtaking 360-degree views, a new hot tub, and a fire pit. Comfortably sleeping 4 in two private king suites, it's the perfect serene getaway. You're just minutes from world-class wineries, Sensorio, and Vina Robles Amphitheater. Your ultimate Central Coast vacation awaits!
Popular amenities for Big Sur vacation rentals
Private Big Sur vacation rentals

The Cottage Getaway by the Sea

Vineyard View Hacienda Retreat

Entire Hobby Farm, Surrounded by Vineyards

Charming Carmel Cottage - Close to Downtown!

Coastal Redwood Cabin | Hot tub | Private Creek

Carmel Rustic Cabin Like a Treehouse + Dog

Sunny redwood forest cottage

Fairytale Cottage on Ocean Avenue, Downtown Carmel
Vacation rentals with jacuzzis in Big Sur

Very Private, 3 Balconies, Jacuzzi, Espresso, King

28 Sec Walk to Beach: Power Outage-Free Living

Huge 2 br 2 ba Guest House sleeps 6

Romantic Carmel Valley Casita & Hot Tub! Tax Incld

Pebble Beach Guest House

Breathtaking Carmel Penthouse Suite w/ Brad Pitt!

Horse Corral with Stunning Views

Sanctuary in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Big Sur

cute cottage walking distance to beach

The Highlands House at Pessagno Winery

Private Suite in the Redwoods with a View

Carmel luxe, private, spotless, The Great Escape!

The Boathouse Cottage Waterfront Morro Bay

Private romantic 1 br homestay love dogs

The Vineyard House in the Pastures of Heaven

Luxury Modern Home/ Pets OK & FREE EV
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Big Sur?
Big Sur's coastal location lends it a moderate climate year-round. Summers are warm, with average highs of around 75°F (24°C), while winters are cooler, with highs typically reaching 59°F (15°C). The area is known for its frequent coastal fog, especially during May and June, which can add a mystical ambiance to your exploration.
What are some of the best things to do in Big Sur?
Big Sur invites you to explore its diverse ecosystem. You can hike through redwood forests, discover hidden beaches, or admire the wildlife at Point Lobos State Reserve. Many travelers also find it rewarding to photograph the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge or to explore the historic Hearst Castle nearby.
What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?
Spring and fall are often the most popular times to visit Big Sur, thanks to comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Local events such as the Big Sur International Marathon in April and the Big Sur Jade Festival in October draw many visitors. Winter offers quieter exploration opportunities, with the annual Gray Whale migration making it a prime time for wildlife watching.
What are the best places to stay in Big Sur?
For those who enjoy being close to nature, accommodations near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are often recommended. The areas around Carmel-By-The-Sea and Monterey are also popular due to their proximity to shopping, dining, and tourist attractions. For a more secluded stay, Ventana Big Sur provides houses nestled in the serene wilderness.
What are the best places to visit in Big Sur?
There are many natural wonders to explore in Big Sur. The frequently recommended spots include McWay Falls, a waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with its diverse wildlife and landscapes. For a dose of history, visit the Point Sur Lighthouse or Hearst Castle, located just outside of Big Sur.
What are some hiking trails in Big Sur?
Big Sur has numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a frequently suggested, easy path through a redwood forest leading to a waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the Ewoldsen Trail circles through diverse landscapes with incredible coastal views. Don't miss the Point Lobos trails, where you can spot seals, sea otters, and birdlife.
What are some family activities to do in Big Sur?
Big Sur provides a host of family-friendly activities. You can explore the tide pools at Point Lobos State Reserve, take a nature walk in Andrew Molera State Park, or visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Whale watching tours are also popular, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the marine life.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Big Sur?
Big Sur's prime location allows for a variety of day trips. You can explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, take a scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive, or visit the charming town of Carmel-By-The-Sea. For those interested in history, the Hearst Castle is a fascinating site just a short drive away.
All about Big Sur
Big Sur is both a tiny town and a vast region located about two and a half hours south of San Francisco, stretching for 90 miles along California’s Central Coast. Here, you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend getaway full of towering redwood trees, breathtaking 360-degree vistas, stunning cliffs at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and trails for all levels of hikers and cyclists. Take a dip in the Big Sur River at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park before a late lunch in town, or peer through the fog line to catch a glimpse of California condors, a critically endangered species of bird whose wingspan measures up to nine feet. Whether you’re looking for an active retreat or serenity in nature, Big Sur welcomes you.
What are the top things to do in Big Sur?
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
One visit isn’t enough to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and activities afforded at this intersection of mountains, forests, river, and ocean. Channel your inner adventurer on the eight-mile Mount Manuel Trail to be rewarded with views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, or enjoy shorter trails that lead to and along the Big Sur River.
McWay Falls
An easy half-mile hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will lead you to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows year-round. Time your trek right to witness the waterfall splashing directly into the Pacific Ocean at high tide.
Bixby Bridge
Built in 1932, this feat of engineering creates a path between staggering cliffs and allows cars to pass 230 feet above Bixby Creek. There are multiple opportunities to pull over for a clear view of the iconic structure that is often featured in car commercials.
Destinations to explore
- Los Angeles Vacation rentals
- Stanton Vacation rentals
- Northern California Vacation rentals
- Channel Islands of California Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Bay Area Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Vacation rentals
- Gold Country Vacation rentals
- Central California Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Peninsula Vacation rentals
- San Fernando Valley Vacation rentals
- San Jose Vacation rentals
- Santa Monica Vacation rentals
- Villa rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with pools Big Sur
- Luxury rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with a patio Big Sur
- Waterfront rentals Big Sur
- Fitness-friendly rentals Big Sur
- Cottage rentals Big Sur
- House rentals Big Sur
- Apartment rentals Big Sur
- Private suite rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with a hot tub Big Sur
- Rentals with beach access Big Sur
- Rentals with breakfast Big Sur
- Rentals with a fireplace Big Sur
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Big Sur
- Beach house rentals Big Sur
- Beachfront rentals Big Sur
- Family-friendly rentals Big Sur
- Cabin rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with a fire pit Big Sur
- Rentals with an EV charger Big Sur
- Guesthouse rentals Big Sur
- Pet-friendly rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with outdoor seating Big Sur
- Santa Cruz Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Capitola Beach
- Pinnacles National Park
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Seacliff State Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Asilomar State Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Manresa Main State Beach
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Sand Dollar Beach
- Seabright Beach
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins
- Jade Cove
- Sumner Beach
- Steamer Lane
- Garland Ranch Regional Park
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca




