Top 10 Airbnb Vacation Rentals Near Monterey Bay, California - Updated 2024

Shamika
Shamika 
Updated
| 4 min read

Tucked away between San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Coast lies the hidden gem of Monterey Bay. With huge sea cliffs and tranquil waters juxtaposed against redwood forests with their rich flora and fauna, the breathtakingly beautiful scenery here is worth a visit even if you are an international traveller visiting the States. If you are more of an urban soul, check out the hip Santa Cruz area with its waterfront amusement park and the village of Carmel with its art and culture. After a long day of sightseeing and exploring, why check into a typical hotel room downtown when you can return to your own home-away-from-home right beside the bay? Make the most of your vacation here and read on to explore our awesome list of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Monterey Bay, California.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. Unique and spacious family home with three bedrooms (from USD 427)

This home looks like it has been picked straight out of Pinterest as it features a cosy lifestyle in the midst of an artichoke farm. Featuring three bedrooms, this home can easily accommodate up to ten guests and offers luxury farm living for its guests. If you stay here, you will be provided with bathroom essentials such as towels, toilet paper, and soap. The beds here also come with their own plush pillows and soft bed sheets.

Stayed at this property?
Castroville, California, United States
17.05 km (10.6 mi) from Sunset State Beach
371 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 6 Beds 10 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 10

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms were good and all amenities were first class
internet was pretty slow but we had our mobile wifi so it was fine
there is a nice coffee nook in the kitchen
excellent furnishings and very well appointed classy toilets
the kitchen is very well equipped with pots pans utensils which allowed us to whip up simple meals
Cleanliness:
sean’s listing is impeccably clean and well-designed
nice and clean with a well stocked kitchen
we had a great stay at sean's stylish and clean house
very nice decor clean and well decorated place
we had a spectacular time in sean’s place it was very clean and well decorated
Host:
the hosts are lovely
lovely host with beautifully decorated place
the host was very responsive and very nice as well
sean was a great host we enjoyed every corner of his place
sean is a wonderful host he’s welcoming and friendly and communication was great throughout
Location:
the location is fantastic
the house and location are amazing
the location is perfect too
we really loved the location
the location is a quick easy ride into monterey and close to the paved walking trail into castroville
Read more reviews

2. Romantic and luxurious beachfront home (from USD 295)

Featuring two cosy bedrooms, a large living space, and two bathrooms (so you don’t have to fight over bathrooms!), this incredible home is perfect for couples, small families, or even solo travellers looking for a luxurious nook that they can call home for a few days. Newly renovated, this home features luxe design elements that will wow you, including high ceilings, an electric fireplace to cuddle up next to when it’s chilly outside, a well-stocked kitchen, and a private staircase that leads directly to the beach.

Stayed at this property?
Watsonville, California, United States
1.85 km (1.2 mi) from Sunset State Beach
331 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire vacation home 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very cozy stunning views and a lot closer to the beach than the pictures portray
Cleanliness:
beautiful beach and gorgeous sunsets await this is a very clean and comfortable stay
the condo is just as pictured beautifully furnished and is spotless
my jaw dropped walking in to this sparkling clean condo with the ocean a few steps away
quiet comfortable clean and a stunning (website hidden by airbnb) was exactly what we wanted and needed
comfortable clean and good amenities
Host:
jo the owner was very responsive
host is very nice and quick to respond to any inquiries
jo is a great host and communication was seamless
Location:
for bird lovers this place is it
the house is great and at a very beautiful location
this was the perfect location for a getaway from the east bay
literally this place is even more beautiful than the pictures show
Read more reviews

3. Homely oceanfront accommodation with three bedrooms (from USD 275)

This three-bedroom accommodation can easily accommodate up to six guests and comes with one full bath and a half bath. Step into the living room to find floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful oceanfront. The home has an open-plan interior and beautiful coastal décor, giving it a bright and cheerful vibe. The location is unbeatable as well as this space is close to all of Monterey Bay’s best attractions including Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Asilomar Beach, and Cannery Row.

Stayed at this property?
Pacific Grove, California, United States
29.22 km (18.2 mi) from Sunset State Beach
127 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the living room is absolutely stunning
gorgeous view beautiful yard and very comfortable house
amazing location and amenities we saw whales and dolphins from the living room couch
breathtaking view big backyard beautiful interiors big kitchen and comfy beds
the beds—one king one queen two twins—are all very comfortable
Cleanliness:
very clean and well equipped
it was extremely clean when we arrived
the place is clean and safe
it was very clean everything was perfect
place is well stocked and feels clean
Host:
the host support was very helpful
the host and property manager were responsive and helpful
evelyn is a great host and responded to the questions promptly
great host with easy clear instructions
further evelyn is incredibly responsive
Location:
fantastic location away from the commotion of a resort town
amazing location and seamless check in process
great location very nice place for the price
fantastic location right on the beach
what a great space location was amazing
Read more reviews

4. Serene and beautiful one-bedroom guesthouse (from USD 92)

This beautiful space is perfect for couples or solo travellers as it can accommodate up to two guests comfortably. Featuring single-bedroom accommodation that is located right beside the gorgeous Redwood forest area, you can find plenty of walking trails and woodland attractions nearby. The home has a well-equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare a hearty meal at home, while the bathrooms are luxury redefined with a clawfoot tub and monochromatic décor. The home is right next to Santa Cruz. So if you wish to check out the city attractions, you need not splurge on cab fares.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
20.25 km (12.6 mi) from Sunset State Beach
569 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful and very comfortable had all the amenities that we needed
very spacious closet adorable kitchen
it's well-appointed with convenient touches like roku fluffy blankets modern fans remote control fireplace and an alexa
house was cozy quaint well-designed cuter than in the photos
high ceilings in the bathroom and extra large bathtub was the highlight for us
Cleanliness:
exceptionally clean and safe-feeling
super convenient clean and relaxing
what a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway stylish spotlessly clean quiet
we had an amazing experience at kris and shane’s place it was very clean cozy and thoughtful
this charming guest house was exactly what we expected and more it was cozy comfy clean and nicely decorated
Host:
the hosts are great
kind and communicative hosts
excellent hosts excellent home
the hosts were always responsive when we needed something
it was amazing and they were gracious hosts
Location:
location was great because you are 10mins away from the boardwalk and about 5mins away from mystery spot
this place is in perfect location
a beautiful home and wonderful location
it's close to some great things
perfect weekend getaway very close to downtown santa cruz yet feels like a wilderness retreat
Read more reviews

5. Four-bedroom home with unique décor (from USD 541)

What beach vacation is complete without a dip in a relaxing hot tub, letting your worries wash away? This incredible four-bedroom home features some truly unique design elements, including skylights, a hot tub facility, private beach access, loft-style living, and a spacious balcony with panoramic views of the ocean. Every room in the home offers oceanfront views from its large windows, and sometimes, you can even spot dolphins frolicking in the waters around dawn.

Stayed at this property?
Moss Landing, California, United States
13.14 km (8.2 mi) from Sunset State Beach
320 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 6 Beds 9 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 9

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house heated up nicely during the cooler nights and the furniture was so cozy and comfortable
wifi was slow for video calls but perfect for email and streaming movies
house fully stocked with kitchen amenities and entertainment such as games puzzles and books
magical views easy access to beach comfortable house
we felt lucky to be in a beachfront setting and enjoying such a comfortable home
Cleanliness:
extremely clean and you get exactly what danka says you get
and house was very clean beautiful and well equipped
the place was clean when we arrived and even left us a bottle of wine
very clean well-stocked and amazing place by the beach
the place looked exactly like it did in the pictures and was very clean when we arrived
Host:
danka was super responsive
danka is great host super responsive
danka is an amazing host and you can tell she put a lot of love into the home
host was very responsive and nice
the host was very helpful with recommendations and very quick to respond to any inquiries we made
Location:
great location on the beach
amazing place with great location
the location was very quiet and relaxing
fabulous house in a perfect location
great private location for a gal's get-away weekend
Read more reviews

6. Tranquil and lovely one-bedroom home (from USD 204)

If you are travelling as a small family or a couple, this is a great place for you. The living room features beautiful floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open into a patio area overlooking the ocean. With serene coastal-themed décor and neutral colours throughout the space, you are sure to feel right at home on this peaceful property. You can also make use of the WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities here.

Stayed at this property?
Aptos, California, United States
10.19 km (6.4 mi) from Sunset State Beach
397 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi connectivity was great for both of us to be on video calls simultaneously
anne's place was really amazing my husband and i so enjoyed the view from the deck and living room
the bed was extremely comfortable like sleeping on a cloud
the space has everything you will need (coffee linens a comfortable bed smart tv even heated bathroom floors )
such fantastic hospitality breathtaking views and a modern comfortable place
Cleanliness:
quiet clean and very comfortable
very clean and modern with high end finishes
anne's place is beautiful very clean and extremely comfortable
it was clean and so nice 12/10 would recommend
very responsive the place is super clean
Host:
great hosts who take care of their guests
the hosts were awesome and attentive to any need we had
amazing hosts and amazing stay couldn’t recommend enough
anne was so helpful and went above and beyond to make sure we receive our funds
easy check in with hosts
Location:
very nice place good location
took a nice walk to the best
we also appreciated the convenient location to shopping dinning and hiking
great location super host
wonderful location well equipped and delightful design
Read more reviews

7. Luxurious beachfront home with wooden interiors (from USD 538)

With beautiful hardwood flooring, luxe furniture, and serene décor, this beautiful space is sure to put you in a very relaxed mood the moment you step in. With private beach access, this home overlooks Pacific Ocean and is one of the closest homes to the seaside. It can accommodate up to seven guests, making it perfect for a large family or a group of friends.

Stayed at this property?
Castroville, California, United States
14.1 km (8.8 mi) from Sunset State Beach
301 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire townhouse 5 Beds 7 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 7

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds chairs patio
the views from the living room are amazing
an incredible view and a very comfortable setting and beautiful setting
there's plenty of space a well equipped kitchen and the ocean view is just fantastic
this is an amazing house with views to die for really comfortable beds too
Cleanliness:
everything was clean when we arrived
everything was clean and well put together
very clean and family friendly as well
it was clean comfortable and relaxing
the room is spot clean
Host:
she was super kind and thoughtful
lisa was also a great host as she was uber responsive and accommodating throughout my stay
lisa was a fantastic host with some lovely welcoming touches
i highly recommend a stay in this house and experience made even more delightful by a wonderful host
wonderful host and beach house we brought groceries and never left highly recommend
Location:
the location was amazing
great place in an amazing location
beautiful location and home
beautiful location and just a short easy drive to monterey area attractions
great location and very comfortable for our family of 5
Read more reviews

8. Adorable jungle-themed beach house (from USD 186)

Perfect for couples or families with a small child, this lovely home has a jungle-themed backyard complete with cane and bamboo décor complementing the greenery of the space. It is situated close to the beach and features a hot tub, Aquarium passes for the guests, a gas fire pit, a hammock, and a wood-fired pizza oven.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
15.28 km (9.5 mi) from Sunset State Beach
1093 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we brought foil trays to roast veggies and it was easy and doable without a kitchen
super comfy bed and great natural light inside
this cozy cottage is a great getaway spot we would visit again
the kitchen utensils felt like something bought at a flea market
the bed was comfortable and the room was just perfect
Cleanliness:
perfect little getaway clean cute and quiet space
the hot tub was clean and reliable
very clean cozy and intimate space for a quiet and relaxing weekend
super clean cute and just the perfect spot to runaway to
the place it’s self was so clean and cozy
Host:
the hosts are very kind
these are wonderful hosts that truly know how to host their guests
not to mention the hosts were really responsive when we had questions
loved the privacy but our hosts were quickly responsive to our needs
bed was comfy and hosts were super responsive
Location:
such a cute place and perfect location
this was a cute little place located within walking distance to the beach
it's in a great location maybe a 5-8 minute walk to the beach
location wise you can walk to the beach in under ten minutes
great location for access to the beach
Read more reviews

9. Cosy and intimate cottage overlooking the beachfront (from USD 246)

This lovely studio cottage features intimate single-room living for couples or solo travellers who are looking for a non-fussy space for a few days of vacation. Situated in the panoramic Sunset State Park, this home overlooks the beachfront and you can see the beautiful sunset from your windows and private balcony. The cottage is also pet-friendly, although the beach itself doesn’t allow dogs. The property also allows parking for one vehicle in case you are travelling by road. Amenities here include a queen-size bed, heating, and WiFi.

Stayed at this property?
Watsonville, California, United States
855 meters (0.6 ft) from Sunset State Beach
618 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from inside in the main room was awesome
nonie’s cottage by the sea is bright warm and comfortable
nonie’s cottage has amazing sunset view very cozy and clean we really enjoyed staying there
i loved the small and cozy cottage and it had everything we needed
it was beautiful having breakfast on the outside patio looking at the ocean
Cleanliness:
the place was clean and really comfortable
the property was clean comfortable and well stocked
everything was perfection - easy to settle in very clean great towels comfy beds and peaceful
dreamy impeccably clean and tidy cottage is the perfect escape
the beach is beautiful clean and soft to walk on
Host:
nonie was also very responsive and quick to answer our questions
owners are very communicative and had great tips and instructions
great spot great host i would love to come back
this host is great she responds quickly to messages and is very kind
nonie was super quick and helpful with any issues that arose and i can't recommend this place enough
Location:
very nice location indeed
the location was perfect close to everything
great location for an almost private beach
the location was intimate and perfect for us newlyweds
fantastic time great location access to beach just around the corner
Read more reviews

10. Charming and romantic cottage with coastal décor (from USD 253)

This amazing cottage is perfect for a couple as it can accommodate up to two guests in a single bedroom space. The home is unique as it is a stand-alone space that overlooks a cliff offering breathtaking views of the oceanfront. You can see dolphins and whales during dawn and enjoy the sunset during the evenings. The home has a king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen area where you can prepare your own meals every evening, a patio area with a fire pit, and more.

Stayed at this property?
Aptos, California, United States
9.65 km (6.0 mi) from Sunset State Beach
686 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice ocean view breakfast from very private patio or indoors with equally breathtaking views
a couch and comfortable chair filled the remaining living space
what an amazing stay we had breathtaking views and a very cozy comfortable cottage
the kitchen is well stocked views are spectacular and the hosts were incredibly responsive
i’m also not sure which is more comfortable - the bed or the couch
Cleanliness:
clean great communication easy and relaxing
the place was clean and cozy
sparkly clean with the most beautiful ocean views
also it's very clean
everything was clean the fireplace was amazing and i am very grateful for the experience :)
Host:
our hosts were warm and welcoming
great place and amazing host
the host is very kind and so very quick to respond
thankful owners share their gorgeous property to others
the host was wonderful and insightful about the best local attractions
Location:
location location location amazing sunsets
great location to either direction we chose to explore
so comfortable and great location
amazing stay the location was absolutely beautiful
perfect location for watching and listening to the ocean
Read more reviews

Make the most of your stay at Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay represents the very best of both worlds. It offers the beauty of its natural landscape and fauna along with fun urban activities and attractions that are must-visit spots if you come to this area. No matter what kind of traveller you are, you can find your itinerary filled up with things to do in Monterey Bay. So make the most of your vacation here by booking a rental home.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Being a military kid, Shamika has lived and travelled all over India, and her nomadic childhood has fueled an immense hunger and fascination for new cultures and languages (she's a polyglot!)...Read more

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