Big Sur stretches from Carmel in the north to San Simeon in the south and offers exceptional views as you drive along the scenic Highway 1. This rugged stretch of the Californian coastline, where the Santa Lucia Mountains suddenly rise from the Pacific, provides ample trekking trails in the Andrew Molera State Park. You can even do a trek to reach the popular Garrapata Beach and the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach. The houses in the area are opulent and usually offer exceptional views of the coastline and the Pacific beyond. While there is much to do in the Big Sur area, a delightful rental is also a priority for tourists visiting the area. For great accommodations, continue reading for the top vacation rentals in Big Sur, 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 13, 2024.
1. Off-the-grid cottage with excellent views (from USD 457)
Have you ever wanted to be completely off the grid for a few days? No social media updates, no liking photos, just you and your close ones at a scenic location. Well, this house that is not connected to the city grid and operates completely on solar power lets you experience that. The water comes from a freshwater spring right here on the property, but don’t worry, it is filtered at the tap. The property does not have internet or cell range.
A small ramp leads to this cute and modern cottage that promises ocean views from all the rooms. Enjoy your meals on the sunny patio overlooking the Pacific, after which you can take a nap on the hammock or practice yoga on the sun deck.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean & neathouse is very clean and feels more like a cottage than glampingthe house is extraordinarily clean and is full of natural lightthe home was sparkling clean the beds comfy & the land itself is well loved & cared forthe house was clean and comfortable with a fireplace and heaterHost:
sarah was welcoming and friendlythe caretaker sarah is very friendlysarah was so friendly and helpful to us as wellreally welcoming host with all the resources you needthe caretaker lives next door and was very sweet and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for exploring big suramazing location we enjoyed a much needed relaxing vacationno other words needed just an amazing location i recommend having binoculars for whale watching and star gazing
Superhost
2. Cliff House; Monterey (from USD 850)
This house is the perfect escape with its unreal location on the edge of a cliff and panoramic views. The rental comes with the main house and an additional bunkhouse that is adjacent to the house. The main house comes with a kitchen, and there’s an additional kitchenette and a dining area in the bunkhouse.
The large glass windows and doors all through the house allow guests to enjoy the views no matter where they are. Even the bathrooms feature large windows. The extended patio includes sun loungers and a full dining table to enjoy al fresco meals. This property allows pets to stay but you need to seek prior approval. But due to the location of the house on a steep cliff without any secure fencing, it is advised that you not bring small children and pets.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the property is in a perfect locationvery close to both big sur and carmel depending on what you likebeautiful location amazing once in a lifetime experience getting to stay at scott’s place on the cliffs
3. Stunning home offering the best of Big Sur; Posts (from USD 2200)
Built using redwood, this house offers cozy interiors and expansive outdoor spaces from which to enjoy the natural beauty of Big Sur. The 5-ac (2-ha) grounds of this sprawling property features hiking trails, panoramic views of the coastline, a heated outdoor pool, and a hot tub.
You can choose to prepare meals in the indoor kitchen, grill on the deck, or simply hire a chef to do all the heavy lifting while you simply enjoy the views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had plenty of room and the view is breathtakingthe property offered absolutely incredible views the pool and hot tub were very much enjoyed as was the fireplacenice new washer and dryer and everyone said the beds were comfortablewould highly recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable place to stayHost:
easy check-in and a very responsive property manager all added to our relaxing week-long stayRead more reviewsLocation:
it is very centrally located to hiking and points of interest as well as walking distance from restaurants
4. Big Sur Stone House (from USD 934)
Sitting adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest, this 40-ac (16.2-ha) estate might just make you believe you are the only one in Big Sur. Built using natural stone, this completely sustainable house seamlessly merges into its surroundings. This house features multiple outdoor spots from where guests can enjoy the view of the Pacific crashing into the cliff below.
All the rooms of the house feature multiple windows that filter in sunlight and in turn brighten up the house. The house is filled with a large variety of books, so you can pick one that interests you and take it out to the hammock to enjoy. Cook up a meal in the cozy kitchen and enjoy it indoors or have a picnic. At night pop open a bottle of wine and star gaze while the firepit keeps you warm.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very private and comfortable with lots of amenities and luxuriesbreathtaking views comfortable house to stayeye patches food items like pasta great collection of dvd’s comfortable lawn furniture overlooking beautiful scenerythe house is great for couples families (note - 3 separate units) and small weddings or showerswe loved everything about this house and the amazing view of the ocean from every roomCleanliness:
the house itself is really accommodating really clean and tons of amenitiesHost:
ana was an amazing hostana is a wonderful host and a delight personana was a gracious and accomodating hostana is a very helpful and accommodating hostvery stylish architecture host was great and very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
it is located in beautiful private locationwhat a fantastic place and locationit is a great locationthe house and location are beyond amazingif the daytime is special here the star gazing at night was a close second
5. Gorgeous home overlooking the Pacific Ocean (from USD 1621)
This contemporary property is designed so that guests can take advantage of the views. Sliding glass doors, windows, and skylights in every room ensure that the Pacific is always in your line of sight. Begin your day with a refreshing yoga session followed by an outdoor shower or a couple’s soak in luxurious copper tubs.
There are loads of outdoor spaces in the house where you can kick back with a bottle of wine and simply relax, including the deck adjoining the living room, the balcony in the master bedroom, and the viewpoint with a fire pit. The house comes with three bedrooms in the main house with an additional bedroom/studio that can be included if the booking is for eight or more guests. You can book it for an additional fee.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
a gorgeous location for a getaway preciousthere’s nothing that even comes close to how magical and amazing this place really is
6. The Gallery House (from USD 439)
If you are looking for a couples getaway or a place to disconnect, The Gallery House checks all the boxes. The crashing waves of the Pacific wake you every morning, after which you can enjoy coffee on the stone patio. Spend the rest of the day exploring trails, reading, or practicing some meditation.
This rental comes with a kitchen where you can recreate your comfort foods and enjoy them either indoors or outdoors. But you do have to remember to stock up on all the ingredients before you get to Big Sur.
Before you make a booking, the hosts would appreciate it if you could send them an introductory email and let them know your dates. They will then generate the confirmation from their end. The owners also live in a separate unit on the property and therefore prefer to select guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this very comfortable cabin has spectacular 180 degree views of the ocean all the way to the horizonRead more reviewsLocation:
a perfect place to unwind and restore the soulgreat place to feel as if you are in paradise and disconnect from the rest of the world
7. Secluded cabin in the mountains; Carmel (from USD 238)
Ideal for couples, this cabin is surrounded by mature oak and redwood trees. There is enough space in and around the cabin for guests to immerse themselves in nature.
The cabin is surrounded by a deck on three sides, giving guests ample space from which to appreciate the coastline. You can also opt for a relaxing soak in the clawfoot bathtub in the open-air garden room. A wood-fired sauna is another relaxation spot on the property, however, note that it is shared with the owners.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was impressively stocked for a vacation rental - even sharp knives and a coffee grinderand she brought us some lovely flowers for the kitchen tablethe little loft bedroom is super cute and cozy and really feels like you're in a tree houseCleanliness:
surrounded by natural beauty the cabin was clean charming and well furnishedthe property was very clean and has lots of fun amenitiesHost:
monica is the perfect hostour hosts graciously accommodated late arrival on the first nightproperty owners were next door and very friendlymonica is a great host- very attentive and helpful and friendly but gives you your privacy as wellour hosts monica and joel were welcoming and responsive to our needsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is super convenient for visiting both big sur and areas to the norththe actual location was great- right along hwy 1 in an area with the best coastal views
8. Ranch with an infinity pool (from USD 1350)
A three-minute drive off scenic Highway 1, this property is perfect for families and friends looking for a quiet getaway. The rental is solar powered and is relatively off the grid, which is perfect when you are looking to disconnect.
The rooms are divided across the ranch cabin, which can sleep six, and the pool house studio which can accommodate four. The studio is only included if booking for six or more guests, but if you just want the space, you can include it for your booking for a flat fee.
If you simply want to relax, you can book yoga sessions, on-site massages, and a private chef to come and prepare your meals. In the meantime, you can soak in the hot tub or relax on the hammock and enjoy panoramic views of the California coastline. You can walk around the grounds and pick fresh apricots and plums from the trees to snack on during the day.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views are amazing the pools and hot tub and house amenities are perfectso relaxing with hot spa+pool tooCleanliness:
we own a pool and it's not hard to keep it clean (cover + vacuum)he was flexible communicated well cooked an amazing meal and cleaned the place spotless on his departureHost:
property manager is super friendly and helpfulthe property managers are incredibly responsive and were quickly available to address any questions or issues that aroseand the host was super accommodating and helpful we will definitely be backthe property owner david was super cool and attentive making the stay comfortable in every wayRead more reviewsLocation:
while the location of this house is really nice they need to tighten up many aspectsbut if you want 4 seasons perfection this is not the place for youtruly a great place to unplugloved everything about this place but it's not for everyone
9. Secluded home with an outdoor hot tub; Carmel (from USD 565)
While staying in this home, guests will have access to an outdoor hot tub so that they can truly take a break from the stress and tension. You’ll be delighted to know that Garrapata Beach is just a 10-minute drive away. If you like to plan in advance, you can book exciting hikes, soothing spa services, and delicious catered meals.
Prepare a meal for two and enjoy it on the patio overlooking the forest. At night you can cuddle by the outdoor fireplace and gaze at the clear night sky. When the time comes to sleep, you can pick from the queen-size bed in the loft or the antique bed in the yurt.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable quiet great place to enjoy the outdoorsRead more reviewsLocation:
point lobos was still closed but we found equally beautiful places to hikeif you're looking for privacy and a beautiful place to relax this is your best betreally rejuvenated by this trip and highly recommend this placeit was the perfect place to find some solitude and just enjoy the outdoors
10. Private apartment with yard access; Carmel (from USD 175)
This apartment is attached to the main house but comes with its own private entrance and offers direct yard access. From the yard, guests can enjoy spectacular ocean views, and it is a great spot to enjoy an outdoor meal or some wine in the evening. The property has an elevation of 1000 ft (305 m) and most of the time is above the constantly moving fog cover.
During the day you can explore hiking trails or spend your day on the nearby beach. Once you get back, you can relax in the wood-fired sauna, which comes with an attached deck overlooking the canyon.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment is very comfortable with all of the amenities you would needthe wifi is good for email and some browsingit definitely is not an "oceanview" apartmentlove the spacious apartment and fully stocked kitchenit was a pleasure to meet her and again a true delight to stay at the apartmentCleanliness:
this property was roomy and cleanwe found our unit to be clean very secluded quiet and privateit was spacious clean and in a beautiful part of the worldHost:
our hosts were friendly and helpfulmonica was an excellent host eager to answer questions and help if neededhost and hostess were so helpful toomonica was friendly and very helpfulmonica is a very warm and helpful hostessRead more reviewsLocation:
a perfectly quiet and scenic locationgood location near beautiful areas of big surbut it is a fantastic location for exploring/hiking in big surthe location is perfect for those wanting to explore the scenic high points of the areait was a quiet and peaceful experience away from the traffic down on highway 1
Enjoy a laidback holiday in Big Sur
Big Sur boasts raw natural beauty, dramatic road trips, and breathtaking views. Drive off to Big Sur for a holiday where you might never want to leave your gorgeous rentals. Book one of these top vacation rentals in Big Sur, California, and enjoy a chance to disconnect and relax.
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