Sprawled on California’s Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming beach city popularly known for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich artistic history. Locally known as Carmel, this city attracts travelers who want to experience its sunny weather and discover its varied attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature can take a road trip along 17 Mile Drive. Do you want to learn more about the city’s past? Take a tour of Carmel Mission Basilica Museum. Beach aficionados can enjoy sweeping ocean views and the laid-back vibe of Carmel Beach. If you’re planning a wonderful escape to this city, check out the best cottages for rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 12, 2024.
1. Adorable cottage with gorgeous gardens (from USD 666)
Stay in this adorable cottage near Monterey Aquarium and experience Carmel’s charm at its best. Upon arrival, the first thing you’ll notice is the gorgeous private garden that surrounds the property. When you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the large chef’s kitchen, plus the beautiful antiques and fine art that adorn the space.
You can relax on the balcony while admiring the beautiful garden and mountain views. Convenient amenities include laundry facilities, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the furnishings are all thoughtful and extremely comfortableevery room in the cottage looks out to the amazing garden viewsthe garden the courtyard the living room with bay window the elegant dining room the kitchenthe beds and linens were plush and comfortable; we slept greatthe fountain out back next to a large teak dining table creates the perfect outdoor dining roomCleanliness:
extremely clean and very comfortablegreat place super clean exactly as advertisedeverything is so clean comfy and absolutely gorgeousit’s a quiet clean beautiful housethis cottage was so beautiful everything was clean and well-maintainedHost:
hillary was a perfect hosthillary is the most thoughtful hosthilary was a great host: proactive attentive and kindshe was always incredibly responsive and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortablehillary was also helpful and readily available for any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
location wise it is walkable to the downtownlocation- wise this house has been the most ideal locationlocation is great easy access to highway 1 and a scenic walk to downtown and the beachthe location is just as perfect just blocks from downtown and the beacha beautiful walk through the neighborhood takes you to downtown in about 10 minutes
2. Charming breadbox cottage for seven
Break the monotony and unwind in this gorgeous cottage located five blocks from the city center. Beautifully decorated, this rental comes with two cozy bedrooms – one with a queen-sized bed and the other one with a king-sized bed. Its living room is bright, with high ceilings, plush sofas, and French doors that lead to a garden.
From the large glass windows that offer spectacular ocean views to the indoor fireplace that keeps the space warm, you’re surely going to love spending time in this cottage.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
6.57 km (4.1 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved sitting soaking in the ocean view sunsets from the living room and front deckCleanliness:
the house was very tastefully decorated and sparkling cleanHost:
dave was a great host attentive and supportiveextremely helpful with any concerns or questions and quick to responddave the super host is the bestprivate convenient friendly and fabulousRead more reviewsLocation:
pebble beach and 17 mile drive with it’s breathtaking ocean walk is just a 10 minute drive awaybread box cottage is indeed a charming place centrally located in the heart of carmel by the seagreat place in every waythis was appreciated since we were no longer eating out the location is great
3. Sades Loft (from USD 468)
After a long day exploring downtown Carmel, relax and unwind in this stylish cottage located five minutes from the beach. Sades Loft features bright and tastefully decorated interiors for a cozy stay. It has two beautiful bedrooms, a luxurious living room with a TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with an island bar.
There’s an indoor fireplace to keep you warm during cold weather and Wi-Fi to ensure you stay connected.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
super clean and cozyit is clean and functionalthe place was very clean and well-decoratedthe beds were very comfortable and everything was very cleanplace was just as pictured - clean and soooo cuteHost:
the accommodations were lovely with a helpful guidebook including recommendations around carmeljennifer was wonderful as a hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfectlocation is everything and this was such a great locationbeautiful home amazing location we loved itgreat great location will come back in the futurethe location is perfect right in downtown with easy access to restaurants shops and the beach
4. Newly remodeled hideaway close to Ocean Avenue (from USD 380)
Experience magical sunsets in this newly renovated cottage located a few steps away from Ocean Avenue, where you can find fantastic dining and shopping joints. This property is only five blocks from white-sand beaches.
Gleaming hardwood floors throughout create a rustic and relaxing vibe within the house. You can pass time watching movies on the standard cable TV or updating your socials using Wi-Fi. Laundry facilities are also available.
5. Beautiful stone cottage with a murmuring fountain (from USD 299)
Escape the daily bustle of city life in this charming stone cottage near attractions such as theaters, eateries, and shops. This rental promises you a relaxing stay, featuring a fully fenced compound for security and privacy. You can hang out at the murmuring fountain or take a leisure stroll in the beautiful garden.
For convenience, designer linens and towels are available. You can end your day snuggled by the old Carmel-stone fireplace.
6. Fair Oaks (from USD 351)
Perfect for family retreats, Fair Oaks is a cozy cottage that comes with four bedrooms and three bathrooms to accommodate eight travelers. This property places you within walking distance of beaches and downtown Carmel. Being just a block away from the trailhead to Mission Trails Nature Preserve, opportunities for hiking and mingling with nature abound.
You can relax in the lush, private garden while reading a book or sipping a glass of your favorite wine. Pets are also welcome on this property.
7. Gorgeous cottage close to Pebble Beach (from USD 169)
Welcome and relax in this gorgeous cottage situated just a few minutes from the vibrant downtown Carmel and Pebble Beach. Perfect for couples and solo wanderers, this home can easily sleep up to three guests. It has a comfy bedroom, a fully stocked bathroom, and a private patio where you can unwind after a long day.
The kitchen comes with a microwave, a toaster, and a fridge so that you can have an easy time making meals. You’ll have access to off-street parking during your stay.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the tv in the living room was nice and the outdoor patio furniture was relaxingthe bed was very comfortable after a long day of whale watchingwe used the 2 fans and relaxed out back to enjoy the breezespacious kitchen and living room and nice bedroomCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablethe inside was very clean with lots of extra towels and sheetsvery clean modern and peacefulHost:
owner was very helpful and friendly as wellhe was so kind as to withhold the rainfall while we were thereRead more reviewsLocation:
quiet location very close to all points of interestwe loved the location just off highway 1nice cabin like feel close to the woodshouse is located close to hwy 1 for easy access to carmel and beyondit's proximity to a nature preserve with a nice walking trail was also convenient
8. Moonglow (from USD 242)
Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for accommodation in Carmel, California? Check out this fantastic cottage located a short walk to the unspoiled canyon. What’s interesting about Moonglow is that hiking, biking, tennis, golfing, and beach equipment are available for guests.
There is a patio with furniture where you can enjoy alfresco dining. While indoors, you can watch your favorite Netflix movies on the HDTV or use the Comcast Wi-Fi to check on your emails and socials.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The owners have thought of everythingthe antique iron bed was awesome and great to sleep on as well Kim & Al Grospiron Lander WY andThe little cottage has a kitchen available for those who would like to cook or enjoy one of the restaurants mentioned in the "idea" binder the owner has made for youVery easy checking in and checking out - like we were entering and leaving our home Complimentary aquarium tickets beach chairs bicycles etc for our use bottle of wine were impressive and welc...Lovely little cottage feel and beautiful landscaping Very relaxing and healingHost:
sweet and friendly They were our morning quests early on Tuesdayand they will respond with a friendly suggestionWonderful owners very nice to talk to andWe enjoyed the deck hot tub and meals on the deckand you have a question give them a callRead more reviewsLocation:
Very cheery little property just a short walk from central Carmel minutes from Hwy 1It was a perfect get-a-way from our busy lives Cute little cottage and minutes to everythingMoonglow was the perfect location for access to Monterey Carmel and Big Sur Very convenient yet quiet and privateEverything about Moonglow is perfectBeautiful quiet setting just outside of town/Carmel Easy access to everything in the area
9. Sunshine Cottage (from USD 499)
Make the most of your visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea by choosing this original craftsman cottage situated a couple of blocks from Carmel Beach and Ocean Avenue. Beautifully decorated and fully furnished with comfortable amenities, Sunshine Cottage comes with two bedrooms with clean linen, a TV with cable channels, and a kitchen with quality appliances.
Reliable Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace are available for online workers. The property also has an indoor fireplace and a balcony.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the sea view from the porch was great for having our coffee and breakfastthe rooms were very airy with plenty of natural light during the daythe cottage is very cozy pretty and feels very much like homewe loved the deck the separation between the two bedrooms and the laundry roomthe cottage had everything we needed - plenty of towels nice beds and fireplaceCleanliness:
it was also very clean (i mean spotless)very clean and well maintained for a 100+ yr old homethe house was spotless when we arrived and decorated in such a warm inviting waythe house was kept very clean and felt very comfortable during the few days we were therethe home was clean when we arrivedHost:
anne was wonderful host and answered questions very quicklythank you for sharing your family home with us you were attentive and a perfect host thankyouanne our host was very easy to communicate with and made sure that we enjoyed ourselvesworking with the owner anne was an added pleasureanne is a wonderful host- very kind and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful house in fantastic locationit has a fantastic location and is a very comfortable insidegreat place right by the beach with a quiet and beautiful locationwe loved the convenience of being able to walk to the beach and shoppingso charming and cozy- short walk to the beach and dining
10. The Phoenix Guest House
Are you planning to stay close to the beach and downtown while in Carmel-by-the-Sea? If so, book this beautiful place that’s ideal for couples. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, you are welcome to stay for as long as you wish. There is a fully stocked kitchen with necessary appliances and cooking basics, so you can prepare your own meals.
You’ll be provided with clean bed linen, bathing essentials, and hangers. The Phoenix Guest House is kept warm by an electric indoor fireplace.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
6.29 km (4.0 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the actual room was nice good style comfortableCleanliness:
place was clean and perfect for our tripthe place was spotless and very comfortableexpect a delightful clean and warm environment at this sweet guest houseif you want a clean place to stay during this pandemicwas well kept and cleanHost:
olta is a gracious hostolta was a fantastic hosthost was helpful and responsiveolta was a great host and super communicativeolta was an amazing host and very responsive and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
olta's place is located very close to downtown and is in an ideal locationgreat location walking distance to downtown and the beachquiet and peaceful locationeasy 15 min walk to downtown carmelclose to downtown and nicely decorated
Discover the hidden gems of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Whether you are visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea with your family or a special someone, you will need a cozy place to unwind after a fun-filled day. Staying in a cottage gives you the opportunity to unearth the hidden gems of this city. Make sure to choose from one of the above best cottages to make your stay worthwhile.
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