If you want to explore northern California, there is no place better than Big Sur. This coast stretches from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Hearst Castle, along Highway 1. There is so much to see along the way. Stop for a photo-op at Bixby Creek Bridge, soaring 260 ft (79.25 m) above Bixby Creek. If you love the outdoors, you are in luck. There are several parks here, offering many hiking trails, nature walks and more. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one where you can hike to McWay Falls, one of the tallest in the state. This region also has lovely beaches where you can swim, surf, build sandcastles and have a great time.
You will also find beautiful homes right on the beach allowing you to fully enjoy the shores. For suitable stays, check out this list of the best beachfront hotels in Big Sur, California.
Tip from Content Creator
This West Coast gem is absolutely stunning in the spring and summer when everything is in bloom, so you can consider booking accommodation during that time. Big Sur is also conveniently just under a three-hour drive from San Francisco. You can stay in Monterey for access to tons of cute shops and restaurants while being just minutes from some of the most beautiful nature in the US.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
1. Monterey Tides, Monterey (from USD 250)
With a private beach which can be easily accessed, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub and so many other amenities, the beachfront Monterey Tides is a great place to stay. Big Sur is close by too - just 42 minutes away.
Those who may need to work will have a gorgeous place to do so - the hotel offers ocean-facing conference rooms, so your meeting will never be boring. In the evenings you can unwind around the fire pits where cocktail service is offered on select days.
Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Address: 2600 Sand Dunes Dr
2. Spindrift Inn, Monterey (from USD 345)
Spindrift Inn is also located in Monterey, less than 30 mi (48.28 km) from Big Sur - the drive may take you just about 45 minutes. The hotel is located right on the beach and you can enjoy gorgeous water and bay views from most rooms here.
Deluxe bedding, quality furniture and unique accents such as a window seat or private balconies will make your room your private haven. Feel pampered with room service of the free continental breakfast or an afternoon snack of wine and cheese.
Spindrift Inn
Address: 652 Cannery Row
3. Monterey Bay Inn, Monterey (from USD 289)
If you are looking for a family vacation by the water, you cannot go wrong with booking a stay at Monterey Bay Inn. This boutique hotel is part of the Inns of Monterey group and prides itself on offering guests a memorable experience in their properties.
Lovely eco-friendly rooms with ocean views and private balconies will elevate your holiday. The hotel is located right on the water and guests can easily access the beach whenever they want. The roof-top hot tub and complimentary breakfast are just cherries on the top. Big Sur is less than 30 mi (48.28 km) from this property.
Monterey Bay Inn
Address: 242 Cannery Row
Other beachfront accommodations near Big Sur, California
4. Whalers Cottage, Carmel
This cottage is a historic property located right on the shores at Monastery Beach. From the backyard of this rental, you can relish panoramic views of Point Lobos, the pounding surf and the beach. The family and dining rooms have a wall with large windows allowing you to gaze up at amazing views whenever you want to. You may not need any other entertainment, but the home is equipped with a TV with cable and a DVD player, Wi-Fi and more.
Beautiful hardwood floors and an indoor fireplace add charm to this home, whose history can be traced back to 1898. Located less than 25 miles (40.23 kilometres) from Big Sur, it is easy to explore the area from here too.
Carmel, California, United States
5. The Lodge at Seven Coves, Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you are planning a group vacation near Big Sur, Lodge at Seven Coves is a great choice. It is located close to many activities so your group can take their pick. Big Sur is about 25 mi (40.23 km) from here - golfing and wine-tasting venues are nearby too.
This house measures about 12,000 sq ft (1,114.84 sq m) and can easily fit up to 18 people. Spread out on the decks or the garden, walk down to the water to relax in the chairs there or plan a delicious barbeque dinner. Inside, the lovely library, the large family room and the slumber party room offer many spaces to bond.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, United States
6. Vacation home with amazing views, Carmel
The vacation rental is located right on the water at Carmel. The best views of the water can be had from the master bedroom of this home. A large window here allows you to enjoy awesome views from the bed. There is a balcony attached to this bedroom and it is a treat to sit out here and listen to the waves or watch the water.
Pebble Beach is located nearby and Big Sur is less than a 45-minute drive away. A minimum stay of 30 days is required at the rental.
Carmel, California, United States
7. Three-bedroom rental with spectacular views, Carmel-by-the Sea (from USD 2264)
This home is beautifully designed to make most of its ocean front location. The kitchen, family room, master bedroom are all designed with expansive windows, so you are never far from amazing views. A beautiful sunroom has comfortable seating where you can relax with a book or a drink.
There is a hot tub outside, so evenings are for soaking your muscles while sipping on a cool drink. If you want to explore the neighbourhood, Big Sur is less than 30 mi (48.28 km) away.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
sean and management team were responsive and everything was as expected minus the hot tubLocation:
the location was absolutely beautifuland it’s location is absolutely amazingi just can’t say enough about how beautiful the location isgreat place for a family gathering which is what we didCleanliness:
everything felt cleanit’s pretty run down and wasn’t clean with no extra linens or towelsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the beds were very comfortable probably the best i’ve ever slept in with airbnbeasy in/out; good parking; many different seating areas; nice "sun room" (enclosed patio type thing)the kitchen is like the kitchen of some cabin out in the woods
8. Beautiful home with amazing natural views, Carmel (from USD 3926)
By booking a stay at this beautiful home in Carmel, you will have an unforgettable vacation. Aesthetically designed with natural materials and quality furnishings, this home offers something amazing in every corner. The views are unparalleled - you can sit out on the deck in the loungers and plan an al fresco meal on the stone patio to the backdrop of gorgeous views.
The large kitchen boasts beautiful sloping roofs, wood floors and gourmet appliances. The lower floor is designed to suit those with mobility issues. Beautiful Big Sur is less than 30 mi (48.28 km) away from this home.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United StatesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
karen is a very nice host very friendlybefore our vacation she was available by email and very responsivethe house is fantastic and karen is a great hostthere's also a playroom with a pinball machine karen is a thoughtful and generous hostLocation:
wow amazing house and on best location in areabreathtaking location house is well appointed and very comfortablethe location being very close to nature is such a privilegeperfect location to get away while still being close enough to restaurants supermarkets art galleries etcthe location and design of the beach house is stunningRead more reviewsCleanliness:
everything was clean and perfect and karen was easily accessible and incredibly helpfulabsolutely perfect this is beautiful extremely clean home that is fully appointed to cover all your needsit is a clean spacious and well equipped house with a breathtaking view on the oceanthe house was very comfortable & clean the view spectacular
9. Spacious retreat with ocean views, Carmel-by-the-Sea (from USD 2047)
If you are planning a couple’s getaway by the ocean, this suite will be a good fit for you. You can wake up to gorgeous water views, take long walks by the water and enjoy tranquil evenings seated outside on the patio. The suite is located in a quiet neighbourhood and allows easy access to a walking trail by the water. It is near Carmel-by-the-Sea, less than 30 mi (48.28 km) from Big Sur.
The suite is stocked with beach essentials such as an umbrella, chairs, towels and snorkeling gear, so you can hit the shores without any worries.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
donna was a great hostthe hosts were incredibly nice and welcomingthe hosts are true super-hostsdonna and ron are fantastic hosts ron greeted me when i arrived and showed me the placeamazing hosts we’ve stayed in carmel a few other times and this was by far our favoriteLocation:
the location is amazingwalking distance to town the area is so cute and quaintwe highly recommend this locationwalk to town or amble on the beach - the location is perfecteasy access to the greatest hikes beach and downtown makes this place a 5 star vacation rentalCleanliness:
sparkling clean with so many thoughtful touchesi thought i might need to do extra covid cleaning but everything was super clean upon arrivalit is very clean modern and cozythe apartment is very clean and charmingthe space was immaculate and clutter freeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
right outside the door are beautiful beaches sea otters spectacular sunsets and amazing tide pools at low tidei noticed four or five small vases of fresh flowers throughout the apt that were also really lovelywe enjoyed a lavish bed and beautiful views of the oceanlovely network of trails from front of apartmentyou can hike from your room to point lobos for an all day nature adventure
10. Jewell Cottage in Seven Gables Inn, Pacific Grove (from USD 693)
This opulently designed suite is part of the lovely Seven Gables Inn, located right on the water at Lover’s Point Beach. Though it is part of the Inn, this unit has a private entrance so you will not be disturbed. The property is about 30 mi (48.28 km) from Big Sur.
There are two bedrooms, so five people can easily fit here. From both bedrooms, you can enjoy beautiful views of the rocky coast. A complimentary breakfast is also offered here, so you can begin the day on a healthy note.
Pacific Grove, California, United StatesAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staffs are exceptional nice and make you feel welcomingthe staff was ready to help with all our needswhatever you needed the staff was there to help youthe staff were all extremely warm and helpfulthe staff was super helpful and just wonderful making our stay exceptionalLocation:
location location location great staygreat location and beautiful groundsperfect location close to everything monterey carmel big surso close to the beach and adorableour new favorite place at monterey and pacific groveCleanliness:
it was clean the welcome wine and cookies were awesomevery clean and comfortable house - great for vacationthe bedrooms bathrooms and livingroom were all very clean and comfortablethe room is outstanding very clean all the funitures are nicely decoratedthe room was extremely clean and the entire staff was extremely friendlyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
our cottage was beautiful with enough room for our familygreat great view from both bedrooms and living roomthe view from the rooms is beautiful very convenient place for coffee shops and drive to montereythere are gorgeous ocean views from the living room and both bedroomsgreat place for family trip gorgeous furniture very beautiful views delicious breakfast with cute and tasty deserts
Have a blast in Big Sur
Big Sur is the perfect place for a fun, family trip. The area boasts beautiful parks, amazing natural beauty and lovely beaches. Start planning your getaway today. Don’t worry about your stay - the above list showcases some excellent beachfront rentals in the area.
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