
Vacation rentals in Big Sur
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Big Sur
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Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes
Beautiful oceanfront condominium with an unobstructed view to Monterey Bay & the Pacific Ocean; just 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz & 30 minutes north of Monterey/Carmel. Newly remodeled with granite counters, new kitchen appliances, paint, furniture, tile and carpeted floors. Electric fireplace adds to the magical ambience this home embraces. High ceilings, just steps to the beach. Convenient parking. 2 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, 1200 sf. A great place to kick off your shoes and relax.

Big Sur Blue Cottage with Ocean view
Located on South Coast Big Sur, this Off-the-grid house sits atop a hill with expansive ocean views. Perfect for a digital detox. NOTE: "The cottage is currently only accessible via south Hwy 1 from Cambria due to a landslide closing the northern route. Attractions in North Big Sur, including Julia Pfeiffer State Park,McWay Falls, are unreachable. Detours add 4 hours; plan accordingly. We're not liable for itinerary changes." NOTE: 4WD/AWD VEHICLE AN ABSOLUTE MUST TO GET TO THE HOUSE. NO TESLA

Redwood Ridge Tree Fort VRP#181501
A Magical Glamping Retreat – Escape to a dreamy tree fort nestled high among majestic redwoods, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Fall asleep to the sounds of crickets and a bubbling creek, and wake up to peaceful birdsong and fresh mountain air. Relax in the hammock or gather around the fire pit while taking in stunning views. Enjoy hassle-free camping with all the comforts of home, including electricity, a cozy queen bed, a full bathroom with hot water, and a fully equipped kitchenette.

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

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.

Carmel Valley Home on Eclectic Farm
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, a rooster crowing and the donkey braying for breakfast! (Due to the nature of our farm we have a strict "No Pets" policy).

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.

Private romantic 1 br in Carmel Woods- love dogs
Dog friendly! Private entrance to 2 rm studio overlooking the forest w/ floor to ceiling windows. Queen memory-foam bed, bathroom w/shower & amenities, kitchenette w/ dishes, microwave/convection oven, burner, toaster, coffee.Far ocean view, sunsets, deck, gas grill. wood burning fireplace, complimentary wood, free internet, TV, DVDs, LPS, All amenities. Beach towels/mats, ottoman/cot, free parking. note: ceilings are low in spots & there are some steps. Let us know about dogs when booking.

The Retreat at Point Lobos
The exclusive Retreat at Point Lobos is the perfect place to stay when visiting Carmel, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove or the Big Sur area. Located on private property within California's Point Lobos Ranch Preserve, it is surrounded by open space and native oak and pine forest. Just across the Pacific Coast Highway from the world-famous Point Lobos State Reserve, the private setting is the perfect spot for a quiet get-a-way for a couple or family of up to five.

Big Sur Dream Home
Drive up to your own private, paved and gated driveway to a home with a panoramic view of redwood and oak ridges. It's a sunny location, all day long. Perfect for one or two people. Dip into the hot tub viewing the beautiful mountain ridge, birds singing and red tailed hawks circle above. View the stars at night as it's perfectly quiet, peaceful and private. Please note: Road closures are very far from my property and do not affect my property in the least.

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.

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.
Popular amenities for Big Sur vacation rentals
Big Sur beach vacation rentals

Oceanfront beach house with private hot tub

Copper Nest beach retreat with stunning views

Monterey Bay Oasis on the Ocean!

Charming Beachfront Cottage

The Ocean View on Monterey Bay, Hot Tub! King Bed!

The Beach House - On Cayucos Beach

Romantic beach front paradise

Beach House ON Pismo Beach
Private Big Sur vacation rentals

Carmel By the Canyon

Rustic Cabin in the Redwoods

The Olive House

Magical Cabin Retreat in the Redwoods!

Charming Carmel Cottage - Close to Downtown!

Cabana in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve

The Love Shack -Big Sur/Carmel Lover’s Getaway

Boho A-Frame Cabin w/ Sauna
Big Sur house rentals

Very Private, 3 Balconies, Jacuzzi, Garage, King

Pacific Grove Mid Century Near Beach

Entire Hobby Farm, Surrounded by Vineyards

Lake View Ranch 5 min to Nacimiento Marina

Private Treetop Beach House

Adorable Sea House

Gorgeous Secluded Treehouse with Spectacular Views

The Vineyard House in the Pastures of Heaven
Your guide to Big Sur
Introduction
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.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Big Sur
Fans of dramatic fog and moody beaches will appreciate staying in one of Big Sur’s cabins from late fall through the end of winter, when the region is darker and cooler than the rest of the year. Drive with caution in January, when peak rainfall can result in slippery roads and even mudslides. Sun worshipers, fear not—you can experience Big Sur in golden light and comfort during the late spring and summer, when highs are in the upper 70s Fahrenheit. The signature fog will still make an appearance, but the rain and chilly temperatures, not so much.
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.
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.
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