Vacation rentals in Monterey

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Monterey

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Top guest favorite
Vacation home in Watsonville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 442 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
Cabin in Felton
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

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

Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 333 reviews

Carmel By the Canyon

Our studio is located in Carmel, less than a mile from the town center. The house faces out over Hatton Canyon and affords a private rural setting yet close to Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Monterey, etc. 15 Minute walk to Carmel downtown. A hub to explore Big Sur and all the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. Due to certain regulatory changes regarding minimum stay, the dates you are requesting may not be available. While we prefer longer stays, do make an inquiry to us about the dates you want.

Guest favorite
Guest suite in Pacific Grove
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 1,345 reviews

CA Dreaming w/Ocean View, Fire pit and Gardens

Wake to an ocean view from a comfy Queen bed and enjoy the large granite walk-in shower w/sky window that opens to the warmth of the sun or coolness of the rain. Relax with your morning brew in the beautiful gardens and sip your evening drink by the fire pit. Take a deep breath and enjoy the forest/ ocean view followed by the quiet of a star filled sky. This is the CA/Zen blend… magical, peaceful and pure relaxation. Come renew your spirit. Don't believe it's this good? Read the reviews...

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 328 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
Apartment in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 950 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
Guest suite in Pebble Beach
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 558 reviews

Miller Suite: Mid Century Modern in the Forest

The Miller Suite was built and finished to complement the 1965 mid-century modern main home that we occupy full time. We share a walkway from the driveway and we access the same outdoor garbage cans, but we share no other circulation. This 1-bedroom, 1-bath, private entry suite is perfect for your next road trip, weekend away, proposal, babymoon, anniversary, or even a romantic place for your quiet elopement. Nestled in the oaks behind a privacy fence, the entire property feels secluded.

Top guest favorite
Home in Carmel Valley
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 376 reviews

Perfect Hideaway in Carmel Valley Hills

Nested within the ‘hidden hills’ of Carmel Valley this unique and stylish private quarters retreat is great for your next visit. Enter the space through your private deck and spacious sunroom which gives a relaxing vacation feel. The remodeled place offers a private bedroom with fireplace, cal-king bed. A private full bathroom and spa. The space includes a kitchenette with fridge and microwave, fully stocked and an orange juice / breakfast bar for an excellent start of the day!

Guest favorite
Home in Seaside
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 480 reviews

Artist's Cottage on the Hill

An Artist's cozy cottage on the hill overlooking Monterey Bay. 1 Mile from the beach, minutes from Old Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, The Monterey Bay Aquarium. A short drive to Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos, Big Sur, CSUMB, Laguna Seca. Enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee in the morning on the patio with a view of beautiful Monterey Bay, or a gorgeous sunset before heading out for an evening on the town in Old Monterey, or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Top guest favorite
Home in Pacific Grove
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 600 reviews

Pacific Grove Mid Century Near Beach

Mid Century Pacific Grove house on 17 Mile Drive. Just a couple blocks from the Pebble Beach gate. Great area. Close enough to walk to downtown restaurants and shops, Asilomar State Beach and other sites all within minutes of our home. Private yard with a deck and outdoor furniture for entertaining. Lic. # 0289 - Our City STR Permit restricts us to a maximum of 2 adults per reservation. Any additional guests MUST be under 18 years old.

Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Pebble Beach
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 763 reviews

Pebble Beach Guest House

Pebble Beach guest house located in the quiet Del Monte Forest, a golf destination and gated community. 650 sq.ft. 1 bedroom with queen bed, living room, gas fireplace, WiFi, TV, kitchenette, private deck with fire pit and hot tub. 7 min walk to the ocean. 3 min drive to The Inn at Spanish Bay. 5 miles to the Pebble Beach Lodge. Portable crib available. No pets. No smoking on property.

Superhost
Home in Pacific Grove
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 766 reviews

Cottage Retreat Steps from the Sea

This sweet, vintage cottage is close to the beach, restaurants and dining, great views, and family-friendly activities. You will love the beautiful light, comfy furnishings, great outdoors space, and quaint and quiet neighborhood. Unfortunately, we can not accept pets. Pacific Grove License # 0295

Popular amenities for Monterey vacation rentals

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Monterey

  • Total rentals

    880 properties

  • Total number of reviews

    86K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    460 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    280 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    70 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    450 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Monterey

All About Monterey

Follow the scenic coastal Highway 1 two hours south of San Francisco and you’ll land in Monterey, a beach town on California’s Central Coast teeming with sea life and rolling sand dunes that hosts a number of historic sites. Visit Cannery Row, named for its focus as a sardine-canning hub, which houses colorful repurposed warehouses filled with art galleries and boutique shops. Pop over to Fisherman’s Wharf, a wooden pier with delicious seafood and chowder restaurants, where local outfitters can take you out on whale-watching, fishing and sailing trips, and cruises along the Monterey Bay. Follow Alvarado Street, and you’ll reach the central historic downtown district of Old Monterey with wide pedestrian walkways that connect to hundreds of shops and restaurants like Japanese tea shops, maritime pubs, and historic coffee houses.

More than just a maritime town, Monterey has drawn music lovers to its shores since the ‘60s when it hosted a historic international music festival, and golf lovers flock to its world-renowned courses.

On the city’s protected beaches, you can watch sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat. Just down the highway, the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers incredible views of kelp forests, unusual rock formations, and forest and marine life.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Monterey

Monterey has a temperate coastal climate with warm, but not hot, weather and a steady amount of sun almost year-round, save for the rainy winter. Spring heralds the return of the “Magic Carpet,” a sea of purple ice flowers that coat the seaside hills for miles between April and May. In the summer, the city is lively during August as car enthusiasts spend time cruising down the coast for a well-known car show, and world-class golfers flock to the area for an annual tournament. The area’s annual jazz festival brings fans of famous jazz, blues, and folk artists to the area each September. Winter brings holiday lights to downtown buildings, and seasonal stalls sell Mexican-spiced hot chocolate.


Top things to do in Monterey

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran now lies an 18-mile paved pedestrian trail with unobstructed views of the ocean. There are a number of rental shops along the trail that offer bikes, in-line skates, and kayaks. Along the path, you’ll find restaurants and cafes where you can stop to catch your breath and grab some food. If you’d rather bring your own snacks, you can picnic in the designated green areas and watch the sea otters — the city’s unofficial mascot — play in the waters below.

Old Monterey

In the center of town, you’ll find Old Monterey. Restored brick and adobe buildings from the city’s Spanish and Mexican periods line a two-mile stretch known as the Path of HIstory. The small Monterey State Historic Park serves as the anchor for this district with adobe buildings and cactus gardens, and its Pacific House Museum exhibits artifacts from Indigenous, Mexican, and Spanish communities who have impacted the city. You’ll find houses of important literary and artistic figures in Old Monterey, as well as breweries, cafes tucked inside historical buildings with inviting back gardens, upscale boutiques, and candle lit fine-dining restaurants serving sustainably-caught seafood.

Monterey State Beach

This protected beach lies inside the boundaries of a state park shared with the neighboring town of Seaside, and its sand dunes topped with native scrub grasses, succulents, and wildflowers make it a stand-out in the peninsula. Beachcombers arrive early to lay their claim to a wealth of shells, and swimming, surfing, kayaking, and kite-flying are popular throughout the day. Rocky outcrops on the beach’s far side shelter a small series of tide pools teeming with wildlife like sea stars and sea cucumbers. Dogs are welcome, but only on the south side of the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Monterey?

    Monterey has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. The average temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C). Morning fog is common in summer, which usually clears by midday. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the evenings.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Monterey?

    Visitors to Monterey often explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk along the Cannery Row, visit the historic Fisherman's Wharf, or learn about the area's history at the Monterey State Historic Park. For nature lovers, a trip to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is frequently suggested.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Monterey?

    Monterey is a year-round destination, but the most popular time to visit is from April to November. The Monterey Jazz Festival in September and the California Roots Music and Arts Festival in May are two notable events that draw crowds to the area.

  • What are the best places to stay in Monterey?

    Downtown Monterey, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove are popular areas to stay. Downtown Monterey is known for its historic buildings, while Cannery Row is famous for its waterfront views. Pacific Grove has local charm and offers easy access to the coastline.

  • What are the best places to visit in Monterey?

    The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey State Historic Park are among the most popular attractions. For nature enthusiasts, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Fish Refuge are also frequently visited.

  • What are some hiking trails in Monterey?

    Monterey has numerous hiking trails. The Point Lobos Loop Trail at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the Cypress Grove Trail, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail are often recommended. For more advanced hikes, the Skyline to the Sea Trail offers a challenging experience.

  • What are some family activities to do in Monterey?

    Families can explore marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, go whale watching, ride bikes along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, or participate in hands-on activities at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Monterey?

    A drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive, a visit to the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or exploring the natural beauty of Big Sur are all popular day trip ideas from Monterey. A visit to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve for bird watching is also often recommended.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Monterey?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Monterey. From over 40 condo rentals to over 490 house rentals, we've got you covered.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Monterey?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 470 vacation rentals in Monterey featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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