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Big Sur has enjoyed a reputation as a dream destination long before Big Little Lies and its merry band of accidentally murderous suburban mothers came around. After all, the California Coast has it all: long stretches of scenic highway for the ultimate road trip, dramatic cliff views for the budding photographer, and no shortage of hikes and swims for the adventurous traveler. So if you’re in the midst of planning your own West Coast trip (or maybe need the final nudge to set it into action), why not start by booking your accommodation? From cozy cottages to impressive stone mansions, the best Airbnbs in Big Sur make for a great home base.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Airbnbs in Big Sur:
- For Architectural Drama: Chameleon House, from $368 per night
- For a Treetop Oasis: Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View, from $568 per night
- For Panoramic Ocean Views: Big Sur Stone House, from $1,084 per night
- For a Unique Home: Big Sur Dream Home, from $673 per night
- For a Cozy Stay: The Seaside Cottage, from $293 per night
- For Mediterranean Charm: The Olive House, from $392 per night
From Carmel to Monterey to slightly more off-the-beaten-path spots, we found 10 vacation rentals worth adding to your Airbnb wishlist. Our top contenders include a mid-century treehouse straight out of the 1960s, a Spanish-inspired villa nestled in an olive grove, and an expansive cliffside property with unobstructed views of the Pacific. Keep reading to find the best one for your trip out West.
Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
Escape into your very own adult treehouse. Every corner of this home oozes mid-century charm, from the wood-framed, floor-to-ceiling windows to the clean lines of the furniture. It can sleep up to eight people—nine, if one doesn’t mind bunking in the outdoor hammock—and is mere minutes away from Nicene Marks Redwood Forest State Park, if your friend group is of the outdoorsy persuasion.
- Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Amenities: Washer, dryer, TV, coffee maker, shared beach access, outdoor furniture, balcony, hammock, beach essentials, parking
- Location: Aptos
The Seaside Cottage
For a cozier stay in a slightly more central part of the Coast, book this cottage. It was remodeled by a local designer with the help of local artisans—you’ll find plenty of charming accents, as well as more recognizable design stars. (Yes, that is a Mario Bellini cream leather sofa in the living room.) French doors open up to a backyard, for dinners and aperitivi at home.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Amenities: Bathtub, washer, dryer, TV, Bluetooth sound system, travel crib, high chair, board games, indoor fireplace, coffee maker, barbecue utensils, patio, backyard, outdoor furniture, grill, beach essentials, pet-friendly
- Location: Seaside
Big Sur Dream Home
With curved walls, exposed beams, and windows covering nearly every wall, this is definitely one of the more unique Airbnbs in Big Sur. Surrounded by redwoods and oaks, it’s the perfect secluded home for the traveler looking for something peaceful and fully surrounded by nature; you’ll want to spend every night in the hot tub star-gazing—bring your binoculars!
- Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Amenities: TV, Bluetooth sound system, indoor fireplace, coffee maker, barbecue utensils, patio, outdoor furniture, loungers, grill, hot tub
- Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea
The Olive House
Located a little more inland on a 20-acre working olive farm in Paso Robles, this stunning villa offers rolling views of hills and vineyards (and is still an easy drive from the coast). Terracotta and mosaic tiling runs throughout the home, as does the scent of lavender and lemon—a perk of staying on an agricultural estate.
- Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Amenities: Bathtub, washer, dryer, TV, Bluetooth sound system, air conditioning, indoor fireplace, coffee maker, barbecue utensils, terrace, backyard, outdoor furniture, grill, EV charger, pet-friendly
- Location: Paso Robles
Big Sur Stone House
If, when you think of Big Sur, you think of a palatial cliffside manor with unparalleled ocean views, this is the vacation rental for you. It has plenty of room to accommodate a large group, and the Pacific backdrop makes the ideal setting for a celebration like a bachelorette or birthday trip. Inside, luxe features like heated floors sweeten the deal.
- Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
- Amenities: Bathtub, outdoor furniture, outdoor shower, washer, dryer, HDTV, Bluetooth sound system, travel crib, indoor fireplace, board games, coffee maker, shared beach access, fire pit, hammock, beach essentials, loungers, hot tub, pet-friendly
- Location: Big Sur
Carmel Large Guesthouse
Compact and cozy, this cheery one-bedroom is close to downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and the beach. Equipped with a little kitchenette, it’s the perfect size for a couple who plans to spend most of their trip exploring the nearby restaurants and shops—though for a slow start to your day, brew a fresh pot of coffee to enjoy on the balcony.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Amenities: TV, coffee maker, balcony, workout equipment
- Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Grand Oak Cottage
Not only does it look like something out of a fairytale, but this cottage plays the part: It’s built under the canopy of a large oak tree, chickens roam the property, and a creek runs along the grounds. A cozy little fireplace and spacious kitchen set the scene for chillier evenings spent inside.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Amenities: TV, indoor fireplace, backyard, terrace, coffee maker
- Location: San Luis Obispo
Carmel by the Sea Rustic Retreat
This 400-square-foot studio is the right size for a couple, but its tiny footprint doesn’t mean it’s low on charm. From the antique claw-foot tub to the treetop views to the beautiful stone fireplace, it has everything you need for a snug stay. And if you want to venture out, good news: the beach is close by.
- Rooms: Studio
- Amenities: Bathtub, indoor fireplace, coffee maker, fire pit, outdoor furniture, patio
- Location: Carmel-By-The-Sea
Chameleon House
Architecture buffs will love this modern concrete home. It’s located in an oak knoll for peak tranquility, surrounded by olive trees and verdant plants and visited by the occasional deer. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors open right up to the outside for a taste of indoor-outdoor living.
- Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Amenities: TV, indoor fireplace, grill, outdoor furniture, patio
- Location: Carmel Valley Village
Pacific Horizons
Families will love this spacious stay (and, more importantly, the child-friendly accommodations that accompany it; including baby safety gates and a travel crib). There’s lots of room to stretch out in, starting with a front deck that comes with a fire pit if you’re traveling during slightly chillier months. Want to add in something adventurous to your itinerary? Point Lobos Nature Preserve, a hiking trail that offers incredible water views, is just a two-minute drive from the house.
- Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Amenities: Bathtub, washer, dryer, mosquito net, HDTV, sound system, travel crib, high chair, board games, indoor fireplace, coffee maker, barbecue utensils, fire pit, outdoor furniture, patio, grill, beach essentials, hot tub, cleaning available during stay
- Location: Carmel-By-The-Sea
