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10 Best Airbnbs In and Near Monterey, California

Located along California’s central coast about halfway between Santa Cruz and Big Sur, Monterey sits on the Monterey Peninsula, renowned for its beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, and a world-class aquarium. When it comes to where to stay to enjoy it all, the city of Monterey itself as well as nearby towns like Pacific Grove, Carmel by the Sea, and Seaside make a great base. These Airbnbs are some of the top options, with everything from budget-friendly to spectacular ocean-view retreats.

NOTE: Airbnb and other vacation rentals in the Monterey area may be limited to a minimum 30-day stay

Carmel Oceanview Charmer - Carmel Carmel Ocean View Charmer
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Carmel Oceanview Charmer - Carmel

Nestled in the hills near Carmel with views of the bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, this gorgeous one-bedroom home puts you close to everything while offering luxury accommodation for two. A few of the other highlights include a Santa Maria rock terrace that provides both ocean and forest views and includes a Weber grill. It also features wood floors, a modern kitchen and a Restoration Hardware-style farmhouse dining table, along with a wood-burning stove.

Oceanfront Jewel with Breathtaking Sweeping View - Monterey Oceanfront Jewel in Monterey
Credit: Oceanfront Jewel in Monterey by Airbnb.com

Oceanfront Jewel with Breathtaking Sweeping View - Monterey

It’s rare to find a rental like this one which showcases a panoramic view of Monterey Bay offering the chance to watch for whales from inside or out thanks to the wrap-around deck and picture windows. The one-bedroom townhouse can accommodate a small family of two adults and two kids 12 or younger, or up to three adults with a king-size bed plus a sofabed. It sits just across from the famous condo in HBO’s series “Big Little Lies” only steps from Del Monte Beach, with private access included. You’ll also be just 5 minutes from the popular Fisherman’s Wharf and 10 minutes from the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium while enjoying access to a common swimming pool. A full kitchen, Wi-Fi, large TV, and a washer/dryer are all included too.

The Moondoggie Bungalow with Level 2 EV Charger - Seaside The Moondoggie Bungalow
Credit: The Moondoggie Bungalow by Airbnb.com

The Moondoggie Bungalow with Level 2 EV Charger - Seaside

Located in Seaside, just north of Monterey, this cute bungalow with a retro surf theme sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms. Ideal for a small family, it’s just a block from a park with a large playground and walking trail while the ocean is only 0.7 miles away. It comes with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and a 49″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Roku, and standard cable. There are fabulous outdoor spaces for relaxing too, including an outdoor fire pit and shaded porch.

Lighthouse Cottage - Pacific Grove
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Lighthouse Cottage - Pacific Grove

This three-bedroom cottage sits on Pacific Grove’s main street and offers ocean views. You’ll be just two blocks from the ocean and a short walk to Lover’s Point Beach, Cannery Row, or downtown Pacific Grove.  The cottage is a World War II-era Carriage House with lots of historic character and modern amenities. From the sunny kitchen, you’ll enjoy 180-degree views of the ocean and the town from five picture windows and from the vintage kitchen table, you can watch the sailboats pass by on the bay. There’s a gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance, a Smart TV, and TVs in the bedrooms as well.

Upstairs Studio - Pacific Grove Upstairs Studio in Pacific Grove
Credit: Upstairs Studio in Pacific Grove by Airbnb.com

Upstairs Studio - Pacific Grove

This cozy little studio for two is a 15-minute walk from Monterey Bay Aquarium and less than 10 to downtown Pacific Grove or the famous Lover’s Point Beach. You’ll be within easy reach of it all from fine dining to Pebble Beach golfing and 17 Mile Drive. It includes a full kitchen, backyard with a BBQ grill, a patio set and even “peek-a-boo” views of the bay. After a day at the beach you’ll appreciate the outdoor shower that’s perfect for rinsing off the sand – and, the hosts even toss in free aquarium tickets!

Peaceful Cozy Beach Cottage - Pacific Grove Peaceful Cozy Beach Cottage
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Peaceful Cozy Beach Cottage - Pacific Grove

Just two blocks from the ocean in Pacific Grove’s beach tract area, this cozy cottage is a comfortable gem with a partial view of the Pacific. It has an open floor plan with hardwood floors throughout, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and entertainment room that opens to a backyard patio, accommodating up to four guests in two bedrooms with comfy beds. Free Wi-Fi, TV, and a washer/dryer are included too. The highlight here is the chance to enjoy daily walks along the coast while watching the waves that crash, the otters float across the water and the pelicans dive down for their dinner.

Mid Century Near Beach - Pacific Grove Coral Room at Pacific Grove Mid-Century Home
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Mid Century Near Beach - Pacific Grove

This two-bedroom mid-century home sits on famous 17 Mile Drive only a couple of blocks from the Pebble Beach gate, within walking distance to restaurants and shops downtown. It accommodates up to four guests and includes a private fenced-in yard with a deck, grill, and outdoor furniture ideal for cookouts and entertaining, a fireplace, a large flat-screen Smart TV, and a kitchen with everything you need to make your own meals. Those who enjoy walking or biking will especially love it here with a waterfront trail leading to Monterey and a 20-mile loop that travels through Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Monterey ideal for cycling.

Charming Carmel Home Golfer's Paradise - Carmel-by-the-Sea Charming Carmel Home Golfer's Paradise
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Charming Carmel Home Golfer's Paradise - Carmel-by-the-Sea

As the name belies, this home is ideal for golfers who come to take advantage of the area’s championship golf courses, close to Pebble Beach and 17 Mile Drive. It offers plenty of room for the whole family and even a few friends, accommodating up to 10 guests in three bedrooms, each with its own bathrooms. You’ll have all the comforts of home, including a great kitchen with all the essentials, a Smart TV, fireplace, washer/dryer, board games, and a landscaped backyard with outdoor furnishings.

Clean & Cozy 2-Bedroom House - Seaside Clean and Cozy 2 Bedroom House
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Clean & Cozy 2-Bedroom House - Seaside

This cozy two-bedroom home in Seaside accommodates four and has a bright, cheery feel with lots of natural light, vaulted ceilings, and hardwood floors throughout. In the living room, there’s an electric fireplace and you’ll have a kitchen with lots of windows, a skylight, and all the cooking and dining essentials. The backyard is fenced and furnished, providing an idyllic outdoor space for relaxing, and you can bring your dog to enjoy it too.

Peaceful Seaside Getaway - Seaside Peaceful Seaside Getaway
Credit: Peaceful Seaside Getaway by Airbnb.com

Peaceful Seaside Getaway - Seaside

This two-bedroom Seaside home will put you just a 15-minute walk from the beach and a bike path, with all the popular Monterey area attractions nearby. It sleeps up to six and includes all you need for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, and two 46″ TVs with built-in Roku devices for accessing Netflix and other personal accounts. Enjoy alfresco dining on the back patio where you’ll have seating for six and relaxing on the front porch with a view of the ocean in the distance.

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