Vacation rentals in Monterey

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Quick stats about vacation rentals in Monterey

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 870 vacation rentals in Monterey

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 87,540 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    460 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 270 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    100 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    490 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    860 of Monterey vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Self check-in, Gym, and BBQ grill across Monterey rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Monterey stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!

Top-rated vacation rentals in Monterey

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 150 reviews

Very Private, 3 Balconies, Jacuzzi, Espresso, King

Spacious, light-filled Carmel hilltop home with large hot tub and sweeping views of ocean & forest. 🌲🌅 With 3 balconies + generous primary suite on main floor, this highly private retreat offers an elegant tranquility with coastal charm. Large 🍽️ FULLY STOCKED kitchen features espresso machine + conical burr grinder 🫘☕ + French Press + gas range. 3 bedrooms + 3 pull-outs. Chore-free checkout. Property is *not* walkable to downtown Carmel. Outdoor BBQ is electric. Backyard 90% enclosed.

Top guest favorite
Apartment in Pacific Grove
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 373 reviews

Spectacular Award Winning Ocean Front 2 Bed 2 Bath

Award winning historic ocean front home with beautiful Spanish revival decor overlooking Monterey Bay. Gather around the ocean front fire pit and watch whales, seals, sealions, otters, dolphins from the traditional Talavera tiled patio. Ideally situated for walking to Pacific Grove, Cannery Row, Monterey Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf. Fine dining, bars and shopping are a short stroll away. Convenient access for 17 mile drive, Carmel and Big Sur. A spectacular home in a World famous location.

Top guest favorite
A wooden pathway leads to a charming cabin, positioned among towering coastal redwoods. Lush greenery surrounds the area, with steps ascending to the entrance. The structure features large windows allowing natural light to illuminate the interior, creating a welcoming appearance.
Cabin in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 376 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
Home in Pacific Grove
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviews

Pet Friendly Cozy Pacific Grove Getaway Lic#0388

Easy access to everything the Monterey Peninsula has to offer - Located in Pacific Grove with easy access to Pebble Beach/17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Monterey Bay Aquarium, golf, surfing, and hiking are all close by. Laundry room, gorgeous bathroom, and fully stocked kitchen are some of the wonderful features. Off-street parking. High-end linens and comfy beds await your arrival. Trader Joe's, Safeway and 12+ restaurants in walking distance. Professionally cleaned.

Guest favorite
A shaded outdoor seating area is surrounded by lush greenery and features wooden benches and a stone wall. The charming building displays multiple windows framed in green, offering a glimpse of the inviting interior.
Apartment in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 260 reviews

Charming Studio in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Charming Studio Apartment located on top of the Galante Family Vineyards Tasting Room in the center of the business district. You can't get any closer to the action! Just steps from the beach, shopping and all of the wonderful restaurants Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer. *Noises from the tasting room, such as music and conversation, can be heard during business hours. **This property does NOT have designated parking. Please be aware that street or paid parking is necessary for all guests.

Top guest favorite
A spacious wooden deck is surrounded by lush forest views, featuring a round table with four metal chairs. Potted plants add greenery, while trees rise in the background, creating a serene outdoor space for relaxation.
Apartment in Pebble Beach
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 1010 reviews

Private romantic 1 br homestay 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
A spacious living area features a mix of comfortable seating, including a large sectional and armchairs. Natural light fills the room, highlighting the hardwood floors and whimsical decor. A dining area with a round table and chairs is visible in the background, along with a cozy fireplace.
Cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 333 reviews

Fairytale Cottage on Ocean Avenue, Downtown Carmel

Sades Loft is located in a fairytale cottage in the heart of downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea. The upstairs loft has its own private entry on Ocean Avenue. Open your front door and explore downtown Carmel or take a 10 minute stroll down to the beach. Once a VIP room where Hollywood & local legends gathered late into the night, today, the Loft is a relaxing spot where you can listen to soft music from the restaurant below or watch passerby's buying old fashioned candy from the Cottage of Sweets.

Guest favorite
Home in Moss Landing
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 407 reviews

Oceanfront beach house with private hot tub

This home has a spacious layout with private beach access . Only a half minute walk to the natural beach with panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Relax in the private hot tub as waves crash in the background( WE JUST INSTALLED NEW Hot tub )There are beautiful ocean views from all rooms. Breathtaking sunsets are an evening routine. Whales and dolphins can be seen from the comforts of the bed or couch. The house is a perfect setup for one big family, or two families with small children .

Top guest favorite
The exterior of the cottage is displayed, showcasing a charming single-story design with a light-colored facade. The front porch is featured, with steps leading to the entrance. Well-maintained flower beds line the walkway, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Cottage in Pacific Grove
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviews

Beach Cottage - walk to beach and restaurants

This 1,100 sq. ft. single level cottage is one block to Lovers Point beach, downtown Pacific Grove and the AT&T Pro-Am Golf shuttle. Comfortably sleeps five in the peaceful town of Pacific Grove California. Close to Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive, and all Monterey Peninsula activities. Cottage includes a family room and living room to watch a movie, play board games or read a book. Private backyard with comfortable seating. City license #0479

Top guest favorite
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Luxury Carmel | View | 15 Guests | 9 Parking | EV

Welcome to your Carmel retreat! Newly built in 2024, this home blends modern comfort with relaxed coastal charm. Bright, open spaces and high ceilings create a peaceful atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed for families and small groups, the home offers spacious gathering areas, peaceful mountain views, and comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to 15 guests. Minutes from downtown Carmel, scenic beaches, and top Monterey Peninsula attractions.

Superhost
A modern two-story house is surrounded by lush palm trees and landscaped grounds. The exterior features a combination of smooth white walls and dark roofing. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the interiors, with a welcoming patio area framed by a wooden fence.
Home in Seaside
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

Serenity Getaway - Near MRY Aquarium and downtown

Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally-located place. Our home is located in a prime location, just minutes away from The Beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel, and down town! Enjoy a well thought out floor plan with modern & comfortable fully furnished home. Want to cook a family meal? Use our fully stocked kitchen to whip out some amazing meal for the full family! And see the ocean from some of our windows on the 2nd floor!

Guest favorite
The living room showcases a cozy seating arrangement with a plush sofa and accent chairs. A wooden coffee table sits at the center, surrounded by decorative plants. High wooden beams grace the ceiling, while a fireplace adds warmth, and large windows provide natural light.
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 215 reviews

Charming Carmel Cottage - Close to Downtown!

Step into this charming, quintessential Carmel Cottage located close to downtown Carmel. Easily accessible and set back on a corner lot, you'll be centrally located to all Monterey Bay has to offer. You're a short walk to all the shops and restaurants in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well as within walking distance to the beach. Truly a zen-like experience, we can't wait for you to stay in our beautiful home.

Popular amenities for Monterey vacation rentals

When is the best time to visit Monterey?

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Avg. temp11°C12°C13°C14°C15°C16°C17°C18°C18°C17°C13°C11°C

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best places to stay in Monterey?

    Monterey has a mix of neighborhoods, with Cannery Row and downtown known for walkable access to galleries, dining, and the waterfront. Pacific Grove, nearby, often features lodging close to parks and the ocean.

  • What are the best things to do in Monterey with kids?

    Families frequently explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, picnic along Del Monte Beach, and enjoy interactive exhibits at the local children's museum. Trails near Lovers Point often draw cycling and walking enthusiasts.

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

    Explore Cannery Row’s shops and history, discover marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or walk scenic trails near Pacific Grove. The coastal paths, galleries, and local markets are frequently suggested.

  • How is the weather in Monterey?

    Monterey experiences cool, foggy mornings and mild afternoons, with temperatures generally ranging from 41–74°F (5–24°C) across the year. Rain is more common in winter, while summer and fall are typically drier and brighter.

  • What are the best places to visit in Monterey?

    The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove are frequently suggested for culture and coastal scenery. Old Fisherman’s Wharf and local nature reserves also draw visitors interested in wildlife and history.

  • What are some hiking trails in Monterey?

    Try the coastal path at Asilomar State Beach, the forested loop in Jacks Peak Park, or easy walking trails around Pacific Grove. These areas blend ocean views, local flora, and birdwatching opportunities.

  • What are some family activities we can do in Monterey?

    Families can explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, bike or stroll the coastal trail, and enjoy beach picnics around Lovers Point. Seasonal whale watching cruises are also frequently suggested.

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

    Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s art galleries and sandy beach, visit Big Sur’s dramatic coast, or experience historic missions around the region. Wine tasting and hiking in nearby valleys are also often recommended.

  • Are there any pet friendly accommodations available in Monterey?

    Monterey has pet-friendly options in neighborhoods like Pacific Grove and around Asilomar Beach. Local parks and many outdoor spaces welcome leashed pets, making it easier to travel with your companion.

  • What are some local tips for visiting Monterey?

    Layer clothing for shifting coastal weather and bring comfortable shoes for walking. Consider enjoying local seafood, exploring morning markets, and visiting nature reserves during quieter hours for a relaxed experience.

  • What is Monterey known for?

    Monterey is known for its marine wildlife, historic Cannery Row, and the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, which highlights ocean conservation. The city’s coastal scenery and early fisheries heritage shape its character.

  • What are the best hidden gems to explore in Monterey?

    Visitors often discover quiet spots like the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, small beaches near Asilomar, and historic adobes dotted around downtown. Local galleries sometimes host art walks that highlight resident artists.

  • What are the best foods to try in Monterey?

    Monterey has seafood dishes featuring locally caught sand dabs and calamari, plus creamy clam chowder often served along Cannery Row. You can also explore area produce at markets, and many cafes feature locally roasted coffee and baked breads.

  • What should I bring for a trip to Monterey?

    Pack layers for cool mornings and sunny afternoons, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a windbreaker for breezy coastal walks. A reusable water bottle and camera are also helpful for outdoor days.

  • What is the nightlife in Monterey like?

    Monterey has laid-back nightlife, with wine bars and live music venues clustered around downtown and Cannery Row. Some spots host jazz nights, local brews, and casual gatherings until late evening.

  • What are the most popular events or festivals in Monterey?

    Monterey Jazz Festival draws music enthusiasts in late summer, and Car Week brings classic vehicles and related celebrations. The city’s waterfront is often energized by seafood and cultural festivals throughout the year.

  • Are there family friendly vacation rentals in Monterey?

    Family friendly stays are available in neighborhoods like Pacific Grove and near Cannery Row, often with easy access to parks and the coast. Many hosts welcome children and provide amenities for all ages.

  • When is the best time to visit Monterey?

    Late spring through early fall is often recommended for clearer skies and pleasant temperatures around 55–74°F (13–24°C). Winter brings cooler weather and more rain, while spring and autumn have moderate conditions.

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.

What are the 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.

Destinations to explore