
Holiday houses in Big Sur
Find and book unique accommodation on Airbnb
Top-rated holiday rentals in Big Sur
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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

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. Our guests prefer a no pets policy.

An oasis on a private retreat
A beautifully secluded area (40+ acres) surrounded by natural beauty with lovely views of Elkhorn Slough and the Pacific Ocean, away from the maddening crowd. Yet, accessible to Carmel / Pebble Beach / Santa Cruz. A variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, kayaking, golfing and whale watching. A full breakfast is served daily. It should also be noted it is a gated property and the home is accessed through a dirt / gravel private country lane which is 0.75 mile from the gate.

Coastal Airstream (Sunrise) - new listing
On 9 private acres overlooking the stunning Beach and Ocean from a breathtaking cliff top view. Stunning sunsets. Famous surf views with large windows. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, outside BBQ, outside griddle, Heat, A/C and fully stocked kitchen. Full bathroom with shower. Within 10 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive. If this one is booked, there are three other equally similar Airstreams on the property.

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.

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Peaceful Treehouse-style retreat blends mid-century design with natural materials like wood and stone for a calming, sanctuary feel. Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows beneath soaring wooden beams, and Japanese-inspired sliding doors add to the architectural charm. Set high in the trees with ocean views, the home offers three elevated decks including one with a hammock - perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding canopy.

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.

Beautiful Farm in Carmel Valley
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, fresh air and the donkey braying for breakfast! (Due to the nature of our farm we have a strict "No Pets" policy).

Lake Views Hilltop Ranch - 160 Acre Escape
Secluded private hilltop cabin just 5 minutes from the marina, between Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio. Set on 160 lake-view acres—bring your boats! Horses and longhorn cattle graze nearby (and no flies!). This artfully designed 3BR, 2BA ranch home offers sweeping lake, valley, and mountain views. Located on the Wildflower Triathlon route—perfect for cycling, scenic drives to wineries and missions, and epic stargazing. Wildlife sightings possible!

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.

Villa del Cielo, 30 days
Villa Cielo (Villa of the Sky) offers unforgettable views of Carmel Valley and Carmel by the Sea. Sitting on top of a private hilltop with panoramic views from every room. The two bedrooms and two baths are located on either side of the central living room, kitchen and dining area. The wraparound deck spans the length of the home and offers a great place to relax and enjoy the views.8316826682 for more info.

Boho A-Frame Cabin w/ Sauna
Escape to this enchanting unique A-Frame cabin guesthouse on California's central coast. With a sauna, fireplace, BBQ, and starlit sleeping loft. It's the perfect retreat for two. Surrounded by state parks, the bay, and hiking trails, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're seeking serenity or exploration, this hidden gem offers the ultimate California escape.
Popular amenities for Big Sur holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Big Sur

Chameleon House

Luxury Tent - Middle Grove

Poppy Farm

Serene Vineyard Chateau with Pool, Hot Tub, BBQ

Eclectic Escape

Brutalist Architectural Retreat in Nature

The Silverbird - vintage 1986 Airstream with views

Amongst the Redwoods
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.
Destinations to explore
- Los Angeles Holiday rentals
- Stanton Holiday rentals
- Northern California Holiday rentals
- Channel Islands of California Holiday rentals
- San Francisco Bay Area Holiday rentals
- San Francisco Holiday rentals
- Gold Country Holiday rentals
- Central California Holiday rentals
- San Francisco Peninsula Holiday rentals
- San Fernando Valley Holiday rentals
- San Jose Holiday rentals
- Santa Monica Holiday rentals
- Cottage rentals Big Sur
- Luxury rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with a patio Big Sur
- Rentals with a fireplace Big Sur
- Rentals with a washing machine and dryer Big Sur
- Villa rentals Big Sur
- Waterfront rentals Big Sur
- Family-friendly rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with pools Big Sur
- Beachfront rentals Big Sur
- Apartment rentals Big Sur
- Cabin rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with beach access Big Sur
- Rentals with breakfast Big Sur
- Private suite rentals Big Sur
- House rentals Big Sur
- Beach house rentals Big Sur
- Fitness-friendly rentals Big Sur
- Pet-friendly rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with an EV charger Big Sur
- Rentals with a hot tub Big Sur
- Rentals with a fire pit Big Sur
- Guesthouse rentals Big Sur
- Rentals with outdoor seating Big Sur
- Santa Cruz Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Capitola Beach
- Pinnacles National Park
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Seacliff State Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Asilomar State Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Manresa Main State Beach
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Sand Dollar Beach
- Seabright Beach
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins
- Jade Cove
- Sumner Beach
- Steamer Lane
- Garland Ranch Regional Park
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca




