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16 Best Vrbo rentals and best Airbnbs in Big Sur

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Looking for Big Sur rental homes, Big Sur cabins, Big Sur treehouses…some awesome Big Sur rentals? Interested in the best Vrbo rentals and best Airbnbs in Big Sur? Look no further. Here are absolutely the best Vrbo rentals and Airbnb rentals in Big Sur.

TOP 16 BEST VRBO RENTALS AND AIRBNBS IN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

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Big Sur coast
Big Sur Coast © World Travel Connector

Before we start with the list of the best Vrbo rentals and Airbnbs in Big Sur, let me start with a short guide to Big Sur and answer some questions you might have.

What is Big Sur?

Big Sur is a coastline region along the Pacific Ocean in California. The scenic region stretches from the San Francisco Bay area to the Los Angeles area.

What does Big Sur mean?

The name ‘Big Sur’ comes from Spanish ‘el sur grande‘ which literally means ‘the big south’. Early Spanish settlers called it ‘el sur grande’ since the land seemed so big and vast to them.

Where is Big Sur?

The Big Sur region covers the area along Highway 1 (also called Scenic Highway) between the San Francisco Bay area and the Los Angeles area, and between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific ocean. The northern tip of the Big Sur region is Carmel-by -the Sea and the southern tip is San Simeon.

Carmel by the Sea Beach
Carmel-by-the Sea Beach is on the northern tip of Big Sur © World Travel Connector

How long is Big Sur?

Big Sur is about 90 miles (144 km) long.

What is Big Sur famous for?

Big Sur is famous for its extraordinary beautiful coastal scenery. Spectacular Big Sur holds some of the most dramatic meetings of land and sea in the world. Big Sur is known as one of the most scenic drive routes in the USA and the World.
Big Sur covers incredible parks, stunning nature reserves, wonderful hot springs, magnificent nature sanctuaries, rare plants, trees, and animals, amazing hiking and biking trails, flower-filled alleys, awe-inspiring redwood forests, secluded beaches …

How far is Big Sur from San Francisco?

Big Sur is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco.

How far is Big Sur from Los Angeles?

Big Sur is about 5 hour and a half drive from Los Angeles.

What is the closest airport to Big Sur?

The closest airport to Big Sur is Monterey Regional Airport. The airport is about 30 miles from Big Sur.
The nearest international airports to Big Sur are:  San Jose International Airport, Oakland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

What is the best time to visit Big Sur?

Big Sur is a year-round destination thanks to the temperate climate and the proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Winters are mild, and summers are warm with foggy mornings.
The best seasons to visit Big Sur are spring and fall.
The best months to go to Big Sur are from April to October.
March is also a good month for visiting Big sure. Big Sur is one of the best places to travel in March for the wildflower blossom and to watch the grey whale migration.

What to do in Big Sur?

The best things to do in Big Sur are: explore beaches, streams, meadows, rivers, waterfalls, and forests, camp, hike the trails, enjoy the beauty of the wilderness, and witness the wildlife

Big Sur Coast in California
Big Sur coast in California © World Travel Connector

Top Big Sur activities:

1. Hike the trails, walk along the creeks, admire the waterfalls, wander the forest, and scuba dive in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The most popular hiking trails in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are the mile-long Waterfall Overlook Trail,  the 5-mile-long Ewoldsen Trail, the Canyon Trail, Lookout Trail, and the Partington Cove Trail.

2. Enjoy secluded beaches, redwood groves, meadows, dramatic buffs, the Big Sur River…bike, horseback ride, surf … in less developed Andrew Molera State Park

3. Visit famous Pfeiffer Beach with the Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock in the sunset

4. Explore the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park trails: the 1.4-mile-long Pfeiffer Falls Trail, half-mile-long Valley View Trail, the 4.8-mile Buzzard’s Roost loop, the 8-mile Mount Manual Trail,

5. Hike Garrapata State Park and admire the breathtaking scenery and stunning wild CallaLily Valley and watch sea lions, harbor seals, gray whales from the Soberanes Point

6. Take photos of the iconic Bixby Bridge

7. Scuba dive, hike, and witness the wildlife in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

8. Enjoy the wilderness of Limekiln State Park, a park with the most spectacular views of the Big Sur Coast

9. Visit Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, an art hub and a book store founded on the property of Henry Miller in a redwood grove near to a famous Nepenthe restaurant.

10. Eat and enjoy spectacular views of the Big Sur Coast and the Pacific Ocean from the famous Nepenthe restaurant where once Orson Wells, Henry Miller, and Elizabeth Tylor were regular guests

11. Visit Point Sur State Park with Point Sur Lighthouse

Milijana Gabrić on the Pacific Coast
Me on the Big Sur coast

Big Sur Map with major points of interest

Please press the + button on the map to magnify the map

After a short guide to Big Sur, let’s head to the best Big Sur Airbnbs!

BIG SUR VRBO AND BIG SUR AIRBNB RENTALS YOU’LL WANT TO RENT STRAIGHT AWAY

Best Big Sur Vrbo rentals and the best Airbnbs in Big Sur

1. BEST BIG SUR RANCH ECO HOME

Big Sur Modern Home is the best Big Sur airbnb home
Photo credit: Vrbo

Big Sur Modern Home with Gorgeous Views

This scenic romantic gateway is located in the heart of Big Sur on 1,000 feet above the ocean private ranch with surreal views of the mountains and the Pacific ocean.

Big Sur Modern Home with Gorgeous Views is an eco-sanctuary with a calming energy. This Big Sur Vrbo rental is a true feast for the eyes and soul.

This lovely eco-home has 3 bedrooms, 5 beds, 3 baths and it can host up to 7 people.

The incredibly peaceful home is located in the center of Big Sur. World-famous Pfeiffer Beach, the Big Sur Bakery, and the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur are within short driving distance. In fact, this wonderful Big Sur home is located just between Pfeiffer Beach and the Post Ranch Inn.

If you want to stay in a ranch home in the heart of Big Sur, check it out!

  • Sleeps: 7
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Min Stay: 28 nights

2. BEST BIG SUR AIRBNB FARM

Porch of Big Sur Airbnb Farm
Porch of Big Sur Goat Farm; Photo credit: Airbnb

Big Sur, Goat Farm, Ocean Views!

The Goat Farm is a magical ranch with goats, chickens, horses, cows, and sheep in the heart of Big Sur.

It is a true nature retreat with dramatic views of the Big Sur coastline.

This Big Sur Airbnb rental is a spacious 2-bedroom cabin with 3 beds and 1.5 baths. This magical Big Sur cabin can accommodate 4 people.

It is located in the heart of Big Sur, 1 mile from Big Sur Bakery and 1.5 miles from Pfeiffer state park, and very close to Pfeiffer beach.

If you are looking to rent an Airbnb cabin in Big Sur, check out the Goat Farm cabin in the heart of Big Sur!

3. BEST LUXURY OCEANFRONT BIG SUR RENTAL FOR BIG GROUPS

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Photo credit: Vrbo

Ocean Front Luxury Home

This amazing Ocean Front Luxury Home offers spectacular panoramic ocean views with all comfort you might need.

The house has a gourmet kitchen, a dining area with seating for 10, 3 bedrooms with 4 beds (2 king bed and 1 bunk bed), 3.5 bathrooms, a detached studio with a king bed, an outdoor yoga area, soak tubs, a dry sauna, multiple patios, and decks with the most amazing Pacific ocean views.

This luxury Big Sur home accommodates up to 12 people. It’s a perfect Big Sur rental for families and groups. The minimum length of stay is 2 nights. This peaceful Big Sur property offers affordable wedding packages for intimate weddings of up to 70 guests.

This stunning Big Sur house is located 2.1 mi from McWay Falls, 2.2 mi from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 11.3 mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and 11.8 mi from Pfeiffer Beach.

  • Sleeps: 12
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Hot Tub
  • Min Stay: 2 nights

4. BEST LUXURY BIG SUR HOME (HEATED POOL + HOT TUB)

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Photo credit: Vrbo

5 acres pool/spa, walk to all Big Sur has to offer

If you are interested in luxury rentals in Big Sur, here’s another option.

This wonderful luxury home on a 5-acre private property has 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 3 bathrooms, a heated pool, a spa, and a fantastic patio with incredibly beautiful panoramic views of the Big Sur coast.

It can host 6 people or 3 couples.

The house is located within walking distance to the Post Ranch, Ventana, Nepenthe, and the Big Sur Bakery.

If you want to treat yourself to a lavish stay in Big Sur, this Vrbo Big Sur rental might suit you. Please, check it out!

  • Sleeps: 6
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Min Stay: 2–5 nights

5. BEST OCEANFRONT BIG SUR RENTAL RANCH HOME

Big Sur airbnb oceanfront ranch house
Big Sur stunning vistas oceanfront ranch house; Photo credit: Vrbo

Big Sur stunning vistas oceanfront ranch house

This Big Sur ranch house has 4 bedrooms with 4 ensuite bathrooms, 2 living rooms, an indoor stone fireplace, a garden, and breathtaking Big Sur views. It suits 8 people.

The villa is cozy, intimate, romantic, charming, and in a great location for exploring the grandness and the beauty of Big Sur.

This awesome Big Sur rental home is located a 10-minute drive to Big Sur Bakery, Pfeiffer beach, and Pfeiffer park.

If you would like to enjoy the first-class Big Sur views and the coziness of a ranch house, you might like this charming Big Sur home rental!

6. BEST SUSTAINABLE BIG SUR HOUSE

Big Sur Airbnb Stone House
The front yard of the Stone House; Photo credit: Vrbo
Stone House Airbnb in Big Sur
Stone House; Photo credit: Vrbo

Big Sur Stone House

Big Sur Stone House is a unique 3-bedroom sustainable stone house on a 40-acre property next to the Pacific Ocean. The undeveloped beaches and coastal meadow of Pacific Valley are just below the house. Whales and seals are often seen from the house.

The outstanding house has 3 wings: the Cottage wing, the Studio wing, and the Sunset Romm. Each wing comes with an unobstructed ocean view. The house is luxuriously furnished. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 3 bathrooms and it can host 4 people.

The property is just next to the Los Padres National Forest. In fact, the hiking trails directly lead from the property to the forest.

Amazing Big Sur Stone House is located remotely but just right off of Highway 1, 1.3 miles from San Dollar State Beach, 31 miles from the small shops and stores of Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn, the Ventana Inn, and Spa, and Nepenthe Restaurant.

This is a dog-friendly rental house in Big Sur. So, if you seek a perfect weekend gateway with your family and your pet, and would love to enjoy Big Sur with a touch of luxury, consider renting this exceptional Vrbo rental in Big Sur.

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Pet-friendly
  • Min Stay: 2–4 nights

7. THE MOST ROMANTIC BIG SUR RENTAL IN THE HILLS FOR COUPLES (YURT + HOT TUB)

Dream Home is the best airbnb in Big Sur for solo people or couples who enjoy nature
Dream House; Photo credit: Vrbo

Big Sur Dream Home

Big Sur Dream Home is a fantastic remote Big Sur rental with superb settings in oak and madrone hills.

This rental accommodation includes the main house, a sleeping yurt, and a hot tube, an outdoor fire pit, even a hammock on the deck. It is very private and quiet, magical, and dreamy. The house provides a perfect environment for connecting with nature and reconnecting with yourself

The house has 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bath and it can host 2 people.

This is a perfect stay for solo people who enjoy solitude, peace, and nature, or couples who would like to get away a bit and have some time for themselves in nature.

This lovely cabin is located in the northern part of Big Sur, near Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you would like to rent a cabin in Big Sur, don’t miss out to check out this dreamy Big Sur rental!

  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Hot Tub
  • Min Stay: 2 nights

8. BEST GROUP-FRIENDLY CABIN IN BIG SUR AREA (POOL + HOT TUB + PET-FRIENDLY)

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Photo credit: Vrbo

Bigsurific Ranch Retreat, Ocean View Homestead

The Morning Glory Ranch Retreat is a magnificent property with panoramic ocean and mountain views in Lucia, California Big Sur coast.

The ranch features a beautiful cabin with a full kitchen, a lovely living room 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a pool, a hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven. In addition, there’s a detached pool house studio with a bedroom. The property fits 10 people and it’s pet-friendly.

The ranch retreat is located 1 hour north of Cambria, 2.4 mi from Limekiln State Park, 8.5 mi from Sand Dollar Beach, 8.8. mi from Jade Cove, 11.3 mi from McWay Falls, and 11.4 mi from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

  • Sleeps: 10
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Min Stay: 2–5 nights

9. MOST SERENE AIRBNB IN BIG SUR

Redwood Haven
Redwood Haven Photo credit: Airbnb

Serene Redwood Haven in Big Sur

Serene Redwood Haven in Big Sur is a cozy and serene cabin in the redwoods, one of the most beautiful parts of Big Sur. This is another Airbnb rental in Big Sur that provides a perfect ambiance for reconnecting with oneself and connecting with nature.

This warm and secluded Big Sur cabin has 1 bedroom, 2 beds, and 1 bath. It can accommodate 4 people.

This peaceful gateway has no cell phone service, no wifi, no TV and it is a perfect place to get away from the everyday craziness.

The idyllic cabin is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur village.

10. MOST ROMANTIC BIG SUR CABIN IN THE REDWOODS FOR COUPLES

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Photo credit: Vrbo

Littlehouse in the Redwoods

The Littlehouse in the Redwoods is a wonderful nature-filled weekend gateway for couples.

The well-appointed cottage among redwood trees and with a bubbling creek below has a kitchen, a living room, one bedroom with a queen bed, a bathroom, and a picture-perfect patio with forest views.

It suits 2 people. The minimum length of stay is 2 nights.

It is located in a redwood forest in a canyon, a short drive from Big Sur Village, Nepenthe and Pfeiffer Beach, and Carmel. Bixby Bridge is only 2.7 mi away, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is 9.6 mi away, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Carmel Beach are about 11 mi away.

  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Min Stay: 2 nights

11. BEST FRENCH-STYLE AIRBNB SUITE NEAR POINT LOBOS

 Balcony of the French Style Big Sur airbnb
French-style Airbnb in Big Sur; Photo credit: Airbnb
French style airbnb in Big Sur

Spectacular Horizon/Ocean View, Entire Guesthouse

The spectacular guest suite is a separate part of a charming rustic French Chateau-style brick house near Carmel-by-the Sea.

This adorable Airbnb stay is located on a secluded property in the hills of Carmel. It comes with absolutely stunning ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. And with complete privacy.

It is a lovely studio with 2 beds, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining area with a balcony. The suite is a peaceful and intimate oasis with a bohemian vibe.

It is located about 15 minutes south of downtown Carmel,  while Point Lobos and Garrapata State Park are just 5min from the Airbnb.

12. BEST BIG SUR RENTAL SUITE IN A HOTEL

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Photo courtesy: Vrbo

Carmel Highlands Inn 1BR/1BA Suite Residence

Carmel Highlands Inn 1BR/1BA Suite Residence is a wonderful suite in a fabulous 4-star Hyatt Carmel Highlands hotel overlooking the Big Sur coast and the Pacific Ocean near Point Lobos Natural Reserve.

The suite is a private one-bedroom unit with bathroom dividers. The suite comes with access to resort amenities: restaurants, resort pool, and laundry service.

If you are looking for a resort stay on a top-notch location on the Big Sur Coast, you should check out Carmel Highlands Inn 1BR/1BA Suite Residence!

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Min Stay: 2 nights

13. BEST MODERN ARBNB CABIN IN BIG SUR (WITH WIFI)

Redwood retreat
Redwood retreat; Photo credit: Airbnb
redwood retreat airbnb

Serene Redwood Retreat w/Modern Comfort

Serene Redwood Retreat w/Modern Comfort is a romantic retreat with all modern amenities (like wifi) in the middle of redwoods.

This Airbnb cabin in Big Sur looks like a fairytale treehouse.

It has 2 decks, with 1 deck above a seasonal babbling creek. The cabin can accommodate 2 people.

The magical Big Sur cottage is a peaceful escape and perfect getaway in proximity to some truly amazing hikes.

This Big Sur cabin rental is located near great wineries in Carmel Valley Village, Point Lobos, a 20 min drive from the restaurants and a short drive to Carmel-by-the Sea and the beaches.

14. MOST ARTY CABIN IN BIG SUR

Calla Lilly Cottage
Calla Lilly Cottage; Photo credit: Airbnb
Art classes
Art classes; Photo credit: Airbnb

Calla Lilly Cottage

Cabins at Big Sur are awesome places to connect with nature but also to awaken your creativity.

Calla Lilly Cottage is a rustic forest cottage with a romantic and arty setting.

If you are into painting or if you want to paint outdoors in a sublime Big Sur forest setting, this cabin is an answer to your prayers. This Big Sur cottage comes with an art gallery with provided all painting materials. The owner is an artist who appreciates nature and art, and who can help you to express your creativity.

There are no cell phones and GPS services, but a classic telephone is available for urgent calls. It is a perfect place to relax, refresh, and reconnect with nature in order to boost your creativity.

This extremely cozy cottage with wonderful little touches has 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath, a romantic indoor wood stove, and a lovely garden! The cottage can host 2 people.

The cabin is located a 10-minute drive off Route 1, near Garapatta Park in Big Sur. Just to remind you, Garapatta Park has some of the most amazing hiking trails on the Big Sur coast.

If you would like to relax, read, hike, paint, meditate, or reflect … in the forest, and looking for a cabin in Big Sur for rent, please check this cabin in Big Sur!

15. MOST SECLUDED CABIN IN BIG SUR

Lotus Blossom Cabin
Lotus Blossom Cabin; Photo credit: Airbnb

Lotus Blossom Cabin in the Forest

Talking about Big Sur cabin rentals, Lotus Blossom Cabin in the Forest is an Airbnb cabin located right in the middle of the Big Sur forest on the PCH.

The cottage is remote, and quiet, providing a meditative setting for the ultimate unplug. It feels like a secret hideaway.

It is a peaceful oasis far away from the city life where you can listen to hummingbirds, barking foxes, the sounds of a stream …

This Big Sur cabin is owned by the same person as the previously mentioned cabin. So, the art gallery and art sessions are available as well.

But Lotus Blossom Cabin is a bit more secluded than Calla Lilly Cottage. It takes a short 3/10-mile steep hike to access the cabin. The cottage is a lovely 1-bed studio, with a well-equipped kitchenette, and an outdoor shower. It can host 2 people.

Lotus Blossom Cabin is in redwoods near the most beautiful stretch of the Pacific coast. It is located 10-15 min from Garrapata State beach, close to Carmel-by-the-Sea, and not too far from the Big Sur Pfeiffer State Park.

To make it short, the cottage is secluded, but not far from hiking and the beach. It is a great base for hiking and exploring Big Sur.

If you like hiking and want a secluded stay in the forest, this is a perfect Big Sur rental cabin!

16. BEST AIRBNB TREEHOUSE NEAR BIG SUR

Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse
Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse; Photo credit: Airbnb
Carmel Valley treehouse is one the best airbnbs in Big Sur region
Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse; Photo credit: Airbnb
Carmel Valley treehouse is of the best Big Sur airbnbs
Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse; Photo credit: Airbnb

Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse

Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse is an amazing cottage in a eucalyptus tree on a hill in Carmel Valley.

The cottage is a lavishly furnished studio with a well-equipped kitchenette, an outdoor hot tube, and a bathroom. The setting is exceptionally romantic. So, it is not surprising that the treehouse is often booked by honeymooners, romantic souls, and alike.

Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse is located in Carmel Valley, close to Carmel-by-the-Sea and the beautiful Big Sur coast.

Just to note here, Carmel Valley is a famed wine destination with some of the best wineries in the country. Needless to say, good food and good wine go together. Thus, Carmel Valley holds many award-winning restaurants.

The hikes of Garland Park are only 3 miles from the treehouse, Carmel Beach is within 10 miles, Point Lobos within 12 miles, and Big Sur Village within 30 miles.

If you are looking for a unique and romantic stay in a great wine and food destination within Big Sur’s reach, you might enjoy this awesome treehouse!

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Kavita

Monday 14th of December 2020

Superb! The information is very well-captured and thoroughly researched. The photos look spectacular. Thanks a lot for sharing the list of Air bnbs in Big Sur. It will surely help all types of travelers who are looking for accommodations.