South of San Jose, right off of the famous Highway 1, lies the beautiful beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. From its enchanting cottage houses to its village center, this town is full of charm and chock-full of activities. Visitors can roam through boutique shops and sample local wine at tasting rooms or spend a day at the beach. There is also fantastic surfing at Carmel Beach and plenty of hiking trails near the town.
Regardless of your reason for visiting this quaint seaside town, you will want to be sure of arriving at top-notch accommodation. We want that for you, too, which is why we have carefully crafted a list of the best Airbnbs in Carmel-by-the-Sea. All of the Airbnbs listed are hosted by superhosts, and some even boast Airbnb Plus status to ensure you are getting the crème de la crème. For those new to Airbnb, superhosts are rental owners with a history of providing outstanding hospitality, and Airbnb Plus is an exclusive program that highlights exemplary homes that have been in-person verified for quality assurance.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in California, USA
Stylish Studio
First up on our list of the best Airbnb rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea is this lovely studio apartment near Forest Hill Park.
Inside, the home boasts a French-contemporary motif with antique furnishings, vaulted ceilings, and stylish décor. In the living room, guests can unwind after a long day on the wicker couch and binge-watch their favorite shows on the Smart TV. The bedroom area has a queen-size bed, along with two beautiful antique bed tables. After a day at the beach, guests can relax on the private patio in the lounge chair while enjoying a glass of wine and amazing views of the Pescadero Canyon.
The full kitchen has been well stocked with all the cooking essentials, including a toaster oven, cooking oils, and spices. In the bathroom, guests can opt for a relaxing rinse in the walk-in shower or for a bubble bath in the large jetted soaking tub.
This stunning Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea is located less than a 15-minute walk from the restaurants and bars downtown and a 20-minute walk from Carmel Beach. Guests have access to free on-site parking.
Charming Cottage for Two
Are you looking for a romantic getaway for you and your partner? Then consider this fantastic vacation home for rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea!
This studio-style guesthouse features gorgeous exposed wood beams with a vaulted ceiling and an elegant country motif. The space is also surrounded by windows, offering plenty of natural light and beautiful views of the surrounding equestrian estate. In the bedroom area, guests can draw the room-darkening shades and curl up in the plush California king-size bed for a good night’s rest or watch a movie on the wall-mounted TV. The bathroom boasts a luxurious glass walk-in shower as well as a hair dryer and complimentary shampoo.
There is a small kitchenette with a minifridge, a microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker complete with complimentary pods. At the end of a long day, guests can relax on the couch or reading chair with a good book and a glass of wine.
This Carmel-by-the-Sea Airbnb is located close to Jack’s Peak Park, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and a seven-minute drive from Del Monte Beach in Monterey.
Fairytale-Like House
This incredible cottage is perfect for couples or families looking for a luxury house for rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
From the moment guests turn into the drive, they will notice pristine gardens and a fountain awaiting them at this 100-year-old estate. The colorful gardens continue all the way to the back of the house, where there is a lovely patio area with a dining set, a chiminea, a ping-pong table, and a double-wide barbecue.
Inside, the home boasts a contemporary motif with chic furnishings, high ceilings, and lush plants all around. In the living room, guests can enjoy a cup of tea in the reading nook beside the bay windows or curl up on the pullout couch in front of the stone fireplace to watch a movie on the Smart TV. The full chef’s kitchen has plenty of counter space to prepare a meal, as well as stainless-steel appliances and a rustic wooden island table.
In the master bedroom, there is a plush queen-size bed, along with a TV and French doors that lead to the backyard. The second bedroom has a comfortable king-size bed, a TV, and room-darkening shades.
1930s Penthouse in the Heart of Downtown Carmel
This breathtaking three-bedroom vacation rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea is perfect for couples or groups of up to six who want to stay within walking distance of downtown attractions.
Inside, this Airbnb Plus features original tile mosaics, stylish décor, and vaulted ceilings, along with plenty of natural light. The living room boasts a large flatscreen TV, a large leather sofa, and a reading area beside the original fireplace. Guests can easily prepare meals in the full kitchen and enjoy them at either the breakfast bar or the four-person dining table.
Two of the bedrooms have a king-size bed, while the third bedroom has a queen-size bed. All of the bedrooms come equipped with a flatscreen TV, room-darkening shades, and a closet. There are two luxurious bathrooms in the home, each with stunning marble accents, a large vanity, and a walk-in shower. Guests planning an extended stay will be happy to hear that the home also comes equipped with a washer and dryer. Outside, guests can enjoy their morning coffee on the patio or walk up the stairs to the rooftop to use the grill.
This gorgeous rental is located in the heart of downtown, roughly a 10-minute walk from Carmel Beach.
One-Bedroom Flat Near Carmel Mission Basilica Museum
If you are on the hunt for a short-term rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea that is close to the beach and the town’s number one museum, then this rental is for you.
The home is located in Carmel Point, less than a two-minute walk to Carmel Beach and a 15-minute walk to the famous Carmel Mission Basilica Museum. Guests have access to free street parking.
The apartment is located in the bottom level of superhost Mike’s house and has its own private entrance. In the living room, guests can relax on the couch and read one of the books about Carmel-by-the-Sea or snuggle up for a movie night. Mike also leaves a book with his own recommendations on where to visit, eat and shop. The full kitchen features stainless-steel appliances as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary pods and snacks.
After a day of touring the local sights, guests can enjoy a relaxing rinse in the bathroom’s walk-in shower, then step out onto heated floors and curl up in a fresh towel. A set of sliding doors open in the living room to the bedroom, where there is a comfortable queen-size bed and a set of dresser drawers.
Cozy Guesthouse Near Hatton Canyon
This one-bedroom bungalow is the perfect rental house in Carmel-by-the-Sea for couples or solo travelers.
Inside, the home has a country-contemporary motif with comfortable furnishings and stylish décor. In the living room area, guests can relax on the love seat after a long day of travel and read a book or watch a movie on the TV. The full kitchen comes well equipped with all the basics, including cooking oils, spices, and a coffee maker. Guests can enjoy their meals at the two-person bistro table or at the breakfast bar.
In the bedroom, there is a comfortable queen-size bed with an outlet above, so guests can easily charge their electronics at night. The bathroom comes stocked with complimentary shampoo and a blow dryer. A set of French glass doors opens from the living area to a private patio where guests can enjoy an evening glass of wine surrounded by lush gardens.
This Carmel-by-the-Sea Airbnb is located just off of Highway 1, providing easy access to Big Sur and downtown Carmel. Carmel Beach is a 10-minute drive away, and Monterey Regional Airport is roughly 10 minutes away by car.
The Stoney Cottage
This pet-friendly rustic retreat is the perfect Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea for families or groups of up to six people.
The outside of the home features a mix of stone and wood, while the inside boasts high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and a luxurious country motif. In the living room, guests can relax in one of the leather lounge chairs and listen to the crackle of the fire from the stunning stone fireplace. The full kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, as well as a coffee maker and an espresso machine. Guests can enjoy their meal in the breakfast nook surrounded by windows peering out into the garden. There is a second family room with a sofa bed and a pullout couch where guests can gather for a movie night.
The master bedroom boasts a king-size bed in front of a stone fireplace, a spacious walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom complete with a large soaking tub. In the second bedroom, there is a queen-size bed and beautiful arched wood windows with room-darkening shades. The upstairs bathroom has a tub/shower combo.
Outside, guests can head to the fenced-in backyard and gather around the fire table or prepare a meal on the barbecue.
Modern Retreat for Two
Enjoy stunning views of the pine tree forests and ocean from this one-bedroom house rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
This Airbnb is located in a quiet neighborhood near Jack’s Peak Park and is only a five-minute drive from downtown. Guests can enjoy fantastic views from the balcony or walk down a set of stairs leading from the balcony to a terrace area with a firepit and benches. There is also a lovely courtyard area with gardens, a fountain, and a picnic table.
Inside, the home has a country-modern motif with high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows. In the full kitchen, guests can enjoy meals family-style at the farmhouse wood dining table. The living room features a stone accent wall complete with a Jotul wood-burning stove and an LCD Comcast TV.
In the bedroom, there is a plush king-size bed, along with a couch, a full-length mirror, and a spacious built-in closet with custom cabinetry. After a day at the beach, guests can enjoy a relaxing rinse in the bathroom’s spacious walk-in shower. There is also a well-lit double vanity, perfect for getting ready for a night on the town.
Mountain View Escape With a Hot Tub
If you are looking to rent a house in Carmel-by-the-Sea that offers the best of mountains and the beach, then superhost Laura has the Airbnb for you.
This stunning three-bedroom home is ideal for families or groups of up to six people. The space is decorated in a modern style with chic furnishings and colorful décor. In the master bedroom, guests can settle into one of the reading chairs and enjoy stunning mountain views from the picture windows or curl up in the king-size bed for a good night’s rest. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed and a couch, and the third bedroom in the loft has a king-size bed and a sitting area.
In the living room, guests can relax on the couch in front of the fireplace and access their favorite streaming channels on the Smart TV. The full kitchen is equipped with stainless-steel appliances and a six-person dining table.
The backyard features a patio area with fairy lights, a barbecue, a TV, and an outdoor dining set. Behind the patio, guests can gather in the courtyard at the fire table or enjoy a relaxing soak in the private hot tub.
Bright and Spacious Home in Downtown Carmel
This four-bedroom house is one of the best Carmel-by-the-Sea Airbnbs for families and large groups.
The house can accommodate up to eight guests and boasts a contemporary-country motif. In the living room, there are plenty of seating options around the fireplace where guests can unwind and watch a movie with the family. The full kitchen features stainless-steel appliances and a large dining table for family-style meals. In the sunroom, there are plenty of games like chess and even a game system to enjoy.
The master bedroom boasts a plush queen-size bed, a TV, and an en suite bathroom with a tub/shower combo. In the second bedroom, there is a full-size bed and an en suite bathroom, and in the third bedroom, there is a queen-size bed. The fourth bedroom has a trundle bed. Guests planning an extended stay will be happy to know that the home also comes equipped with a washer and dryer.
Outside, guests can enjoy an afternoon cookout in the backyard on the grill or sip their morning coffee in the open air.
Le Petite Papillon
This gorgeous guest suite in Northeast Carmel offers the perfect getaway for couples or solo travelers.
Guests have their own private entrance and patio area at this studio-style rental. The kitchenette is well equipped with a microwave, a toaster, a minifridge, and both a drip coffee maker and a French press. Guests can opt to enjoy their meals on the bistro set inside or outside in the garden. In the bedroom/living room area, there is a lovely queen-size bed and a leather couch where guests can unwind and binge-watch their favorite shows on the Smart TV. The bathroom features white brick tiling and a tub/shower combo. Superhosts Brenda and David also provide complimentary shower amenities, such as body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
Outside, guests will find a private, perfectly manicured garden area with a bistro set and a lounge set. This Carmel-by-the-Sea Airbnb is only a 15-minute walk from the restaurants, bars, and shops of downtown Carmel and a seven-minute drive from Carmel Beach. Guests have access to free on-site parking.
Spacious House With a Hot Tub
Relax with a bottle of wine while soaking in the private hot tub at this incredible three-bedroom house in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The home features a contemporary motif with modern finishes, wood floors, and plenty of natural light. In the backyard, guests can gather around the firepit and roast marshmallows or enjoy a glass of wine. The gardens create a lush, colorful space perfect for enjoying a morning cup of coffee at the outdoor bistro set.
In the first bedroom, there is a lovely king-size bed, a small kitchenette, a couch, a TV, and a built-in closet. A sliding door also leads from the bedroom to the hot tub. The second bedroom also has a king-size bed, along with a built-in closet and an en suite bathroom. In the third bedroom, there is a plush king-size bed, a balcony, and a sitting area with a TV.
After a day of sightseeing, guests can gather in the living room on the large sectional sofa in front of the fireplace and watch a movie. The full kitchen features stunning granite countertops and wood cabinetry, along with stainless-steel appliances and a six-person dining table.
Luxury Retreat in Mission Fields
Are you looking for a luxury rental that can accommodate up to nine guests? Then look no further than this stunning Carmel-by-the-Sea Airbnb.
This four-bedroom house is located in a gated community in the quiet residential neighborhood of Mission Fields. The home boasts a four-car garage and beautiful landscaping set on nearly an acre of lush land. Inside, the space has been decorated in a mid-century modern motif with high ceilings and heated floors throughout. In the living room, guests can relax on one of the couches in front of the fireplace and watch the game on TV. The full kitchen features built-in stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar, and plenty of counter space to prepare meals. In the basement, guests will find a theater room complete with reclining leather chairs and a large flatscreen TV.
The master bedroom boasts a queen-size bed and a massive en suite bathroom with a makeup desk, a walk-in shower, and a walk-in closet. The second and third bedrooms also have queen-size beds, while the fourth bedroom has a double.
Perhaps the best part of this rental is the backyard. Guests can gather around the firepit, take a dip in the private hot tub, or enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and pine forests.
Adobe House Near Carmel Beach
This beautiful two-bedroom Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea is perfect for families or couples who want to be within walking distance of the beach.
The home is located a short walk from Carmel Mission Basilica Museum near the Mission Trail Park. It’s less than a 20-minute walk from the beach and downtown Carmel.
Inside, the home features stunning exposed stone in a contemporary setting. In the full kitchen, guests will find all the cooking basics and can enjoy their meals at the breakfast bar or beautiful live edge dining table. The back living room has a massive Smart TV and is also stocked with board games for evenings or rainy days. In the front living room, guests can curl up beside the fireplace on the couch for an afternoon nap.
The master bedroom has a queen-size bed, room-darkening shades, and a large wardrobe for storage. Kids will love the second bedroom as it has a set of bunk beds and a single bed. One of the bathrooms has a walk-in shower, while the other has a tub/shower combo.
Outside, guests can grill a meal on the patio barbecue or enjoy a meal on the outdoor dining set.
Pet-Friendly Penthouse
Last on our list is this incredible two-bedroom penthouse Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea located right downtown.
The apartment features a fantastic gourmet outdoor kitchen on the patio with plenty of counter space, a built-in barbecue, and a fire table. Inside, the home has a modern motif with marble accents, high ceilings, and exposed wood beams.
In the full chef’s kitchen, guests can easily prepare meals using the stainless-steel appliances and enjoy them family-style at the four-person dining table. There is also a wine fridge, a Wolf range, and a Sub-Zero fridge. The living room boasts a beautiful stone fireplace with a 65-inch flatscreen mounted above it.
After a day of exploring the town, guests can return for a relaxing rinse in the master bathroom’s steam and aromatherapy shower, then curl up in the king-size bed and watch a movie on the TV. The second bathroom has a walk-in shower, and both bathrooms are equipped with heated floors, heated toilet seats, and heated towel racks. In the second bedroom, there is a queen-size bed and a 65-inch flatscreen TV.
There you have them, the best Airbnbs in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Now comes the hard part, deciding which rental to book. But that’s on you, not us! Regardless, we are sure that if you stay in any of these fantastic Airbnbs, you will have an incredible time in Carmel-by-the-Sea!
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