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12 Absolute Best Airbnbs in Big Sur (for 2023)

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Big Sur is often praised to have some of the dramatic scenery as you drive along the coast of California, and it rightly gets a reputation of ‘one of the beautiful coastlines in the world’! In this post, we have selected the 12 best Airbnbs in Big Sur California for your next getaway. Here you will find vacation rentals from cabins, tents, to luxury homes with hot tubs for an amazing stay with your loved ones!

Big Sur is the stretch of rugged mountainous terrain, located between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon in central California. With dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, redwood forests, beaches, plus tons of hiking and outdoor opportunities, Big Sur is amazing to embark on road trips from San Francisco and to soak in the beautiful coastal areas in California.

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Best Airbnbs in Big Sur California: Editor’s Picks 

Out of the 300+ properties, we picked these 12 Airbnbs and even narrowed them down to the best 4. Keep reading for detailed information with guest reviews. 

4 Best Airbnbs in Big Sur for an amazing vacation 

Where to stay in Big Sur California: Airbnb Map

This is an Airbnb map with all the gorgeous places to stay in Big Sur (for all budgets)

12 Best Big Sur Airbnbs : Detailed Guide

Best Big Sur Airbnb for couples | Luxury Tent

  • Location: Carmel by the Sea
  • Superhost: Yes
  • Sleeps:
  • Price: $193+ USD per night
Luxury Tent in Big Sur
Photo Credit: Airbnb

For eco-friendly travelers, this Airbnb is a beautiful place to stay in. The furnished luxury tent has a comfortable bed, basic kitchen items, and community restrooms are located nearby. You will also find an outdoor seating area, and a propane fire pit to enjoy a barbecue. 

Plus you also get full access to amenities at the campground. Seasonally, you can take advantage of the heated pool (end of May- end of Oct), along with hiking trails, playground, horseshoes, and more. 

Guest Review: “This place was so cute. We enjoyed our stay. Loved the fire pit especially at night. The heated blanket helped with the cold. Can’t wait to go back and stay during the summer. Especially to use the pool.” – Pattii

Best Big Sur Airbnb | Cabin Nestled in Forested Canyon

  • Location: Carmel by the Sea
  • Superhost: Yes + Airbnb Plus
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: $702+ USD per night

This pretty 1930s cabin makes for an amazing weekend getaway for a small group or a family of four. The property has 2 beautiful bedrooms, with a nice bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. The interiors boasts an eclectic mix of furnishings, all drenched in natural light from skylight windows. 

A perfect home in Big Sur, you can relax here at the stone-tiled fireplace at night, or wake up to sunrise from the patio.  

Guest Review: “What a lovely stay! Alyssa was wonderful, so responsive. The place is beautifully appointed and nestled in the woods. (The road there is definitely tight and windy!). The wood and gas fireplaces were great! A perfect location to access Big Sur’s hiking and scenery.” – Dinesh

Cliff House – Big Sur Coast with Ocean Views

Imagine living on a cliffside, with stunning ocean views on the California Coast! Well, this Airbnb is it.

Located in Monterey on the iconic Highway 1, this Airbnb can welcome 6 guests in their 4 bedrooms (one king size bed, one queen size bed, double bed, and common sleeping area). The master bedroom is just jaw dropping gorgeous with ocean views, so are the dining area and the patio!

This is a perfect place to host your friends and/or family. Fur babies are allowed to stay, on a case by case basis!

Guest Review:” What a spectacular home. The space is absolutely gorgeous with every amenity and some available. The area is very quiet except for the sounds of the ocean and the breeze. We were fortunate to be there when the whales were migrating. I sat on the deck overlooking the ocean and watched the pods go by in the morning and then again at night…..” – Arquelle 

Best Big Sur Airbnb for couples | Big Sur Dream Home

Photo Credit: Airbnb

This Airbnb is one of the stunning on the California Coast. It is a perfect place for two guests. The property has 2 bedrooms with 2 queen-size beds, a basic kitchen, hot tub, and an indoor fireplace. Parking is also available on-premises. 

You get to relax and take a dip in the hot tub while viewing the beautiful mountain ridge during the day, and at night it offers opportunities to check out starry skies. 

Guest Review: ”Beautiful views, such a tranquil place. Very unique home with incredible amenities like the fireplace outside as well as the hot tub.” – Sofia

Best Big Sur Airbnb for couples | Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse

Honeymoon Wine Country Treehouse airbnb
Photo Credit: Airbnb

Celebrate your love in this Honeymoon treehouse. Perched on a hill in a eucalyptus tree, with views of the stunning Santa Lucia wine region mountains, this romantic Airbnb is perfect for a weekend getaway for two. 

Airbnb has a gorgeous hot tub, where you can relax, sip Champagne (on the hosts), or sleep in the comfortable queen size bed. Also included inside is a lovely kitchenette, with cooking essentials. Outside the Airbnb, hang out at the patio. 

For sightseeing, venture out for a day of wine tasting in Carmel Valley and go exploring around Carmel by the Sea. 

Guest Review:” Myself and my fiancé absolutely loved this place. We want Gina and Jay so much for the breathtaking little cottage on the mountain with a magnificent view. Our favourite part was waking up in the morning and staring at the view with the double French doors, open……..“ – Jordan

Quaint Countryside Cottage with Private Yard

Cottage with yard airbnbs in Big Sur
Photo Credit: Airbnb

This beautiful Airbnb is located on an equestrian estate. It is super cozy, with beautiful interiors, mixed with bright vintage-y designs, and an airy living space and a comfy bedroom. 

Airbnb can welcome 4 guests, and you can feel at home here, and curl up by the indoor fireplace, or chill at the covered front porch.

Guest Review:” We would love to stay here forever! Stayed one night with my husband and infant. Was the perfect spot to rest after a busy day, and we had a slow morning relaxing and making breakfast in the sunny kitchen. Bed was incredibly comfortable and the sheets were amazing! Fireplace, tea, and hot chocolate made it feel cozy and like home. Would absolutely stay again.” – Rachel

Big Sur House | Best Airbnb for Groups

Stay in this unique property, a perfect place for get-togethers, and reunions. The Airbnb features an outdoor yoga area complete with showers, Jack & Jill copper soak tubs, and a dry sauna, all with gorgeous Pacific Ocean views.

There are 3 bedrooms (2 king-size beds, and one queen-size bed). There is also an amphitheater with a fire ring that sits boldly on an outcropping and offers spectacular views in all directions. From structures, decks to patios, they are all here for your comfort. Do make time to take maximum advantage of the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Guest Review: “A truly special, unique, and once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. Do not miss it if you can make it happen.” – Lenny

Spectacular Horizon/Ocean View, Entire Guesthouse

Spectacular Horizon Ocean View Big Sur Airbnbs
Photo Credit: Airbnb

This Airbnb is a perfect ‘home away from home’. The property can accommodate up to 4 guests, in their one bedroom (and common sleeping areas). You can enjoy amazing views from the private balcony, and relax in their cozy living room. 

You can rent this Airbnb for longer terms like weekly or monthly. Make this Airbnb your base, and then explore more of the Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey area. Distance from here to Carmel downtown, Garrapata State Park and Point Lobos Park is about 5 to 10 minute drive away.

With spectacular panoramic Pacific ocean and horizon views from the entire guest house, you won’t be disappointed by booking a stay here! 

Guest Review:” Su was an incredible host and her apartment studio was absolutely beautiful.” – James

Fully Updated Three bedroom home with Hot Tub

Fully Updated Three bedroom home with Hot Tub airbnb
Photo Credit: Airbnb

Enjoy Carmel at its best, from this stunning three bedroom Airbnb. The property is functional and uber romantic with a hot tub, views and detailed interiors. 

Other amenities at Airbnb include 3 bedrooms (with multiple king size beds, and common sleeping areas), laundry room, an office space and a two-car garage. The location of the Airbnb is amazing as it is centrally located, and very close to downtown.

Plus you get to soak in the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean and Point Lobos while listening to the Mission Bells ring from the living, dining room, and master bedroom.

Guest Review: ”Great place – loved the hot tub/amenities, close to the beach and spacious!” – Dev

Serene Redwood Haven in Big Sur

  • Location: Carmel by the Sea
  • Superhost: Yes 
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: $3200 USD per month
Serene Redwood Haven in Big Sur Airbnb
Photo Credit: Airbnb

Stay at this Big Sur cabin – Redwood Haven. It is located between Carmel and Big Sur with beautiful vistas, hikes, and parks within a short drive. The cabin sits along a creek under the Redwood canopy, only minutes away from Highway 1. 

Airbnb comprises one bedroom studio with a queen bed and an additional queen Murphy wall bed, so it can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests. 

You also get a nice garden to hang out in, with a grill and outdoor seating, and the area is fenced in for privacy. Note that there is no television or WiFi, but plenty of peace and quiet and connectivity with nature and friends.

*****30 day minimum rental required by law.

Guest Review: ” We had a wonderful stay at the cute cabin in the middle of the Big Sur redwoods. The place is beautifully decorated, and the furniture is comfortable. There is no cell phone reception, which makes it perfect for families. The kitchenette was very helpful for some light cooking. We highly recommend this place and can’t wait to come back.” – Shreya

Big Sur, Goat Farm, Ocean Views | Best Airbnb in Big Sur for families

Goat Farm Big Sur Airbnbs
Photo Credit: Airbnb

This gorgeous Airbnb is a delight for small families. The property has animals, creative arts and ranch living to keep all the guests happy and engaged. 

Airbnb has two comfortable bedrooms, plus it gives you an experience to chill out with goats, chickens, horses, cows and sheep. The house has a fully stocked kitchen, full bath, washer /dryer, and wireless internet – which is great for long term stay, or to work from home.

The location is amazing too – as you get jaw-dropping ocean views from both bedrooms!

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

Guest Review: “We had a wonderful stay in Big Sur. The location could not be better – you have total privacy on the property but the bakery and deli in Big Sur are a lovely walk down the hill which we did every morning. We spent most of our time hiking the property and enjoying the incredible range of views – ocean, forest, you get it all. If you have a sense of adventure and love animals this is the place for you. Make sure to bring hiking boots or shoes you can get muddy as the hikes are gorgeous but you’ll cover all sorts of terrain. Can’t wait to come back.” – Anne

Best Big Sur Airbnb for couples | Romantic Wine Country Treehouse

Romantic Wine Country Treehouse Airbnbs in Big Sur
Photo Credit: Airbnb

Another cute treehouse with a hot tub on site, this Carmel Valley property is a great option for couples. This Airbnb is nestled on the branches of oak trees where you can unwind together in a private hot tub under the stars. 

The property has one bedroom with a luxe queen size bed, and a kitchenette. Of course there is a hot tub with views, and outdoor furniture to enjoy nature. 

Great location, with quick access to Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Monterey, and Pacific Grove (about 11 miles). There are so many beautiful beaches, hiking, and towns to explore!

Guest Review:” This is one of the rare Airbnb that you feel like you are in your own little world with a lot of privacy and it allows you to feel on vacation and free. Brook took care of every detail to add value to our stay.” – Gabrielle 

So that’s a wrap! These are the best Airbnbs in Big Sur for an epic stay. If you want us to feature a vacation rental that you liked, let us know in the comments below!

Happy Booking!

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