One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on earth, Big Sur occupies the prized swath of land between Hearst Castle and Monterey. Known for its jagged cliffs, towering redwoods, scenic bluffs, and coastal waterfalls, the area includes highlights like Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Regarded as the longest stretch of undeveloped scenic coastline in the contiguous United States, Big Sur’s rugged 90-mile shoreline is an essential addition to any California road trip.
The region is largely undeveloped and highly regulated, so Big Sur Airbnbs are in short supply. We’ve used our research skills to comb the internet and curate a list of the 11 best Big Sur Airbnbs and Vrbos with breathtaking ocean and forest views.
Best Big Sur Airbnbs and Vrbos
Table of Contents
- Interactive Big Sur Airbnb Map
- Big Sur Airbnbs with Ocean Views
- The Gallery House – Sleeps 2
- Best Location In Big Sur – Sleeps 9
- Working Ranch Cabin – Sleeps 4
- Villa Big Sur Coast – Sleeps 10
- Big Sur Airbnbs with Forest Views
- Littlehouse In The Redwoods – Sleeps 2
- Big Sur Cabins – Sleep 2 – 4
- Big Sur Dream Home – Sleeps 2
- Glen Oaks Big Sur – Sleep 2 – 4+
- Other Rentals Near Big Sur
- Abalone Cottage – Sleeps 4
- Whalers Cottage – Sleeps 6
Big Sur Airbnb Map
See where Big Sur vacation rentals are in relation to other points of interest.
Copy as a new map in Google and add your own points of interest to see which property best suits your trip.
Other California lodging guides you might like:
Beautiful Big Sur Airbnbs and Vrbos
Best Big Sur Airbnbs With Ocean Views
The Gallery House
Rated 10 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 2 | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
This intimate single-bedroom home is truly something special, set above the ocean and hugged by Monterey pines and large cypresses on either side. Owned by two artists, the cottage exudes warmth and charm and was designed to be a sacred retreat from the noise of everyday life. The property includes an ocean-facing patio with chaise loungers and is just over a mile from the world-renowned Esalen Institute and Hot Springs.
Rates average $482 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Adult-only property. Pets are not allowed.
Big Sur Airbnb in a Perfect Location
Rated 9.8 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 9 | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
Privacy, natural beauty, and breathtaking views characterize this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home set on five private acres of land in central Big Sur. The owners aren’t exaggerating when they claim to have the “best location in Big Sur.” The property is within walking distance of Post Ranch Inn, Ventana Big Sur, and Big Sur Bakery. Discounts are available for stays of 30 days or longer.
Rates average $1,750 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Family-friendly. Pets are not allowed.
Working Ranch Cabin
Rated 4.84 out of 5 on Airbnb
Sleeps 4 | 2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms
Ever wanted to experience what life is like on a working ranch? If so, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom cabin is just the property for you. Located on a private ranch with goats, chickens, and horses (to name just a few), this Airbnb includes a kitchen, laundry facilities, and WiFi. There are spectacular ocean views from both bedrooms, and the cabin is just a mile from Big Sur Bakery and 1.5 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Bonus tip: Guests are welcome to join the owners for milking in the Milkshed each morning!
Rates average $650 per night. Check availability and book on Airbnb.
Fine Print: Kid-friendly. Pets not allowed.
Villa Big Sur Coast
Rated 9.8 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 10 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Perched on a cliff along the rugged Big Sur Coast, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom luxury estate offers panoramic views from every room and sleeps eight. The property features beautiful indoor-outdoor living spaces, an outdoor hot tub and fireplace, an in-home theatre room, and a fitness area. Located on 1.5 acres of private land, Marinus Estate is situated half a mile from Ragged Point Inn and 10 miles from Hearst Castle.
Rates average $1,202 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Family-friendly. Pet-friendly but additional charges may apply.
Oceanfront Big Sur Airbnb
Rated 9.6 out of 10 on Vrbo
Set along a pristine stretch of coastline between Big Sur and Carmel, this oceanfront property is the perfect home base for those planning to spend a month or more in the area. With three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for a family of four to six (+ furry companions), and the home includes modern appliances, an outdoor dining area, an indoor fireplace, and laundry facilities. Bixby Bridge is less than a mile away, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is just 10 miles south.
Rates average $295 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Pet friendly at no additional fee.
Best Big Sur Airbnbs with Forest Views
Littlehouse In The Redwoods
Rated 10 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 2 | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
Tucked away in the redwoods alongside a running creek, this rustic-meets-modern 1-bedroom cabin ticks all the boxes when it comes to planning a secluded getaway for two. Fitted with a gas fireplace, private deck, and luxury bedroom and bathroom, it’s the ideal place to return to after a day spent exploring Big Sur. Littlehouse is less than five miles from Bixby Bridge and just 10 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Rates average $325 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Adult-only listing. Pets are not allowed.
Big Sur Campground and Cabins
Rated 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com
While these cabins aren’t listed on Airbnb or Vrbo, the fact that they’re self-catering units situated in the middle of a towering grove of redwoods near Big Sur River makes them impossible to exclude. Big Sur Campground and Cabins offers everything from studio cabins to larger two-bedroom units and more classic A-frames. Certain units include fully stocked kitchens, and all units include private bathrooms (except for camping cabins).
Rates start at $170 per night for camping cabins and $245 per night for serviced cabins.
Check availability on Booking.com | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Family-friendly. Pets are not allowed in cabins.
Big Sur Dream Home
Rated 9.8 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 2 | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
Located close to Bixby Bridge, this 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home accommodates two and allows guests to sleep in the loft or in the adjoining yurt! The Airbnb comes with two queen beds and a wood stove, hot tub, BBQ, outdoor fireplace, and hammocks for lounging. Our favorite feature – the floor-to-ceiling forest views from the bathroom window!
Rates average $490 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Adult-only listing. Pets are not allowed.
Glen Oaks Big Sur Cabins
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Described as “California’s Best Boutique Motel” by Forbes, the cabins at Glen Oaks Big Sur perfectly pair coziness with luxury. Located right off Hwy 1 in the heart of Big Sur, cabins range from studios to 2-bedroom units, each with its own little details that make it unique. We personally love the twin outdoor baths belonging to Big Sur Cabin (featured in the photo above). All cabins feature magnificent redwood views and are located near Big Sur River.
Rates start around $400 per night for a studio cabin.
Book Direct | Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: Pets are not allowed.
Other Vacation Rentals Near Big Sur
Abalone Cottage
Rated 10 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 4 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
Set in the charming seaside town of Carmel-By-The-Sea, Abalone Cottage is just over 20 miles from the heart of Big Sur. A 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sleeping up to four, this beachfront property offers sweeping views of Point Lobos and Monastery Beach. Highlights include an indoor fireplace, outdoor BBQ, and an outdoor dining area that’s just steps from the ocean.
Rates average $569 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Family-friendly. Pet-friendly at an additional fee.
Whalers Cottage
Rated 10 out of 10 on Vrbo
Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
Dating back to 1898, this historic Carmel-By-The-Sea property was formerly owned by A.M. Allan, a successful whaler and abalone fisherman who operated in the area. The 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom cottage is steps from Monastery Beach and features an indoor fireplace, large windows with views of Point Lobos, and lovely outdoor living spaces. Big Sur is just a 30-minute drive away.
Rates average $711 per night. Check availability and book on Vrbo.
Fine Print: Family-friendly. Pet-friendly at an additional fee.
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All photos courtesy of hotel, booking or information sites.
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