Among California’s many beach spots and vacation destinations, Carmel is known particularly for its leanings towards museums and fine art. And Airbnb Carmel by the Sea (Carmel, for short) offers some of the best artist-friendly and luxurious stays you could hope for.
It’s also remarkable for its many architectural throwbacks to old-style, fairy-tale-like stone cottages.
You’re not short of wine bars and boutique restaurants here, either, despite it being a relatively small town. And for the most part, everywhere is within walking distance of the beach, downtown or both.
The beach town sits along the Monterey Peninsula itself a stunning stretch of California’s finest offerings. Carmel’s most famous landmark is the nearby Pebble Beach golf course. It’s widely regarded as the top course in the country, and world-famous for its annual Pebble Beach pro-am, and a regular host of the US Open.
You may also want to explore the incredible region of the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a marine and wildlife project that explores, preserves and researches the incredible natural beauty of the area.
You can enjoy all of the above when you visit and base your stay in a Carmel Airbnb. And here are the 13 best available to you, regardless of your party size.
Quick Breakdown of Carmel by the Sea Airbnb Rentals
In a hurry? Check out this shortlist of my top five ‘quick picks’ for Airbnb Carmel, California rentals.
- Most Unique Airbnb Carmel, CA Cottage – Fairytale Cottage near town, huge Private Gardens
- Best Luxury Penthouse in Carmel – Soak up the Rustic Elegance at a Historic Luxury Penthouse
- Best Vintage Carmel Beach Cottage Rental – Quintessential Carmel Cottage
- Best Boutique Airbnb Hotel Near Carmel Beach – A Seaside Escape in the Heart of Carmel
- Best Carmel Bay Rental in the Hills – A Peaceful Getaway
Take a moment to watch some of the videos I’ve included through my post. It will give you great insight into the charms of Carmel.
Top 13 Airbnbs in Carmel By The Sea
You shouldn’t forget the pure charm of a Pacific Ocean sunset on the best of Carmel beaches in California. And most of these properties are just a few minutes from the sand.
1) Fairytale Cottage near Town, Huge Private Gardens – Most Unique Airbnb Carmel, CA Cottage
Location: Northeast Carmel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $684+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/41065996
The name says it: This house looks like it’s from a fairy-tale. When you relax in this home, you get calming views of the gardens through its ample windows. The chef’s kitchen is a delight to experiment in.
When you choose to go outside, you can warm up by the fire pits or cook on the gas grill. The stress dissipates in the sound of the fountains, and the birds frequenting the birdhouse are an endless source of wonder and delight. If there’s a highlight among highlights, it’s indeed these gardens with their wonderful walkways.
As a super added bonus, guests are offered passes to the acclaimed Monterey Aquarium.
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Guest Review: “Where to begin…? The magic awaits upon entering the gate. The landscape is something to take in. It consists of so many thoughtful vignettes. Something pictures can’t quite capture.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
2) Soak up the Rustic Elegance at a Historic Luxury Penthouse – Best Luxury Penthouse in Carmel
Location: Central Carmel
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Superhost: Yes
Price: $800+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/1864283
A restored 1930s penthouse, in which the crowning jewel is a sunny terrace you won’t want to leave. Some elements remain from the original build, like the tiled mosaic. But these elements blend seamlessly with modern updates.
The wooden beams and odd decorative touches harken back to a different time. But all this is set in the luxury of modern comfy beds, a gorgeous fitted kitchen and a truly appealing and attractive dining area. Ultimately, it’s the frilly, somewhat Spanish design subtleties around the edges that will convince you.
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Guest Review: “Beautiful place in a great location in town. Thoughtful touches and luxury amenities abound. Nice, convenient and easy place to stay and enjoy, while exploring Carmel and the surrounding area and beaches.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
3) Quintessential Carmel Cottage – Best Vintage Carmel Beach Cottage Airbnb Rental
Location: South East Carmel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $250+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15949818
Cottages of an old design have a unique appeal. This one has elements of a Cotswald-inspired theme. So you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in old England every now and then. The home itself was built in 1925, but it’s renovations haven’t changed its appeal at all.
Today, it’s a beautiful multi-level stone beauty. The seating area gathers you around the fireplace, while the dining area, just sunken off that level, faces it invitingly. When you’re feeling unsociable, escape to the sunny loft to read a book and fall asleep on the pillows and rug. Later you can join the others in the leafy garden for a chat.
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Guest Review: “This lovely place exceeded all of our expectations. It was both beautiful and functional. Every thoughtful detail was included.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
4) A Seaside Escape in the Heart of Carmel – Best Boutique Airbnb Hotel Near Carmel Beach
Location: Hatton Fields
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $149+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36594758
If you’re more of a hotel or resort person, a room at the Hotel Carmel might be your cup of tea. You’ll enjoy its location right in the heart of what you’d call downtown – shops, restaurants and galleries are right outside your door.
Because it’s a boutique hotel, it maintains a sense of ‘small and personal’. The lobby living area looks like your very own at home. And the outdoor garden is great for meeting other travelers. You’re also just a few blocks’ walk from the beach anyway, and after a day of treading the sidewalks, you can return to your king bed in comfort
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Guest Review: ”Hotel Carmel is as you expect. Stylish, blocks away from downtown Carmel, comfortable, and we enjoyed the breakfast baskets to go!“
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
5) A Peaceful Getaway – Best Carmel Bay Airbnb Rental in the Hills
Location: Hatton Fields
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $180+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24579425
Hatton is just outside central Carmel. By that, I mean a mile or so. So it’s far enough to be quiet here, and you might appreciate that after a long day of beach, shops and other activities (see a few suggestions below).
It’s a studio space with a flair for inspiring the romantic or creative spirit in you. And it’s so pretty! Perfect for a couple or a solo creative, you’ll want to use this space to spend as much time doing nothing as you do exploring Carmel.
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Guest Review: “This was a super comfortable place for a long-weekend get-away. The space is a large, fully detached in-law studio. It is well maintained and has great lighting. ”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
6) Great Room at a Great Price in Carmel
Location: South East Carmel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $85+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35160305
The single traveler may need just a room, without the additional space or worry of maintaining an entire house or cottage. As comfortable home environments go, you might try this comfy room if you don’t mind sharing a kitchen and living space, backpacker-style.
What makes this option appealing is the pretty decor and welcoming feel of the living space. The sunny bedroom also doesn’t hurt. If you’re the kind of solo holidaymaker that’s always on the go, this is perfect for you.
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Guest Review: ”Perfect spot close to downtown Carmel! We walked to the beach and back from the house. The host was sweet and communicative!”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
7) Fully renovated cottage on Carmel Point!
Location: Carmel Point
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $550+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22505282
At this fine Carmel beach rental, you can relax on the furnished patio while listening to the nearby waves hitting the beach. Take the one minute it takes to walk down to those waves on Carmel Beach, or go in the opposite direction. Less than a mile that way lies downtown Carmel.
That said, the interior of the home is gorgeous. It has a beamed ceiling, delightfully tasteful decor themed around light pine and marble, and a fabulous king bed in the master.
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Guest Review: “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay than this. The house was spacious, updated throughout and also in an amazing location.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
8) Heart of the Golden Rectangle
Location: Golden Rectangle
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $317+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23257873
This oddly-named cottage has a sort of Victorian charm, especially to its front – the diamond motif on the windows is what it is. It’s another renovation from an older building, but it accommodates up to 8 comfortably, spread amongst its four rooms.
It’s surprisingly spacious, partly emphasized by its high ceilings. There’s also a very personal element to the home. Many of the decorative pieces are family heirlooms, so you know that hosts put a lot of care into the space. In fact, the whole place feels artful, ideal for Carmel by the Seas historically arty personality.
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Guest Review: “We loved staying in Carmel and this house is a gem to stay at and enjoy the amenities. Would love to come back and stay again in the future.”
9) Carmel Beautiful Airy Retreat. Walk to town/beach
Location: South East Carmel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $307+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/37361771
The main living space – the great room – is 12 feet high here! And the windows go all the way from the bottom to the top. That gives you an idea of the sense of openness and luxury on offer in this classy upper-level masterpiece.
The bedroom is lofted and partly open to the main area. But the coup de grace is the adjacent sunroom that seems to be resting in the treetops. A better getaway for two will be hard to find in Carmel.
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Guest Review: “Julie was an amazing host and very thoughtful with helping my wife and I on our trip to this location. The venue was great and the location is awesome in Carmel.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
10) Fully Updated Three bedroom home with Hot Tub
Location: Hatton Fields
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $490+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44516112
More high ceiling loveliness here. This time, though, there’s the added benefit of an outdoor hot tub to soak troubles away in. The kitchen here is another highlight. It is absolutely beautiful, combining the wood floors and country aesthetic seamlessly with the elegance of a top kitchen fit.
Between the calm outdoor evening seating and the warm, homey interior, there’s little to find fault in here.
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Guest Review: “This home is beautiful and comfortable, perfect for a getaway with friends and family!”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
11) Cozy Getaway with OceanView Near Carmel & Big Sur
Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: No
Price: $751+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2189877
If you’re willing to get a little beyond town, you may want to consider this glorious masterpiece in the hills. It’s a superbly remodeled bungalow-style getaway, with the latest top amenities, and yet with an allusion to rustic luxury
Hikers are in for a treat – the walks around here are fantastic. As are the dream kitchen, vaulted ceilings, incredibly pretty entertainment area, and the California king and queen bedrooms. Catch a view of the moon through the treetops while you relax outdoors on the patio, you’ll never want to go anywhere else on your holidays.
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Guest Review: “The home is truly a magical space in a magical place. April was a great host, very communicative and helpful.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
12) Beautifully Remodeled Home Two Blocks from Carmel Beach – 30 Day Minimum
Location: Carmel Point
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $536+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43477731
This exquisitely appointed home makes you feel special the moment you set foot inside. Between the chandeliers and the brilliant white malls and countertops, you’re transported to a world of classy living you might not expect in a holiday Airbnb in Carmel by the Sea.
The Spanish touch is so evident here, starting with the name of the home – Isabella by the Sea. Among many highlights, one favorite has to be the upper-level deck with its views of woodlands and beyond.
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Guest Review: “This home is beautiful and everything is exactly as it appears in the photos. We loved the location and the ability to walk to a beach in either direction. Plenty of space both upstairs and downstairs.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
13) Secluded Carmel Five bedroom home!
Location: South East Carmel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $716+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39562467
Head for the hills! Or at least, for Carmel Hill. There you’ll find this sizable 5 bedroom home named Art & Sound. Aside from the city center (less than a mile), you’ll be able to try the world-famous Pebble Beach golf course just 10 minutes from here.
But if you choose to hang out here instead, you’ll enjoy a world-class living space. Spacious, open living area, kitchen and dining space, a master bedroom you could play football in, the requisite grand piano in the foyer, and more.
Don’t forget the outdoor firepit and social time under the stars. Perfect.
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Guest Review: “Absolutely beautiful house in Carmel. A short walk to town and the beach, but perfectly secluded on a quiet street. The house was spacious and fully stocked. We appreciated the big open kitchen — such a fun place to gather and cook.”
Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
Carmel By The Sea Airbnb Experiences
Carmel offers some interesting and unique things to do, many offered by locals who live the life themselves.
Intimately Experience a Biodiverse Farm
“We’ll start by foraging through the farm to make a diverse “goat salad.” We’ll walk through the garden, briefly stop to admire the beehives, and work our way to feeding and petting our silly goats and adorable Babydoll sheep. After our goats and sheep are nice and full, we’ll spend some time with the hens, roosters, and ducks.”
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1322195
Forage Edible Plants & Mushrooms
“Find out what you can eat in the woods! We’ll hike in the lovely Santa Cruz mountains where I’ll guide you on a beautiful, quiet 2.5-mile hike in the unique coastal oak & redwood forest. Together we’ll learn the ancient ways of identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms, plants, roots, flowers, nuts and seeds (depending on the season). Along the way we’ll discuss proper harvesting and preparation techniques while connecting to the beauty and abundance of our ecosystem.”
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/59190
Am I Missing any worthwhile Carmel-by-the-Sea Airbnbs?
If you know of any awesome vacation homes, please let me know. You can reach out via email or my social media.
Other Recommended Reading
Here’s a helpful list of other excellent Airbnb destinations in the US.
- 17 Stunning Airbnbs in Tampa for the Ultimate Florida Getaway
- The 17 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Miami for the Ultimate Beach Getaway
- 15 Coolest & Best Airbnb Asheville Rentals in North Carolina
- The 20 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Michigan for an Epic Great Lakes Getaway
- The 22 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Hawaii for the Ultimate Vacation Experience
- The 17 BEST Airbnbs in Las Vegas for all Budgets & Travelers
- The 17 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Oahu for an Amazing Hawaii Vacation
- The 18 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Colorado for a Rocky Mountain Getaway
- The 19 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Maine for a New England Getaway
- 19 Incredible Airbnbs Along the Oregon Coast: Cannon Beach & Beyond
- The 18 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Dallas, Texas – Airbnb Dallas Guide
- Top 20 Coolest Airbnbs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Final Thoughts on Carmel by the Sea Airbnb Vacation Rentals
Carmel pretty much offers a perfect holiday option – beach, good food and wine, and peace and calm if you need it. Hopefully one of the above recommendations appeals to you. Let me know if you head out there. I’m keen to hear what you think.
