The 9 Coolest Vacation Rentals and Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

The enchanted town of Carmel-by-the-sea is a kind village on the stunning Californian Coast, a must-visit if you are in the area. Staying in one of the gorgeous Carmel-by-the-sea Airbnbs will allow you to have a full experience.

In this post, I am sharing the 7 most beautiful Airbnb homes that I have selected for you.
Read on, and enter the fairy tale world of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

Carmel is renowned for its cute, charming cottages, the historic Spanish Mission, and the overall romantic and fairy tale-like ambiance.

Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea at a glance

Walking through the narrow streets and the hidden passageways is like entering a fantasy world, where everything is immaculate and perfectly in order, beautiful and tidy. It feels like nothing bad can possibly happen there.

The homes don’t have numbers, and outside the shops, you can find water for the dogs, obviously in stylish bowls.

While strolling along these scenic walkways, you will think you just never want to leave.

The surroundings of Carmel-by-the-sea are no less appealing, and you can stay in one of the cute Carmel-by-the-sea Airbnb for a few days and use it as a base to explore around.

You can also enjoy the attractions of the nearby Monterey, just 4 miles away, drive along the breathtaking coastline of Big Sur with its dramatic views over the ocean, join some hiking tours, or take a self-guided walking tour in Carmel, take an art class or a bike ride in nature.

Or you can just enjoy the surreal atmosphere, taking it easy. If you are a digital nomad or just a remote worker looking for a getaway, this is the perfect spot to find a temporary home where to work in a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere, have breakfast in one of the cute coffee shops, and dinner in one of the fancy restaurants. I assure you, you will have the time of your life. Carmel-by-the-Sea is definitely one of the most picturesque hidden gems in the US.

INSIDER TIP – Carmel-by-the-sea has some hilly streets with cobblestone pavements. So it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes when walking around.

FUN FACT – The City of Carmel has an old law on the books that bans high heels in town to prevent tripping on the cobblestone walkways and uneven pavement due to tree roots

Read on to see the most beautiful Carmel-by-the-sea Vacation Rentals that I have selected for you.

The top 9 Carmel-by-the-sea vacation rentals

IMPORTANT NOTE – Since Airbnb has terminated the Associate program, I regret to inform you that I don’t feel comfortable using their site anymore nor promoting their products. Therefore, I have removed all Airbnb links and properties and switched to VRBO, which I actually find to be more straightforward and user-friendly. If you book your stay from one of the links below, I will get a commission from the rental company at zero cost for you, while you will be contributing to support this site. Thank you so much in advance!

Steps to Town & Beach. A Quiet and Private Retreat. Ideal Location #1

📍 Carmel-by-the-sea – CA- 2 guests · Studio · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲

It’s a small, quiet studio at a close distance from the heart of town, the beach, and hiking trails, and yet situated in a quiet area among a grove of old oak trees where guests can enjoy tranquility and privacy.

Very cozy and simply decorated in white and cute little details, this lovely studio has been extensively updated with a new bathroom, kitchen, hardwood floors, a king bed, and other new pieces of furniture throughout. It’s the perfect home for one or two people.

Besides the most modern amenities including, Xfinity TV, highspeed WIFI, and washer, this pretty home offers a luxurious eastern king bed with high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, Belgian linen duvet co, linen duvet cover, and pillow shams.

Next door, there is a 2-bedroom cottage from the same owner (see the unit below), but they both have a private entryway and pathway through the gardens and are separated from the main house by a fence, so there are no direct sightlines between the two. However, it’s convenient for big families or friends traveling together to rent both units, to stay close but each one keeping their own privacy.

Min stay – 7 days
Max stay – 30 days

Steps to Town & Beach. A Quiet and Private Retreat. #2

📍 Carmel-by-the-sea – CA- 4 guests · 2 bed · 2 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲

Located within the same premises as the previous studio and owned by the same host, Barry, this beautiful 2-bedroom home is perfect for families or couples and singles who enjoy living in bigger spaces. Within the so-called Golden Triangle area of Carmel, you will be within walking distance from the beach and Carmel downtown, where you can choose among a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and cute little shops.

If you want to stay in one of Carmel’s original beach houses, this is your place. It’s been completely renovated and beautifully decorated in the most exquisite style, with white wood and linen and elegant touches. You will also love the pinewood plank floors, the Carmel stone fireplace, and the wavy glass windows.

Each one of the bedrooms boasts a luxurious Eastern king bed with high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, Belgian linen duvet cover, and pillow shams.

Also, high-speed business class free WiFi and Xfinity TV with voice command.

The studio cottage next door has its own private entryway and pathway through the gardens and is separated from the main house by a fence, so there are no direct sightlines between the two. However, it’s convenient for big families or friends traveling together to rent both units, to stay close but each one keeping their own privacy.

Min stay – 7 days
Max stay – 30 days

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Charming Downtown Flat! Walk Everywhere!

📍 Carmel-by-the-Sea – CA- 1-2 guests · 1 bedroom ·1 bathroom ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ·💲💲💲💲

This apartment in the very heart of Carmel downtown is one of the cutest vacation rentals in Carmel by-the-sea, the typical cottage house that you see in fairytale books. It’s this flat.

This romantic boasts the authentic old-world charm with its elegant eclectic decor that artfully mixes vintage and modern details, including hardwood floors, whitewashed vaulted ceilings, and handcrafted plaster walls, and a color palette that evokes the soothing tones of the nearby ocean, light blue, green, and gray. A private balcony overlooks downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ocean Avenue, and all of the galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Included in your package, you will receive a complimentary cheese and wine welcome gift and a basket of local information. You will also be assigned a local concierge available for anything you need throughout your stay.

Laundry service is available but there are no laundry facilities in the building. Cars may be parked on the street – no parking spaces are provided.

Pets are allowed at an additional fee

Min Stay: 2–7 nights

Moonglow: Forest tranquility minutes from downtown Carmel

📍 Carmel-by-the-sea CA- 1- 2 guests · 1 bedrooms · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲

Moonglow is a cozy traditional cottage nestled in a tranquil forest, yet at a few minutes’ drive or walk from Carmel downtown and beach.

The lovely home boasts a comfortable patio with plenty of seating and stunning views over the lush vegetation for the guests’ enjoyment. A heater is also available for cooler evenings.

At a close distance from biking or hiking trails and golfing for the outdoorsy. The home is furnished with a comfortable double bed and a fully equipped kitchen.

Among the amenities, HDTV streams Netflix and other Apps seamlessly via the fast Comcast Wi-Fi.

Moonglow is smoke-free and doesn’t accept pets.

Read more about the house and check availability on VRBO

What some of the previous guests say:

“Cozy cottage style room tucked in the woods was amazing! hope to go back next year.“

“My husband and I loved our experience staying here. The location as perfect- very private, nestled into the forested hillside, but we could easily get into town. We loved using their bikes to ride into town to explore, play tennis, go to the beach. The hot tub made it feel especially special. We would love to come back again.“

“Very cute cottage with a wonderful deck. Owners are on site and very friendly.“

Atherton Cottage has Ocean and Point Lobos Views & two Fireplaces!

📍 Carmel-by-the-sea – CA- 2 guests · 1 studio · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲

One of the most charming Carmel by the Sea vacation rentals, this lovely apartment makes a quiet and cozy retreat for your weekend getaway in Carmel or a month-long “workation”. It’s located by the historical Carmel Mission and surrounded by a green field and also very close to one of the beautiful Carmel beaches.

This luxury eco-friendly cottage boasts a comfortable king-size bed with fine linens, hickory hardwood & stone floors, Quartz counters & a newly remodeled bath. When you are not out exploring, you can relax on the sunbed on the veranda or in the cozy and nicely decorated living room.

Previous guests raved about this luxury home in Carmel and the kindness of the premier host, Bill.

Carmel Point Charmer… Near the Beach!

📍 Carmel-by-the-sea – CA- 8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 baths ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲💲💲

With an amazing location at only half a block from Rio Beach and still within walking distance from Carmel’s main beach, this beautiful country house is the perfect place for a family reunion or friends retreat. Surrounded by a flowery, manicured garden, this traditional luxury home is nicely decorated in colorful artwork and wooden furniture, creating a cozy and pleasant ambiance.

The fully equipped kitchen is perfect if you wish to cook for the entire party, and the ample bedrooms are nicely equipped with the most modern amenities and fine linen. The upstairs bedroom has a skylight and is surrounded by trees, and from the bathroom, you can see the wetlands and up the Carmel Valley.

Two entire walls are covered with books, and family games are available for the family to enjoy.

There is off-street parking available for several cars.

Pets are allowed.

Carmel Point Beach House, Ocean & Sunset Views – Dog Friendly!

📍 Carmel-by-the-Sea – CA- 6 guests · 3 bedroom · 3 bathroom ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ·💲💲💲💲

A spectacular 6-bedroom modern house in Carmel Point with unbeatable ocean views at a walking distance from both Carmel Beach and Carmel River State Beach.

You will love the spacious open living room with huge screen windows to enjoy the amazing view from the comfort of your sofa. In the open space, you will also find the spacious dining room and the fully equipped chef’s kitchen featuring top-line appliances, including Wolf and Sub-Zero.

The ample bedrooms, 2 upstairs and one on the ground floor, are equipped with the most modern amenities and world-class linen.

This elegant home has been designed to guarantee the utmost comfort for the most sophisticated guests.

Min Stay: 5 nights

Other features

• TV
• Satellite or cable
• Washer & Dryer
• No Smoking
• Heater
• Children Welcome
• Internet
• Parking
• Pets Welcome
• Fireplace

Carmel Beautiful Airy Retreat. Walk to town/beach

📍 Carmel – CA- 2 guests · 1 bedroom· 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ·💲💲💲💲

Spectacular modern designer upper loft over 920sqft of a duplex in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

You will enjoy your privacy with your own private entrance, walkways, and exterior spaces.

Acclaimed California architect John Hans Ostwald has designed the unit.

Situated at only 5 blocks from Carmel’s center and only 0.7 miles from Carmel beach.

No pets, smoking, or children under 12 — no exceptions. 1 uncovered parking space. Adheres to Carmel’s Rental Code.

Be aware that the cleaning products used to sanitize the property include bleach.

It is recommended to read the entire information before booking.

Carmel Peaceful Retreat. Walk to town/beach

📍 Carmel-by-the-sea – CA- 2 guests · 1 bedrooms · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ – 💲💲💲💲

Spectacular modern home located by the woods, immersed in nature, far from the town noise but at a few blocks from the historical center, bars, and shops.

The home is furnished in a minimalistic modern style for maximum comfort and enjoyment. The big-screen windows let you appreciate the surrounding greens and allow lots of light, yet without taking away your privacy.

Other useful information:

• NO Pets/Smoking/Children under 12 – no exceptions. 1 uncovered onsite parking space. Adheres to Carmel’s Rental Code.
• “Designed by acclaimed California architect John Hans Ostwald, this property is classic California Modernism. The property features all the hallmarks of classic California living with its integration with the natural landscape, Redwood post and beam construction, striking intentional geometry, airy lofty open spaces, walls of glass, and decks that bring the indoors out and the outdoors in.” (owner´s words)