Stretching from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest, California’s coast is vast, diverse, and beautiful. Amidst thousands of miles of California coastline, Big Sur stands out as among the most beautiful and enchanting places in the Golden State. Technically speaking, Big Sur is a stretch of coastline in central California. Any photograph of Big Spur can explain its enduring appeal.
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To reduce the magic to words, Big Sur is a dramatic locale where mountains rise abruptly and dramatically from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. The vertiginous character of the land as well as state and federal regulations have kept this region relatively undeveloped, preserving the integrity of its natural majesty.
The 72-mile stretch of Highway 1 (that is, the Pacific Coast Highway) that passes through Big Sur is one of the most scenic in the country. It is by way of this ocean and mountainside road that most people experience Big Sur. Many simply drive on through to nearby destinations such as Pebble Beach.
But Big Sur has much to offer to those willing to leave their cars (or at least get off the main thoroughfare to check out the many scenic side trails). The region is full of hiking trails and awe-inspiring sights, from the rugged coastal arches of Pfeiffer Beach to the riverine wonders of Andrew Molera State Park. There are a great many stunning things to do and see, and plenty of vacation rentals. Whether you are an avid hiker keen to break in new soles or prefer to take things easy, Big Sur offers unforgettable sights, appreciated by people as well as their furry children.
Here are 10 spectacular Big Sur pet-friendly rentals from which to take in the breathtaking beauty of California’s greatest natural treasure.
Retreat In Redwood Forest$875/nightly avg
This tranquil home is well situated for a group adventure in Big Sur, close enough to the shops and amenities of Carmel but even closer to the natural beauty spots that have made the region famous. The area’s biggest architectural wonder — Bixby Bridge — is just 2 miles away.
A stream runs through the property, enjoying the shelter of magnificent redwoods before plunging into the Pacific Ocean. Two bedrooms (a king and queen) fit four guests and there’s room for another four on each of the two common area’s futons. Nature’s woodwork on the trees outside is rivaled by the masterful craftsmanship inside.
Cottage In Carmel$525/nightly avg
Just 800 feet away from the beach, this dog-friendly cottage is a quiet launching pad for your Big Sur coast expedition. It’s in Carmel Valley, the town that marks the northern limits of the Big Sur region. Enjoy all the town’s amenities and beaches or set out down the coast to find out what makes Big Sur so beloved.
The quaint cottage has two queen bedrooms, an updated kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a homey living area. Its decor, design, and character are object lessons in casual elegance.
Adobe Home With Sweeping Ocean Views$600/nightly avg
Though more than a mile from the shore, guests at this enviable adobe home can practically breathe in the ocean from their front door. With incredible views in all four directions, this home proves that the appeal of Big Sur is much more than just the ocean.
Take in incredible views of the surrounding hills and valleys from this comfortable modern home. The coastal highway and thousands of acres of state parks are accessible from the front door. Come home to a fully stocked kitchen and incredible views at this mountaintop home.
Oceanfront Home In The Middle Of Big Sur$295/nightly avg
The outdoor area of this home is less a patio than a scenic ocean overlook. Were it not private property, it’s easy to imagine a lot for cars to pull aside and people to snap photographs.
With giant windows on both sides, guests enjoy excellent views of mountains as well as the ocean. Each of the three bedrooms has a large bed. In addition to the gorgeous views, this single-level house is well-placed to enjoy Big Sur as it is on the main road, close to both Carmel-By-The-Sea and the roadside sites.
Bungalow On The Bay$300/nightly avg
This bungalow in Seaside is a cute and comfortable home perfectly located to explore and enjoy Big Sur. Seaside is a few miles northeast of Carmel, a small town on the Monterey Bay generally seen as the northern edge of Big Sur. It has more amenities (such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and restaurants) than any of the smaller communities further down the coast.
This home has two bedrooms, plus a convertible sofa in the living room. It is an ideal space for a family, couple, or small group of travelers. The fenced-in outdoor patio makes for an excellent barbecue location, complemented by the fully-furnished kitchen inside. As an added perk, the owners provide guests with two tickets to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the country.
Rustic Inland Cabin$150/nightly avg
Big Sur is a rural area, accessible only because of modern infrastructure. This pet-friendly cabin is a throwback to how things used to be. Isolated and idyllic, it is a perfect getaway for a couple keen to explore the natural majesty of Big Sur. Low on frills and big on adventure, the cabin is 40 minutes by road from Carmel, the northern end of Big Sur.
Enjoy splendid isolation in the cozy cabin while you prepare for a day of driving or hiking through the valleys and beaches of Big Sur. With no TV or internet, this getaway is a great way for a couple to, well, get away! Don’t forget to look up at night and take in the stars.
Private Ranch In Southern Big Sur$1,341/nightly avg
Just 3 minutes from the coastal highway, this private ranch allows guests to take in luxury while also experiencing the captivating views of Big Sur without even leaving the home. The highway is so near that you’ll surely want to take a scenic drive, but you will do so with the knowledge that, upon returning, you can relax in a mountainside infinity pool hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean.
This ranch cabin has beautiful exposed beams and sleeps six in two bedrooms. There are beds for four additional guests to sleep comfortably in the pool house, which has its own full kitchen and bathtub.
Forty-Acre Oceanside Estate$1,047/nightly avg
There’s plenty of room to put your feet up and let your dogs roam on this sprawling 40-acre property. It sits on a beautiful flat hilltop above the coastal highway overlooking the ocean. The sound of waves permeates the property and creates an excellent contemplative atmosphere, complemented by the property’s gardens.
Designed by an architect dedicated to sustainability, the house is beautifully constructed with rough stone walls. Each of the three bedrooms is in a separate wing of the house, providing guests with enviable privacy. An isolated, undeveloped beach rich in rocky alcoves sits below the property, accessible via a short path.
The Acorn – Ranch Home At Point Lobos$725/nightly avg
Perched on a knoll overlooking the sea, The Acorn is a ranch home next to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a protected area considered one of the most beautiful parts of California’s extensive coastline.
This is actually two homes, the main building and a two-room cottage with its own master bed and kitchenette. The larger building is a modern construction with beautiful rustic wood fixtures and stunning carpets. It has a queen master suite and two bedrooms, each with a pair of twin beds. Outdoor spaces abound, from the large patio to the nearby beach. Start and end your days in Big Sur in the comfort of this beautiful home.
Palatial Home On Pelican Cove$1,821/nightly avg
Looking out on a patch of ocean famous for its biological diversity, wildlife is a common sight at this stunning home. Stage a lookout for whales, cormorants, and more from your very own private cove.
This five-bedroom home offers a large group or family an unforgettable opportunity to explore Big Sur in luxury. The beauty of the area’s wildlife is matched by the elegant and tasteful interiors. Relax in the traditional hot tub or sit by the fireplace after a home-cooked meal. Load up on supplies in Carmel (which is a few miles north) before driving south to discover the astounding beauty of Big Sur.
To discover more things to do while in and around Big Sur, California: