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Spanning nearly 90 miles of coast, California’s Big Sur makes for a great escape for striking ocean views, wildlife viewing, sandy beaches, and incredible hiking.
Big Sur is often touted as one of the state’s most beautiful areas, and for good reason. It’s where rolling mountain ridges, crashing ocean waves, and lofty redwood trees come together in effortless beauty — away from the typical crowds of California cities.
It’s also a great place to find luxury cabin rentals that boast hotel-level amenities while immersed in a natural wonderland. That means you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort at the expense of the great outdoors.
Aside from the excellent Big Sur lodging options, there are countless incredible things to do and see here. Taking a drive up and down famous Highway 1 along the Pacific Coast is an obligatory experience you won’t soon forget.
You’ll also want to plan a visit to local beaches such as Pfeiffer Beach and Point Lobos, as well as to take advantage of hiking and epic state-protected parks.
If you’re ready to disconnect and venture where the cell service is weak, here are our favorite cabin rentals, cottages, and Airbnbs near Big Sur, California!
Related read: 7 Dreamy Glamping Spots in Big Sur, California
Best Cabin Rentals Near Big Sur
1. Ocean Front Luxury Home
Why you should stay: A modern and spacious home featuring impressive outdoor amenities like an amphitheater fire pit, yoga area, outdoor shower, and more.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: no
This 3,000-square-foot luxury home has jaw-dropping ocean views and an exquisitely modern interior that’s been artfully decorated.
The open floor plan draws everyone in from the gourmet kitchen, dining area, and cozy living room to foster an intimate sense of togetherness. Aside from the luxury three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms inside, there’s also a detached studio you can add to your booking for an additional fee.
Step outside and enjoy the home’s fire pit circle for twelve, the Jack and Jill copper soak tubs, the wine barrel dry sauna, yoga area, and outdoor shower. This Big Sur rental can be rented out for weddings and events, and may just be the wedding venue you didn’t know you needed.
Check Availability2. Big Sur Dream Home
Why you should stay: Secluded wooden home with a unique architectural structure, a yurt bedroom, and a private hot tub and fireplace.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: no
Recently featured in Urban Outfitters, this Big Sur dream home is beyond unique. The home is beautifully framed in gleaming wood, while tall panes of glass brighten and open up the space. Guests can take their pick of sleeping quarters from the comfy queen bed in the loft or the cozy bed in the adjoining yurt.
Located just a ten-minute drive from Garrapata Beach, this property places you in the peace of surrounding redwoods, oaks, and mountain ridges. Spend your evenings soaking in the hot tub, or curled up next to the outdoor adobe fireplace. We have a feeling you’ll find your bliss at this peaceful mountain home.
Check Availability3. Beautiful Big Sur Home
Why you should stay: Luxury amenities on five acres of private land with sweeping ocean views.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2-5 nights
- Pets allowed: no
Beautiful Big Sur offers guests the quintessential California coast experience. Designed by the area’s well-known Alan Turpen, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is warm and inviting. Exposed beams and shining wooden panels cover the walls and the ceilings, and the expansive wraparound deck is a dream.
If the fantastic views don’t immediately sell you on this Big Sur rental, the nearby hiking trails, swimming pool, and spa will. Not only that, but the home is in one of the best locations of Big Sur – putting you within walking distance to popular places like Big Sur Bakery, Nepenthe, and more.
Check Availability4. The Lodge at Seven Coves
Why you should stay: Accommodate a large group and marvel at stunning coastal views from a luxurious Big Sur cabin.
- Sleeps: 18
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Pets allowed: no
If you want to live like a movie star for a little while, check out this ocean view sanctuary and its incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The masterfully designed property was featured in Architectural Digest, and has appeared in films and TV shows — like Basic Instinct and Big Little Lies.
Inside this 12,000 square foot coastal mansion you’ll find luxurious furnishings, high-end appliances, and all the expected amenities of a world-class vacation rental — plus a fitness center with Scandinavian dry sauna.
Undoubtedly you’ll want to spend plenty of time enjoying the ocean views, which you can do from the living room, dinning areas, and fitness room — and of course outside on the 2.2 acre grounds as well.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Sweet Camping Spots Near Fort Bragg, California
5. Sea Swept
Why you should stay: Sleep oceanside on the Carmel coast while surrounded by fragrant gardens and spectacular views.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: long-term
- Pets allowed: no
Sea Swept is a Carmel coast retreat where visitors stay right up on the ocean’s edge. You’re so close to the sea in this rental that you can feel the salt spray on your face and have the chance to glimpse native dolphins, whales, otters and other sea life from the outdoor deck and hot tub.
There are two-bedrooms and two-bathrooms for up to six guests, with each room hosting a king and a twin bed for families traveling with children. Popular area destinations like The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the Pacific Groves Lighthouse are all within a 30-minute drive away.
Check Availability6. Morning Glory Ranch
Why you should stay: Rustic ranch interior meets luxury seaside amenities in an off-the-grid rental.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: yes
Situated atop a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Morning Glory Ranch is south of Big Sur and provides ultimate privacy and seclusion. The property is just over 50 miles south of Carmel and runs on solar power and a backup generator if needed.
The home can accommodate up to ten guests for large group getaways, family retreats, and private events. The main house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and for bookings with more than six guests, the poolside studio is included to sleep four additional people.
The hosts go out of their way to provide countless amazing amenities such as the picturesque infinity pool, hot tub, outdoor showers for your convenience, and an outdoor kitchen complete with pizza oven. You can even arrange to book in-house massages, group yoga classes, and concierge services before your arrival if you so desire.
Check Availability7. The Gallery House
Why you should stay: Quaint Big Sur cottage for two located cliffside along the coast.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2-5 nights
- Pets allowed: no
If you’re seeking a romantic getaway for two in Big Sur, look no further than The Gallery House, a charming oceanfront cottage nestled amongst towering cypress trees and Monterey pines.
This redwood and stone home is a one-bedroom, complete with a well-appointed kitchen and dining room, as well as a comfy living room with a fireplace.
Outside, lounge on the chaise chairs and take in the vast ocean and sunny views on the stone patio. If you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or whales jumping out at sea.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 of the Most Romantic Getaways in California
8. Littlehouse in the Redwoods
Why you should stay: An enchanting tiny home perched on a canyon ridge surrounded by impressive redwoods.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: no
The Littlehouse in the Redwoods is a 500-square-foot tiny home that rocks some truly gorgeous interior design. Throughout the home, you’ll enjoy hardwood floors, exposed wooden beams, and matching furnishings.
The kitchen is stocked with all of the cooking essentials, and there is a dining table and cozy sofa seating for two on the lower level. As you climb the stairs to the bedroom, you’ll notice the generous closet space and adjoining balcony deck.
Start your mornings or end your days taking in the beautiful forest views from the comfort of your room. The Big Sur Village and Pfeiffer Beach are just a short drive away from this private property.
Check Availability9. Serenity and Morning Lite Cabins
Why you should stay: A charming cabin glamping experience in the redwoods of Carmel.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: yes
Elevate your camping game at the Serenity or Morning Lite cabins that offer great high-end amenities without sacrificing your enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Offering two different options, the Serenity cabin offers guests peace and quiet in the shade, whereas Morning Lite is bathed in sunlight in a treehouse-style home.
Each cabin comfortably sleeps four guests and has its private bathroom, well-appointed kitchen, and deck. Wifi may be requested for those who wish to stay connected during their Big Sur visit. This property spans 19 acres of untouched natural beauty.
Check AvailabilityPlan Your Trip to Big Sur, California
Before you take off and get settled in your Big Sur lodging, here are some of the best things to do along the coast.
- Explore the best hikes in Big Sur.
- Visit some of the region’s beautiful state parks like Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Limekiln, and Garrapata State Park.
- While swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, enjoy great views at Pfeiffer Beach, and Sand Dollar Beach.
- Spend time in the charming coastal town of Carmel and enjoy boutique shopping and great eats.
- Snap photos and take in the sights at the Bixby Bridge, one of California’s most photographed bridges.
- Cross off Big Sur bucket list destinations like McWay Falls, Ragged Point, the Partington Cove hike, and Point Sur State Historic Park lighthouse.
- If you’ve got the time and energy, plan an epic backpacking trip in Big Sur.
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Seen in: Cabins, California, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in California