Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay offers a mix of natural wonders, historic charm, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, go whale watching, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. The region is home to charming towns, picturesque beaches, and some of the best scenic drives in the world. Whether you prefer staying in a vibrant city center or a peaceful coastal retreat, Monterey Bay has the perfect spot for your getaway.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Monterey Bay
Monterey
Staying in Monterey puts you close to the area’s most famous attractions, including Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Airbnb rentals here range from historic homes to modern condos with ocean views. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, explore historic sites, and take scenic bike rides along the coast. Monterey is ideal for travelers who want easy access to cultural attractions and coastal charm.
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a charming seaside town known for its beautiful Victorian homes, quiet beaches, and the famous Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Vacation rentals include cozy cottages, elegant seaside homes, and stylish apartments. Visitors can stroll along Lover’s Point Park, explore the scenic Asilomar State Beach, and enjoy a peaceful coastal escape. Pacific Grove is perfect for those looking for a quieter stay with stunning ocean views.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of California’s most picturesque coastal towns, offering a blend of art, history, and natural beauty. Airbnb options include storybook cottages, luxurious ocean-view villas, and boutique homes near the beach. Visitors can explore art galleries, dine at world-class restaurants, and relax on Carmel Beach. This area is ideal for romantic getaways and high-end retreats.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is world-renowned for its prestigious golf courses and breathtaking coastal scenery. Vacation rentals here include luxury estates, golf-course villas, and secluded beachfront properties. Visitors can drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive, tee off at Pebble Beach Golf Links, or enjoy panoramic ocean views. Pebble Beach is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts and those seeking an upscale stay.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers a laid-back beach town vibe with excellent surfing, a historic boardwalk, and lively entertainment. Airbnb rentals range from beachfront bungalows to stylish downtown lofts. Visitors can ride roller coasters at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, explore redwood forests, and visit unique local shops. Santa Cruz is great for travelers looking for a fun, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the top attractions in California, featuring incredible marine exhibits, interactive displays, and breathtaking ocean views. Visitors can see playful sea otters, massive kelp forests, and vibrant jellyfish. The aquarium is dedicated to ocean conservation and offers educational programs for all ages.
Whale Watching Tours
Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with year-round sightings of humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales. Visitors can book a guided boat tour to see these majestic creatures up close. The nutrient-rich waters attract a diverse range of marine life, making each tour a unique experience.
Cannery Row & Fisherman’s Wharf
Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel, is a historic waterfront district filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the wharf, enjoy fresh seafood, and browse unique boutiques. Fisherman’s Wharf offers scenic views, delicious clam chowder, and opportunities to see sea lions lounging by the docks.
17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive is a scenic coastal road that offers some of the most breathtaking views in California. Visitors can stop at famous landmarks such as the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and Bird Rock. The drive winds through Pebble Beach and Del Monte Forest, offering numerous photo-worthy stops along the way.
Big Sur & Bixby Bridge
A short drive south of Monterey Bay, Big Sur offers dramatic coastal cliffs, towering redwoods, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can drive along Highway 1, stop at Bixby Bridge for iconic views, and explore Pfeiffer Beach’s famous purple sand. Big Sur’s natural beauty makes it a paradise for photographers, hikers, and road-trippers.
Where to find a vacation rental near Monterey Bay
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Just 15 minutes south of Monterey Bay, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairytale town filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and storybook cottages. Visitors can walk along Carmel Beach, dine at gourmet restaurants, or explore the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Booking a vacation rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a romantic and artistic escape with Pacific Ocean views. It’s ideal for couples and travelers with a taste for charm and elegance.
Pacific Grove, California
Only five minutes from downtown Monterey, Pacific Grove is a quiet coastal town known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant marine life. Guests can stroll along Ocean View Boulevard, visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, or enjoy tide pooling at Lovers Point. Staying in a vacation rental in Pacific Grove offers serene surroundings with easy access to Monterey’s attractions. It’s a top choice for nature lovers and families alike.
Santa Cruz, California
About 45 minutes north of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a laid-back beach city with a lively boardwalk and strong surf culture. Travelers can ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster, visit Natural Bridges State Beach, or explore downtown boutiques. Booking a vacation rental in Santa Cruz provides a more youthful, energetic atmosphere. It’s great for beachgoers, surfers, and those seeking classic California fun.
Big Sur, California
Roughly an hour south of Monterey Bay, Big Sur is a dramatic coastline destination offering unparalleled scenic beauty. Hike through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, stop at Bixby Bridge, or dine with an ocean view along Highway 1. Choosing a vacation rental in Big Sur gives travelers access to rustic cabins or luxurious cliffside homes. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a secluded, nature-immersed retreat.
Salinas, California
About 30 minutes inland, Salinas is a vibrant agricultural city and the birthplace of author John Steinbeck. Visitors can tour the National Steinbeck Center, visit local farms, or enjoy the scenic Salinas Valley. Staying in a vacation rental in Salinas offers a more local and budget-friendly experience near Monterey Bay. It’s ideal for cultural travelers and families looking for easy access to both coast and countryside.
Explore the diverse marine life and charming coastal towns of the United States
Monterey Bay is a prime location for marine-life observation, where the magnificent coastline serves as a gateway to some of the best underwater adventures. From the incredible whale-watching opportunities in the bay, you can enhance your visit by finding an airbnb in Monterey. For those looking to extend their stay along the Pacific, take time to stay at Dana Point where the coastal beauty offers its own unique experiences like the Ocean Institute and Dana Point Harbor.
The charm of coastal towns extends beyond California with delightful options spread across the United States. To the north, discover the rugged beauty and Alaskan wilderness by choosing an airbnb in Homer, a town known for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. In Washington State, Port Angeles airbnb opens doors to the nearby Olympic National Park. On the East Coast, the tranquil shores of North Carolina invite you to explore places to stay on Harkers Island where the Cape Lookout National Seashore offers plenty of outdoor activities. For a blend of history and coastal allure, consider a Beaufort, NC airbnb to experience this quaint town known for its rich maritime history and the scenic Rachel Carson Reserve.