Last Updated on May 10, 2025
Carmel-By-the-Sea, often just called Carmel, is a small, picturesque coastal town on California’s Monterey Peninsula widely known for its storybook charm, artistic heritage, and stunning natural beauty.
Those who come here are treated to a laid-back getaway experience in a seaside bohemian artist village that has no posted street addresses, parking meters, street lights, neon signs, traffic lights, or food chains. This is all about chilling, unwinding and “live and let live” vibes.
As a huge fan of the area, if you’re not opting for a bed and breakfast or hotel experience, a vacation rental is an ideal choice, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. Here are some of my favorites.
Ocean View French Country Cottage
The Carmel Highlands are magnificent, and if you’re into views and cooling ocean breezes, this rustic one-bedroom, one-bath, two-story vacation home can accommodate up to four guests with a king bed and convertible daybed.
Only minutes to the heart of Carmel, the beautifully-appointed home features hardwood floors, beamed ceilings and plenty of natural light. French doors open to dramatic ocean view and the wraparound deck with a BBQ is great for dining or enjoying a spectacular sunset.
Wooded Guest Cottage
Does it get any cuter? This one-bedroom king, one-bath tastefully Provencal studio cottage that sleeps two is located only one easily walkable mile from the village of Carmel-By-The-Sea.
With its own private entrance, the cozy retreat sports a king bed with a patio, ideal for morning coffee or afternoon wine and cheese.
Fairytale Comstock Cottage
What a great price for this delightful two-bedroom, one-bath European cottage with an original Cotswold Tudor design for two that includes a living room fireplace.
Guests will love the quiet location with a private garden yet its close walkable proximity to town, the Mission and beaches. This is such a sweet place, and so representative of the unique charm of Carmel.
Ocean & Sunset View Retreat with Hot Tub
You may want to invite family or friends to join you in this 2,000 square-foot home retreat that includes two bedrooms, 1.5 baths and sleeps four. A fireplace in the living room is ideal for a cool Pacific evening.
The home sits on one acre of land fronting the Pacific Ocean offering stunning water and sunset views. Beach chairs are included as is an outdoor spa, an enclosed outdoor shower and a BBQ.
Fancy Free by the Sea
If you need a bit more space for family or friends, you’ll appreciate this lovely three-bedroom, two-full bath rustic yet elegant stone house that can accommodate five guests.
The home features a great room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace. Another impressive feature is the French doors that open to a roomy, sunny deck bordered by lemon trees, huckleberry bushes, kiwis, and wisteria. You can take in a stunning sunset with the sound of the ocean waves along with a warming firepit, heaters on the pergola and watching the koi play in the pond.
Canary Cottage
It’s all about the California lifestyle at this lovely canary-colored vacation rental with sun dappled decks, Adirondack chairs, porch swings, and ocean views through the pines. And it’s only a five-minute walk to downtown Carmel and less than a mile to the beach.
The beautifully-appointed split-level home offers two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and accommodates four guests.
Out of the Blue Carmel Beauty
Graced with stunning large windows and abundant colorful blooms cascading from window boxes, this Carmel-by-the-Sea two bedroom, two-bath cottage can accommodate four and features a nautical theme with mosaics throughout along with hardwood floors and warm, inviting azure, turquoise, jade and white accents.
Guests can walk to town and the white sand beaches, take in a play at Forest Theater and enjoy the town’s impressive dining. On a cool evening, cuddling by the gas-burning stone fireplace will take away the chill.
Moonglow Cottage
If you’re looking for a tranquil fairytale getaway, Moonglow Cottage has it all. Nestled in a picturesque setting overlooking the forest, the rustic stone house is ideal for two but does have a sleeper sofa in the living room as well. The bedroom also features an electric fireplace. If you’re into Victorian décor, you’ll love this well-priced vacation option.
The cottage also sports a lovely deck with lots of seating, a BBQ and heater for cool evenings and even a private hot tub under the stars. Bikes are included for exploring the area.
Gingerbread Cottage
Built in 1937, this quaint two-bedroom, two-bath charmer can actually sleep six with a double sofa bed in the den.
The cottage’s location allows for easy access to all the sights and attractions on the Monterey Peninsula, literally a 10-minute drive away and less than a mile from downtown Carmel.
Barefoot Comfort and Historic Magic
This small, but beautiful vacation rental is perfect for a couple’s getaway. The one-bed, one-bath is only 2.5 blocks to the heart of Carmel and close to the beaches.
Built in the 1920s, the casually refined cottage blends historic charm with modern amenities. The king bed features luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding for a deep and restful sleep. Idyllic gardens await, including a romantic swinging bench.
If you need more space, the enchanting two-bedroom, two-bath cottage is available to rent just next door.
