Monterey doesn't get the romantic billing that tiny, tony Carmel-by-the-Sea enjoys down the road, but California's Monterey Peninsula has a strong case. The city is roughly ten times Carmel's size, with a walkable historic core, the justly famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, birding in the forest, rugged coastal trails and a serious fine-dining scene — all wrapped in the same sunset-and-sea-air atmosphere.
A wrinkle worth knowing before you book: short-term rentals like Airbnbs are actually illegal within the City of Monterey's residential zones. The best listings sit just outside the city limits, mainly in Pacific Grove and Seaside, plus Del Rey Oaks and Del Monte Forest. TravelAwaits has sifted through them to pick eight standouts, and the range is genuinely useful depending on your trip.
For location, "Steps to the Shore" is a sprawling four-bedroom unit near Del Monte Beach, close to dining, shopping and the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail — ideal for big groups, with four queen bedrooms and coastal views from the dining room. Solo travellers or couples on longer stays might prefer the one-bedroom Cozy Seaside Cottage in Seaside: walkable to shops and groceries, minutes from downtown, though it shares the property with hosts and has a steep driveway.
Pacific Grove is the sweet spot for charm. Sallie's Cottage is a carefully renovated historic two-bedroom that sleeps four, within walking distance of Lovers Point Beach, and the host stocks the kitchen with fruit, eggs and coffee. Cottage Retreat is the budget pick — another walkable two-bed for four, with a small back garden. The White House, professionally managed and three bedrooms strong, sits steps from Lovers Point Beach with a balcony made for morning coffee and sunset wine.
In Del Rey Oaks, a four-bedroom mid-century home from the 1970s offers two living rooms, a forest-view balcony and proximity to both Seaside Beach and Carmel — though the white furniture may test families with toddlers. The most characterful pick, The Hummingbird, is a three-bedroom filled with Japanese pieces, complete with a rock-garden backyard and koi pond. For seclusion, the Treetop Beach House in gated Del Monte Forest delivers a hot tub, wood-burning fireplace and a treehouse feel among mature trees, yet stays close to Moss Beach and roughly equidistant between Monterey and Carmel.
Why it matters: Monterey works for almost any kind of escape — couples after a cosy cottage, families needing four bedrooms, or solo travellers settling in for weeks. Knowing you have to book in Pacific Grove, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks or Del Monte Forest rather than central Monterey is the difference between a smooth booking and a frustrating search. Pick your base by the vibe you want: beachfront in Pacific Grove, quiet forest in Del Monte, or easy access everywhere in between.
