An entire day should be set aside for the gargantuan Monterey Bay Aquarium, which stands where Monterey's largest sardine cannery used to operate. The intriguing giant octopus, mesmerizing jellyfish, and playful sea otters are surefire crowd-pleasers, while touch pools let you interact with bat rays, kelp crabs, and sea urchins. No detail is spared in the three-story living kelp forest, where it's easy to forget you're actually on land. Art enthusiasts should squeeze in a visit to the Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street, where the exhibits are dominated by early California paintings and photography.
From your Monterey vacation rental, head out for a self-guided walking tour of Monterey State Historic Park, a collection of adobe and brick buildings that date from the 19th century. You can peek into some of these buildings and catch your breath in their lovely little gardens. Or you can start your day by busying yourself at the beach. Go scuba diving in San Carlos Beach, inspect the tide pools with the young'uns at McAbee Beach, or stroll along the boardwalk at Del Monte Beach after enjoying a picnic lunch.
Having the Pacific Ocean for a neighbor affects Monterey's climate—the cold waters pull down the temperature on land, and strong winds call for some layering even on the warmest or sunniest days. Summers are cool and often foggy, and it's coldest from August to October, when temps peak around 70 degrees. Monterey vacation rentals are likely to sport lower price tags in the winter, but you'll have to contend with the cold; temps in December and January range from 44 to 58 degrees, and there will be some rainy days.
Pinnacles National Park is one huge lesson in geology—an ancient volcano created its stunning cliffs and caves, and the crags that tantalize avid rock-climbers of all levels. You can hike among wildflowers and keep your eyes peeled for salamanders, kangaroo rats, and katydids, but the essential thing to do in the park is turn your attention skyward and hope to spy a California condor in flight. Download an official bird checklist online to see what other birds call Pinnacles their home; owls, raptors, and woodpeckers are just a few of the park's avian residents.
Fly into Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula), the closest airport, located 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal), which is 16.1 mi (26 km) away.
Kids will love the array of attractions in Monterey. Vacation rentals are available near places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park with rides and games near the beach, and the Mystery Spot, a geographical anomaly and visual illusion with tours. Santa Cruz Wharf, an iconic pier with shops, eateries, fishing, and a native population of sea lions, is another highlight.
Monterey has plenty of romantic spots for couples. Vacation rentals can be found near places like Natural Bridges State Park, a park with a natural bridge viewing spot for birds, whales, and seals, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a quaint waterside complex and event site with seafood eateries, shops, and watersports. You'll also like Lovers Point Park, a beach park with a quiet atmosphere for sunbathing and swimming.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 732 vacation rentals around Monterey. From 576 house rentals to 62 cottage rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.
Vrbo offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Monterey. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
But there are many other points of interest around Monterey listed on Vrbo where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.
Yes, of course. Vrbo has 576 Houses in Monterey. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Monterey include:
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Bungalows and more.
Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 90 vacation rentals with pool available in Monterey. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.