Central Coast

Pismo's wide sand, Morro Rock and the quiet towns up to Cambria, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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5418 waterfront rentals·26 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12

The Central Coast is the part of California between the two big cities, and it is slower than either. Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and Oceano share 17 miles of wide flat sand backed by dunes, with a pier in the middle. Avila Beach is a small sheltered cove that stays warmer than its neighbors. Morro Bay has the rock and a working harbor. Cayucos is a beach town of a few blocks with a wooden pier, and Cambria's Moonstone Beach has a boardwalk along the bluff with elephant seals a short drive north.

StateCA
Peak seasonJune to October
Best forWaterfront stays
Featured30 rentals
The curated list · 30 rentals

Where we would stay in Central Coast.

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Nightly rates are the ones each partner listed when we last read them. The partner gives the final price for your dates. A rental with no rate shown is left out of the price filters.

The Jamie by AvantStay. Oceanfront Stay + Firepit + Chef's Kitchen + Near Morro Bay
No. 01

The Jamie by AvantStay. Oceanfront Stay + Firepit + Chef's Kitchen + Near Morro Bay

House
2 bedroom sleeps 6 about $680 a night

Welcome to The Jamie, a rare oceanfront retreat where the sound of the waves and sweeping beach views define every moment. Set directly on the sand in the heart of Cayucos, this thoughtfully designed home offers an authentic Central Coast escape with relaxed comfort, elevated style, and unbeatable proximity to the shore. Inside, the open-concept layout is bright and welcoming, framed by expansive windows that keep the ocean front and center. The living room invites you to unwind with comfortable seating, a cozy fireplace, and a pull-out couch that comfortably sleeps two, allowing the home to accommodate up to 6 guests with ease.

Check rates on Whimstay →
Ocean Access and Scenic Patio - Modern Coastal Haven
No. 02

Ocean Access and Scenic Patio - Modern Coastal Haven

House
2 bedroom sleeps 7 about $228 a night

Welcome to Strand Way A, your front-row seat to the surf and sand. Located right on the beach, this modern coastal haven delivers unbeatable access to the ocean, just step outside and you're there. Whether you're sunbathing by day or strolling the shore at sunset, this location is all about living that toes-in-the-sand lifestyle. Inside, crisp contemporary design and thoughtful details make it easy to unwind. The home features two serene bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a versatile loft space complete with a queen bed.

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Sandy View and Modern Kitchen - Stunning Beachfront Escape
No. 03

Sandy View and Modern Kitchen - Stunning Beachfront Escape

House
2 bedroom sleeps 4 about $551 a night

2 bed/2.5 bath on the sand--sleeps 4, king, 2 twins, fireplace, tv/vcr/dvd, washer/dryer, patio with barbecue, garage for one car, dishwasher. Wi-Fi Sandy View, the very apt name for this wonderous beachfront property, awaits your arrival. Offering a unique combination of adventure and relaxation, Sandy View sits right on the sands of Pismo State Beach near the Oceano Dunes recreation area. This property has a comfortable, modern feel but don't let the aesthetic fool you. there are hidden treasures far more ancient than you could guess. This home has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Both bedrooms have flat screen TV's and en-suite baths.

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Ocean Front and Gated Community - Charming Coastal Retreat
No. 04

Ocean Front and Gated Community - Charming Coastal Retreat

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 6 private pool about $395 a night

2 bed/2.5 bath, ocean front, sleeps 6, king, queen and bunk beds, 1 assigned parking space, fireplace, Barbeque, hi-speed internet, W/D. Pool, spa and clubhouse in complex. Rents weekly. Ocean Front, 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath condo, Sleeps 6, Gated Community, Pool, Spa. Pismo Beach condo, ocean front, beach front. Stroll across the sand to the Pismo Pier. Downtown restaurants, entertainment and shops are adjacent. Watch the sunsets. Listen to the waves. Enjoy beach front living. The living room as TV, digital cable service, and Stereo with CD player, and wireless internet. Dining table for 6. Primary bedroom has a king size bed, TV with digital cable service, and deck with ocean front view.

Check rates on Whimstay →
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Pool and Spa in Gated Complex - Charming Coastal Retreat
No. 05

Pool and Spa in Gated Complex - Charming Coastal Retreat

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 6 private pool about $247 a night

2 bed/2.5 bath, sleeps 6, queen, 2 twins, sofa sleeper, charcoal Barbeque, washer/dryer, 1 assigned parking space, hi-speed internet. Pool, spa and clubhouse in complex. Rents weekly. *Rents Weekly Only* Monthly Rentals Available During The Winter Season Condo in Downtown Pismo Beach, Complex is Ocean Front, Gated, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, spa, located in downtown Pismo Beach. The living room of this condo has a fireplace, TV, VCR, DVD player, wireless internet and a queen sofa sleeper. There is a dining table for 6. Washer/dryer. The Primary bedroom has a King bed, tv and deck with partial ocean view. The Second bedroom has a full bed and a twin bed.

Check rates on Whimstay →
345 Hinds
No. 07

345 Hinds

Vacation Home
2 bedroom sleeps 4 Beachfront about $96 a night

Comfortable Accommodations: 345 Hinds in Pismo Beach offers a holiday home with two bedrooms and one bathroom.

Check rates on Booking.com →
113 Pismo Shores
No. 08

113 Pismo Shores

Vacation Home
2 bedroom sleeps 4 Sea view private pool about $235 a night

113 Pismo Shores is a vacation home in Pismo Beach offering stunning sea views, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms.

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Browse more in Central Coast

Search every rental in Central Coast.

Filter by dates, bedrooms, price, and distance to water. These are the full Vrbo and Booking.com inventories for Central Coast.

30
curated rentals in Central Coast
On the water
Rent a boat on Sailo

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Coastal craftsmanship

Bags made from recycled sails. Handcrafted in Maine.

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Beachfront Condo in Pismo Beach
No. 20

Beachfront Condo in Pismo Beach

Beachfront
2 bedroom sleeps 7

Enjoy the unobstructed ocean views and close proximity to the best that Pismo Beach has to offer. This beachfront condo is a fully furnished 2 bedroom/2 bathroom 1500 sq. foot space that comes with a 2 car garage and elevator access.

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel?

Design-led hotels and villas via Skylark Travel Group. Mr & Mrs Smith properties, exclusive deals, real human concierge.

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On the water

Rent a boat in Central Coast.

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Search every stay in Central Coast on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

Search stays → Flights to Central Coast Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.

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Hand-picked for genuine waterfront. New finds and off-season picks, sent when there is something worth sending. No spam.

Other waterfront towns
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The south facing coast, where the houses stand on the sand and the mountains come down behind them.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, CA
A crescent of sand from Santa Cruz to Monterey, with Carmel and Pacific Grove around the point.
Orange County
Orange County, CA
Newport's peninsula, Laguna's coves and the Huntington Beach pier, all inside 42 miles of coast.
San Diego
San Diego, CA
Seventy miles of Pacific beach from Imperial Beach to Oceanside, with a boardwalk in the middle of it.
Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast, OR
All 363 miles of it are open to the public, from Cannon Beach to Brookings.
Washington Coast
Washington Coast, WA
Long flat beaches you can drive on, from Moclips down to the Long Beach Peninsula.
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