Monterey Bay

A crescent of sand from Santa Cruz to Monterey, with Carmel and Pacific Grove around the point.

5418 waterfront rentals·26 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12
3.5of 10
Today's beach day score

Not much of a beach day in Monterey Bay.

Thursday, November 12. Holding it back: cool air (69F high), brisk water (66F), windy (21 mph gusts), rough surf (7.6 ft).

69°air high
66°water
7.6 ftwaves
21 mphwind
9%rain chance
4UV index
Sunrise 6:43 amSunset 4:59 pm
Tides, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay
  • High1:19 am3.6 ft
  • Low4:40 am3.3 ft
  • High10:50 am5.3 ft
  • Low6:38 pm-0.2 ft
All twenty-six shores, scored today →

Forecast and sea state: Open-Meteo. Tides: NOAA CO-OPS predictions. Scored fresh every morning; the number is a guide to the day, not a promise.

Monterey Bay curves for about 31 miles of nearly unbroken sand between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Santa Cruz has the boardwalk and the surf breaks. Capitola is a small village on its own beach. Aptos, Rio del Mar and Pajaro Dunes have rows of houses and condos set directly on the sand, which is where most of the bay's beachfront rentals are. At the south end, Monterey has Cannery Row and the aquarium, Pacific Grove has a rocky shore with a walking path, and Carmel has a white sand beach at the foot of the village.

StateCA
Peak seasonJune to October
Best forWaterfront stays
Featured40 rentals
The curated list · 40 rentals

Where we would stay in Monterey Bay.

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Oceanfront Watsonville Condo w/ Beach Access!
No. 02

Oceanfront Watsonville Condo w/ Beach Access!

Entire condo
3 bedroom sleeps 10 about $661 a night

Ultimate relaxation in The Golden State awaits at this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Watsonville vacation rental! This lovely condo features 2 flat-screen TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, and close proximity to the area’s most popular attractions. Sip your morning coffee on the furnished balcony, then walk down to the on-site beach and catch some rays! When you’re ready to explore, hit the links at Pajaro Valley Golf Club or embark on a journey with Blue Ocean Whale Watching. It’s up to you! The space 2nd-Floor Condo. Central Location. In-Unit Laundry. Community Tennis Courts Bedroom 1: King Bed. Bedroom 2: Queen Bed. Bedroom 3: 2 Twin Bunk Beds.

Oceanfront. Beach. Boardwalk. Hot Tub. BBQ
No. 04

Oceanfront. Beach. Boardwalk. Hot Tub. BBQ

House
4 bedroom sleeps 8 about $1012 a night

Experience true coastal living at this oceanfront Santa Cruz home on West Cliff Drive. Enjoy panoramic water views, a private hot tub, BBQ patio, and stylish comfort for up to 8 guests. Steps from Steamer Lane, Lighthouse Point, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this beach retreat is perfect for surfers, families, and ocean lovers. Walk to scenic trails, shops, cafés, and the best of Santa Cruz’s coastal attractions!? HIGHLIGHTS??? 4 Bedrooms: 1x California King Bed, 2x Queens, 1x Twin Bunk Bed? 1 Full-Bathroom & 2 Half-Bathroom w/ Complimentary Toiletries? Fully Equipped Kitchen? Spacious Living Area w/?Smart TV? Spacious Private Patio Lounge? Hot Tub/Jacuzzi? Outdoor Shower?

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Beachfront Pajaro Dunes Condo w/ Bay Views!
No. 06

Beachfront Pajaro Dunes Condo w/ Bay Views!

Entire condo
2 bedroom sleeps 8 about $464 a night

Find your home-away-from-home in the private and gated beachfront community of Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville, halfway between the Monterey Peninsula and Santa Cruz. Pelican Point is at the quiet, south end of the community. The vacation rental condo boasts a modern interior with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and access to several community amenities. Relax on the uncrowded beach just a few steps away or drive along the epic Highway 1 to Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, Capitola or Santa Cruz. The space Gated Community. Resort Amenities. 1,050 Sq Ft.

Beachfront home with heated pool, hot tub, sports courts, amazing views, & WFH
No. 08

Beachfront home with heated pool, hot tub, sports courts, amazing views, & WFH

House
4 bedroom sleeps 9 private pool about $1168 a night

Indulge in a truly unforgettable oceanfront retreat at Rita-by-the-Sea. This stunning house offers panoramic views of sandy beaches, crashing waves, and windswept dunes, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing trip. Situated within the exclusive, gated Monterey Dunes colony, this 2,000-square-foot fully furnished home promises a tranquil escape where you can unwind to the soothing sounds of Monterey Bay in complete seclusion. This corner home boasts easy access to a wealth of amenities. Adjacent to the community clubhouse, you can enjoy many recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, and bocce ball court.

Browse more in Monterey Bay

Search every rental in Monterey Bay.

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

40
curated rentals in Monterey Bay
Beachfront condo with private patio, beach access, shared pool & hot tub.
No. 10

Beachfront condo with private patio, beach access, shared pool & hot tub.

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 6 shared pool about $483 a night

Welcome to your beachfront oasis in Moss Landing, CA, where stunning ocean views and direct beach access await you! This charming house is the perfect getaway for families, couples, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a plethora of resort amenities at your fingertips, including tennis courts, pickleball, and a seasonal pool, you'll find plenty of ways to relax and unwind. Step inside to discover a cozy living space equipped with modern comforts, including a fully stocked kitchen with a fridge, stove, and dishwasher, making meal prep a breeze. Enjoy your meals in the dining area or take them outside to the patio, where you can soak in the fresh ocean air.

House 98 - Ocean View
No. 12

House 98 - Ocean View

Oceanfront
4 bedroom sleeps 8

Enjoy sweeping oceanfront views from Monterey to Santa Cruz - any closer and you'd be swimming. This beautifully positioned beachfront home offers direct access to the sand.

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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Full Ocean View-2 Decks-Heated Pool
No. 18

Full Ocean View-2 Decks-Heated Pool

Oceanfront
3 bedroom sleeps 6

Relax with the whole family at this beach resort with spectacular ocean views and direct beach access. This spacious and modern condo offers stunning views of the ocean and all the comforts of home for a truly unforgettable vacation experience.

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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 Monterey Bay.

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Still looking?

Search the full inventory.

Our curated picks are just the start. Browse hundreds more rentals in Monterey Bay by date, price, and size.

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Coastal craftsmanship

Bags made from recycled sails. Handcrafted in Maine.

Shop Sea Bags →

Affiliate link.

View all 40 waterfront rentals in Monterey Bay ↓
Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses & apartments in Monterey Bay.

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Sponsored · Booking.com Partner

Search every stay in Monterey Bay 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.

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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