Vacation rentals in San Carlos

Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb

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Popular amenities for San Carlos vacation rentals

Stay near San Carlos's top sights

Filoli Historic House & Garden141 locals recommend
Redwood Downtown 20 and XD100 locals recommend
Blue Line Pizza84 locals recommend
Town80 locals recommend
Vesta72 locals recommend
Trader Joe's69 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Carlos

  • Total rentals

    320 properties

  • Total number of reviews

    14K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    120 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    100 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    80 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    190 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to San Carlos

All About San Carlos

Midway between the vibrant metropolitan hub of San Francisco and the booming tech hub of San Jose, San Carlos is a small community on the San Francisco Bay. Its small size and sprawling terracotta-tiled roofs provide the perfect Mediterranean aesthetic to fit with the city’s temperate coastal climate and cozy downtown area. Streetside eateries, boutique shops, and trendy cafes line the palm-dotted boulevards, and a major aviation museum brings in fans of aeronautic history.

San Carlos makes an excellent jumping-off point to hike the surrounding area’s marine ecological reserves or to bike in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can also take the scenic California State Route 92 west from San Carlos, past fields of pumpkins and organically grown produce, to the popular seaside town of Half Moon Bay.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in San Carlos

Generally mild conditions are found throughout the year in San Carlos, with warm, dry summers and slightly chilly winter months bringing modest levels of rain. Being so close to San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, there are always festivals and events throughout the year to explore. Pride activities are celebrated throughout the Bay Area in June, while Half Moon Bay hosts a huge pumpkin festival in October.

Smaller happenings, like the San Carlos Farmers’ Market, with vendors retailing local produce and artisanal goods, occur throughout the year in downtown San Carlos.


Top things to do in San Carlos

Hiller Aviation Museum

The Hiller Aviation Museum hosts different activities and exhibits showcasing over a century of aeronautic history. Over 50 aircraft of varying classifications and periods are on the property, along with flight simulators, cockpit replicas, and historical exhibits detailing everything from the first powered flight to prominent women in aviation history. In addition, a regularly rotating schedule of events on the museum grounds includes water rocket building workshops, plane painting, and open cockpit days.

Filoli Historic House & Garden

Nestled into the Santa Cruz Mountains, this historic, sprawling estate features a preserved Victorian home and 16 acres of manicured gardens that run into the expansive parklands and natural areas surrounding it. The Filoli House is registered as a California Historic Landmark and includes 56 rooms, 17 fireplaces, and over 50,000 square feet of faithfully restored 19th-century living space. Hiking trails and self-guided exploration paths run through the more than 600 acres of surrounding redwood groves and chaparral ecosystems.

Bair Island State Marine Park

The Bair Island Ecological Reserve comprises 3,000 acres spread across three islands. Hiking paths through the park’s mudflats and salt marshes provide viewing opportunities for several unique and endangered aviary species, like Peregrine falcons, pelicans, and egrets. Rays and leopard sharks can often be found swimming throughout the meandering tidal channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where should I stay in San Carlos?

    Make yourself at home in San Carlos by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 700 vacation rentals in Mt. Carmel, and over 700 vacation rentals in Edgewood Park.

  • Are there house rentals with a dedicated workspace in San Carlos?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 70 house rentals in San Carlos featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • How much does it cost to stay in condo rentals in San Carlos?

    Experience the best of San Carlos with our condo rentals, starting at about $50 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Are there San Carlos hotel rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 40 hotel rentals with pools in San Carlos, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • Do house rentals in San Carlos have a kitchen?

    Absolutely! We offer over 110 house rentals with a kitchen in San Carlos. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there pet-friendly apartment rentals in San Carlos?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in San Carlos. Choose from more than 10 apartment rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Do guesthouse rentals in San Carlos have free parking?

    Absolutely! We offer over 20 guesthouse rentals with free parking in San Carlos. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do guesthouse rentals in San Carlos have air conditioning?

    Absolutely! We offer over 20 guesthouse rentals with air conditioning in San Carlos. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do condo rentals in San Carlos have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 condo rentals with wifi in San Carlos. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in San Carlos?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 130 homes with wifi, over 110 homes with free parking, over 110 homes with a kitchen, over 60 homes with air conditioning, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

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