Vacation rentals in California

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Top-rated vacation rentals in California

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews

Santa Cruz A-Frame

This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Top guest favorite
The entrance of the cottage features a wooden door framed by rustic wood siding. A spacious deck provides seating options, and a hat hangs on the wall. Lush greenery surrounds the entrance, while sunlight filters through the trees in the background.
Cabin in Nevada City
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 215 reviews

Romantic Creekside Cabin-Hot Tub-Privacy

Indulge in rustic-elegance, charm and comfort. Our luxurious fairytale cabin is built of warm toned cedar wood and floors: a gourmet kitchen, soaking tub for two, wood burning stove, hot tub, views. You will experience a full immersion in nature out every window and just one step out the door. Just a short ten minute drive from historic Nevada City, shopping, restaurants, theater, Deer Creek trail, Yuba River and hiking trails nearby. This studio cabin is perfect for couples or a solo retreat.

Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Whitethorn
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 184 reviews

Mermaids View Ocean Front! Beautiful Pets Welcome

Watch whales & stunning sunsets from your private cliffside deck above beautiful Black Sands Beach on the Lost Coast. Mermaids View sits right on the cliffs edge with a bird’s-eye view of all the whales and crashing waves below. The spacious deck features sleek glass railings for a completely unobstructed ocean panorama. With no neighbors directly beside you, it feels wonderfully quiet and private. Recently renovated cozy kitchen & living area. Just a short walk to the beach & restaurants.

Top guest favorite
A bright interior space features large windows allowing natural light to fill the area. Colorful cushions in various shades are arranged on the floor, complemented by wooden accents and an open ceiling design that highlights the natural surroundings.
Treehouse in Half Moon Bay
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews

Paradise Treehouse & Heavenly Cabin

A soulful and energetic paradise. Beautiful, private, peaceful & wild surroundings complimented with modern luxuries and comfort. A stunning, unique, & unrivaled experience sure to impact you deeply. Soak in the outdoor tub while you plan your next adventure. Just minutes from the beach, amazing hiking, views and biking. Outfitted with organic latex mattresses, down comforters, top of the line appliances, smoking fast internet and a spectacular wifi sound system with world class acoustics.

Top guest favorite
A serene riverfront view showcases a stone patio with lounge chairs nestled by the water's edge. Lush greenery surrounds the area, and the backdrop features a two-story house embraced by trees, with distant mountains rising in the background.
Home in Kernville
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

The Kern River House: River's Edge Cottage Private

River's Edge Cottage, a lovely riverfront property by The Kern River House. Unique spot on Kern River with Private River Access & epic vistas of the southern Sierra Mts. Meet the river as soon as you arrive! The large modern suite is perfect for 1 couple or small family. With a full bathroom, kitchenette, wood fireplace, cozy lounging nooks, propane BBQ, garden terraces, large dining patio, steady WiFi & fully gated property, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your riverfront stay.

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Big Bear Lake
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

The Capricorn Cabin

Welcome to the Capricorn Cabin! Built in 1961, this cozy mid-century modern A-frame cabin in Big Bear blends historic charm with hygge comfort featuring vintage décor, a modern gel-fuel fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and king bed sleeping loft. Located in the historic Big Bear neighborhood Sugarloaf, this cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway, trip with your small family, or solo retreat. Just minutes from the lake, slopes, and village, with easy access by bus. We'd be happy to host you!

Top guest favorite
Home in Twentynine Palms
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

Clerestory Cabin | Hot Tub · 10-Acres · King Bed

Couples, Tiny Families, & Desert Peace Seekers only, please. Named for its Mid-Century clerestory windows, this bespoke tiny homestead exudes comfort, sophistication, and exclusivity. Nestled on a private 10-acre parcel, there is no shortage of serene desert vistas and thick silence. Originally constructed in 1959, Clerestory Cabin has been impeccably restored to the very last detail. Brilliantly designed by SoCalSTR® | IG: @socalstr "Top 1%" local market performer according to AirDNA

Top guest favorite
A round entrance leads into a cozy hobbit hole, featuring warm tones and unique architectural elements. Inside, a comfortable sitting area and bedside lamp are visible, along with decorative artwork on the walls. The wooden furnishings create an inviting environment.
Earthen home in Bella Vista
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 244 reviews

Luxurious Hobbit Hole and Second Breakfast!

If you want to experience the comfort of a hobbit hole in a beautiful setting, this is your next destination! From the moment you walk through our round doors, you'll be pampered with rich furnishings, a cozy king-sized bed, spacious shower, plush bathrobes and unique details. Second breakfast is included! Inspired by Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry to his friends), it features the rich tones of Meduseld and the wood and stone of Fanghorn forest. Make sure to check out all four hobbit holes!

Top guest favorite
A six-person hot tub is set against a backdrop of rolling mountains and valleys, providing expansive views of the landscape. The water is inviting, with bubbles rising gently. The area surrounding the hot tub is accented by natural stones and vegetation, enhancing the serene environment.
Home in Julian
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 210 reviews

Private Getaway - Breathtaking Views

Discover the Julian Ridgetop Retreat, a private haven with breathtaking panoramic views. 🔸Wake to stunning Salton Sea sunrises from your bed 🔸Unwind in the hot tub under starry skies. 🔸Immerse yourself in nature with nearby trails and adventures 🔸Enjoying year-round comfort with central AC/heat. 🔸Explore historic Julian's charms—apple orchards, wineries, and quaint shops—just minutes away. 🔸Book now and receive our exclusive local guide for an unforgettable mountain escape.

Top guest favorite
A serene pool area is framed by vibrant green foliage and terracotta walls, with lounge chairs positioned nearby. Majestic mountains rise in the background under a clear blue sky. A shaded picnic table is visible, inviting relaxation in a tranquil outdoor setting.
Home in Jamul
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Jamul Hacienda | Couples Retreat | Pool & Views!

The Casita retreat is a guesthouse situated among a private 20 acre oasis surrounded by majestic mountain views and a citrus grove 30-40 minutes from San Diego. The space is designed for nature enthusiasts to retreat from the daily hustle and bustle and find peace and slowness. Come take a pause, relax poolside, pick citrus (when in season), enjoy nearby trails, and wineries. The sunsets and starry skies are breathtaking. We hope you get to experience their magic for yourself.

Top guest favorite
The house features a unique architectural design with a cedar shake exterior, nestled among towering trees. A large window invites natural light, while a welcoming patio area displays a simple chair. A vehicle is parked near the entrance, emphasizing accessibility.
Cabin in Gualala
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviews

Elsewhere - Dreamy getaway in the Redwoods

Designed by architect Ralph Matheson, Elsewhere is a sun drenched house in the redwoods with intoxicating surrounding views. Ready for a lovely escape that promotes a dialogue with nature and a connection to the cosmos at night. The amenity filled house is spacious for any couple. Ideally located, minutes from Gualala downtown with many dining options and the magical community of the Sea Ranch.

Top guest favorite
Shipping container in Pioneer
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

Relaxing Cabin Retreat - Hot Tub, Sauna with View

Escape to a modern, beautifully designed container cabin tucked among the tall trees of Pioneer. This peaceful retreat offers total privacy, clean modern comfort, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone needing a quiet reset. Enjoy morning coffee in your private sunroom, evenings by the fire pit, and star‑filled skies you simply can’t get in the city.

Popular amenities for California vacation rentals

All about California

As the third largest state in America and home to a number of famous sites, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, and breathtaking Highway 1 coastline, California has a lot to offer.

In Southern California, Los Angeles is a mix of beach and city living, with world-class international cuisine spread throughout its many neighborhoods, legendary surf spots along its coastline, and hiking in canyons that offer stunning views of the glittering Downtown Los Angeles skyline. Day trips from this sprawling megatropolis bring you into the midcentury design hub of Palm Springs, or the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park.

Up north, San Francisco is a compact city with rolling hills that make driving around or riding its famous cable cars feel like being in a slow-moving roller coaster. The prize for walking to the tops of its many neighborhood parks include views of the Bay Bridge and the iconic orange Golden Gate Bridge, as well as Golden Gate Park, which houses a number of notable museums. The city has a rich history of attracting artists, writers, musicians, who continue to make their marks in San Francisco concerts halls, dive bars, galleries, and museums.

Away from these big metropolises, Santa Cruz and Big Sur draw people to their dramatic Redwood-lined coastlines while Napa Valley and Sonoma bring wine lovers from around the world into town. Yosemite National Park, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a haven for hiking, rafting, and rock climbing.

What are the top things to do in California?

San Diego

When it comes to Southern California beaches, San Diego has some of the best opportunities to swim and surf, with notably warm water and air temperatures year-round, great surf breaks, and plenty of outfitters offering gear and lessons. Back on land, San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park houses 17 museums as well as numerous historic and cultural attractions across 1,200 acres. Beer connoisseurs know the city as one of the country’s epicenters of craft breweries.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is known for its epic waterfalls; wildlife sightings of marmots, bobcats, and dozens of species of butterflies; and scenic trails winding to lookouts like Glacier Point. Catch a glimpse of El Capitan, one of the park’s highest peaks, and gaze in wonder at the breathtaking Bridalveil Falls, which are at their best in spring.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe carries the prize of being the largest alpine lake in North America, and it’s one of the most iconic natural attractions in California. Its crystal clear waters make it seem like you could almost stare straight down to the bottom of its 1,645 feet. Come here to swim, hike or ride bikes along the paths that line the lake’s exterior, and in the winter, ski the slopes and Nordic trails nearby.

Destinations to explore