Vacation rentals in California

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in California

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

1 of 1 pages1 / 1
Top guest favorite
Home in Lower Lake
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Cozy Lakefront Retreat - Private Trails & Beach

A bright historic farmhouse overlooking Clear Lake, with a private lakefront cove and access to a second shared beach & dock. Scenic views, private trails, and generous indoor and outdoor gathering areas are ideal for unwinding together. Enjoy meals on the covered veranda, cook in the well-stocked kitchen, bathe in the outdoor spa, play in the game room, or gather by the fire pit after sunset. Wineries, farm stands, shops, and hiking nearby make great outings for couples, families, and friends.

Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Nevada City
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews

Land Yacht AirDream - w/ Hot tub & Creek access

Just a 4-minute drive from downtown Nevada City and yet totally secluded, this absurdly magical Airstream Land Yacht has elevated glamping to the next level. Imagine being completely nestled under a canopy of trees while maintaining every creature comfort you can imagine. Hot tub? Check. Creek access? Wifi? Check. Outdoor shower and movies over a gas fire pit? Check, check. No expense was spared to both design and create this epic yet romantic, one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Bon Voyage!

Top guest favorite
The exterior of a stone studio is seen at dusk, featuring an arched entrance framed by natural stone walls. Steps lead to a small patio area, with expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including distant city lights and the twilight sky.
Cave in Lake San Marcos
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Casa Grotto, Romantic Stone Cottage w/ Ocean Views

Perched 800ft above sea level with panoramic ocean views from La Jolla to Catalina Island, Casa Grotto is a unique stone studio carved into the ocean view hillside of Lake San Marcos . Built in the 80's using stone from the mountain, the space was updated in 2025 with modern touches—featuring a rock shower, full kitchen, AC, and gym. Just 20 minutes from the beach, it’s a dreamy escape for surfers, hikers, and couples looking for a romantic getaway. No pets—our two friendly boxers live on-site

Top guest favorite
A serene outdoor deck features two lounge chairs facing a tranquil river and mountain landscape. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over the space. The surrounding area is adorned with lush greenery and natural scenery, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Camper/RV in Kernville
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 155 reviews

The Kern River House: MoonShine Trailer Waterfront

MoonShine Trailer, an epic riverfront property by The Kern River House. Very cool 1955 Boles Aero Ensenada Trailer is lovingly restored & updated. Its forever home on a beautiful spot of Kern River, just south of Big Daddy Rapids. Private Waterfront with River Access, cedar hot tub, patios, gas BBQ, fire pit, outdoor shower, speedy WiFi & the coolest vintage vibe. Has queen bed, single sofa bed, indoor bathroom, a/c & heating, refrigerator, stovetop, all kitchen tools. Endless relaxing fun!

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, 151 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
Cabin in Lone Pine
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 334 reviews

West Wind on Lone Starr

Inspired by the iconic boulders of the Alabama Hills, this unique studio retreat captures breathtaking views of Mount Whitney and the Eastern Sierra. Soak in the handcrafted stone hot tub beneath a star-filled sky after a day of adventure. Minutes from Whitney Portal, Horseshoe Meadow, and renowned trails, it's an ideal base for hiking and exploring. Experience one of the world's most remarkable landscapes, where North America's lowest point, highest peak, and oldest living trees all meet.

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a leather sofa facing a mounted television, framed by large glass doors that open to a sunset view. Warm wood beams and accent lighting enhance the natural atmosphere. A potted plant and a decorative area rug add color to the room.
Cabin in Nevada City
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviews

Playful Mountain Sunset Escape

Starting from two cargo containers, this home was built to be a seamless space to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing any luxuries while you play. Designed to be an off-grid, sustainable home, this house features a movable glass wall, which opens the living room into the outdoors facing the setting sun. Beautiful native landscaping surrounds a basketball court and covered dining area. Indoors, natural light and a playful spark runs throughout with a second story hammock to enjoy it all!

Top guest favorite
Home in Twentynine Palms
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 141 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
The treehouse is nestled among tall trees, featuring a rustic exterior and a peaked roof. A small balcony extends from the front, offering a view of the surrounding forest. The path leading to the treehouse is lined with greenery, contributing to a secluded atmosphere.
Treehouse in Trinidad
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 386 reviews

Amazing Stump House with Private Outdoor Living.

ADULTS ONLY IF YOUR DESIRED DATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, PLEASE CONSIDER STAYING AT THE OTHER AMAZING EXPERIENCE ON OUR PROPERTY. "An Architects Studio" This cozy Treehouse is idyllic. Cocooned by Redwoods, Sitka Spruce and Huckleberries. A ladder leads you to the cozy sleeping loft, where you can gaze at the stars through the two huge skylights. Just down the steps across the OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM, step into the "Shower Grotto", inside an Old Growth Redwood Stump with a Rain Shower.

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, 117 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.

Guest favorite
The rustic camping hut is elevated on stilts, surrounded by towering trees. A small deck leads to the entrance, while a woodpile is visible at the base. Natural light filters through the trees, creating a serene forest ambiance.
Treehouse in Elk
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 565 reviews

Forest Camping Hut

Enjoy a private forest camping hut. Rustic yet designed with comfort in mind. Nestled among the Redwoods a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. This is a place for you to disconnect and reconnect with the surroundings. To unplug and decompress from busy life. 5 miles from our town of Elk and a nice coastal drive to historic Mendocino. Our calendar is open 3 months in advance. If you like to to be on our waitlist, send us your email address.

Top guest favorite
Two wooden structures are illuminated warmly in the evening, surrounded by towering trees. A yurt is nestled between them, with string lights providing a soft glow. A stone campfire sits in a circular arrangement on the ground, enhancing the natural setting.
Yurt in Nevada City
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Magical Yurt in the woods - 2 miles from town

Experience the Beauty of the Sierra foothills and the Yuba River in our Yurt tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada City. Country Living magazine listed Nevada City as one of the top 10 small cities. Grass Valley is 10 minutes away as well and has more food, shopping, and entertainment for you. Access to the Yuba River is as close as 20 mins to Edwards Crossing and 20 mins to Hoyts Crossing on Highway 49.

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