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.

%{current} / %{total}1 / 1
Top guest favorite
A wide sandy beach stretches toward the horizon, illuminated by soft sunlight reflecting off the ocean. Gentle waves lap at the shore, where visitors can be seen enjoying the tranquil environment. Dune grasses frame the beach, adding to the natural scenery.
Vacation home in Watsonville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 443 reviews

Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

Beautiful oceanfront condominium with an unobstructed view to Monterey Bay & the Pacific Ocean; just 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz & 30 minutes north of Monterey/Carmel. Newly remodeled with granite counters, new kitchen appliances, paint, furniture, tile and carpeted floors. Electric fireplace adds to the magical ambience this home embraces. High ceilings, just steps to the beach. Convenient parking. 2 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, 1200 sf. A great place to kick off your shoes and relax.

Top guest favorite
A spacious deck features wooden lounge chairs arranged for relaxation, overlooking the ocean. Glass railings provide an unobstructed view of Black Sands Beach and the surrounding cliffs. Natural light from the horizon casts a soft glow, enhancing the tranquil scene.
Guesthouse in Whitethorn
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews

Mermaids View Breathtaking Ocean View-Pet Friendly

Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway overlooking the beautiful Black Sands Beach. The bottom level of the house is on the cliffs edge so you will have a Birds Eye view of all the whale activity and people watching on the beach. The large deck has glass railing which makes it completely unobstructed. There are no neighbors directly on either side so it is very quiet and private. Newly renovated small-scale kitchen & living room. Just a short walk to the restaurants. Perfect for R&R.

Top guest favorite
A rustic cabin is situated among tall redwood trees. A wooden deck extends towards a tranquil pool, which is surrounded by greenery and flower beds. The warm tones of the cabin's exterior complement the natural surroundings, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Guesthouse in Woodside
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 342 reviews

Rustic Cabin in the Redwoods

Tucked among the redwood trees on top of King's Mountain, this 1 bedroom cabin offers both rustic charm and modern luxury. Property owners live onsite in the main house about 30 feet away from the cabin. Located just 20 minutes off HWY 280, this cabin is the perfect weekend retreat for those looking to get away from the bay area without actually leaving. Spend time relaxing in the pool, hiking or biking one of the nearby trails, or just reading a book while sitting among the redwood trees.

Top guest favorite
An outdoor living area is presented, featuring a spacious deck with comfortable bedding and soft textiles. The rustic structure is complemented by natural elements like wooden beams and a panoramic view of clouds and mountains, illuminated by a warm sunset.
Villa in Malibu
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

DREAM Airstream! Insane Ocean View! HOT TUB-Cinema

This ultimate romantic glamping retreat offers a unique transformative nature escape ! Perched atop the Malibu hills ABOVE THE CLOUDS with one of the MOST SPECTACULAR OCEAN & MOUNTAINS VIEWS OF THE WEST COAST, the retreat features a custom AIRSTREAM with huge glass sliding doors, a authentic Bedouin tent, a African plunge pool,a outdoor cinema, stargazing bed, swing,piano and shower meticulously designed to bring the spirit of the Sahara desert to California! A ONCE IN A LIFE dream experience!

Top guest favorite
An outdoor patio area is depicted, featuring wooden dining furniture and adirondack chairs under a clear blue sky. Lush greenery surrounds the space, including a potted plant and flowering bushes. The cottage entrance is visible through double glass doors, inviting guests into the private area.
Tiny home in Lake Isabella
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 715 reviews

Bluebird Cottage Spectacular lake views

Hello and welcome to Bluebird Cottage. We are located 1 mile up a dirt road in the Isabella Highlands overlooking Lake Isabella. Our road is bumpy in and steep in areas, but we have never had a guest not make it up here. We are approximately a 3 hour Drive to Sequoia National Park. We are a 2 hour drive from Death Valley National Park. We are a 4 hour drive from Yosemite. We are 3 hr drive from Los Angeles. Bluebird Cottage is a cozy tiny home with a private outdoor space. Incredible views!

Top guest favorite
A wooden pathway leads to a charming cabin, positioned among towering coastal redwoods. Lush greenery surrounds the area, with steps ascending to the entrance. The structure features large windows allowing natural light to illuminate the interior, creating a welcoming appearance.
Cabin in Carmel-by-the-Sea
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 330 reviews

Serene Redwood Retreat w/Modern Comfort

At our Modern cabin nestled among 150 year old redwoods, we invite you to embark on a unique adventure of embracing the outdoors while only minutes from town. Wine tasting in downtown Carmel, World Class Golf at Pebble Beach or Hiking trails of Point Lobos and Big Sur. "Magical", "Amazing", "A True Sanctuary" are just a few words used by our guest to describe their stay with us. Get away and unplug in the stillness and solitude of our Serene Redwood Retreat. Please see property description.

Top guest favorite
A tranquil outdoor area features a swimming pool surrounded by trees, with soft lighting strung overhead. Several rocking chairs are positioned nearby, inviting relaxation by the water. The serene setting offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Farm stay in Modesto
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 283 reviews

Beautiful Orchard House on the Farm- Jacuzzi/Pool

A very magical place we call home. Nestled in the middle of 20 acres of established walnut trees, lies your new favorite getaway! You can simply sit back and chill in the beautiful Orchard House or come outside and enjoy the patio/pool/barbecue/ fire pit and spa. One of the bedrooms listed is upstairs in a gaming tower, filled with entertainment options!! Also if you love animals as much as we do, you can help feed our furry and feathered friends .Either way....Prepare to fall in love!

Top guest favorite
A sunlit wooden deck extends from the Victorian cottage, featuring a yoga mat and overlooking the tranquil ocean. Coastal scenery is framed by trees, with a small island visible in the distance against the serene blue water.
Home in Little River
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Beach Trail Cottage

Come recharge in our 1887 Victorian cottage—as featured in the New York Times real estate section in November ‘23–with unobstructed views of the stunning Mendocino coastline. Descend from our beautiful home along a gently sloping, short trail leading directly onto the Van Damme State Park beach. Beach Trail Cottage offers a deep front porch, decorative shingles, and high-pitched roof angles that seamlessly blends the old with the new for an unpretentious yet elegant, inviting space.

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
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviews

Romantic Creekside-Hot Tub-Privacy

This rustically elegant cabin overlooks year round Rock Creek, on 30 private acres of woodland. High ceilings, french doors, a full kitchen, plush furnishings, wood burning stove and gas barbecue are part of the 650 sq ft of spaciousness. With a hot tub on the deck. Just ten minutes from historic Nevada City. The stargazing and tranquility are amazing. 100% privacy on property and at the creek. This studio cabin is perfect for couples or a solo retreat.

Top guest favorite
The image displays a stunning view of a rocky coastline, where the ocean meets the shore. Waves crash against the dark rocks, and the water showcases a range of blues and greens. The surrounding cliffs are lush with vegetation, contributing to the serene landscape.
Home in Albion
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 443 reviews

Pacific Gem - Jewel of the Bluff

Pacific Gem overlooks the ocean. Two bedroom 2-bath home just a few miles from the quaint town of Mendocino. You will see whales, birds, and incredible sunsets. There is also a separate cottage that can be rented separately or with the house. Found under Albion, CA. "Quaint Ocean Cottage". The 11% county tax is included in the nightly rates. A separate owner Rental Agreement is required. Maximum of 2 dogs allowed with a non-refundable pet fee of $50.00

Top guest favorite
The modern container home is surrounded by lush greenery and grapevines. Floor-to-ceiling windows reflect the natural light, offering unobstructed views of the landscape. The structure is elevated, enhancing the connection to the surrounding redwoods and vineyards.
Guesthouse in Sebastopol
5 out of 5 average rating, 185 reviews

Modern Container Home with Vineyard Views [NEW]

Welcome to Luna Luna House! - A modern container home, turned one-of-a-kind vacation retreat. Where the redwoods meet the vineyards, a serene sanctuary has been thoughtfully crafted where you can unwind and recharge. Luna Luna House is truly a place to commune with nature, enjoy modern conveniences, and indulge in an unforgettable travel experience! - * Designed by Owners + Honomobo Canada * Former location of The Rising Moon Yurt -

Top guest favorite
A coastal cabin is situated on rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean. The structure features large windows, allowing for expansive views of the water. Lush greenery surrounds the home, highlighting its natural setting against a cloudy sky.
Home in Montara
5 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews

Sea Wolf Bungalow

If you're looking for the most spectacular views on the San Mateo Coast, come to Sea Wolf Bungalow. Located just 20 minutes southwest of San Francisco and 7 miles north of Half Moon Bay, this historic cabin sits on its on own point with sweeping views of the Pacific. Enjoy whale watching, the beach, surfing, fishing, golf, hiking and the fabulous dining of the coastal area.

Popular amenities for California vacation rentals

Your guide to California

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.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in California

Depending on where you’re traveling, you could experience all four seasons or remain in the fog for your entire trip. Generally Los Angeles is dry and arid, with occasional heat waves in the summer, while San Francisco experiences a marine layer of fog that remains even through the summer (if you’re visiting San Francisco, always bring layers for the fog and the wind). Snow comes to the state’s mountain ranges in the winter, bringing cross-country and downhill enthusiasts to ski hubs like Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, and Big Bear.


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