Whether you’re a California native or a tourist traveling around the state, it’s often nice to get away from the big cities. One of the best things about California is how much choice it offers, with its deserts, forests, and seaside towns providing plenty of great places to unwind. That variety is reflected in the best Airbnbs in California. This list will guide you through the top choices, saving you the time of hunting them down.
Now, if all you want is an ordinary vacation apartment for rent in California, this list isn’t going to do much for you – because we’ve selected the best of the best, finding well-rated Airbnbs with superhosts. In case you’re not familiar, superhosts are Airbnb hosts with well-reviewed properties and proven records of good service. We’ve also listed a few Airbnb Plus rentals, which are special properties that take style to the next level. Let’s get to it!
Remote Tiny Home With Loft Bedroom
Surrounded by redwoods, this has to be one of the best Airbnbs in Northern California for some R&R. In this small one-bedroom house outside the town of Elk near Mendocino, you can escape the world in style.
We can’t stress enough how remote this California Airbnb is. It’s 5 miles to the nearest town – Elk, which has nothing more than a roadhouse and market. There’s also no Wi-Fi and very limited cell service, making this the perfect place for a digital detox. Instead of using tech, you can enjoy your cozy surroundings, go for walks in the quiet forest, or take a short drive to the seaside.
You’ll get a relaxed cabin feel in the downstairs living room, with big windows looking out to the forest. There’s a kitchenette with a single cooktop and minifridge, a recently renovated bathroom, and a bedroom with a queen bed, which is hidden away up a ladder staircase. You also get a great outdoor seating space, complete with a table and hammock.
Romantic Beachfront Apartment in Malibu
If you’re dreaming of time by the ocean, you need to see this beach house Airbnb in California. Set right on the beaches of Malibu, this is one of the best Airbnbs in California on the ocean – and an ideal place for you to sit back and have a few drinks while listening to the waves break. It’s on a quieter part of the Malibu coast, so it won’t get busy with other tourists.
This Airbnb Plus apartment has a single bedroom with a queen bed, making it well suited for a romantic getaway. From the cozy bedroom, you can venture out onto the spacious patio, relax in the sun loungers, and rinse off in the rain shower after time at the beach.
You also have plenty of indoor space, thanks to the bright and comfortable living room with sofas and a dining table. Sharing the room is the kitchen, complete with a gas oven and the usual appliances. Heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities are some other amenities you get from superhost Connie, who’s attentive to guests’ needs.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Malibu, CA
Redwood Treehouse in Santa Cruz Mountains
Rather than simply rent a cabin in California, consider a stay in this genuine treehouse, which is built off the ground around two redwood trees. Hidden away in the coastal forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this treehouse Airbnb in California offers an experience like no other.
The house is located down a trail a few hundred yards from the parking area, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to wander through the woods during your stay at this cozy little treehouse that sleeps two. The main living space includes a large bed, sofa, gas stove heater, and kitchen with a stove and refrigerator. Attached to that room is a full bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Since your surroundings are meant to be your main focus up here, the amenities are rather simple. While there is a TV and DVD player, you won’t find Wi-Fi or air conditioning here in the woods. One nice perk, however, is the new hot tub, which will make it easy to relax at the end of the day.
Related: 15 Best Cabin Rentals in California, USA
Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway
Possibly the most unique Airbnb in California, this one-bedroom guesthouse goes all out with its Caribbean jungle theme. Surrounded by the greenery of Topanga Canyon just outside of LA, this rental is great for couples who want a fun and relaxing break. The location is also convenient, as it’s up near Topanga State Park and only a 20-minute drive from both Santa Monica and Malibu.
What’s special about this California Airbnb is how much it has going on before you even get inside. You’ll find multiple patios around the private bungalow, featuring various combinations of tables and chairs, a daybed, a hammock, a swing, and an outdoor bathtub. There’s even a romantically secluded Jacuzzi, where you can happily spend hours soaking, and a huge tent lodge for further relaxation.
With so much outdoor space, you won’t mind the smaller interior, especially as its design keeps with the jungle look. Only suited for two adults, the bungalow has a single bedroom with a queen-size bed, while the living room has a reclining couch and a flat-screen TV. In case you want to cook, the kitchenette includes a stovetop, a microwave, a coffee maker, and other essentials.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Los Angeles, CA
Mushroom Dome Retreat Suite
Although there are Airbnbs across the globe, this cabin rental in California is one of the most popular in the world. The Mushroom Dome Retreat has made headlines for being the most booked place on Airbnb in multiple years, with visitors needing to reserve dates months in advance. While you can no longer stay in the cabin itself, you can access it by staying in the private LAND of Paradise suite.
Located in the hills near Aptos Village off Monterey Bay, this is one of the best California Airbnbs for a nature retreat. While you can go hiking in the woods and pet the resident goats, the Mushroom Dome is the big draw here. Gaze out through the geodesic dome into the surrounding trees, and meditate or nap in the serene, rustic space.
The cozy suite has a private bedroom with a double bed – as well as a foldout couch bed, so it sleeps up to three people. If you’re bringing babies or dogs, superhosts Kitty and Michael can prepare the suite for them as well. There are also basic kitchen facilities, including a small fridge and a kettle for tea and coffee.
Secluded Hobbit House Near San Diego
You don’t need to go to New Zealand to see how hobbits live – this Airbnb in California is basically a hobbit house. Yes, this house outside of Ramona north of San Diego truly resembles Frodo’s house from The Lord of the Rings, complete with a big round door.
Stepping inside, you’ll be overwhelmed by the beautiful, lantern-lit stone and wood decor, including a wood-burning fireplace and granite sink. It’s not a large space, but the queen-size Murphy bed makes it suitable for two. You have a nice patio area outside, and you can even climb up on the roof to sit and watch the sunrise.
While magical, the hobbit house lacks amenities like electricity, cell service, and Wi-Fi, though you can access Wi-Fi and electrical outlets at the main house. This means more basic kitchen facilities: a cooler, a camping stove, and a barbecue grill. But the character of the property more than makes up for the lack of amenities.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in San Diego, CA
Dreamy Glass Cottage in Nature Paradise
One of the best Airbnb rentals in California for nature lovers has to be this cottage in the woods near Santa Barbara. This is the perfect accommodation if you want an outdoor adventure with a little comfort. Thanks to its walls of solid glass, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping out among the trees.
This California Airbnb sits in a small clearing among the trees. Its design cleverly integrates the surrounding nature, with two walls of windows and two of mirrors, creating a little nature retreat that deftly blends in with the forest. Unsurprisingly, the cottage’s interior is simple and straightforward, with the queen bed occupying most of the space.
The outdoor space includes a kitchen and a bathhouse with an open-air shower to retain the ambience. Hammocks, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub are some other nice amenities. Don’t expect a TV or Wi-Fi, though; nature and the nearby city of Santa Barbara are the entertainment here.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara, CA
Large Desert Dome Near Palm Springs
Groups and families looking for a desert getaway will love this big geodesic dome house out near Palm Springs. This hyper-modern house has to be one of the coolest Airbnbs in California, with everything you need for any occasion. It’s one of those vacation rentals in California that’s great if you want to spend time with your group away from the rest of the world.
Able to sleep up to six, the house has three bedrooms, each with a queen bed. The property also has 2.5 bathrooms and a fully decked-out kitchen to accommodate groups of this size. You have the choice of dining inside or out, and the living room is equipped with books, games, and a big smart TV.
While you may be isolated on this 5-acre property, you still have cell reception and high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected with the outside world. Speaking of outside, you’ll have some stunning views of the surrounding windmills, desert, and mountains.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs, CA
Tile House in the Desert
Why rent an apartment in California for a vacation when you could stay somewhere unique, like an artistic desert house? Located just outside of Twentynine Palms, this eclectic Airbnb makes the ideal desert hangout.
As its name suggests, this two-bedroom house is entirely decorated in tiles, which will amaze you from one room to the next. You and up to three other guests can meditate by the Buddha fountain or unwind while looking out over the desert and up into the stars. There’s also an outdoor hot tub, in case that’s how you prefer to relax.
Both bedrooms feature queen beds and their own colorful designs. For your convenience, the full kitchen includes a stove, a refrigerator, and a bar with stools. There’s also the middle room and dining room, so space won’t be a problem. You also get laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a dog door in case you bring your pet.
Love Nest w/ Private Deck
Located over a barn on a ranch, you’ll feel like you’re visiting the Wild West at this Airbnb out in the Morongo Valley. With both Joshua Tree and Palm Springs just a 20 minute drive away, this farm stay offers up a whole new take on the standard desert vacay.
More than just a room for the night, staying here is a full-on experience. Superhosts Galiena and Gary make you feel welcome as they take you on a tour of the ranch and show you the saloon where you can get drinks or play pool. Other options for entertaining yourself include the 25ft swing and the hiking trails that lead down into the valley.
As for your private room, it features a king bed, seating area, and old fashioned bath tub to unwind in. There’s also an outdoor shower. Then there’s the large deck outside the room where you can read or admire the scenery. And while there’s no kitchen facilities, you do have comforts like Wi-Fi, cable TV, and air-conditioning.
Zen Retreat With Ocean View
Inspired by the Japanese concept of Zen and overlooking Bolinas Bay, this small retreat is a great alternative to a short-term apartment rental in California. Located just up the coast from San Francisco and a few minutes from Stinson Beach, the property offers a wonderful combination of serenity and seaside.
Featuring a strong Japanese style, this one-room guesthouse makes up for minimal space with plenty of creature comforts. Along with a queen bed, the room provides a tea kettle and coffee maker, as well as kimonos for you to wear while relaxing. Outside the bungalow is a lovely balcony, where you can enjoy breakfast as you look out onto the coast.
Across a little bridge in the Zen garden, you’ll come to the bathhouse, where you’ll find the toilet and shower. There is also an outdoor Japanese soaking tub with views of the garden. Other nice touches include Wi-Fi and a private walkway that takes you down to the beach and local restaurants.
Traditional Japanese Teahouse
Another Airbnb in California taking inspiration from Japan, this guesthouse is set up like a traditional teahouse. When you step inside, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re actually in Berkeley and only a few blocks from the university.
Taking its Japanese aesthetic seriously, the teahouse is lined with traditional tatami mats and centers on a low-lying dining table. Off to one side of the main room is a queen-size futon that can sleep two. The other room is the bathroom, featuring a traditional Japanese soaking tub that also works as a shower.
The guesthouse has limited food-prep appliances – a small fridge, toaster oven, and tea kettle. You can stay warm with a wood stove in the winter, while a fan is available during summer. You can also use the Wi-Fi and leave your luggage with superhosts Zan and Rainbow for sightseeing before or after your stay.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Berkeley, CA
Joshua Tree Homesteader Cabin
This is one of the best airbnbs in Southern California for couples seeking a secluded desert getaway. Just a short drive from the town of Joshua Tree and the national park of the same name, this restored cabin makes for a great base to explore this beloved part of southern California.
While the outside of the cabin hasn’t changed a bit since it was built in 1955, inside you’ll find a renovated interior for your comfort. While the cabin comes with Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, you will have to rough it a little thanks to the outhouse toilet and open-air shower. Still, you have a bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen all combined in the cabin’s space, providing the essentials for your time there.
Outside, there’s plenty of covered seating space to look out and admire the desert wilderness during sunrise and sunset. You might even spot some cottontail rabbits, lizards, or owls if you’re lucky.
Rustic Tiny Home in Shasta Valley
Emphasizing setting over space, this hut in the Shasta Valley of Northern California is as adorable as it is small. A cross between a ranch cabin and a caravan wagon, this off-the-grid Airbnb gives you the essentials in style.
The hut is lined with diamond windows, providing plenty of light in the kitchenette and dining space. The kitchenette provides the essentials, as well as an electric hot plate and wood stove for cooking. Behind all this is the queen-size bed, which has a view of Mount Shasta. An outhouse and outdoor shower are close by.
Given its humble style, it should be no surprise that you won’t find luxuries like Wi-Fi and hair dryers at this Airbnb. However, you’ll have access to the 40-acre property around the hut, as well as the lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in the area. You can rely on superhost Jennifer to answer any questions you have.
Quaint Cottage Among Redwood Trees
It’s hard to resist a cozy cottage in the woods of Sonoma, especially one as charming as this. The house is a little inland from the coast, nestled between the region’s iconic redwoods, offering a chance to step away from the world for a bit.
Making the most of its setting, this gorgeous redwood cabin has a covered deck with an outdoor kitchen. Along with the stovetop and microwave, there’s a dining table out here, so you don’t need to head indoors at mealtime. Also outdoors is the bathroom and shower, though they’re sheltered from the elements.
The cabin’s one room centers on the large double bed, and you’ll also find a wood stove, fridge, and desk. But the real perk of staying in this cabin is the access to a sauna, outdoor hot tub, and fire pit – the last two of which are surrounded by giant redwoods, providing an incredible atmosphere for relaxation.
Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Sonoma, CA
It should be obvious by now that there are quite a few cool, beautiful, and unique Airbnbs in California where you can happily spend your vacation. Whatever accommodation style you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it in the Golden State.
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