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Vacation rentals in California

Book unique homes, vacation rentals, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in California

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

Superhost
Camper/RV in Joshua Tree
Wonderlust Airstream
Desert mountain views, stunning sunrises, breathtaking sunsets, rabbits hopping around the yard, coyotes howling at night. We’re inviting you to enjoy your breakfast on our wooden deck with stunning views, to grill with our built-in propane grill, to sit by a cozy fire in our unique gas fire pit, to jump into the refreshing cowboy tub to cool down on hot days and to comfortably lie in the jacuzzi at night while gazing at the stars... this can be your unforgettable Airstream experience.
$258 per night
Superhost
Home in Lake Arrowhead
Peaceful Modern A-Frame Cabin with a view
Enjoy your morning coffee gazing towards an unobstructed forest view. Nature pours through every window. The Peaceful Modern has been renovated to be open, spacious, and full of light. Step inside and feel relaxation wash over you. Spend the day enjoying the charm of Lake Arrowhead, hiking the trails, or curling up with a book next to the fireplace. At night, prepare a meal in the well-appointed fully stocked gourmet kitchen. Only a 10-minute drive to Lake Arrowhead village.
$316 per night
Plus
Tiny home in Twentynine Palms
Architect's Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin.
Folly is modern and stylish that reflects the earthy tones of the landscape. The smaller structure houses an open-air bedroom that offers unique views of the mountains and is perfect for stargazing. It also has an indoor bedroom underneath. Spend time in nature, lounge in a hammock, or take a short drive for great food, art galleries, and music. This piece of architecture designed by Malek Alqadi blends indoor-outdoor living with an emphasis on innovative minimalist design.
$430 per night

Home rentals in California

Superhost
Home in Malibu
EAGLE'S WATCH MALIBU- Architectural w/ Ocean View
$962 per night
Home in Freedom
Old Amesti Schoolhouse mid-bay amidst farmland
$495 per night
Superhost
Home in Joshua Tree
Zebra Shadow, Joshua Tree
$191 per night
Superhost
Home in Pioneertown
Off-grid itHouse
$520 per night

California beach vacation rentals

Cottage in Bodega Bay
Surfscape Beach House, Private Beach & Ocean views
$804 per night
Superhost
Guest suite in Tiburon
Award-winning ocean view luxury master suite.
$703 per night
Superhost
Home in Trinidad
Lush 2BR Oceanview | Hot Tub | WoodStove
$420 per night
Superhost
Home in Carlsbad
Beach House, Ocean Views, Roof Top Deck & AC
$454 per night

Beach home rentals in California

Plus
Home in Twentynine Palms
Park Vista at Joshua Tree
$230 per night
Superhost
Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea Mission Beach House
$618 per night
Home in Bodega Bay
Ocean Fairways
$700 per night
Superhost
Home in Half Moon Bay
Coastal Estate w Hot Tub Ocean Views Walk to
$368 per night

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.