Waterfront vacation rentals in California

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in California

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

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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, 178 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

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Top guest favorite
The sleeping area is adorned with warm wood finishes, featuring a spacious bed with soft linens. Natural light filters in through circular porthole windows, enhancing the classic nautical ambiance. A wooden dresser is positioned nearby, and a doorway leads to the bathroom, which is tastefully designed.
Boat in Alameda
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 1,065 reviews

Step back in time on this beautiful classic yacht

Good Luck is a hundred-year-old classic yacht, lovingly restored and ready to transport you to another time while luxuriously spoiling you on your bay area adventure. This dockside charter gives you complete privacy and an amazing nautical experience. Alameda is a beautiful island community in the heart of the Bay, filled with beautiful homes, adorable shops, and many great restaurants. The San Francisco ferry is close by to whisk you to the big city, so why would you want to stay anywhere else?

BeachRiverAmenities

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 out of 5 average rating, 220 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.

RiverViewBathroom

Top guest favorite
Home in Lower Lake
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 117 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.

BeachViewHospitality

Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Whitethorn
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 190 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.

BeachViewOutdoor spaces

Top guest favorite
Villa in Avalon
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviews

H245: Top 1% on Catalina, 21 steps, New Golf Cart

** Ask us about early check in! ** Welcome to Haven, the very popular premium Hamilton Cove condo with jaw dropping unobstructed ocean views! Our upper corner condo has extra windows and a 35' balcony. Only 21 steps from top! New appliances, 65" & 55" TVs, business-class WiFi, fireplace, vaulted ceilings, golf cart and laundry! No neighbor above BD+LR. Enjoy the pool, spa, gym, saunas, beach, mini golf, tennis courts, playground & beach volleyball. 4-person max unless 1 guest <1 year old.

BeachViewDecor

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 out of 5 average rating, 159 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!

ViewRiverParks

Guest favorite
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

Either Way Hideaway

Relax and enjoy riverside views in our tranquil Santa Cruz Mountains guesthouse. Cozy by our fire pits, take a dip in a private hot tub and enjoy the sounds of the river flow by. Hike Big Basin, Castle Rock and Henry Cowell State Parks. Close to historic downtown Boulder Creek and the Santa Cruz boardwalk, it’s the perfect base for exploring Santa Cruz county. Immerse yourself in of nature while staying connected and comfortable. Either way, you’ll enjoy your stay! SCC Permit #251382

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Guest favorite
Tiny home in Three Rivers
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 250 reviews

Romantic Mirror House | Hot Tub (Infinite)

Paradise Ranch Inn is a private nature retreat minutes from Sequoia National Park. Stay in design-forward mirror cabins with private hot tubs or luxury glamping tents set across a scenic riverfront landscape. Enjoy fire pits, sauna, outdoor cooking with pizza ovens and grills, forest trails, and pure mountain air. A mile of river runs through the property, offering natural cold plunges, swimming, and peaceful nights under clear Sierra stars. Note: This is our only pet-friendly listing.

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Top guest favorite
Cabin in Idyllwild-Pine Cove
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 529 reviews

The Far Out - A Frame cabin in the woods

The Far Out is a classic A-frame cabin nestled in the beautiful woods of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains. This mountain retreat sits on an acre of land, complete with a 1200 sq ft wooden deck and semi-sunken hot tub. The interior décor is impeccably curated, blending vintage character with modern design for a distinctly cool cabin vibe. Set far back from the road, the cabin and the grounds offer a magnificent private space for a relaxing getaway. Beauty abounds at The Far Out!

ViewRiverCheckout

Top guest favorite
The exterior view reveals a charming beach cottage with a deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lush greenery surrounds the property, and coastal features are visible in the landscape. The bright blue sky enhances the vibrant ocean waters, creating a serene coastal atmosphere.
Cottage in Gualala
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 396 reviews

Secluded Oceanfront Beach Cottage and Private Cove

The beach cottage is light and airy, the perfect romantic getaway. Mind blowing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with beach access to our private cove WiFi available down at The Point and beach/cove Password the same as cottage. Available in guest book We provide high end shampoo/conditioner, local roasted coffee from Little Green Bean, sparkling wine from Mendocino County, fresh free range chicken eggs, organic cooking oils and all of the essential cooking spices.

BeachViewHeating

Guest favorite
A well-maintained garden features flowering plants and green foliage, leading to a striking glass dome structure. The dome's unique design complements the natural surroundings, while a nearby detached bathroom can be seen, enhancing functionality and convenience.
Dome in Angels Camp
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 207 reviews

Glashaus | Lakeview Glass Dome + The Perch

Escape to Glashaus, an architecturally designed glass dome perched above New Melones Lake. Surrounded by ancient granite outcroppings, this private retreat combines luxury with nature, featuring panoramic lake views, an outdoor spa bath, open-air shower, and our signature outdoor kitchen and lounge—The Perch. Watch the sunrise from bed, cook dinner above the lake, and end the evening beneath some of California's darkest star-filled skies.

ViewDecorGetting around

Popular amenities for California waterfront rentals

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