Vacation rentals in California

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Top-rated vacation rentals in California

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Top guest favorite
A wooden bungalow, nestled amid lush greenery, features a warm light glowing from its interior. The structure is complemented by a wooden railing and outdoor seating, providing a peaceful retreat. Pathways lined with stones lead through the surrounding vegetation.
Guesthouse in Stinson Beach
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 282 reviews

Beach View at the Bird’s Nest Bungalow

Relaxing refuge set on a lush hillside in the quiet seaside town of Stinson Beach. Feel transported by the Asian inspired design and tranquil outdoor shower and soaking tub. Indulge in treetop ocean views from the comfort of a queen bed, and watch the sun set from the privacy of a wooden deck. Walk only five minutes to three miles of perfect beach. It's worth the journey down through the trees on uneven stone stairs and very steep wooden stairs to find yourself transported away from it all. A comfortable queen bed with plenty of pillows affords the perfect sitting spot to look out through the branches of the treetops at the ocean. The small kitchen area has all you need for simple cooking. You'll find extra blankets in the closet behind an antique Japanese room screen while the new handcrafted shoji screen conceals the toilet and bathroom sink. The outside shower is exhilarating (and for the adventurous in the rain and winter) while the soaking tub is beyond relaxing while looking at the ocean watching the sky change colors at sunset. Ahhhhh. Good WiFi, flashlights for night walking, aromatherapy for fully relaxing, eye masks for sleeping in! I like to give my guests total privacy, but I’m always available if needed. ( text is easiest) Stinson Beach is a quiet seaside town popular for its calm surf, smooth sand, and miles of mountain trails. The beach bungalow set on the hillside with wooden and stone stairs to arrive. Worth the trek, but if you have a bad knee, a tricky ankle or a hitch in your get-along, this is not the property for you. A car is recommended for day trips to Muir Woods, the Point Reyes National Seashore, Mt Tamalpais, a ferry ride to San Francisco and shopping in Sausalito. The Marin Airporter will get you from SFO to Mill Valley and then you can hop on the Stage Coach to town. (See Marin Transit Website). The Stage will take you in and around Marin County. However the best way to get around our small beach town is to park the car and walk. Our tiny town has three restaurants, one with fresh baked bread and take out, a library, bookstore , surf shop, kayak and surf rental shop, photography gallery, upcycled denim and hand dyed clothing shop, art galleries, jewelry, flower shop, and more. The Stinson Beach Market has all you'll need for a weekend getaway. You'll want to take a long or short hike on the beautifully maintained hiking trails of the Matt Davis or Steep Ravine and stroll the three miles of perfect sand of one of the best beaches in Northern California. You can surf, boogie board, paddle board, kite sail, or just plain put your feet in the water and marvel at the wonder of the ocean. Whether it's mountain or sea it's all about nature here in our coastal town. Guests must be realistic about climbing stairs. If you have a trick knee, an ankle that aches, or a hitch in your get-along, this is not the place you'll want to be.

Top guest favorite
A well-furnished deck area features two cozy seating arrangements with soft cushions, complemented by a coffee table. Breathtaking views of rolling green hills and the Pacific Ocean are visible in the background, while the sky is bright with natural light.
Guesthouse in Malibu
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Views along the Malibu, private, tiny-guesthouse

NOT FIRE AREA & MALIBU is OPEN! ❤️Best views in Malibu! Nestled in the mountainside, this tiny guest-house, has unobstructed, spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Clean cozy comfortable modern tiny home tucked behind Malibu’s iconic steel and glass house, Blu Space. The tiny guest-house is best for couples or solo travelers. property borders Solstice Canyon National Park-centrally located to beaches, restaurants and shops ❤️ Must climb stairs- pls read house rules

Guest favorite
An A-frame cabin is surrounded by tall trees, featuring a large glass front that invites natural light. A wooden deck with two adirondack chairs offers a cozy outdoor seating area, inviting relaxation in a serene setting.
Cabin in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 132 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

Top guest favorite
A wooden deck features two lounge chairs facing the ocean, providing unobstructed views of the sun setting over the Pacific. The surrounding native garden enhances the tranquil atmosphere, while rolling coastal bluffs can be seen in the background.
Home in Bolinas
5 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews

Beach House ~180° Views, Hot Tub, Curated Interior

A blissful coastal retreat with unparalled ocean views, the Ocean Parkway House is nestled on a secluded bluff over looking the Pacific. This unique 1960's Bolinas beach house is a spot to truly relax and unwind. Fully updated with a curated mix of vintage and modern furnishings - our cottage has a mid-century design sensibility with luxuries like Coyuchi towels, a chef's kitchen, Scandinavian fireplace, outdoor rain shower, cedar hot tub, and new heated stone loveseat on the upstairs deck.

Top guest favorite
Tiny home in Lake Isabella
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 759 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
Guesthouse in Malibu
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 479 reviews

Casita Solstice

VERY PRIVATE/QUIET location overlooking Solstice Canyon Park with ocean and mountain views. We are in a rural, quiet area close to Pepperdine University, Point Dume, Zuma Beach, City Center, Restaurants and Dining. You can surf, hike, visit local wineries, or just chill and enjoy the ambiance and natural landscape. You can inquire about your furry friends (pets - extra fee). As the crow flies, we are one mile from PCH and it takes about 8 minutes to get here. Questions? Please ask us.

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, 345 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 cozy treehouse is perched among the trees, featuring a rustic wooden exterior and spacious deck. A gravel path illuminated by soft lighting leads to the entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and ferns, creating a serene, natural setting.
Treehouse in Trinidad
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 337 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
Double doors open to reveal serene outdoor views of lush greenery and rolling hills. A wooden deck surrounds a tranquil plunge pool, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural light floods the room, accentuating the inviting ambiance.
Bungalow in Topanga
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviews

Topanga Pool House

The Topanga Pool House is a resort like property located at the edge of the State Park, with canyon views & ocean breezes. The infrared sauna, cedar plunge pool, hot tub, outdoor bed and yoga deck provide an escape from the hustle of the city. Guests have said it's "as if you have a resort to yourselves" "spa like" "magical and healing" and that's the experience we strive to provide. We live in the upstairs unit but prioritize guest's privacy at all times.

Guest favorite
A rustic cabin is nestled among towering redwood trees, featuring wooden shingles and large windows. A wooden deck, adorned with string lights, enhances the inviting exterior, while the natural landscape provides a serene backdrop. A gravel path leads to the entrance.
Cabin in Occidental
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 592 reviews

Rustic Yet Luxurious Cabin in the Redwoods

This rustic yet luxurious cabin is the perfect place to unplug. Walk through the woods, relax by a fire, and enjoy the food and wine of the Russian River Valley. 10 minutes from the beach. Minutes from Occidental, Graton, Forestville, and Guerneville. House has a full bathroom, bedroom downstairs with a Cal King bed and one upstairs with two twin beds. 5 acres in the redwoods, trampoline, fire pit area, high-speed Internet.

Top guest favorite
The retreat is positioned on a mesa with a striking mountain view in the background. The rustic house features a terraced outdoor area, complete with seating arrangements and a hot tub. The surrounding rocky desert landscape enhances the sense of seclusion and natural beauty.
Home in Yucca Valley
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 873 reviews

Joshua Tree Green Haus /w Hot Tub

The Joshua Tree Green Haus is a beautiful secluded vacation retreat located on a mesa overlooking the Joshua Tree National Park. Enjoy an amazing 180 degree view of the National Park, Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. Gorgonio as well as the spectacular night sky while soaking in our outdoor cedar hot tub. The house is surrounded by untouched rocky Mojave desert terrain perfect for hiking and exploring.

Top guest favorite
A modern studio sits among rocky terrain, its wooden deck leading to expansive glass windows that offer views of the surroundings. Desert vegetation, including shrubs and succulents, frames the entrance. Soft earth tones of the structure blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.
Cabin in Lone Pine
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviews

West Wind on Lone Starr

Designed and inspired by the rocks of the Alabama Hills, this spacious unique dwell studio intercepts with the breathtaking views of Mt. Whitney and the Eastern Sierra. Close to Whitney Portal, Horseshoe Meadow, and other famous trails, it’s excellent for day hikes. We are in the epicenter of the lowest (Death Valley) highest (Mount Whitney) and oldest (Bristlecone Pine Forest)

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