Airbnbs are replacing hotels for me. They tend to be cheaper, more roomy, and offer the same amenities as my home (e.g. a kitchen). In 2021, they serve even bigger purposes. Whether that’s a change of scenery, a temporary space for remote work, or a spa retreat. And there is quite a selection to choose from! I’ve shortlisted 20 Airbnbs to stay at in California in 2021.
Each listing comes with basic details like location, nearby cities and attractions, how many people it fits, and the nightly rate. I picked Airbnbs that have an average rating of 4.8-4.9 stars. These are the creme de la creme of California Airbnbs! If you end up finding one you like, make sure you book months in advance. These get booked out fast.
1. Fall Asleep in a Private Cabana for 2
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
Bali was one of my favorite places to visit as a child. And while it’s hard to compare staying at an Airbnb in California with vacationing in Bali, you can come pretty close. This house near Los Angeles has a beautiful backyard pool and a cabana. I can imagine falling sleep in this indoor/outdoor bedroom after a swim and small glass of wine.
Location: Reseda, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Monica
No. of guests: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $175/night
Book on Airbnb.com
2. Rustic Guest House with Lake View
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This serene Airbnb is located near California’s capitol Sacramento. It not only has a deck looking out onto Folsom Lake, it’s also got a private pool. What more can you ask for?
Location: El Dorado Hills, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Sacramento
No. of guests: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $126/night
Book on Airbnb.com
3. Be Royalty for a Weekend
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This Oakland home is one of the most uniquely decorated Airbnbs in California I’ve come across! I love the details in everything from the mid-century sofa, the china, to the wallpaper and artistic window screens. Every detail in this home gives off hints of royalty.
Location: Oakland, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: San Francisco
No. of guests: 6
Avg Price (excluding fees): $136/night
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4. The Perfect Place to Work From Home
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
Coffee shops are one of my favorite places to work. They’re often filled with warm sunlight and lots of leafy greens. When I saw this Airbnb, it immediately reminded me of a coffee shop. If I were visiting the San Francisco Bay Area and working remotely, this would be a high contender on my list of places to stay.
Location: Oakland, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: San Francisco
No. of guests: 4
Avg Price (excluding fees):$123/night
Book on Airbnb.com
5. Brightly Lit Pool House for 6
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
All the sunlight in this Airbnb gives me such good vibes! I love a brightly-lit home, and this one seems to take all the light in from outside. It’s also beautifully decorated and gives you that instantly serene feeling.
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park
No. of guests: 6
Avg Price (excluding fees): $422/night
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6. Mission Style Home with Spacious Back Patio
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
Not only does this place have an exquisite, Spanish-inspired interior, it’s also got a private pool and lots of room to socialize in the backyard. It’s the perfect getaway for a family or a group of friends.
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park
No. of guests: 6
Avg Price (excluding fees): $499/night
Book on Airbnb.com
7. Cozy Space with Magical Garden
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This stay is perfect inside and out. The studio is a good size for 2, has good separation between the kitchen and the bed, and the back patio is like a tropical forest. I don’t even know if I’d be using the indoor dining area much because the table on the patio seems ten times better!
Location: Pasadena, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach
No. of guests: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $85/night
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8. Artsy Studio with Back Patio
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This studio comes with high ceilings and a kitchen island that doubles as a dining table. I love the simple yet artsy decor, and can see myself borrowing inspiration for my future home. It’s also got a back patio for when you need some time outdoors.
Location: La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles
No. of guest: 4
Avg Price (excluding fees): $139/night
Book on Airbnb.com
9. Cave-Like Guest House in Hollywood Hills
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
First of all, it’s difficult to get a private space at $128/night in Hollywood Hills! Second, how cool is it that the shower connects you to the outdoors? Another Airbnb in California that reminds me of Bali.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles
No. of guest: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $128/night
Book on Airbnb.com
10. Romantic Forest Getaway w/ Outdoor Tub
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
Tree, lights, and an outdoor bath. These three things combine to create a romantic and magical atmosphere. This place is perfect for couples or girl friends. I probably wouldn’t bring the whole family here though ha.
Location: Elk, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Mendocino, San Francisco
No. of guest: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $192/night
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11. Zen Retreat by the Ocean (Option 1)
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
I never thought about visiting Stinson Beach until I saw this Airbnb. This zen retreat for 2 not only has an outdoor soaking tub, it’s also got a view of the ocean. This place guarantees some high quality R&R.
Location: Stinson Beach, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: San Francisco
No. of guest: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $175/night
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12. Zen Retreat by the Ocean (Option 2)
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
Similar to the previous Airbnb but beautiful in a different way, this Airbnb also has an outdoor tub and a view of Stinson Beach.
Location: Stinson Beach, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: San Francisco
No. of guest: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $195/night
Book on Airbnb.com
13. An Activity-Filled Weekend at LA Guest House
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This Airbnb has a ping pong table, two hammocks, a BBQ, and a heated saltwater pool. It would be worth visiting Venice Beach just to stay here.
Location: Venice Beach, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles
No. of guest: 4
Avg Price (excluding fees): $323/night
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14. Panoramic Views in Modern Desert Home
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
I would be surprised if this home hasn’t been featured in any architecture magazines. The panoramic view is stunning!! If you’re visiting Southern California or Joshua Tree specifically, this is one solid Airbnb option.
Location: Joshua Tree, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park
No. of guest: 4
Avg Price (excluding fees): $475/night
Book on Airbnb.com
15. The Ultimate Spa Experience
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
One thing I miss from pre-pandemic days is the ability to get a massage or spend an afternoon at a spa. This Airbnb near Santa Rosa provides a solid alternative to those spa trips. Plus it’s private!
Location: Occidental, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Bodega Bay, Santa Rosa, San Francisco
No. of guest: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $307/night
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16. Boho Style Living w/ Pool-Side Tiki Bar
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This has got to be the only Airbnb in California with a pool-side Tiki bar. I think that’s justification enough to book a night or two here. Aside from the bar, there’s also a bath tub and a part rustic/part boho/part modern interior.
Location: Graton, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Bodega Bay, Santa Rosa, San Francisco
No. of guest: 4
Avg Price (excluding fees): $324/night
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17. Bath Tub with a View of the Wild West
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
I love a bath tub with a good view! I immediately stopped scrolling when I came across this Airbnb near Joshua Tree. In addition to the view from the tub, there’s also a view from the bedroom. There’s no better way to take in Joshua Tree’s unique landscape than staying in this beautiful home.
Location: Yucca Valley, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, Los Angeles
No. of guest: 6
Avg Price (excluding fees): $329/night
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18. The Outdoor Spa & Oasis
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
Another Airbnb in California made for a spa day! This home has three outdoor tubs and is near Mendocino Coast. You’ll have lots to do at this Airbnb alone and in the surrounding areas.
Location: Arcata, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Mendocino
No. of guest: 2
Avg Price (excluding fees): $208/night
Book on Airbnb.com
19. Splurge-Worthy Treehouse Stay
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This place may seem pricey at first. But it won’t be as bad when you split the cost with five other people. The treehouse is a great option for anyone who appreciates architecture and interior design and wants to fully unplug for the weekend.
Location: Aptos, CA
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea
No. of guest: 6
Avg Price (excluding fees): $654 – 1,191/night
Book on Airbnb.com
20. Low Key Private Infinity Pool
Photos courtesy of Airbnb.com
This Airbnb is low key lux. It’s got A-frame windows, an outdoor dining and chill area, and a semi infinity pool with a gorgeous view.
Location: Chico, CA
No. of guest: 2
Major Cities/Attractions Nearby: Mendocino, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe
Avg Price (excluding fees): $339/night
Book on Airbnb.com
Use the map below to pick an Airbnb in California!
Since you can’t see an Airbnb’s exact location until you book, I’ve marked the cities they’re in. Use this as a visual guide when you’re deciding which one to book.
Airbnbs in California: the New Attraction
The pandemic has shut down restaurants and bars. It’s restricted access to spas, amusement parks and more. As a result, many have turned to outdoor activities such as visiting National Parks and skiing. As we get used to this new semi-permanent way of travel, Airbnbs might be the new attraction we travel for. Looking at some of these stays (especially the spas!), I’m okay with this becoming a permanent way of travel 😉
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