The 10 Best Airbnbs In California

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Kimberley Lovato, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

The promise of the California Dream has endured ever since the Gold Rush brought fortune seekers to the state during the mid 1800s. With landscapes ranging from wind-sculpted deserts to high alpine meadows and the world’s fifth largest economy, no other state offers quite the variety that California does. All across the Golden State, yesteryear towns and modern cities large and small offer unique flavors, cultures and curiosities.

Thanks to endless sunshine and a glorious 840-mile coastline that inspires wind-in-the-hair road trips, California continues to top traveler bucket lists. Luckily for vacationers, there’s an Airbnb stay to match the sophistication, charm and natural wonder that California delivers in dreamy droves. From a light-filled loft in techy San Francisco to a mid-century mod pad in Palm Springs, here are the 10 airbnbs in California that we just can’t get enough of.

• Best Luxury Airbnb: Malibu Mid-Century Modern Luxury Retreat, Malibu
• Best Airbnb In Wine Country: Villa Nel Bosco, Glen Ellen
• Best Airbnb In The Mountains: The Tahoe A-Frame, Lake Tahoe
• Best Airbnb For Couples: Farmhouse Oasis-An Eco-Luxury Private Sanctuary, Sonoma
• Best Airbnb For Families: Casa Cardiff-By-The-Sea, San Diego County
• Best Airbnb By The Beach: Ocean Road, Mendocino County
• Best Airbnb In The Desert: Stylish Midcentury Home With stunning Backyard, Palm Springs
• Best Airbnb For Business Travelers: Gorgeous Loft With Amazing Light In SOMA, San Francisco
• Best Design Airbnb: Mini-Mod #3 At Sea Ranch, Sea Ranch
• Best Airbnb For Multi-Generational Travel: Old West Temecula Wine Country Vacation Rental, Temecula

Best Luxury Airbnb: Malibu Mid-Century Modern Luxury Retreat

Malibu Mid-Century Modern Luxury Retreat

Who Will Love It: Couples; families; friends who want to live it up

All-Star Amenities: Wolf and Sub-zero appliances; outdoor hot tub; weekly garden service; fast 5G Wi-Fi

What Not To Miss: Long beach walks; a sunset soak in the hot tub

Location: Malibu

With stunning sea and mountain views in every direction, this home in star-studded Malibu—which can host up to eight guests in the main house—is a California dream. The light, bright and open dining and living rooms—embellished with mid-century modern furnishings and wall-to-wall-windows—are great gathering spots. Black-and-white photos of vintage-y beach scenes add an old California vibe’

÷÷÷÷// even though the house is new and modern. All four bedrooms have Pacific Ocean views, and the kitchen is well equipped for making pancake brunches and gourmet dinners with family and friends.

While it isn’t possible to walk to the beach from the house, it’s just a five-to-ten-minute drive to La Costa Beach, Malibu Beach and the iconic Malibu Pier as well as the restaurant Duke’s Malibu. It’s also easy to spot surfers riding Malibu’s iconic waves from the chaise lounge chairs, seating areas and hot tub on the patio, the prime place to settle in at sunset. A freestanding guest house above the garage can also be rented out if you need more space.

Best Airbnb In Wine Country: Villa Nel Bosco

Villa Nel Bosco

Who Will Love It: Anyone who wants to live “la dolce vita”

All-Star Amenities: Backyard with vineyard views; swimming pool; bocce ball court; pre-stocked kitchen on request

What Not To Miss: Meal cooked in-house by a local chef

Location: Glen Ellen

You don’t need to have a passport to visit Italy when you book this luxurious villa in Glen Ellen between Sonoma and Napa Valley. The Tuscan-style farmhouse—which sleeps eight in four bedrooms—transports guests with its exposed beam ceilings, shuttered windows and wrought iron fixtures. Many rooms, including the main bedroom which has a covered terrace, have views of the grapevines and emerald forest. The backyard is set up for living the good life with a swimming pool, bocce ball court and fire pit surround by Adirondack chairs. To truly get immersed in the Italian spirit sip an Aperol Spritz by the swimming pool or prepare a meal of fresh pasta and zesty pesto in the gourmet kitchen. And for a true treat, ask the owners to arrange a local chef who will cook a Tuscan feast for your family and friends and serve it in the formal dining room or outside under the stars.

Best Airbnb In The Mountains: The Tahoe A-Frame

The Tahoe A-Frame

Who Will Love It: Friends or families who like vintage meets modern style

All-Star Amenities: Outdoor deck and hot tub

What Not To Miss: A fire in the cozy living room

Location: Lake Tahoe’s West Shore

With quick access to hiking, beaches, skiing and dining, this cute cabin just south of Tahoe City makes an excellent home base on a summer or winter trip to Lake Tahoe. The owners painstakingly renovated the A-frame and kept the 1960s era architecture, but added modern touches like white subway tiles in the kitchen and baths, sliding barn doors and a modern fireplace. The result is a stay that is both cozy and cool. The 1260-square-foot space sleeps up to six in three areas including a bedroom in the apex of the A-frame and an upstairs living room with a sofa bed. The home also has two full bathrooms and dining and living areas flooded with natural light thanks to the large A-frame windows. Inhale Lake Tahoe’s fresh mountain air from the roomy outdoor decks. Equipped with a gas BBQ, picnic table, Adirondack chairs and a hot tub beneath twinkling lights, it’s possible to enjoy the space in all seasons.

Best Airbnb For Couples: The Farmhouse Oasis, An Eco-Luxury Private Sanctuary

The Farmhouse Oasis: An Eco-Luxury Private Sanctuary

Who Will Love It: Boutique hotel lovers

All-Star Amenities: Sauna; solar heated swimming pool; outdoor soaking tub and shower; multiple pillow options including down and hypoallergenic

What Not To Miss: Walking to Bowman Cellars tasting room a few blocks away

Location: Graton near Sebastopol

This 900-square-foot adults only cottage has the thoughtful amenities and impeccable design of a stylish boutique hotel, but with the added perk of privacy and a sunny backyard sanctuary. Tucked into tiny Graton near Sebastopol, the one-bedroom cottage is close to wineries and restaurants, but couples will find it hard to pull themselves away from the considered space and king size canopy bed with a non-toxic memory foam mattress and Belgian linen sheets. Guests will feel like they’re on a spa vacation in the main bedroom’s bright bathroom with a clawfoot tub, plush robes and locally made soaps. The home is decorated with custom art, elegant furnishings and ceramics, and the backyard looks ready for a photo shoot with a sparkling pool and cabana with a seating area and hammock, infrared sauna, potted cactuses and an outdoor dining table. From the European oak hardwood floors to the Italian tile in the upstairs bathroom, the luxury details make this Airbnb a place to check into again and again.

Best Airbnb For Families: Casa Cardiff-By-The-Sea

Casa Cardiff-By-The-Sea

Who Will Love It: Families who like to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living

All-Star Amenities: Giant HD projector screen; large outdoor space

What Not To Miss: The golden sunsets from Cardiff State Beach

Location: Cardiff near Encinitas

This home in Cardiff is exactly what a family beach pad should be: comfortable, easy-going and within striking distance of tons of fun. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office, the home sleeps seven comfortably, and its bamboo flooring, minimalist furniture and splashes of greenery give the space a dose of California cool. The fully stocked kitchen and furnished patios celebrate the indoor-outdoor lifestyle Southern California is famous for. Family movie nights will never be the same thanks to the house’s 168-inch drop-down HD projector screen. The nearby towns of Cardiff and Encinitas still have a surf town feel and have main drags lined with cafés and restaurants as well as plenty of family-friendly parks and playgrounds. Miles of soft sand beaches offer plenty of room to build sandcastles, snorkel and surf. Some of San Diego’s top family attractions, including Legoland and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, are just 30 minutes away.

Best Airbnb By The Beach: Ocean Road

Ocean Road

Who Will Love It: Friends or couples looking for a peaceful and uncrowded beach getaway

All-Star Amenities: Deck with ocean views; hot tub

What Not To Miss: A walk along Irish Beach; a dip in the hot tub under the stars

Location: Manchester

On the edge of a bluff above Irish Beach, this home’s 180-degree ocean view of the ruggedly beautiful Mendocino County coast is the main draw. But pull yourself away and you’ll be richly rewarded too. Irish Beach, a 15-minute walk down from the house, is often uncrowded and a lovely place for scenic morning walks and nearby Point Arena has food restaurants and a historic lighthouse. With just two bedrooms and a sofa bed, the home sleeps up to six—perfect for small groups of friends or families who appreciate solitude and serenity. Stock up on fresh ingredients at the market in nearby Manchester and prepare dinner in the well-equipped kitchen with large windows looking out on the ocean. You may be able to spot migrating whales and seabirds as you are whipping up a gourmet meal.

Best Airbnb In The Desert: Stylish Midcentury Home With Stunning Backyard

Stylish Midcentury Home With Stunning Backyard

Who Will Love It: Travelers who like resort living and the authentic Palm Springs vibe

All-Star Amenities: : Swimming pool and hot tub; outdoor kitchen

What Not To Miss: A wander through downtown Palm Springs

Location: Palm Springs

This quintessentially mid-century modern home in the Deepwell neighborhood has serious wow-factor with a light and airy design, mix of new and vintage furnishings and aquamarine swimming pool and hot tub. The 2,250-square-foot home Three bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen and gigantic living and dining areas offer lots of elbow room for friends and family. Patio lounge chairs and seating areas have views of the mountains and palm trees. There are also two outdoor fireplaces, lush landscaping and an outdoor rain shower. On balmy nights, guests can cook on the high-end gas grill or dash into downtown Palm Springs for boutique shopping or dinner.

Best Airbnb For Business Travelers: Gorgeous Loft With Amazing Light In SOMA

Gorgeous Loft With Amazing Light In SoMa

Who Will Love It: Urbanites and travelers looking for a spot in “tech central”

All-Star Amenities: Location close to tech companies; large, modern space; strong WiFi; European furniture

What Not To Miss: Seeing the sunset from the rooftop

Location: San Francisco

Located in San Francisco’s techie SoMa neighborhood, this spacious loft makes a stylish home base for business travelers (businesses based in SoMa include titans like LinkedIn, Pinterest and Uber). The 2,200-square-foot loft’s 20-foot-tall ceiling and huge windows top a hotel business center any day of the week. It has two large bedrooms—one in a lofted space and the other on the main level,—ensuite bathrooms and a massive kitchen island perfect for morning coffee and Zoom calls. There’s parking for three as well, but the loft’s convenient setting near Francisco’s Financial District, the waterfront, Dogpatch art galleries, Michelin-star dining and sports arenas such as Chase Center and Oracle Park, means everything you could possibly want to do is within walking—or ubering—distance.

Best Design Airbnb: Mini-Mod #3 Awst Sea Ranch

Mini-Mod #3 At Sea Ranch

Who Will Love It: Nature lovers and architecture enthusiasts

All-Star Amenities: Hot tub under a canopy of redwood trees

What Not To Miss: Dinner at the recently renovated Sea Ranch Lodge

Location: Sea Ranch

This compact cabin surrounded by lithe redwood trees shows that good design and nature can coexist harmoniously. Designed by the late American architect Joseph Esherick and built in the mid 1960s, those seeking a healing outdoor escape will love the fresh air and forest setting on Sonoma’s craggy coastline, just 2.5-hours north of San Francisco. Designer lovers will appreciate how the 680-square-foot-house feels larger than it is due to the layout over three open floors and abundant natural light. There are two bedrooms (one with a door for privacy), a small but efficient kitchen with dishwasher and a full bathroom. Simple and streamlined black, white and wood mid-century furnishings and a wood-burning fireplace elevate the interiors, while outdoors, a private deck and a hot tub under the trees remind visitors there are no next door neighbors in sight.

Sea Ranch, the iconic Northern California community constructed in the 60s to show how humans could live more sustainably is undergoing a major renovation; The historic lodge has reopened its restaurant, cafe and boutique. Black Point Beach is a mile away, and guests can enjoy access to Moonraker Recreation Center which has a heated pool, saunas and tennis and pickleball courts.

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Best Airbnb for Multi-Generational Travel: Old West Temecula Wine Country Vacation Rental

Old West Temecula Wine Country Vacation Rental

Who Will Love It: Families and groups looking for an unforgettable vacation or to host a small event

All-Star Amenities: Full western town replica; waterfall fish pond; Jacuzzi tub

What Not To Miss: Panning for gold in the property’s gold mine complete with a nine foot water tower sluice and a mining cart on rails

Location: Temecula

Whether you want to restage a scene from High Noon or prepare a meal for the whole family on the 36-inch propane grill at the outdoor kitchen island near 100-year-old oak trees, the fun does not stop at this one-of-a-kind Airbnb. Not only does this five-acre ranch offer room for 16—enough for several families or a small family reunion—it is designed as a replica of a wild west town. There’s a two-story saloon with an 1800s era Brunswick pool table and antique upright piano, a bank, sheriff’s office and a jail. Two large and luxurious homes include a three-bedroom ranch-style main home with cowhide rugs and a large covered Jacuzzi, and a three-bedroom hilltop farmhouse with a porch swing and views of the valley. Send the kids to lock up—just for the night—in a set of bunk beds in the jail. There’s also a futon and another bathroom in the western town.

The property is available for small events of 30 people or less with an additional fee, and the ranch is a six minute drive to Rancho California Road, which is lined with Temecula’s renowned wineries.

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About Kimberley Lovato, Your California Airbnb Guide

I’ve been a Francophile who wanted to travel the world ever since I pinned a poster of the Eiffel Tower to my bedroom wall when I was nine years old. My more than 20-year career as a travel writer has made that dream a reality, and I still pinch myself when I board a plane, train or bus destined for somewhere new. I’ve covered everything from luxury hotel and restaurant openings to city and neighborhood guides and a life-changing cruise in Antarctica. There’s something restorative about favorite and familiar places too, especially my home state of California where scenic road trips, mellow beach haunts and the best avocados in the world always await. My byline has appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Virtuoso Life, AARP, Shondaland, Hemispheres and Ciao Bambino, among others. I’m also the author of two San Francisco guidebooks as well as a culinary travel book about the people and food of France’s Dordogne region.