Vacation rentals in California

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Top-rated vacation rentals in California

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

Guest favorite
Dome in Joshua Tree
Dome in the Desert in Joshua Tree
Re-energize in solace under the desert sky in this modern-bohemian dome, featuring many personally designed and handcrafted items. Stimulate your mind and spirit with natural wood and stone elements, and enjoy antique books and games while you take in sprawling mountain views by day and twinkling stars by night. The natural wood burning stove and space heaters warm the home on chilly evenings, and ample AC keeps the dome cool on hot desert days. Dome in the Desert has been featured in many magazines, including Condé Nast Traveler, Esquire Magazine, Goop, Refinery29, and Apartment Therapy. Instagram: @domeinthedesert If the Dome in the Desert is unavailable, please check out our other Joshua Tree Airbnb listings: Cabin Cabin Cabin in Joshua Tree: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7303044 The Shack Attack in Joshua Tree: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22089333 ***Please note that our second bedroom is a sunroom and not a fully enclosed bedroom (see pictures for details)*** We welcome you to the Dome in the Desert! We created this space as a personal escape from our busy city lives and a place to re-energize in solace under the desert sky. Please explore our pictures and the description below, but feel free to contact us with additional comments and questions. The Dome in the Desert rests on multiple acres and is secluded from neighbors so you can enjoy sprawling desert mountain views and the star-filled night sky in privacy. Yet, it is conveniently located only a few miles from the wonderful town center of Joshua Tree including restaurants and entertainment, and the Joshua Tree National Park visitors center on Park Blvd. On the interior, the Dome features modern-bohemian decor including many items we personally designed and hand crafted. As you explore the Dome, you will find antique books and games along with natural wood and stone elements to stimulate your mind and spirit. If staying in is what you need, the Dome offers a full kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, oven/stove, microwave, and most importantly, an assortment of coffee preparation devices including a French Press, Moka Pot, and drip coffee maker. The Dome features a memory foam King Size bed in the master bedroom as well as a daybed in the sun room that turns into a King Size bed if necessary. During cold nights, the Dome is heated with a natural wood burning stove (bring your firewood) and a few carefully placed space heaters. On warm nights, the Dome has two AC units located in the living room and main bedroom. You will not find a television on the premises, but we do offer Wi-Fi free of charge just in case you want to stream a movie, video-chat with family and friends, or post that perfect Instagram photo. Whether you stay with us or at one of the other amazing spaces on Airbnb, we hope you experience the near-magical nature of the desert and all the sensations that come with this wonderful place we call Joshua Tree. Services: We are excited to announce that local juicing guru, Angela of Juice in the Desert will now be offering her juicing services to all guests who stay at the Dome in the Desert. Menus and pricing for this service will be emailed to all guests upon booking. Press: - Goop, The Airbnb Edit Joshua Tree - Refinery29, 23 Best Airbnb's that have us trippin' - Condé Nast Traveller, Joshua Tree: The New Bohemian Hideaway - Esquire Magazine, China, January 2015 - The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes, by Justina Blakeney - Bohemian Home Magazine, Under the Dome - RayLi Magazine, November 2014 - The Vista, Dome in the Desert - Apartment Therapy, Kathrin and Brian's Dome in the Desert - Dot and Bo, Dome in the Desert: Escape to Joshua Tree and Design Collection - Free People, Dome Sweet Home - Moon to Moon Blog, Dome in the Desert - The Bohemian Collective, Kathrin and Brian's Dome in the Desert - Modern Sanctuary, A Dome in the Desert - Desert Magazine, High Desert Weekend Getaway Our dome rests on multiple acres and is secluded from neighbors. You will have access to the entire property. Before your check-in we will provide you with a recommendation list of what to do and where to eat. We like to give our guests their privacy but are available via phone, text, and email, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Dome in the Desert rests on multiple acres and is secluded from neighbors, yet it’s conveniently located only a few miles from the Joshua Tree town center, restaurants, and entertainment. Nearby landmarks include Joshua Tree Saloon, Joshua Tree National Park, and Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. The best way to get around Joshua Tree is by car. The best way to get around in Joshua Tree is via car.
Jul 28 – Aug 4Individual Host,
€ 222 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1027 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Gualala
Abalone Cove - Oceanfront Getaway with Hot Tub
Our cozy, oceanfront gem has amazing views and is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself, loved ones, and friends. When whales are migrating, you can spot them from our comfy couch. We are on the bluff with an oceanfront hot tub, within walking distance to Gualala restaurants, groceries & shops. Please respect our dream home, our neighbors, & bring only good vibes here. This is a beautiful and remote area, please plan accordingly to relax and enjoy the slow pace of life here.
Oct 9 – 16Individual Host,
€ 607 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Pioneertown
Sol to Soul named by Condé Nast: Coolest In Cali
We invite you to experience the otherworldly at Sol to Soul House, a 10-acre sanctuary in the starkly, beautiful Mojave Desert. On a private road in the exclusive Gamma Gulch of storied Pioneertown, with dark skies for ultimate Milky Way viewing, and surrounded by a mystical theater of boulders, you will reclaim your sense of awe and magic and leave more inspired + spellbound by life than when you arrived. Distinguished by Condé Nast Traveler December 2021 Best Airbnb in the state of California.
Jun 30 – Jul 7Professional Host,
€ 677 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 260 reviews

Popular amenities for California vacation rentals

California oceanfront vacation rentals

Guest favorite
Home in Carlsbad
Ocean View Beach House With Roof Top Deck & AC
Oct 25 – Nov 1Professional Host,
€ 489 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
Malibu, Carbon Beach - Suite Seven
Jun 7 – 14Individual Host,
€ 1,075 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 372 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Malibu
SA Beach Suite #3 by Stay Awhile Villas
Jul 6 – 13Professional Host,
€ 934 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Oceanside
Studio Oceanview King in Beachfront Apt (207)
Jun 29 – Jul 6
€ 451 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Oceanside
Enjoy Beachfront Views from Pacific Villas #1
Feb 6 – 13Professional Host,
€ 334 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 323 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
Beachfront Townhouse with Stunning Ocean Views
Oct 13 – 20Individual Host,
€ 1,042 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Oxnard
Brand New Beach Home Great for Entertaining!
Feb 13 – 20Individual Host,
€ 1,069 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
180°OceanView+HotTub+EBikes+Surfboards+SUPS+Kayak
Sep 4 – 11Individual Host,
€ 1,119 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 391 reviews
Superhost
Home in Moss Landing
Oceanfront Beach House
Nov 3 – 10Individual Host,
€ 580 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
Premium Sunset Penthouse Ocean Front Malibu Road
Apr 21 – 28Individual Host,
€ 1,016 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 229 reviews
Superhost
Home in Summerland
Oceanfront Summerland Beach House, Sweeping Views
Apr 19 – 26Individual Host,
€ 744 per night
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 265 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in San Diego
Beautifully remodeled 10th floor oceanfront condo
Feb 16 – 23
€ 471 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews

California fishing vacation rentals

Guest favorite
Cabin in Lake Arrowhead
Luxury Retreat W Cedar Hot Tub, Sun Deck & Firepit
Jun 21 – 28Individual Host,
€ 436 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kelseyville
OMG the views! King bed, blazing Wi-Fi, so chill!
Aug 7 – 14
€ 384 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
Guest favorite
Cabin in Arrowbear Lake
A-Frame Apogee | Hot Tub · Epic Views · Swing Set
Aug 31 – Sep 7Individual Host,
€ 354 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews
Guest favorite
Cabin in Big Bear Lake
Rancho Pines I Juniper, Skiing + Lake + Hot Tub
Nov 11 – 18Professional Host,
€ 409 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 309 reviews
Guest favorite
Cabin in South Lake Tahoe
Lighthus: Contemporary Tahoe Retreat
May 13 – 20
€ 681 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Springville
Modern Cabin, Private Fishing Lake, Near Sequoias
Dec 20 – 27Individual Host,
€ 329 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews
Superhost
Cabin in Three Rivers
Mountain View Loft
Nov 19 – 26Individual Host,
€ 258 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 447 reviews
Guest favorite
Cabin in Arnold
<DeanerDen> chic A-Frame! Pool! Lakes! Dogs ok!
Apr 25 – May 2Individual Host,
€ 250 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Indio
All Inclusive-Casa Tranquila amazing pool/ views
Jun 25 – Jul 2Professional Host,
€ 555 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews
Superhost
Home in Clearlake Oaks
Dany’s Lake house with dock/paddle boat/kayak
Sep 26 – Oct 3Individual Host,
€ 158 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews
Guest favorite
Chalet in Tahoe City
The Chalet 300: Sunnyside West Shore Lake Tahoe
Jul 8 – 15Individual Host,
€ 353 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews
Superhost
Cabin in Truckee
Donner Lake Cabin with LAKE VIEW & DECK
May 16 – 23
€ 303 per night
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 270 reviews

Family friendly vacation rentals in California

Guest favorite
Dome in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree Geodesic Dome House *hot tub*
Jul 2 – 9Individual Host,
€ 367 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 276 reviews
Guest favorite
Farm stay in Greenville
Meyers Ranch Cabin - Hot Spring -Patio -Wi-Fi
Jun 5 – 12Individual Host,
€ 163 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews
Superhost
Home in Joshua Tree
El Coyote-by Park&Town- Cedar Hot Tub- Fire Pit
Apr 22 – 29Professional Host,
€ 565 per night
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Carmel Valley
Luxury Apartment Over Barn in Carmel Valley
Oct 28 – Nov 4Professional Host,
€ 283 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 530 reviews
Guest favorite
Train in Cupertino
Caboose in the redwoods just outside of Cupertino
Oct 24 – 31
€ 208 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 334 reviews
Guest favorite
Dome in Joshua Tree
Moon Camp: Desert Dome House Retreat
Aug 15 – 22Individual Host,
€ 249 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 757 reviews
Guest favorite
Cabin in Shingletown
Cozy Log Cabin on 3 acres by Lassen National Park
Oct 27 – Nov 3Individual Host,
€ 209 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 423 reviews
Guest favorite
Chalet in Carnelian Bay
Breathtaking Lake View Remodeled Old Tahoe Cabin
Aug 1 – 8Professional Host,
€ 627 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 544 reviews
Superhost
Home in South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Stonehenge
Oct 7 – 14Individual Host,
€ 1,100 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 199 reviews
Guest favorite
Tiny home in Rainbow
The Tiny Cabin - Coral Tree House
Sep 26 – Oct 3Individual Host,
€ 184 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 371 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Long Beach
Custom Craftsman With Hot Tub Close to Ocean
Sep 5 – 12Individual Host,
€ 193 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 491 reviews
Superhost
Cabin in Yosemite National Park
Alpenglow 3
Jan 28 – Feb 4Professional Host,
€ 386 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 254 reviews

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.

Destinations to explore