Updated: April 2021
This post has been updated to include a roundup of my favorite boutique properties and vacation rentals in California!
Have you taken a look at the Coolest Airbnbs in the United States?
Staying at charming Airbnbs with unique aesthetics in some of the most interesting places around the nation is one of my favorite things. One of my other favorites? Road trips! I love a good road trip. You too? Check out these 10 essential tips for your road trip.
On that note, I’ve been thinking about road trips around California lately — from a 10-day California Coast road trip to a 3-day California Coast getaway — and what better way to make the trip special than by staying at some of the coolest Airbnbs in California?
Driving up Pacific Coast Highway and seeing some of the stops along the way is one of my favorite things to do.
And in order to make planning out your epic California road trip, I separated out these unique, cozy, and dreamy havens into the following: Northern California (San Francisco and above), Central California (roughly Monterey down to Santa Barbara), Southern California (Los Angeles to San Diego), and the High Desert (Big Bear, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree).
Without further ado, here are the coolest (and most charming) Airbnbs to stay at in California!
Tahoe
Northern California
To make things easy, this section is dedicated to San Francisco and above.
Whether you want to explore all the culinary delights and culture of the Bay Area, relax in coastal Mendocino, hang out in Gold Country, or wander through the many forests—Northern California has so much to see and do!
Arcata
The Zen Den Hidden Bath & Oasis
Arcata | Humboldt County
Talk about the ultimate spa experience. This cute and cozy studio is within walking distance of exploring all the local shops, restaurants, and microbreweries of Arcata’s Plaza.
BOOK HERE
Shasta County
A-Frame Cabin with a View
Shasta Lake | Shasta County
Escape to the woods in this dreamy A-Frame cabin that overlooks Shasta Lake.
BOOK HERE
Angler
Lake Tahoe | Placer County
Want to hang out on the shores of Lake Tahoe? Gather around the fit pit with a round of drinks and dine alfresco surrounded by beautiful pines
BOOK HERE
Cottonwood
Charming Country Cottage
Cottonwood | Shasta County
The perfect private getaway, this charming country cottage has an outdoor patio, fire pit, and BBQ.
BOOK HERE
Wolf & Hound
Tahoe City | Placer County
This secluded cabin is 5 miles outside of Sqaw Valley. If you’re a fan of rustic vibes, towering trees, hanging out in a hot tub, and all-around cabin vibes — this is the place for you.
BOOK HERE
Water Tower Retreat
Elk | Mendocino County
Nestled among Redwoods, this Water Tower retreat is a fantastic place to disconnect—and reconnect with nature. Located about 5 minutes from the town of Elk, it’s a 14-mile coastal drive to Mendocino’s historic village.
BOOK HERE
Wilderness Retreat
North Tahoe | Placer County
Just a 10-minute drive from Lake Tahoe, this is cabin living at its finest. With vast windows, a sunken bath, and a state-of-the-art kitchen, this home is made for luxury while exploring the great outdoors.
BOOK HERE
Sebastopol
Wine + Apple Country Cottage
Sebastopol | Sonoma County
Want to hang out in wine and apple country? Take a step back in time and play the piano at this home filled with antique furniture and folk art. And during the spring and summer, you’ll definitely want to hang out in the garden.
BOOK HERE
Stinson Beach
Oceanview Retreat
Stinson Beach | Marin County
Relax and rejuvenate at this Japanese-inspired retreat, complete with kimonos and a soaking tub…or have this serve as your base before exploring all the delights of San Francisco!
BOOK HERE
San Rafael
Waterfront Bay House Bungalow
San Rafael | Marin County
Wake up to the sound of waves and hang out on a private beach. 15 minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge, this is the ideal vacation getaway!
BOOK HERE
Modern Bungalow
San Rafael | Marin County
Embrace all the beauty of Marin County — walk to the Marin Lagoon, stroll to the Farmers Market, or unwind at this modern oasis.
BOOK HERE
Mill Valley
Serene Gem in the Redwoods
Mill Valley | Marin County
Love rustic chic? Hang out at this century-old hideaway surrounded by Redwoods. Embrace all the nature—the birds singing and the crisp air—as you dine alfresco on the outdoor porch.
BOOK HERE
Central Coast California
In my opinion, one of the best places to travel through on a California road trip is the central coast—from Monterey to Santa Barbara. Big Sur is a must-see with gorgeous stretches of coast, and San Luis Obispo has so much charm!
Bonny Doon
Pinecone Treehouse
Bonny Doon | Santa Cruz County
Spend the night amongst the Redwoods in one of the most unique Airbnbs! Suspended in the branches, this Pinecone Treehouse offers 360-degree views of the forest’s canopy.
BOOK HERE
Felton
Cottage on the Creek
Felton | Santa Cruz County
Hang out amongst the trees in this A-frame cabin, which has private access to a year-round creek.
BOOK HERE
Castroville
Monterey Bay Farmhouse
Castroville | Monterey County
Located on an artichoke farm near the ocean, this farmhouse is so utterly charming! Featuring an outdoor fireplace, a girl, an organic garden, sliding barn doors, and beamed wood ceilings—this place is a gem!
BOOK HERE
New Cuyama
Lunette Hut at Blue Sky Center
New Cuyama | Santa Barbara County
For the ultimate glamping experience, hang out in one of these huts for a few nights!
BOOK HERE
The Garden Oasis
Montecito | Santa Barbara County
You don’t have to choose between a garden party or a beach party at this stunning property just minutes away from Santa Barbara!
BOOK HERE
Aptos
Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
Aptos | Santa Cruz County
Nestled between Monterey and Santa Cruz, this Peaceful Treehouse in Aptos is such a chic escape!
BOOK HERE
Paso Robles
The Rock Loft
Paso Robles | San Luis Obispo County
Located on the historic Adelaida Wine Trail, chill out at this rustic abode, complete with a wood-burning stove!
BOOK HERE
Southern California
I was raised in Southern California and I now own a home in San Diego, so this area is very near and dear to my heart.
From all the cool breweries, restaurants, and coastal charm of San Diego and Orange County, to the hip vibes of Los Angeles and Hollywood history—there are so many cool places to design a California road trip around.
Los Angeles
Rustic Space in the Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles | Los Angeles County
Want to drink in the views of the Hollywood hills? Hang out in this cozy, cabin-like bedroom and drink your morning brew on the sun-drenched terrace.
BOOK HERE
The Little Bungalow
Long Beach | Los Angeles County
From the Spanish-style architecture to the splash pool to the succulent wall to the fire pit—what’s not to love at this Long Beach space?
BOOK HERE
Vista
African-Inspired Eco Tent
Vista | San Diego County
If you’re looking to go off the grid and get that true nostalgic camping vibe, this eco-tent is the place!
BOOK HERE
Little Italy, San Diego
Industrial Light-Filled Loft
Little Italy | San Diego
What a cool industrial vibe! Little Italy is known for its incredible restaurants and is a wonderful base to explore the rest of San Diego. Also, how epic are those windows?
BOOK HERE
Joshua Tree
The High Desert
Whether you’re wanting a true desert experience of spending the night in Joshua Tree under the stars, you’re looking to bask in the sun of retro Palm Springs, or you’re heading into Big Bear for a bit of mountain life
Palm Springs
Colorful Oasis with a Dreamy Desert Vibe
Palm Springs | Riverside County
Hello, zesty yellow terrace doors! Enjoy breakfast outdoors at this vibrant, plant-filled oasis. Explore Palm Springs via the bikes on offer or soak up the sun on a pool float with a bespoke cocktail.
BOOK HERE
Nordik Eskape Scandinavian Treetop Cabin
Big Bear | San Bernardino County
Whether you want to ski, snowboard, explore the mountain, boat, or bike, this Scandinavian-inspired hideaway is the place.
BOOK HERE
Palo Verde’s Bloom
Yucca Valley | San Bernardino County
Talk about an architect’s dream! This place pops in the desert with clean lines, gorgeous textiles, and tons of potted plants.
BOOK HERE
Hey Cowboy
Joshua Tree | San Bernardino County
Want to go off the grid? This desert homestead is powered by solar and allows you to switch off from modern-day living.
Paying homage to the Old West, this abode is fitted with wood finishings, large windows with tons of natural light, and colorful vintage pieces throughout.
BOOK HERE
Yucca Valley
The Coyote House
Joshua Tree | San Bernardino County
At the crossroads of Pioneer Town and Joshua Tree is the modern, eclectic, and seriously groovy Coyote House.
BOOK HERE
Pioneertown
Desert Modern House
Pioneertown | San Bernardino County
Soak up the desert and the gorgeous vistas, experience the starry night sky, and let the landscape inspire you!
BOOK HERE
The Oasis
Joshua Tree | San Bernardino County
This renovated 1960s house is so special with its mid-century meets cowgirl vibe. Pass days here lounging in serenity or hiking through the rugged landscapes of Joshua Tree.
BOOK HERE
All-Glass Modern Joshua Tree Villa
This High Desert home is such a beautiful masterpiece. Surrounded by boulders and nature, you can take it all in through the glass window walls that wrap around the home.
The modern oasis is complete with a saltwater pool and spa, along with an outdoor shower and fire pit.
BOOK HERE
Earth House
Yucca Valley | San Bernardino County
How beautiful are the desert hues of this place? I’m a big fan of all the natural materials, linen bedding, earthen plasters, and hand-built furniture.
BOOK HERE
I have stayed in Northern California and I must say its an excellent place.. Great food.. serene views and amazing atmosphere.. Your post is to the point!
Hi Riya! I’m happy to hear that 🙂 Northern California is so lovely.