19 Unique Airbnbs in California You Need to Experience
These beautiful and unique Airbnbs in California are SO super swoon-worthy. And the best part is these Airbnbs won’t (totally) break the bank. This curated list includes units that are all highly-reviewed from Northern to Southern California.
You’ll see everything from remote farm getaways, peaceful treehouse retreats, a beach-side vintage VW bus, and starry-skied desert homes.
Please, please, please go and experience one of these unique Airbnb getaways in beautiful California.
If you have never made a booking on Airbnb before, now is the time to do it! Airbnb is an online vacation rental platform for private owners and management companies to advertise their units. It’s secure, safe and well-reviewed.
On Airbnb, you will find units that are more unique, have more space & include extra amenities than a typical hotel room. However, you will pay less for an Airbnb than for a comparable hotel room. Plus, you will find Airbnbs in much more remote areas than you would ever find a hotel.
*There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my privacy/disclosure policy to learn more.
Related Post: 13 Perfect Airbnbs Near Disney World for Big Families
19 Unique Airbnbs in California you Need to Experience
NEVER STAYED IN AN AIRBNB BEFORE? TRY IT OUT TODAY BOOKING ONE OF THE BEST AIRBNBS IN CALIFORNIA! YOU CAN SAVE UP TO $65 ON YOUR FIRST BOOKING WITH THIS LINK 🎉!
Charming Cabin Getaway in San Luis Obispo
This rustic yet charming cabin in San Luis Obispo is perfect for a solo retreat or for some one-on-one time with your significant other. During the day, you can enjoy the wineries, beaches and small towns only minutes away. And later that night you can enjoy the beautiful star-filled night from your very own private hot tub.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Ranch Bungalow on 50 Acre Ranch Near Highway 101
This converted storage container is perfectly located between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles only 10 minutes from scenic Highway 101. Enjoy relaxing nature walks, take a dip in the pool and cozy up by the fireplace after stargazing on a chilly evening. You will love your time away in this lovely California Airbnb!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Boho A-Frame Cabin Near Morro Bay
The Bohemian A-Frame Cabin is in an ideal location to access Morro Bay, many state parks, and various hiking trails. And it’s one of our hand-picked, gorgeous Airbnbs in California. Nestled in a grove of eucalyptus trees, you will for sure experience a rejuvenating and peaceful getaway.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Wine Country Tiny Home in Arroyo Grande
This gorgeous and modern tiny home is ideal for a couple or a small family. Enjoy an afternoon nap in the outdoor hammock after exploring the nearby hills. And later, stargaze from your private fire pit while you eat s’mores. Make sure the kiddos see the beautiful Arabian horses that live nearby!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
related post: Summer Weekend Getaway to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Japanese Oceanview Retreat in Stinson Beach
Fall asleep to the sound of waves in this serene Japanese-inspired beach retreat. Experience a Japanese soaking tub and enjoy lunch on the balcony overlooking the ocean. This unique Airbnb helps you imagine you are in a gorgeous bamboo garden in Japan while you are actually on the peaceful coast of California.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Entire Private Loft above Sculpture Studio in San Francisco
This incredibly unique Airbnb in California is located in the heart of the artistic Mission District in San Francisco. Enjoy a private loft situated above an artist/sculpture studio. You are invited to observe the art process at your leisure. And, if you’d like, you can even participate in creating art!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Waterfront Bungalow Near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
You can fall asleep to the lapping of waves in this charming bungalow sitting RIGHT on the San Francisco Bay in this unique Airbnb in California. Take in the sunrise over the water and then relax away the afternoon on the private beach only a few steps away. Be in the heart of San Francisco in only about 35 minutes by car.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
RELATED POST: SUMMER WEEKEND GETAWAY TO MONTEREY AND CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
50-Acre Fruit Farm Getaway in Nipomo
Experience a perfect family or couple getaway on this 50-acre fruit farm in the hills. Pick and eat oranges, lemons, lime, avocado, fig and feijoa to your hearts content. Play in the large sauna pool in the evenings followed by sitting under the stars around your private fire pit. This is one of the great Airbnbs in California for a unique family getaway.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Tranquil Mountain Top Getaway near Los Angeles
This tranquil treehouse getaway outside of Los Angeles will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Practice yoga or dance the night away on the deck in the trees. And afterward, experience bathing under the stars in the hot oakwood bathtub.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Check out this post: Summer Weekend Getaway to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Bohemian Urban Yurt in Los Angeles
This Boho Chic yurt is located only 10 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. However, it feels like it is miles away!Enjoy this unique experience on an urban farm as a couple or a small family. Soak in the breathtaking views of LA from the hills above, interact with farm animals and relax in the hot outdoor tub.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
1973 VW Bus with Ocean Views at Redondo Beach
Experience the van life without having to live the van life. Spend a night in this 1973 VW bus parked so close to the beach that you can fall asleep to the sound of waves. Have a unique experience as a couple or take a mommy-daughter or daddy-son getaway. You can even bring along your pup!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Designer Airbnb with Gorgeous City Views near Disneyland
This hilltop designer home is a quick 15 minute drive to Disneyland. This makes perfect to relax in after a long day at the park and can sleep up to 4 people. Enjoy the twinkling city lights spanning from Newport Beach to downtown LA on the outdoor patio or from the comfort of the cozy living room.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
1920 Boutique Hotel Room in Laguna Beach
This is one of my top picks for unique Airbnbs in California. I’m drooling over wanting to stay here! Here you can stay in a collection of Spanish buildings from 1920 rocking eclectic Moroccan-tiled interiors and swim in the pool with a peek-a-boo view of the ocean. And, breakfast is even included complimentary!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Minimalist Cabin with Clear Walls in Morongo Valley
Do unique Airbnbs in California get much better than this?! Experience some of the best views in the hills of Yucca Valley in this amazing minimalist cabin getaway. See the true magic of the desert through the sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights. And cook dinner in the detached kitchen and heat up s’mores over the private fire pit at night.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Funky Desert Home for Star Gazing in Twenty-Nine Palms
This is one of the best Airbnbs in California for a unique family getaway. Take them to the desert to experience Joshua Tree National Park. Play a game of horseshoes or corn hole after adventuring during the day. And later that night, stargaze from the home’s private hot tub.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Check out this post: Joshua Tree National Park: 7 Tips to Love Bouldering as a Beginner
Peaceful Victorian Farmhouse in Tomales
Stay in a 1900’s Victorian farm house complete with vintage bathroom with clawfoot tub. Use this lovely farm house as your home base to explore Tomales Bay or nearby Point Reyes National Seashore. Or you could even take a day trip to explore bustling San Francisco yet come home to your peaceful oasis!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Beautiful Santa Fe Home with Private Pool in La Quinta
This spacious home is an incredible oasis of fun in the desert. The 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms can host your entire family or group of friends! You can soak in the sun in your private pool all day long. Or travel into Palm Springs or Joshua Tree National Park to do some exploring!
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Modern Boat Getaway on the Water in San Diego Harbor
Take a getaway on the water in one of the most unique Airbnbs in California on the beautiful San Diego Harbor. This modern boat is equipped with everything you might need! Plus two beach cruisers are available for you to bike the miles of scenic bike paths in the area.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Down-to-Earth Desert Igloo in Joshua Tree
Relax and unwind in this unique desert earth dome near Joshua Tree. Cook dinner under the stars and have the unique experience of showering outdoors. And after cozy up inside to reminisce on your magical day in the desert.
Use this link to save up to $65 on your first airbnb booking
Related post: Joshua Tree National Park: 7 Tips to Love Bouldering as a Beginner
Let me know below if you end up booking one of these unique Airbnbs in California! Or if you have any questions about Airbnbs in general. I am a real person who loves to talk travel! 🙂
Check out these other posts! I think you might like them:
- Summer Weekend Getaway to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Summer Camping Gear Essentials for First-Timers
- Joshua Tree National Park: 7 Tips to Love Bouldering as a Beginner
- 13 Perfect Airbnbs Near Disney World for Big Families
Catherine
I’d love to stay at each of these unique AirBnBs in California — but am especially taken with the bohemian A-frame and the Joshua Tree igloo! Can’t wait to travel throughout California again.
jenessa
CatherineI agree! I’ve never seen anything like the Joshua Tree igloo !
Jamie Sharpe
That yurt is absolutely unique. Never seen an Air BNB like it. Thanks for sharing!
jenessa
Jamie SharpeYou’re welcome! Ya the yurt would be a very cool stay 🙂
Emma
I went down this whole list saying “that’s the one I want”, “no that’s the one I want”. To many great places here. Top choices for me are the VW bus, the A Frame cabin and the one with the clear walls. What amazing choices
jenessa
Emmaha ha ha ha that’s how i feel!!
Taylor
All of these Airbnbs look so charming. I am looking to go back out to California this year, so I definitely will look into staying in one of them. Great article! 🙂
jenessa
TaylorHave a great CA trip!!
Krista
I love finding unique accommodation when I travel! I really like the ones that look like rustic wooden cottages.
jenessa
KristaYes, aren’t they so dreamy 🙂
Ally
The Waterfront Bungalow Near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco looks incredible!!
jenessa
AllyDoesn’t it?? You’d be out of the hustle and bustle of the city but still so close!
Brittany
This is an awesome post! I live in Arizona, so I visit California often. I’ll have to keep these amazing getaways in mind the next time I visit!
jenessa
BrittanyThank you! Yes, I LOVE California, so I’m definitely keeping a lot of these in my back pocket for when I get to head back.
Arrivals Hall
What a fab post, Jenessa. There is a diverse geographical mix of urban and rural, type of accommodation and suitability for different travellers. The cabins are adorable and very reasonably priced. Thanks for sharing.
jenessa
Arrivals HallThank you! Yes, I was actually surprised how many reasonably priced rentals I found. And all travelers should deserve to find some lovely places to stay 🙂
Hannah
Ah these are all so dreamy! I want to stay in all of them!! The Bohemian A-Frame Cabin is probably my favourite, it looks so cozy! But that treehouse getaway looks super cool too! There are so many unique Airbnbs out there…most of them I’d never want to leave the accommodation! Thanks for the great guide!
jenessa
HannahRight?! They make me want to plan a trip to just spend almost all my time onsite 🙂
Megan
These are all so beautiful and fun! I’ve grown to love rental homes for all the unique options you can get!
jenessa
MeganRight? They can be especially handy with kids! I can usually find more space for less money than a hotel!