California vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in California
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Vacation rentals for every style
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Popular amenities for California vacation rentals
California oceanfront vacation rentals
Rental unit in Pacifica
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 760 reviewsLuxury Beach View Apartment
Condo in Malibu
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 428 reviewsMalibu, Carbon Beach - Suite Seven
Home in Muir Beach
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 331 reviewsOcean Front Beach Cottage with Hot Tub & Fireplace
Rental unit in Malibu
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviewsIdyllic, Romantic Beachfront Apartment in Malibu
Guest suite in Carmel-by-the-Sea
5 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviewsOn the Ocean with unbelievable views
Home in Albion
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviewsOcean Heaven Escape
Cabin in Albion
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviewsNavarro House - hot tub | beach | dog friendly
Rental unit in Oceanside
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 584 reviewsForty feet from Pacific Ocean
California fishing vacation rentals
Cottage in Kelseyville
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviewsThe Bungalow | Lakefront • Kayaks • Spa • Dogs
Guesthouse in Escondido
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 698 reviewsHilltop cabin retreat with lake & mountain views
Cabin in Lake County
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 293 reviewsRural 1 Acre Lakefront Location With Private Beach
Cottage in Forestville
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 440 reviewsCosmo Beach Riverfront Sanctuary
Home in Coarsegold
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 268 reviewsYosemite Foothill Retreat - Private Guest Suite #3
Cabin in Arrowbear Lake
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviewsA-Frame Apogee | Hot Tub · Epic Views · Swing Set
Farm stay in Oceanside
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 448 reviewsLake View Modern Farm House Retreat
Cabin in Ahwahnee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 1,447 reviews2 Bedroom Cabin at Glamping Resort near Yosemite
Vacation rentals with pools in California
Guesthouse in Mount Shasta
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviewsMt. Shasta hand crafted Guest House
Home in Sea Ranch
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 280 reviewsAward-Winning Forest Getaway: @thesearanchhouse
Guesthouse in Malibu
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 656 reviewsMalibu Modern 1 bedroom Pool House
Bungalow in Topanga
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviewsTopanga Pool House
Guesthouse in Los Gatos
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 935 reviewsCabana in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
Cabin in Sea Ranch
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviewsMini-Mod #3 at The Sea Ranch.
Home in Graton
5 out of 5 average rating, 604 reviewsEco Luxury Private Sanctuary / The Farmhouse Oasis
Home in Timber Cove, Jenner
5 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviewsOcean Front with Pool on Wild Sonoma Coast
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
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- Family travel hub Tips and inspiration
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