Waterfront holiday rentals in California

Find and book unique waterfront accommodation on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront accommodation in California

Guests agree: These waterfront accommodation options are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Guest favourite
An outdoor dining area features a wooden table set for four, surrounded by black chairs. The space overlooks the lake, revealing stunning water views and distant mountains. A patterned rug adds a touch of comfort beneath the table, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Kelseyville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews

Bee Haus | Lakefront •Private Dock •Kayaks •Dogs

Experience the tranquility of lakeside living at the Bee Haus, perfect for a couple or small group seeking a peaceful escape. This charming retreat boasts sweeping waterfront views, high ceilings, an open concept living space, wraparound deck, and PRIVATE DOCK! Truly the perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. When you’re ready for adventure, explore the lake by kayak, rent a speed boat/ jet skis, hike Mt. Konocti, wine taste at the Mercantile, or fish straight from our private dock!

Top Guest favourite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Santa Cruz A-Frame

This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Guest favourite
A tiny house is nestled in a hillside, surrounded by lush greenery and cacti. The wooden structure features a spacious deck with seating, and large windows that invite natural light. Scenic mountain views are present in the background, enhancing the tranquil setting.
Tiny home in Escondido
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews

Lakeview Tiny House w/hillside pool

Tucked into the hillside by Lake Hodges, the tiny house is a romantic retreat or a place to unwind surrounded by nature, w/plenty of amenities so you don't have to sacrifice comfort. Lake & mountain views from inside & out-- private, large covered deck, dining patio, outdoor shower (& indoor), beautiful saltwater pool, & fire bowl. Though it feels like you're in a secluded retreat, urban amenities are just a few miles away. SD Zoo Safari Park, wineries, breweries & beaches all w/in easy reach.

Guest favourite
Home in Lower Lake
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews

Cozy Lakefront Retreat - Private Trails & Beach

A bright historic farmhouse overlooking Clear Lake, with a private lakefront cove and access to a second shared beach & dock. Scenic views, private trails, and generous indoor and outdoor gathering areas are ideal for unwinding together. Enjoy meals on the covered veranda, cook in the well-stocked kitchen, bathe in the outdoor spa, play in the game room, or gather by the fire pit after sunset. Wineries, farm stands, shops, and hiking nearby make great outings for couples, families, and friends.

Top Guest favourite
A serene riverfront view showcases a stone patio with lounge chairs nestled by the water's edge. Lush greenery surrounds the area, and the backdrop features a two-story house embraced by trees, with distant mountains rising in the background.
Home in Kernville
5 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

The Kern River House: River's Edge Cottage Private

River's Edge Cottage, a lovely riverfront property by The Kern River House. Unique spot on Kern River with Private River Access & epic vistas of the southern Sierra Mts. Meet the river as soon as you arrive! The large modern suite is perfect for 1 couple or small family. With a full bathroom, kitchenette, wood fireplace, cozy lounging nooks, propane BBQ, garden terraces, large dining patio, steady WiFi & fully gated property, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your riverfront stay.

Top Guest favourite
A sunlit wooden deck extends from the Victorian cottage, featuring a yoga mat and overlooking the tranquil ocean. Coastal scenery is framed by trees, with a small island visible in the distance against the serene blue water.
Home in Little River
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 162 reviews

Beach Trail Cottage

Come recharge in our 1887 Victorian cottage—as featured in the New York Times real estate section in November ‘23–with unobstructed views of the stunning Mendocino coastline. Descend from our beautiful home along a gently sloping, short trail leading directly onto the Van Damme State Park beach. Beach Trail Cottage offers a deep front porch, decorative shingles, and high-pitched roof angles that seamlessly blends the old with the new for an unpretentious yet elegant, inviting space.

Top Guest favourite
Cabin in Idyllwild-Pine Cove
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 515 reviews

The Far Out - A Frame cabin in the woods

The Far Out is a classic A-frame cabin nestled in the beautiful woods of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains. This mountain retreat sits on an acre of land, complete with a 1200 sq ft wooden deck and semi-sunken hot tub. The interior décor is impeccably curated, blending vintage character with modern design for a distinctly cool cabin vibe. Set far back from the road, the cabin and the grounds offer a magnificent private space for a relaxing getaway. Beauty abounds at The Far Out!

Top Guest favourite
Tiny home in Three Rivers
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 259 reviews

Stellar Luxury Mirror House | Hot Tub | Sauna

Paradise Ranch Inn is a private nature retreat minutes from Sequoia National Park. Stay in design-forward mirror cabins with private hot tubs or luxury glamping tents set across a scenic riverfront landscape. Enjoy fire pits, sauna, outdoor cooking with pizza ovens and grills, forest trails, and pure mountain air. A mile of river runs through the property, offering natural cold plunges, swimming, and peaceful nights under clear Sierra stars. NO GUESTS UNDER 18 ALLOWED

Top Guest favourite
Earthen home in Sonora
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 309 reviews

Birds Nest, fresh, rustic, romantic, pond front

Come stay at this rustic, unique, hand sculpted cob earth house in the heart of the gold country surrounded by wilderness. The house is magical inside and out, with unique curved walls and ceilings, facing a seasonal pond and home to much wildlife. Sit outside at night under the Milky Way, watching shooting stars and listening to toads in the pond. Please note the bedroom is upstairs, the bathroom is down an external staircase. There is no oven.

Top Guest favourite
An outdoor deck area features a comfortable seating arrangement with soft cushions positioned to enjoy the expansive view of Clear Lake. The sun rises over the mountains, casting a warm glow on the water's surface, accentuating the serenity of the landscape.
Home in Clearlake
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 244 reviews

:|: Samadhi’s Birdhouse ~ Nature’s Wonderland!

Samadhi’s Birdhouse is a quiet retreat perched atop a tiny peninsula that juts out into the southern portion of Clear Lake reaching toward Mount Konocti [Mountain Woman in Pomo]. Water surrounds you on all sides as birds abound. You’ll see pelicans streaming past; egrets finding their familiar ground; eagles, hawks, and turkey vultures looking down in curiosity. Deer, jackrabbits, and wild turkey graze together while melodic birdsong fills the air.

Guest favourite
A bright dining area features a round table surrounded by four woven chairs. Large windows provide panoramic ocean views, while natural light floods the space. Exposed wooden beams enhance the room's charm, complemented by decorative wall baskets and a patterned area rug.
Condo in Avalon
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 282 reviews

Oceanfront Luxury Villa | Golf Cart + Island Views

Welcome to Vista Blanca, a brand-new luxury oceanfront 1BR villa in Catalina’s prestigious Hamilton Cove. Take in breathtaking panoramic views, relax on your private terrace, and explore Avalon in your complimentary 4-seat golf cart. This stylish escape includes a king bedroom, full kitchen, Smart TVs, beach gear, and access to a resort pool, tennis courts, private beach, and more. Vista Blanca is your perfect island retreat—just 26 miles from LA.

Superhost
The image showcases a modern Airstream parked on a sandy area overlooking the ocean. A large retractable awning extends over an outdoor seating arrangement that includes a fire pit surrounded by chairs. Lush green grass and a wooden fence frame the scene, highlighting the coastal setting.
Campervan/RV in Half Moon Bay
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Beachfront California Coast Airstream_Luxury (NEW)

This spectacular location comes fully equipped with the 'top of the line' 28 foot' Airstream, (Big Sur & Tommy Bahama class limited edition) with horizontal flip rear tail door for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Overlooking a stunning beach, perched high on a cliff this one of a kind experience boasts breathtaking views of the California coastline and Pacific Ocean to create an unforgettable magical experience of a lifetime.

Popular amenities for California waterfront rentals

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