The coolest Airbnb in California and other unique vacation rentals
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Looking for the coolest Airbnb in California? Look no further! I have selected these amazing unique vacation rentals keeping in mind simplicity and style, comfort, and connection. We all feel like taking a break from our boring or difficult routine and escape into a new harmonious world, surrounded by beauty and the sound of silence.
While quietly waiting for normal times to come and planning my next trip, I dream about California and a cozy unique place to stay where to relax after a day of exploring.
Planning is what I do best, and my obsession for architecture and decor took me to browse through all the property sites like a tinder catalog. Yes, yes, no, yes, no. And that’s how this post was born.
I wanted to share with you all the places that I have selected for my next road trip to California, I hope you agree with me they are the most gorgeous homes and domes that you have ever seen.
If you are wondering when is the best time to travel to California, though, I can tell you every time is a good time.
The beautiful sunny weather year-round makes it a full-time vacation destination. Keep in mind though that summers are better for swimming (even though the pacific ocean is always colder than anywhere else) and winter for exploring and hiking.
Indeed California’s unbeatable weather makes it the best destination to travel in December in the US for a warm winter escape, especially if you are coming from cold weather.
Anyway, without further ado, here are the best Airbnb in California.
The coolest Airbnb in California and other spectacular unique homes
Redwood Dome | Hot Tub, Home Theater, Cozy Vibes
📍 Cazadero – California (US) · 2 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 baths ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
This spectacular and cozy dome in the Russian River welcomes you for your peaceful retreat in the redwoods. The perfect place to relax after a hike or any of the other multiple activities you can do in the surroundings.
The beautifully decorated dome is located on 2.5 acres of private property, boasting skylights and two decks for stargazing, a farm table for cozy meals, a writer’s desk overlooking the redwoods for work or creative inspiration, a projector for movies/shows, and a brand new hydrotherapy hot tub that’s literally under the stars.
It’s structured like a sort of loft with an open space on the ground floor where the kitchen and living room are located. There is a welcoming bedroom downstairs with an en-suite bathroom and another cozy bedroom upstairs with a skylight and a writer’s nook.
Also included:
- High-speed internet
- deep cleaning and sanitization for COVID-19 measures
- 92 HD projector screen
- hydrotherapy hot tub with expansive views overlooking the redwood forest
- a wood-burning stove (for use in the fall/winter) Please use it only if you are familiar with it.
IMPORTANT NOTE – No drugs, smoking, or events are allowed. Please note that while private, there are neighbors so please keep noise levels down. Quiet hours are between 10 PM – 7 AM.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
What some of the previous guests say:
“It’s unique, beautiful, and very comfortable and relaxing. Definitely would recommend.“
“Wendy and Alan’s place is perfect! It is so quiet and remote feeling while being a quick drive from the town of Duncan mills and near the ocean in Jenner and the river. The instructions were well laid out, space was thoroughly clean, and the stay was totally ideal. I will definitely return!”
“Amazing place in the redwoods near Russian river area. We mostly hung out at the dome house and loved the projector, fireplace, hot tub, pour-over coffee, and the views. It was a quick drive to the hiking areas/beach. There are some food places nearby that are open for takeout during the pandemic but we drove up to Healdsburg for some yummy food. Overall, perfect get away during a pandemic and felt very safe since you are away from everyone.“
Luxury Treehouse in the Redwoods
📍 Santa Cruz – California (US) · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
This spectacular treehouse, perched in a redwood grove, is your perfect getaway in the redwoods and yet close to Santa Cruz. It’s equipped with full kitchen, bathroom and living room with gas fireplace, WiFi and TV.
The treehouse is located close to the owner’s property but still guarantees maximum privacy.
From the private deck outside the front door, you will enjoy the surrounding redwood tree and beautiful sunsets.
Location
Located in the Happy Valley neighborhood of Santa Cruz, it’s very close to the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, and only 5 miles from downtown Santa Cruz and beaches.
You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking trails, a golf course, and the close-by beach.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Quiet and Private Retreat in a 1967 Airstream on the Coast (Airbnb Plus)
📍 Half-moon bay- California (US) · 2 guests · 2 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
Among the Airbnb Glamping in California, this is definitely the most unique and glamorous. Located at only 300 yards from Poplar beach you can hear the sounds of the waves from your private fenced in yard.
This beautiful private old Airstream will provide a romantic luxury nest for your retreat by the beach. It’s dog friendly if you want to bring your loyal furry friend and it has WIFI, if you are thinking about a “workation”. It’s always good to find inspiration elsewhere from your usual home office.
The beautiful decor with neutral interiors and natural wood flooring will be your relaxing sanctuary during your stay.
Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street is just 5 minutes away by car if you want to dine out in some of the best restaurants in town.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Treehouse, San Jose
📍 San Jose – California (US) · 4 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
This cozy 250 sq ft treehouse will give you the most gorgeous view of the Silicon Valley, while the 14-foot high deck is nestled in between 3 sycamore trees.
A spiral staircase leads to the house which boasts a full functioning bathroom a kitchenette with sink, cooking stove and mini-fridge.
You are completely immersed in nature including having some uninvited guests, such as little ants.
There are 2 queen size beds, one of which is located in the loft upstairs.
There are a driveway and a patio area right below the tree with the most amazing sunset views.
The treehouse is located in a quiet neighborhood and most of the time you can even enjoy the company of wilderness such as deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes.
If you don’t have your own transportation, Uber and Lyft are available. Read more for driving instruction.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View(Airbnb Plus)
📍 Aptos – California (US) · 6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
This spectacular Treehouse is a luxury retreat for your chic getaway.
Everything is looked after in every single detail. Furniture is made of natural materials like wood and stone to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. To complete the joyful ambiance you will find colorful carpets white walls and sliding doors inspired by Japanese screens.
The owners strive to provide a clean and safe environment and the house is thoroughly clean and sanitize after each guest.
This world-class place is located in a quiet secluded neighborhood next to Nicene Marks Redwood Forest State Park, just outside of the city of Santa Cruz. It’s perched on top of a small valley, overlooking the ocean.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Yosemite Shuteye, a most romantic getaway…
📍 Oakhurst- California (US) · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1.5 baths ⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
A spectacular location for your cozy private retreat in Yosemite.
The nicely decorated yurt is connected by cedar decking to a hand-hewn cookhouse with an airy 3/4-bath and a fully stocked kitchen.
You can also use a fire pit where you can sit and relax while gazing at the stars and eating smores.
Located in a six-acre mountain property in the Sierra foothills, your only neighbors will be squirrels raccoons, deers, and all sorts of local wildlife, so that you can enjoy peace and tranquillity during your escape in nature.
The place is equipped with WIFI so that if you are looking for a working vacation you can find it here. The perfect place to find inspiration.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Rancho Tranquillo Rustic Chic Tent (Airbnb Plus)
📍 San Juan Bautista – California (US) · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
Rancho Tranquillo is a beautiful high-end glamping spot sitting on a hill within a working cattle ranch. It’s surrounded by walnut and oak trees, and at walking distance from the St. Francis Retreat Center, or downtown to historic San Juan Bautista.
Surrounded by nature you can enjoy nice walks along the nearby hiking trails, Pinnacles National Park, and Monterey Bay.
As you can see from the beautiful pictures, the tent features an open layout, a kitchenette, an outdoor shower, an old-fashioned private outhouse, a covered front porch, and a fire pit.
Also featured:
- Solar-powered electricity
- goose down comforter
- white 100% cotton sheets
- wool blankets for extra warmth
- WIFI
- A/c
- Heating
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
High Desert Glamping Yurt w/ heater
📍 New Cuyama – California (US) · 4 guests · 2 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
Simple and chic, this romantic Airbnb glamping in California offers a spacious yurt in the middle of nowhere, the perfect place to enjoy sunsets and sunrises surrounded by deserted space and starry nights.
Amenities included:
- picnic table with all the amenities: sink, cornhole, utensils, heater during winter, french press w/ coffee, plates, 2 Q beds, silverware, and other practical tools.
- The guest has their own private shower and large outhouse away from others.
- Hot shower and propane provided
- A small farm including 12 goads, 8 pigs, and 150 birds
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Exclusive Hideaway w/Spa, Views, Open Air Veranda
📍 Ojai – California (US) · 4 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 baths ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲💲
A super private 3-story Guest Villa Safe and tucked away for maximum privacy and comfort. An exclusive luxury retreat in a beautiful oasis of bliss and tranquility, with stunning views over the mountains and spectacular sunsets.
The three bedroom are on three different levels for maximum privacy, besides the house boasts:
- massive flagstone fireplace
- wood floors
- 4 TV
- trendy rugs
- a fully equipped kitchen is fully equipped with lots of extras like a new keurig coffee maker.
- double pillow mattress with featherbedding.
- Open-air indoor-outdoor veranda to admire the stunning views over the mountains.
- A newly renovated Dome bedroom with 3 incredible view windows.
- Great WIFI, which is unlimited and available throughout the property
- Spa & Cold Dipping Pool to combine very warm and very chilly temperatures.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Kick Back in an Iconic 1974 Airstream on an Organic Ranch (Airbnb Plus)
📍 Carpinteria – California (US) · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
Among the Airbnb glamping in California, old restored Airstream seems to be the coolest choice. I found this one particularly amazing and charming for its metallic edge combined with leather and the wooden patio outside. The entire minimal chic decor and the intimate patio surrounded by avocado orchards create a peaceful retreat and oasis of bliss and relaxation.
Nestled in a 5-acre working organic farm, is just 5 minutes drive from the Classic beach town of Carpinteria.
A short drive away are also Rincon Point (the Queen of the Coast for surfers)— and Summerland.
Santa Barbara Airport is at only 30 minutes by car if there is no traffic.
Also included:
- Full kitchen
- WIFI
- Washer
- Dryer
- TV
- Bathroom Essentials
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
The Flying Pig Treehouse Oasis
📍 Topanga – California (US) · 2 guests · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
A unique Treehouse retreat sitting on top of a seasonal waterfall cliff with a very interesting story behind it.
You will have the place all for yourself. It’s cozy, intimate, and very conveniently located close to the bohemian town of Topanga, nestled in the Santa Monica mountains, and a unique town that has been an inspiring oasis to many famous musicians and writers.
The place is cozy and sanitized clean and equipped with all the essential amenities. You will definitely need a car or use Uber or Lyft, since public transportation doesn’t get here.
You will be at a close distance to the beach and at 30 minutes to Santa Monica or Malibu and 40 minutes to Hollywood.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you are in nature so you will hear birds chirping, coyotes howling, and other sounds of nature. Be mindful not to leave food at an easy reach because that might invite unwanted guests.
You are very much allowed to take your pets with you, however, make sure you keep them on a leash at night so that they don’t wander around and meet any coyotes.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
The Mushroom Dome Retreat & LAND of Paradise Suite
📍 Aptos – California (US) · 3 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
One of the most demanded Airbnb in California and the world with 1560+ bookings and almost 5-star reviews. This mushroom-shaped dome is a cute relaxing nest in the middle of the woods. Perfect for an escape from the city or a meditation retreat.
The Space – The geodesic dome is a cozy and clean semi-rustic retreat space with a loft where the is a Queen-sized super popular Casper Mattress, with clean sheets, pillowcases, and plenty of blankets.
On the main floor, you will find a couch, a pull-out table and 2 chairs, a small refrigerator, a Hot Air Popcorn Popper (and the kernels), French Coffee Press, an Electric Water Kettle, a wine opener, dishes – and more.
There is also a barbecue grill on the deck with an extra gas burner on the side.
A $100 security deposit is required at check in time.
Although the dome seems very much isolated, it’s actually located in Monterey Bay at 10 minutes from the beach as well as the 10,000 acre Forest Nisene Marks State Park for miles of hiking or dirt biking in the Redwoods and along Aptos creek.
You are also 20 minutes to downtown Santa Cruz, 25 min. to the Beach Boardwalk, 50 min. to Carmel-by-the-sea.
Also, read amazing things to do in Carmel By the Sea
Please read very well the listing on Airbnb before booking as the owners give out quite a lot of useful information and rules about the property.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Bike to the Beach from an Airstream with a Hot Tub (Airbnb Plus)
📍 Culver City – California (US) · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
Located in a super friendly and multicultural neighborhood of Culver City, this 2017 19 Ft Airstream is the perfect way to enjoy Los Angeles in style.
It’s a quiet neighborhood where to relax but also at a very close distance from local shops and the popular Venice beach.
Among the Amenities:
- AC, full kitchen & bath
- Jacuzzi
- tropical garden
- WIFI
- TV
- Bathroom essential
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Dome in the desert (Airbnb Plus)
📍 Joshua tree – California (US) · 4 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
A beautiful modern-bohemian dome located in the middle of the desert. You will be welcomed by Kathrin and Brian and a million stars.
Definitely a glamorous stay in the middle of nowhere at a close distance from Joshua tree park entrance and easy to access.
The dome boasts a very unique design combining natural wood with decorative stone elements, antiques with modern pieces, and other precious details that create an elegant and yet cozy atmosphere that make this space so special.
A natural wood-burning stove and space heaters warm the home on chilly evenings, while AC keeps the dome cool on hot desert days.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Dome life
📍 La Mesa – California (US) · 4 guests · 2 beds · 1 bath – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 💲💲💲
Among all the Airbnb Glamping in California, this one is in my opinion the most luxurious and unique. A one-of-a-kind experience in a quiet neighborhood of San Diego.
The first thing that you will fall in love with is the spectacular modern architecture of the space.
This Dome was originally built in 1967 as a project for college students majoring in Art. It has just been renovated and furnished with the most modern and functional amenities in style.
It’s located close to the main house but far enough to guarantee privacy.
The kitchen comes already equipped with everything needed to cook a complete meal.
Also included:
- Access to NetFlix and Hulu plus
- Private bathroom and shower with professional shampoos, conditioner and body wash, blow-dryer, flat iron, cotton balls, q-tips, and a first aid kit in the drawers if needed.
- Small Deck
- Parking spot
Dogs under 30 pounds are allowed at a $20 per night fee up to 2 dogs. Please enquire when you book.
Find out more and check rates and availability on Airbnb
Beautiful Boho Chic Stylish Apartment
1-5 guests · 2bedrooms · 1 bath – 1000 sq. ft
Gorgeous stylish apartment in the heart of Anaheim in the fancy Orange County and not very far from Disneyland and all the other fun things to do in the quaint city. Ideal also for a workation since the beautiful interior decor and vintage feels matching with all the modern amenities create a cozy and comfortable ambiance to work and focus.
Since the home is located in the historic tree-lined neighborhood, it is also great for taking a stroll around and exploring the area. Close to restaurants, grocery stores, and all So Cal attractions.
GUEST REVIEWS – We stayed here over Thanksgiving and it was a five-star place. Great neighborhood, stylish decor. Ken and Shannon think of everything you would need. We will stay again!!
If this location doesn’t work for you check out all the other gorgeous Airbnb in Orange County that I have selected for their stylish decor and great value.
Your Essential Travel Resources
- Store your bags in the main cities and walk around freely hands and weight free with Bounce
- Check if you need a visa and get help processing it with iVisa
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- Compare car rental prices at Discover Car Rentals
- Check out my travel planning guide if you are planning your trip and feeling overwhelmed