10 Stunning Beachfront Airbnbs in California

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California has a lot to offer, from the remote Sierra Nevada to the urban centers of SF and LA — but it’s probably most famous for its golden beaches.

With lively beaches filled with famously beautiful people to laid back sands with more driftwood and tide pools than people, you’ll find a beach perfect for you in California. And that doesn’t even take into account the state’s many lakefront getaways.

California is home to 840 miles of coastline, creating practically an endless list of options for places to book a seaside retreat. Whether you’re dreaming of a restorative spot away from busy towns or a crash pad to retreat to after all-day beach volleyball sessions, this list of beachfront airbnbs in California should have the perfect pad for every kind of traveler.

1. Romantic Beachfront Apartment

Beachfront Apartment in Malibu — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Like a Parisian flat, but with a view of the Pacific instead of the Eiffel Tower.

Location: Malibu
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $475/night

This beachfront Airbnb is so close to the waves you can almost reach out and touch them. The perfect space for anyone seeking a romantic retreat at the beach, just walk through the door for access to sandy shores for strolling – or stay inside and just enjoy the views from the couch. And the deck is the perfect place to enjoy the salty sea breeze while sipping cocktails and keeping an eye out for dolphins dancing through the surf.

Look forward to waking up in your ocean-view bed, watching the sun splash its colors across the water as it dips below the horizon, and falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean. It’s the the total package for a romantic beach getaway.

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2. Hi-Tech Hideaway

oceanfront california airbnb — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: If you’re a techie seeking a high-end getaway with a stunning ocean view.

Location: Solana Beach
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Rates from: $736/night

The Hi-Tech Hideaway offers the perfect blend of luxury, smart technology, and panoramic views of the Pacific. The light-filled open-plan space has state-of-the-art everything, from the retractable doors to merge indoors and outdoors to the entertainment, touchscreen appliances and other smart-home gadgets. (Of course, high-tech could also present a problem for the technology challenged.)

Beyond all that, the house is stocked with everything you need for a beach vacation, including beach chairs, an umbrella and even a surf board if you want to get out and ride those beautiful waves.

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3. Luxury Suite on the Beach

beachfront airbnb california — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Affordable oceanfront luxury with breakfast delivered to your door

Location: Cayucos
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $197/night

This oceanfront guest suite is one of the lowest priced beachfront airbnbs in California, especially considering it has its own private entrance and a private patio with a fire pit just steps from the sand. You’ll be able to watch the waves and wildlife during the day and gather around a roaring fire under the stars in the evening, enjoying chats as Mother Nature’s soundtrack provides relaxing tunes.

However, the best part of this airbnb may be the host rather than the rental. In the morning, she’ll deliver a breakfast of homemade scones, fresh fruit, and juice right to your door. And that’s after you’re welcomed with a bottle of wine, beer, and other treats, too. And all for under $200 a night!

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4. Beachfront Pacific Villa

Why you should stay: An affordable and stylish surf shack.

Location: Oceanside
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $151/night

While this ocean-facing unit is small, it packs a punch when it comes to style, access to the beach, dazzling ocean views, and a reasonable price tag. Built in the 1940s, it features a mix of vintage and modern touches, with original features like a beautiful stone fireplace combined with a small but updated kitchen.

This rental is about equal distance between attractions in northern Diego and southern LA so it’s great if you plan to check a lot off the California bucket list. If you have any interest in surfing, be sure and check out Oceanside’s nearby California Surf Museum nearby, with a huge famous surfboard collection.

“…we are still in awe with this place. Such a refreshing experience and you could literally hear the sound of waves, watch sunset and wake up with a coffee to mornings…”

Neha, Wheeling, IL

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5. Oceanfront Getaway on Medicino Coast

oceanfront mendocino coast airbnb — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A peaceful getaway near some of northern California’s most stunning coastline.

Location: Fort Bragg
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $246/night

The beauty of the coastlines near Mendocino and Fort Bragg rival anything in the far more famous Big Sur, and this oceanfront getaway is perfectly located between the two. Guests will be near downtown Fort Bragg — a low-key town for great pizza and the famous Sea Glass Beach — and just a quick drive from northern Mendocino, with great cliffside walks and trails. There are usually tide pools right outside the home, and you may even see a passing whale, too.

Be sure to also visit the Mendocino Botanical Garden (with a great on-site garden shop), the grand Victorian buildings and saltbox cottages of Mendocino, and the redwood trails around Van Damme State Park.

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6. Beautiful Oceanfront Cottage

beachfront airbnb central california — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Charming oceanfront cottage with a garden patio.

Location: Cayucos
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $600/night

This oceanfront cottage is near Cambria and Morro Bay, along California’s Mediterranean-like central coast. It’s in the town of Cayucos, a classic surf town with frequent outdoor entertainment and a whimsical downtown offering all sorts of delicious eats and boutiques.

After a day outdoors, you’ll appreciate coming back to enjoy the cottage’s fabulous indoor and outdoor amenities like an ocean-view deck, gas fire pit, and outdoor shower, all steps from the beach.

“…It’s a bit like walking into a secret garden with lovely seating areas, interspersed with the sound of water fountains and the ocean waves…Every amenity has been thought of.”

Marcy, Brawley, CA

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7. Oceanfront Home Steps to the Beach

ocean sunset airbnb california — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A private beachfront hot tub just south of SF.

Location: Moss Beach
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $550/night

The perfect spot if you want to explore city attractions and sneak in an unforgettable beach vacation, this oceanfront home is just 25 minutes from San Francisco. You’ll have your own slice of paradise on a secluded, private stretch of beach with direct access to the sand and a hot tub overlooking the ocean.

Not only can you wake up and fall asleep to expansive ocean views, but there’s a putting green for practicing your game and a fire pit, too. While it has a full kitchen, you won’t want to miss trying the tacos and other tasty Mexican eats at El Gran Amigo Taqueria, easily reached on foot. It’s one of the pricier beachfront airbnbs in California, but it’s hard to find a rental on the beach closer to SF.

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8. Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

oceanview airbnb california — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A perfect setting in a locale super convenient to Carmel, Santa Cruz, and more.

Location: Watsonville
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $275/night

Located south of Santa Cruz and north of Monterey and the Carmel area, this beachfront condo is a great base for enjoying the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or even going inland to Monterey County’s wine country. It’s on a peaceful wide stretch of sand backed by wind-rippled dunes and seagrass. In the summer, a sandbar obstructs the river so you can walk from Moss Landing to New Brighton State Beach, combing for the dozens of sand dollars that line the shore.

As soon as you step through the door and see the unobstructed ocean views, you’ll know it’s going to be an amazing stay. It’s beautifully furnished, spotlessly clean, and stocked with everything you’d expect. And it also has a cozy fireplace to keep you warm as night sets after a colorful sunset.

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9. Spectacular Oceanfront Home

Why you should stay: A remote, stunning getaway, complete with a beautiful baby grand piano.

Location: Sea Ranch
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $750/night

Just steps from the shore, this oceanfront home was designed by an in-demand local architect to be a place to reflect on the connect between body and nature — and given how peaceful the property is, finding a moment of zen here should be no problem. It’s in Sea Ranch, a well-known private neighborhood in a remote area at the far northern end of the Sonoma Coast, providing the perfect tranquil spot to relax and recharge.

While the incredible views, cozy fireplace, and the allure of seeing if you’re a secret piano prodigy may tempt you to stay in, you’ll be just a short walk from the Ohlson Rec Center, which offers a great swimming beach plus tennis courts and a sauna. It’s certainly not one of the more affordable beachfront airbnbs in California, but it’d be a great option for a special occasion trip.

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10. Kailua Bluffs Oceanfront

Why you should stay: A custom home for a huge group on a private beach.

Location: Dillon Beach
Sleeps: 14
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $1,200/night

Ideal for a family reunion or corporate retreat, this custom-built oceanfront home is on one of the most desirable, peaceful spots on the northern coast. It’s in Dillion Beach, on the street that’s been called the “street of dreams.” The home is on a secluded stretch of sand where you can swim. The water can get chilly, though, so bring a wet suit if you plan to boogie board (or just plan to jump in the ocean-view hot tub afterwards.) It’s also close to several kayak rental shops and tour operators.

Families with kids and teens will especially appreciate the game room with pool and ping pong tables, plus enough TVs that everyone can watch what they want.

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