Waterfront holiday rentals in California

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in California

Guests agree: these waterfront rentals 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, 165 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

Top guest favourite
The entrance of the cottage features a wooden door framed by rustic wood siding. A spacious deck provides seating options, and a hat hangs on the wall. Lush greenery surrounds the entrance, while sunlight filters through the trees in the background.
Cabin in Nevada City
5 out of 5 average rating, 210 reviews

Romantic Creekside Cabin-Hot Tub-Privacy

Indulge in rustic-elegance, charm and comfort. Our luxurious fairytale cabin is built of warm toned cedar wood and floors: a gourmet kitchen, soaking tub for two, wood burning stove, hot tub, views. You will experience a full immersion in nature out every window and just one step out the door. Just a short ten minute drive from historic Nevada City, shopping, restaurants, theater, Deer Creek trail, Yuba River and hiking trails nearby. This studio cabin is perfect for couples or a solo retreat.

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 outdoor deck features two lounge chairs facing a tranquil river and mountain landscape. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over the space. The surrounding area is adorned with lush greenery and natural scenery, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Camper van/Motorhome in Kernville
5 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

The Kern River House: MoonShine Trailer Waterfront

MoonShine Trailer, an epic riverfront property by The Kern River House. Very cool 1955 Boles Aero Ensenada Trailer is lovingly restored & updated. Its forever home on a beautiful spot of Kern River, just south of Big Daddy Rapids. Private Waterfront with River Access, cedar hot tub, patios, gas BBQ, fire pit, outdoor shower, speedy WiFi & the coolest vintage vibe. Has queen bed, single sofa bed, indoor bathroom, a/c & heating, refrigerator, stovetop, all kitchen tools. Endless relaxing fun!

Guest favourite
Tiny home in Three Rivers
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 246 reviews

Infinite 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. Note: This is our only pet-friendly listing.

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, 160 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
The interior features warm wooden walls and large windows offering views of the outdoors. Comfortable seating areas with green cushions flank a cozy wood stove. A decorative woven basket and a colorful, striped pouf enhance the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Sea Ranch
5 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

ROSEA Ranch: cozy, oceanfront, walk to beach

Located steps from premier sand beach, Walk on Beach. Entering the gates, you'll be greeted by a tranquil, mature garden blocked from the wind, a deck, and a hot tub. Inside this solar powered 1970s modern vernacular contemporary home, you'll find a cozy raised living room positioned for maximum views. Bedrooms are on the ground floor, along with bathrooms, living, dining, fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry. A study is upstairs. 1% of proceeds go to airbnb.org

Top guest favourite
A spacious hot tub is illuminated in soft blue light, set on a wooden deck that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The coastline is partially obscured by mist, while a clear night sky filled with stars creates a serene atmosphere.
Cottage in Manchester
5 out of 5 average rating, 160 reviews

Oceanfront/ Stunning Views/ Hot Tub/ Contemporary

Oceanfront Bluff-Top Cottage | Dramatic Whitewater Views ➢Expansive Pacific Ocean views ➢Endless crashing wave rhythms ➢Enchanting coastal vista ➢Exclusive drive-up beach access Perched on a scenic bluff, Wonder Waves offers a coastal haven with refined modern comfort. Whether you are seeking a tranquil escape, an inspiring workcation, or a refreshing getaway with loved ones, let the ocean panorama and soothing sounds of the waves rejuvenate your mind and body.

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, 242 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.

Top guest favourite
Cabin in Three Rivers
5 out of 5 average rating, 259 reviews

Botanist Cabin · Creekside Tub · Forest Magic

Nestled beside a flowing stream, this historic botanist’s cabin was created for simple living and deep connection with nature. Light-filled and intimate, the studio is wrapped in windows that bring the forest indoors, with a full kitchen, soaking tub, and outdoor shower. Surrounded by redwoods, a lily pond, a water garden, and wandering paths, this is a rare place to slow down, unplug, and experience something truly one of a kind in Three Rivers.

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