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Put in Those Vacation Requests Now: These Gorgeous California Escapes Are Calling Your Name

It’s not always easy to get away, but escaping the city every so often is good for the soul. While jetting to the Seychelles may not be an option, there are plenty of places perfect for a little R&R right here in California. And because Airbnb just launched two new features—curated Collections and carefully vetted Plus properties offering extra high-end amenities—we scoured the listings in search of the best the state has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an outdoorsy spring break fit for the whole family or an oceanfront hideaway to unwind with your significant other, we’ve rounded up ten posh rentals, all within driving distance of San Francisco.

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joshua tree house
Sarah and Rich Combs

Family-friendly Pad In Joshua Tree

Just ten minutes outside of the park, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom 1949 hacienda is desert decor at its finest. Kids will get a kick out of the two hanging chairs by the fireplace and a bonus hammock room, while you and your honey will appreciate stargazing from the hot tub after the little ones go to bed.

ocean front condo in malibu1
AirBnb

Oceanfront Condo In Malibu

It had us at private beach. Situated right on the famously exclusive Old Malibu Road, this place is all about location, location, location. Incredible ocean views, long walks by the water and the sound of crashing waves to lull you to sleep—this is the ultimate spot for some serious R&R.

luxury yurt in santa barbara
Eileen Descallar Ringwald

Luxe Mountain Yurt In Santa Barbara

Perched atop Refugio Mountain with views of Santa Barbara’s Channel Islands, this unique retreat on 20 acres of secluded oceanfront land is big enough for a family or two couples. A full kitchen and outdoor grill are perfect for preparing home-cooked meals. Plan to pick up groceries on the way in—because once you’re settled you won’t want to leave. Did we mention the hammocks on the wraparound porch?

midcentury bungalow in venice
AirBnb

Mid-century Meets Moroccan Bungalow In Venice

Mid-century modern meets rustic with subtle Moroccan touches in this thoughtfully decorated Spanish Revival-style bungalow with terra-cotta floors and arched doorways. Sunlight streams through a skylight in the upstairs living room, and a balcony in the master overlooks a lush private garden. You’ll feel so at home that you won’t want to leave, but if you do, shopping on Abbot Kinney is just a ten-minute walk and the beach is only a mile away.

tahoe cabin1
Jacks Master Design

Cozy Tahoe Cabin

Tahoe has finally seen some snow, so now’s the time to go for one last dose of wintertime fun. This South Lake listing—a quick five-minute drive to Heavenly ski resort—has quintessential cozy cabin written all over it. From the mountain-chic decor to the indoor wood-burning fireplace to the outdoor fire pit, hot tub and backyard swing made from a repurposed ski-lift chair, this is the perfect way to experience Tahoe over a long weekend.

indoor outdoor oasis in redding1
Israel Jonson

Indoor-outdoor Oasis In Redding

OK, Redding might not top your list of vacation destinations, but hear us out. If your family is the outdoorsy type, this is the ideal base camp for day trips to Mount Shasta, Trinity Alps, Whiskeytown Lake and the Sacramento River Trail. And this incredible home makes the long drive north totally worth the trip. Open floor plan, two sets of bunk beds, an expansive deck, walls of windows and huge gorgeous bathrooms—you’ll wish you could call this place home for more than a few days.

palm springs airbnb
AirBnb

Palm Springs Mod

Start dreaming of poolside barbecues. This three-bedroom, three bathroom house with a pool, Jacuzzi and gas grill in the heart of Palm Springs is tailor-made for groups looking for a hot desert getaway. San Franciscans will appreciate high-tech touches like Nest and Roku. And if you’ve never slept on a Westin Heavenly mattress, you’re in for a treat.

hollywood airbnb
AirBnb

Hidden Hollywood Gem

Experience the twinkle of Tinseltown at this hidden gem just a few blocks from Hollywood and Vine. The 1920s Spanish bungalows in this neighborhood boast some serious red-carpet cred—they used to house MGM artists like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. It’s also within walking distance to the super-cool Cahuenga Corridor known for shops, restaurants and clubs. And because so much is walkable, you can skip the car rental and avoid the L.A. traffic. Bonus: The host is even open to pets if you coordinate ahead of time.

charming cottage in carmel
AirBnb

Charming Carmel Cottage

It doesn’t get much more adorable than this—a quaint cottage with a wood-burning fireplace and a patio located on a two-acre rose farm in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Inside you’ll find a basket and garden shears for gathering freshly cut flowers. You’ll also have full access to fruit, veggies and herbs from the on-site garden for truly farm-to-table picnics and dinners under an Instagram-worthy open-beamed pavilion. And should you fancy a wander, Folktale Winery is just next door.

private loft in the mission
AirBnb

Modern Staycation In The Mission

There’s no need to leave the city to escape the buzz of everyday life when you can play house in a private loft in the Mission. Sip coffee from the roof deck of this gorgeous Victorian right off Dolores Park and then shake off the city’s damp chill in front of the gas fireplace inside. If you’re a sucker for design, you’ll love this space’s gilded wallpaper, platform bed, faux-fur pillows and thoroughly modern spa bathroom.

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allison mccarthy

San Francisco Editor

Allison McCarthy is a writer and editor with 15 years of experience in the industry. She's currently the San Francisco editor at PureWow, where she covers the best of what's happening in the Bay Area. Her work has also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Sunset Magazine, 7x7, Dwell, Yoga Journal and a variety of interior design outlets.