Growing up in California, I spent lots of time on the state’s beaches, enjoying a variety of experiences, from tide-pooling and clamming to bodysurfing. With an 840-mile-long coastline and countless beaches ranging from sun-soaked golden sands to secluded rocky stretches enshrouded in fog, there are lots of options when it comes to beachfront Airbnbs in California. Living the beach life can be quite different depending on the area of the state you plan to visit, with those in the north quite a bit cooler and ruggedly spectacular. When most people picture the state’s beaches, they envision SoCal’s sands which tend to be warmer and busier, with lots of oiled-up sunbathers in stylish bathing suits.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re likely to find the perfect beachfront Airbnb on this list, from San Diego and Malibu to the magnificent Lost Coast.
Idyllic, Romantic Beachfront Apartment - Malibu
Offering an idyllic couples’ escape, this beachfront apartment in Malibu will allow you to live like the rich and famous, complete with panoramic ocean views. Look forward to romantic strolls on the sand, swimming, surfing, or just unwinding with a drink while watching the sun splash its colors over the Pacific. The bedroom includes a queen-size bed close enough to the ocean to fall asleep to the waves, and the open-plan living area features a wall of windows with more amazing ocean views. A full kitchen with a coffeemaker, TV, washer/dryer, and free parking are all included too.
SA Beach Suite on Carbon Beach - Malibu
Enjoy your own private oasis in the heart of Malibu, where you can relax on the patio with an awe-inspiring ocean view, and look forward to long walks on the sandy beach, paddleboarding, swimming, surfing, and more. The cozy studio itself can accommodate up to two guests, equipped with a luxurious king-size bed and a convenient pullout sofa bed, making it ideal for a couple or friends traveling together. It includes a kitchenette with a Nespresso Vertuo coffee station and a variety of pods, a Ninja blender, and a tea kettle. Apple TV and a lavish bathroom with a rain shower and freestanding tub for relaxing soaks are included too.
Beachfront Oasis - Huntington Beach
This 1930s remodeled oceanfront family beach home offers accommodation for up to eight in four bedrooms, just steps from the waves. It includes a sun-soaked deck, ideal for relaxation, and when you want to enjoy a day on the sand, complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, sand toys for the kids, boogie boards, and even surfboards are all provided. Afterward, you’ll appreciate the convenience of an outdoor shower. The oceanfront patio has a BBQ grill for cookouts, and there’s a fully-equipped kitchen inside, complete with a coffeemaker and a generous supply of coffee. Other notable features include an HDTV, a cozy fireplace for those cooler evenings, and a washer/dryer.
Ocean Front Get Away Luxury Suite on the Beach - Cayucos
This highly rated oceanfront guest suite is one of the best values you’ll find on the California coast. After the sun rises, a delicious breakfast will be delivered right to your door, complete with homemade warm scones, fresh fruit, and eggs cooked to perfection. Enjoy it on the outdoor patio while watching the pelicans and dolphins play, and after a day of fun on the beach, you can look forward to unwinding by the fire pit under the stars. You’ll have a fireplace inside, along with a full kitchen and cable TV.
Comfortable Updated Beach House - Stinson Beach
Look forward to the ultimate beachfront getaway by booking this charming vintage beach house. The soft sands await just outside your door, making it easy to immerse yourself in the Northern California coastal lifestyle. You’ll have an enclosed outdoor shower for rinsing off the saltwater and a spacious beach-facing patio with a gas fire pit. In the summer, there’s even a private cordoned-off beach area exclusively for guests. All the essentials are inside, from a fully equipped kitchen and Smart TV with cable to a washer/dryer. You won’t have to leave your four-legged best friend at home either, as the rental is pet-friendly too.
Ocean Road - Manchester
Perched atop a bluff, this exclusive oceanfront residence offers accommodation for up to six guests, providing lots of privacy and magnificent panoramic views of the Pacific overlooking Irish Beach. That breathtaking vista can be enjoyed from multiple vantage points, including the expansive deck where you can bask in the sun while watching for whales to the bubbling hot tub that’s ideal for a soothing soak. You won’t miss the view from the living room, dining area, or the well-appointed kitchen either, which includes state-of-the-art appliances like a Wolf range and a wine refrigerator.
Navarro Guest House - Albion
Nestled along the spectacular Mendocino Coast, the Navarro Guest House offers extraordinary views of the Pacific where it’s met by the Navarro River. A serene retreat, while it can accommodate up to four guests with a king-size bed in the bedroom and a comfy full-size futon in the main room, it’s more comfortable for two, ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway. From the large deck with a hot tub and BBQ/fire pit area, watch for harbor seals, bald eagles, and the occasional whale passing by. You’ll have a gas-burning fireplace in the living room that creates an inviting atmosphere, a Smart TV for indoor entertainment, and a basic but practical kitchen equipped with all the essential appliances.
The Beach House - Bodega Bay
This stunning three-bedroom home sits atop a bluff directly above the ocean in Bodega Bay. With its prime location, guests can enjoy the sounds and mesmerizing views of the crashing waves right from the living room. It boasts a 180-degree vista ideal for watching wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and fox, along with passing dolphins and whales offshore. While preparing meals in the fully-equipped kitchen, you can marvel at the colorful sunsets too. The beach is just a 5-minute stroll away, with miles and miles of sand, trails, and secluded coves. Many shops and eateries are within easy reach too, and in the town of Bodega Bay, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for more fun outdoor activities.
Modern Beach Front Bungalow - Oxnard
This upscale beach cottage is sure to impress, offering four bedrooms and plenty of space for as many as 10 guests. You’ll have a gourmet kitchen and a large outdoor deck that comes with a BBQ grill, seating area, and dining table for alfresco meals, making entertaining easy. Plus, there’s a small balcony with sun loungers overlooking the beach too. The thoughtful hosts provide everything you’ll need for your beach excursions as well, including beach chairs, bikes, boogie boards, and beach toys, all of which you’ll find in the two-car garage.
Dreamy Ocean Views, Upper Duplex - Newport Beach
Indulge in the breathtaking vistas of the mesmerizing sandy beach and ocean views at this three-bedroom duplex for up to five guests. An upper-level unit, you can even wake up to ocean views from one of the bedrooms. After sipping your morning coffee to the sounds of the waves, you might make breakfast in your full kitchen or head to one of the many restaurants on Balboa Pier, just a short walk away. Laundry facilities are included and there’s no need to worry about parking as you’ll be able to use the reserved space.
Neptune's Palace - San Diego
This stunning two-story townhouse at the junction of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach is so close to the ocean you can let the waves lull you to sleep. Guests have noted the awe-inspiring beauty of this coastal haven that offers everything you need for an unforgettable escape, including a gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. When you aren’t in the mood to cook, you’ll find numerous restaurants within short walking distance. Other notable features include TV, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities, but it’s the views that make this a standout with ocean views from many vantage points, including the master bedroom, dining room, and living room.
Surfscape Beach House, Private Beach & Ocean views - Bodega Bay
This beachfront Airbnb offers awe-inspiring coastal and ocean vistas from its clifftop perch in Bodega Bay, which served as the filming location for several major films like Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Relax on the expansive furnished terrace, complete with a hot tub where you can soak while watching whales and sunsets. There’s a gas grill for cookouts and a hammock that can be enjoyed with that glorious ocean view too. When you’re inside, you’ll have floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoor beauty in, along with a log-effect fireplace and a Smart TV. A set of private stairs leads to a private, secluded beach, and if you want to catch your dinner, complimentary fishing gear is provided. After dark, look forward to roasting marshmallows around the fire pit.
Captivating Views from Beautiful Retreat - Shelter Cove
This large, three-bedroom oceanfront home can accommodate as many as eight guests with 2,800 square feet of living space. You’ll be surrounded by jaw-dropping views from this prime spot along the renowned Lost Coast in the small community of Shelter Cove. A huge patio is right off the main level, which includes an alfresco dining area and a fire pit where you can relax while watching for whales and sea lions. An upstairs balcony provides an even more dramatic view. Ocean views can be enjoyed from every room inside, including the gorgeous living area, which includes a fireplace. Other notable features include an entertainment area that includes a TV with Roku, a DVD/VHS player, hundreds of movies, books, and a pool table. A washer/dryer and full kitchen are provided too.
Sky House - Dillon Beach
A luxurious five-bedroom retreat for up to 10, the Sky House offers panoramic views over Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and Point Reyes from inside and out, just 60 miles north of San Francisco. It offers it all and then some, including a Cedar steam sauna and a spa with hydro-massage, and the “Sky Cinema,” a state-of-the-art home theater with 4K projection and 360° sound. A foosball table and Xbox provide more entertainment and when you want to enjoy the magnificent outdoors, a 15-minute walk in either direction will bring you to dunes and tidepools at the beach, hiking trails, and the cafe or beach store/surf shop in the town of Dillon Beach.
