The best Airbnbs in California

Experience the sprawling city that is San Diego without feeling overwhelmed by all the urban buzz. This calming, even zen-like studio is just steps to the bay and an easy walk to the beach. It's great for a relaxed, car-free beach getaway — even just from the city's more congested center.

Vaulted, beamed ceilings make the space feel airy, and a skylight makes it bright and cheerful. It sleeps two with a queen bed, and there's a small patio with a grill for cozy home-cooked meals. For the active couple, travel light and make use of the two included boogie boards and beach cruisers for outdoor fun and exercise during your stay. There's also private off-street parking for when more than a bike is required.

As of this writing, the property's next availability was in late July with wider availability beginning in the fall.

Rating: 4.87

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property is newly renovated, and it holds a 4.8 cleanliness score across 337 reviews.

When visiting Yosemite National Park, the goal should be to spend as much time absorbing wide-open nature and the jaw-dropping beauty of famed peaks like Half Dome and El Capitan as possible — not cooped up in your lodging.

That's why a tiny house is a perfect complement to such a trip, and this one is located just about 30 minutes from the park entrance. It's also a great launchpad to explore Bass Lake, and there are llamas to boot.

With this listing, you'll receive access to the whole tiny house, which includes a real bathroom with a hot shower, flushing toilet, and a sink. The downstairs bedroom has a Queen-sized bed in a room done up in cozy farmhouse style that feels wholly welcoming despite the diminutive size. Plus, you can feel good about booking here: 15 percent of the proceeds from this listing will support three charities: Thistle Farms, Equal Justice Initiative, and Charity Waters.

The property has sporadic dates remaining throughout the summer, with availability dropping off in the fall.

Rating: 4.97

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 205 reviews.

With its palpable tech wealth, San Francisco and the Bay Area has become one of the most expensive places in the country. But you can still visit the city without going over your budget in this lovely, and affordable Airbnb located near Golden Gate Park and the beach in the Outer Sunset.

The home is chic, bright, and sparkling. There's a Queen-sized bed with a memory foam mattress and a cool blue headboard under a nautical whale wall hanging. The bathroom gleams in crisp white, and the elegant furnishings and living room pieces lend a sophisticated, curated feel.

As of this writing, the property still has substantial availability for July and beyond.

Rating: 4.94

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a 4.94 score across 265 reviews. Many reviewers note the listing's "spotless" clean.

After months of isolation, access to a beach feels both exotic and essential. Santa Monica and Venice are among LA's most popular and central beach areas, and lodging in the area can be quite pricey. But this affordable option in Venice offers a lot of value before you even consider there's also a pool.

It's technically a Spanish architecture pool house, but it's totally private, and charming to boot, with room for two adults. The cozy space boasts a private outdoor bathroom, a sauna, three fire pits, hot tub, plus loaner bikes and skateboards to hit the beach. There's also a ping-pong table in the rec area. The laid-back California decor includes a framed map of Venice, distressed furnishings, and tile flooring.

This home has sporadic summer availability with wider availability beginning in the fall.

Rating: 4.95

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a 4.95 cleanliness score across 652 reviews.

Admire and adventure through the wide-open spaces of Joshua Tree National Park with this home, located minutes from the park entrance and walking distance to the village. The idea here is to feel lost amid nature; it's called the Lost House after all.

The two-bedroom, one-bath home is designed in a minimalist, industrial style. There's a hot tub for soaking after hikes, and a covered patio for watching sunrises, sunsets, and oh-so-many stars. A hammock triangle in the back allows three to lounge together and the backyard also features a shade structure, seven-person outdoor couch, and coal barbecue. Bluetooth speakers, a record player with records, and various analog games like horseshoes and Frisbee will help keep you busy while remaining unplugged.

This home has limited availability until mid-August, when the calendar opens up more widely.

Rating: 4.95

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 408 reviews. Many note the "sparkling clean" listing.

Hollywood and its environs are as cacophonous and congested they are lively and exciting. But this cozy Hollywood Hills area listing will make you feel like you've gotten away from it all while still staying within LA's core.

This private guest unit nestled in the hillside makes for a peaceful retreat that allows for full relaxation or full focus on work or creative projects — ideal, perhaps, for an inspiring new work-from-home situation.

There are panoramic city views from Hollywood to the Pacific ocean from the freestanding bathtub, as well as a sunny terrace with an inviting daybed swing, and a distinctly bohemian vibe. The listing has room for two guests with a Queen-sized bed and 1.5 baths, so come here with a loved one, or check-in solo to work on your screenplay.

The property's next availability is in late July with wide availability beginning in September.

Rating: 4.91

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a 4.91 cleanliness score across 557 reviews.

The challenges of recent months have undoubtedly created a slew of new wine devotees, joining the ranks of those who've long loved to visit wine country for winery tours and barrel tastings.

Book your wine country stay in this fully renovated farmhouse cottage located in a tranquil neighborhood on Main Street, just a mile from the downtown area. The sweet 600-square-foot space has two Queen-sized beds, a couch, and a kitchenette. This home is best for a couple or friend getaway as children under 12 are not permitted.

Here, the amount of interaction is up to the guest — a key concern in the pandemic age. Hosts can make themselves available to talk about restaurants and wineries … or make themselves as scarce as you prefer, leaving you to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio after a day out touring the vineyards.

This property still has many available dates throughout the summer and beyond.

Rating: 4.92

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The listing notes that it is "clean and sterile, using current industry standards for sterilizing hard surfaces, amenities, and guest areas. It holds a perfect 5.0 cleanliness score across 708 reviews.

Take a romantic coastal drive to the Santa Barbara area and settle into this 717-square-foot ultra-posh Montecito retreat. It has a comfy Queen-sized bed, a big living room with sleeper sofa, fireplace and kitchenette, private guest's laundry room, and even a bathroom with steam.

The home is located on the bottom floor of the host's tri-level home with a separate entrance at the side yard, but it feels quite private. A seasonal creek surrounds the large wraparound wooden deck, fully ensconcing you in nature, and the home offers easy access to great nearby hiking trails, and beautiful Butterfly Beach is a five-minute drive away.

As of this writing, this listing had significant available dates beginning in July.

Rating: 4.93

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a perfect 5.0 cleanliness score across 303 reviews.

Palm Springs is an easy road trip from Los Angeles — just about 100 miles from Downtown. And for the full Palm Springs getaway experience, you're going to want to rent a home in the vibrant midcentury modern style for which the town is famous.

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is in the desirable Ruth Hardy Park/Movie Colony East neighborhood, with views of the dramatic San Jacinto mountains, with room for four adults. An additional two children can fit in the foldout sofa in the living room.

The entertainment setup includes Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming channels. But you'll probably spend most of your time here outdoors in the sleek saltwater pool, spa, and lounging area.

The property only has sporadic dates remaining for the summer, with wider availability in September.

Rating: 4.96

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the listing holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 191 reviews. Many note the "sparkling clean" listing.

The coastline around Big Sur is the stuff of screen savers, and the cliffs make for an awe-inspiring if harrowing road trip. Here, it's all about the stunning views and the raw natural environment — this rental lets you take savor both in serenity and privacy. View tons of stars at night, hear the birds sing, and watch the red-tailed hawks circling above.

Arrive via a private paved and gated driveway to this home with a full 365-degree view of redwoods and oak ridges; it enjoys full sun all day long. The listing is just right for a solo traveler or a couple with two bedrooms, each with a Queen-sized bed. There are also lawn chairs, an outdoor fireplace, and a distinctly indoor-outdoor vibe.

As of publishing, this property still has sporadic availability throughout the summer.

Rating: 4.95

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property is newly renovated, and it holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 143 reviews.