In a state such as California, you will find plenty of attractions to fit your vacation preferences. California boasts a celebrated coastline, beautiful deserts and rugged mountains that offer everything from scenic adventures to tranquil getaways. While here you can indulge in hiking at California’s vast parks such as Yosemite National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and experience its vibrant culture and art scene at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Planning a vacation in California? Enjoy your trip in style by going for a stay in a houseboat. California offers a variety of houseboats that allow you to spend your days hitting the waves on your paddleboards, fishing for the biggest catch, or simply lounging on the deck while enjoying the views of the water. Check out the top Airbnb houseboats in California, USA, for a unique holiday experience.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Magical floating home close to San Francisco, Sausalito (from USD 172)
This is the perfect home base for an authentic Sausalito experience. While staying here, you can marvel at the stunning views of the sunset, Mount Tamalpais, and the bay area.
The rental has received positive reviews due to its great location, modern amenities, and proximity to biking and hiking spots. Guests at the houseboat have unlimited use of the available kayaks and bikes.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
centrally located in the quaint houseboat community and has all the amenities for a very comfortable stayhuge flat screen tv bbq kayaks bikes etcCleanliness:
clean and modern with beautiful unobstructed viewsstylish decor clean and warwick was always communicative and accommodatingHost:
warwick is the perfect hostwarwick's floating home is simply one of a kindwarwick is a perfect host - friendly and responsivelast but not least warwick himself is a fantastic host - so responsive and accommodatingwarwick was very helpful and easy to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to 101 nice restaurants and grocery store close bya special location that we hope to visit againhis location is the best in the areaif you want a special place on the outskirts of san francisco you've found it
2. Newly remodeled houseboat, San Rafael (from USD 110)
Stay in this fully renovated houseboat that has all the comforts of a modern home, including a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, flat-screen TV and a wood-burning stove in the open layout living room. A full bathroom with a shower and a cosy double bed is also available here.
The rental is ideal for a couple’s getaway and is near shops, restaurants, and cafes. Free parking is provided on the street.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
and super clean top3this place was very clean and comfortable would definitely recommendthe houseboat is quite cute and clean and quiet at nightvery clean and cute place neighbors were friendlyHost:
host makes us fill happyso kind nice host and quick answer for uscommunication with the hosts was easy and quick as was check inRead more reviewsLocation:
very cute and comfortable houseboat in central san rafael close to terrapin crossroads and sol foodsuper cute place to stay the marina is located just off the highway ample parkingloved that it was close to many parks and had a lot of places to go and explorethe price is good and is probably just the right place for the right person
3. The Whisperer, Redwood City (from USD 111)
Experience luxurious living while still being close to transport, restaurants and shops in downtown Redwood City when you book this boat,
The rental is good for up to three guests. It has a bedroom with a queen bed, a modern bathroom, a full kitchen, a workstation and a living area. Aside from these amenities, this houseboat also offers beautiful views and direct access to various water activities from the well-appointed deck. The property also offers Wifi for the convenience of guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
what a beautiful view from the bed looking out to a shimmering silver lakespace heaters keep it nice and warm and the bed is very comfyCleanliness:
paid a $60 cleaning fee and (to be totally honest) it just wasn’t clean (bathroom & kitchen area)bathroom is clean on the boatthe bed and linens were very clean and comfortable thoughwhisper is clean and has everything you would needit was incredibly clean functional and homey with everything needed for a great stayHost:
marcus was a great hostmarcus is a wonderful hostmarcus is a gracious hostmarcus is a great hostgreat hospitality great place great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
caltrain station is only a few minutes away which made our visit even easiervery close to some cool local places and also to public transportationvery good value and close to the airportmarcus's whisper provides a unique and beautiful location to stay while on your trip to the silicon valleyluckily there is an adequate shower house and bathroom within walking distance up in the parking lot
4. Charming and rustic waterfront houseboat, Bethel Island (from USD 116)
Inside this houseboat, you’ll find the necessary amenities and essentials. It features an open-plan interior comprising a well-stocked kitchen, dining area and a double bed. Amenities available include a bathroom, washer, dryer, WiFi and TV. The owner allows guests to stay with their pets on the property.
A great way to relax here is to sip your cup of coffee at the waterfront while taking in the views. This charming houseboat can accommodate up to two guests.
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Beautiful houseboat on the bay, San Diego
Stay in this two-bedroom houseboat in San Diego best suited for four guests. While here, you will get to view the beautiful sunset while sipping drinks on the deck. Requiring vaccinated guests, the Villa San Juan is moored at Marina Cortez on Harbor Island close to downtown San Diego. This home on the water has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and is best suited for 4 people. Enjoy the upper deck perfect for breakfast, lounging and sunsets. It has an open plan living room, kitchen and dining area from where you and your loved ones can have an evening bonding session.
San Diego, California, United States
702.61 km (436.6 mi) from Hiller Aviation MuseumSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen has useful amenities and fully stocked with all the kitchen needswarm weather great patio and comfortable bedsthe rooftop deck was amazing and patt had lots of supplies for the beach or poolwi-fi worked fine pleanty of hot water all the time all goodsmall kitchen had the basics needed we enjoyed the rooftop patio as wellCleanliness:
everything was very clean and comfortablethe houseboat is very clean and functionalthe house is clean and comfortablethe space was clean and very comfortablehouseboat was clean and we had everything we neededHost:
the host is a very helpful and accommodating one toothe home was well equipped and the manager molly was very kind and helpfulshe was very helpful and made our trip much bettermolly the property manager is so helpful kind and makes us feel right at homepatt was very responsive to any questions/e-mails i sent and was very thorough with check-in directionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and central to downtownthe location is perfectthe location was also greatwe were very close to the airport which was definitely an advantage for transportationthe location was great for the zoo uss midway and beaches
6. Lovely houseboat with a covered deck, Ventura (from USD 163)
Enjoy views of the water and peaceful mornings on the covered deck of this boat. Upon entry, you will be welcomed by a well-appointed salon adjacent to the kitchen and dining area.
The boat has a full bathroom, two bedrooms fitted with a queen-size bed, single bed, bunk bed and couch bed, offering enough space for a family of six on vacation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
for land lubbers better description of the sleeping and bathroom facilities would helpbreakfast is extra but excellent the next morning out on the deckthe space was comfortable and cozyHost:
host is amazing and helps at every chance she getsmartha is a great hostnice place with great hoststhe owner does an amazing job and the place was super tidygreat boat and great host we enjoyed our stay for the weekendRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectnice location - neighborhood area felt safe even to walk to at nightit is super close to good restaurants shopping and ventura beachesit's in a great location with water activities restaurants and shopping in walking distanceamazing location and very comfortable accommodations will be revisiting
7. Well-equipped houseboat, Marina del Rey
Ideal for couples or solo adventurers, this houseboat has modern interiors and great views. Docked near the city of Los Angeles, this vessel offers a contemporary living area, a full kitchen, a modern bathroom and a queen-size bed.
Guests staying here have easy access to activities such as swimming, kayaking, hiking or biking. The rental offers tandem kayaks, so guests are ensured of a water adventure while staying here.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
521.48 km (324.1 mi) from Hiller Aviation MuseumAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
best sleep ever and the mattress was unbelievably comfortable50 yards to the bathroom and shower wasn't bad just inconvenientthe bed is extremely comfortable and having the option of watching movies was a plusCleanliness:
awesome place super clean and well keptthe bathroom despite being a short walk is clean and the shower is greatno bathroom facilities on the boat itself but short walk up the pier to clean boaters-bathroomsmarina shower facilities were clean and convenientthe communal bathrooms were new very clean and only a quick walk from the boatHost:
jon was a great hostjon was a great hostjon was super nice and knowledgeable a great hostjon was an awesome host and the cadence was a great experiencejon is the best host on airbnbRead more reviewsLocation:
very private and secure locationgreat location with fantastic restaurants and beach a close peddle walk or paddle awayclose to great restaurants in beautiful marina del rayvery quiet relaxing atmosphere with prime walking/biking distance from everythingfor the price and the location i’d say this is the best place in the area
8. Well-furnished houseboat with laundry appliances, Sausalito (from USD 126)
Get the best vacation experience in this delightful houseboat which offers scenic views of the water and the mountains and easy access to kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking in the nearby trails, local restaurants and shops. The houseboat guarantees you a convenient location and the comforts of a modern home.
It is complete with a fabulous rooftop deck, a full kitchen, and high-speed internet access. The bedroom has a double bed. The property also offers on-site free parking for guests.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the houseboat itself is comfortable clean well designed and very welcomingHost:
great hospitality and responsiveness from the host no better place to quarantinefirst of all kimberly the host could not have been more helpful responsive kind and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful place in a stunning locationa rustic adventure on the bay surrounded by a close knit communityit has all the conveniences of home the location is perfectgreat location and the houseboat is super well equipped with everything you could need
9. Elegant houseboat with a sauna, Oakley (from USD 129)
This delightful houseboat for two features a spacious interior with a cosy bedroom and a private bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with necessary cooking appliances allowing you to prepare meals easily. The remodelled houseboat hosts a full sound system and a sauna.
You are free to use the kayak and paddleboard available on site, and you can head to the upstairs deck to enjoy the unobstructed views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
upper deck with comfortable seating and a great view especially at sunsetkitchen had everything we needed to prepare some nice meals and there's a coffee and teaHost:
the host was pleasant and walked us through everything on the boat which was very easy to controlawesome people place and location aaron and angie are wonderful hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was great for us to go fishing and included a slip for our boat
10. Custom-built houseboat on the Sacramento River, Walnut Grove (from USD 83)
If you’re looking for a simple yet modern houseboat for two in California, this option is ideal for you. The houseboat offers a bedroom and a bathroom, a living area with a leather sofa and fireplace, a modern kitchen and an outdoor dining area.
There is a covered deck here where you can relax and enjoy the lake views and the sunset. You will definitely enjoy glamping in this houseboat.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the location is absolutely stunninga very short walk/drive to walnut creek which has a few cute shops and restaurantsthis is such a beautiful location so many great places to eat and visitplenty of space for a couple but a close family of 4 would also be happy here
Gain a fresh perspective on the waters of California
California offers plenty of water-related activities and accommodations for all kinds of travellers. California’s houseboats are among the options available for tourists and locals alike. If you’re curious about living in one of these floating houses, do try out one of the rentals on the above list.
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