Known for its abundance of stunning beaches and surfing spots, California is one of the top-rated destinations in the US for tourists looking to enjoy a unique experience. Compared to other states in the country, California has mild temperatures, making it an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts. Come check out the famed city of Malibu, which is home to Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach. Santa Monica is also a famous city in California, popular for its pier that is filled with great family-friendly attractions. If you are visiting the state to explore its clear waters and play on its sand, scroll down to see the top beachfront cottages in California, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Elegant cottage with stunning views, Cayucos (from USD 800)
This elegant property boasts pristine white walls and relaxing blue hues that will make you feel at ease. The waters are just a few steps away, so you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing whenever you want.
Thanks to the comfortable sun loungers on the large deck, you can enjoy a cold glass of beer while taking in the gorgeous surroundings. There is also a living area that comes with plush couches for lounging while watching an entertaining movie with your loved ones.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable and attractive furnitureCleanliness:
home was stunning and so clean and had lots of roomthe space was super clean amazing light and spacious and cozy at the same timeHost:
hosts were amazing as well gave quick responses to my questions and are so very kindthe host gave wonderful suggestions for the local area and was always availablealso lauren is a great host and is very easy to get ahold of throughout the staythe owners go above and beyond to create a special space for the guestsi was very impressed with lauren as she seemed more like a friend than a hostRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location close to town but not too closeamazing stunning location and propertyreally amazing house and locationfantastic location easy parking out frontperfectly stylish yet cozy decorating and a ridiculous beach front location
2. Delightful abode with deck, Stinson Beach (from USD 304)
This characterful cottage is set on Stinson Beach and boasts charming interiors that receive plenty of natural light throughout the day, thanks to the large windows. In the morning, you can relax and enjoy a delectable breakfast on the deck, which is equipped with a table and chair set.
Barbecue facilities are also provided, so you can grill lunch or dinner outdoors while being surrounded by stunning views. Take advantage of the indoor fireplace when the night gets a bit too chilly.
3. The Dream Cottage, Morro Bay (from USD 199)
Situated just a few steps from the beach, this lovely cottage in Morro Bay offers gorgeous water views. It is an ideal getaway for solo travelers or couples looking to enjoy a peaceful stay.
There is a hot tub in case you wish to relax while savoring a glass of wine in the evening. Two kayaks and a paddleboard are available for rent, so you can enjoy some water activities while you are here. Organic coffee will be provided to help you start your day right.
4. Vibrant cottage with a hot tub, Bodega Bay (from USD 425)
Set on Wright’s Beach in Bodega Bay, this vibrant cottage has two cozy bedrooms and one modern bathroom. Perfect for four vacationing guests, it has an outdoor hot tub where you can catch a glimpse of the gorgeous beach while enjoying a rejuvenating soak.
The living room is cozy and airy and offers lots of seating options. It’s a great spot where you can lounge while you watch an entertaining show on the large TV. The kitchen is fully furnished, allowing you to conveniently prepare some of your favorite meals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is fully equipped and comfortablethe house had all the amenities and was comfortable for family of fourthe appliances are great the bedding is comfortable the view is outstandingthe beds were also very comfortable and the bathroom is newCleanliness:
the place was very clean (and i'm fairly picky about cleanliness)the house was clean and comfortable and well stocked with amenitiesHost:
neighbors were friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location overlooking wright beachbest location i have ever rented and i am a life long resident of the north baythat being said it's still super close just not as close as we imaginedwe will definitely return and to enjoy this beautiful location
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 property in a quiet area, Muir Beach (from USD 390)
Beautifully situated in the center of a national park right by Muir Beach, this spacious property offers guests a tranquil experience. It comes with a cozy bedroom and a full bath, making it perfectly capable of accommodating up to two guests.
In the sleeping area, you will find large windows, allowing you to wake up to gorgeous sea views in the morning. There is also a large balcony with sun loungers, so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee as you take in the views of the surroundings.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house itself is cozy and charming and had everything i needed for a tranquil memorable timeCleanliness:
the accommodation is just what one needs-straight forward clean uncomplicated and wonderfulHost:
sigward was a great host and was very detailed and quick to respondRead more reviewsLocation:
it has an amazing location in a beautiful regionwe loved this place and the location was amazing
6. Exclusive cottage with pool access, Oceanside (from USD 186)
This exclusive beachfront cottage offers guests a respite from the busy city. It features its own private entrance to help ensure the safety and security of the guests. You will have access to the clean pool and hot tub on the premises during your stay for some refreshing moments at the end of the day.
With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this rental can comfortably take in a maximum of six guests. Hang out with your loved ones in the living room, which features cozy seating areas and large windows for breathtaking views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view and super comfortable bedsview from balcony was great and you do need to keep windows open and fans onamazing pool and other amenities close to many fun locationsCleanliness:
the condo was clean and quiet from other neighborsHost:
the owner was very responsive to questions we hadstaff at hoa and patrol were all very kind and accommodating tooRead more reviewsLocation:
had a great stay loved the location soo close to the beacha great location yet it is quiet and privatei was very happy with the location of the propertythe property gets the overall 3‘s because of the location a comfortable bed in master and internetgreat place with private entrance close to the beach and harbor
7. Pet-friendly home with fire pit, Fort Bragg (from USD 350)
This beautiful and spacious home can comfortably accommodate a family or group of four, and it features two bedrooms equipped with a queen-sized bed and a bunk bed. You can bring your dogs along; there are lots of lush spaces outside where they can easily run around.
As you step outside, you can admire stunning ocean views while you sit in the fire pit area. The hot tub is great for relaxing evenings while you enjoy a glass of wine. There is also an indoor fireplace to keep you warm at night.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed the hot tub the amenities and the cozy vibe of the cottagefantastic cozy place with amazing backyard and viewamazing view very comfortable home with all you need we had a great staywe loved the private nature-filled space with plenty of room for our dogs to run aroundlocation and view is phenomenal we loved our family time in this cozy cottageCleanliness:
the cottage is clean and privatethe place was very cleanvery clean and comfy beds eve was also great at communicating before arrival after and during check outthis place is really nice and cleanthe cottage was very clean & as describedHost:
the host was very responsivethe host is incredibly responsive and politeeve is a great host and her place is the perfect combination of remote and accessibleour host was truly amazing and very communicativeit's just an overall amazing experience provided by an amazing hostRead more reviewsLocation:
what a perfect locationthis house was absolutely perfect for the two of us beautiful setting and a great locationwe explored up the coast and down into fort bragg the perfect location for our plansthis place was perfect for a weekendi having been coming up to the fort bragg for years and this place was a piece of paradise
8. Well-lit cottage with a large patio, San Diego (from USD 444)
Located in beautiful San Diego, this well-lit cottage boasts uninterrupted views right from its gorgeous patio, which is equipped with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas to protect you from the sun. There are three bedrooms with eight plush beds and two full baths with complimentary toiletries, making this the perfect abode for eight guests. You can enjoy preparing your favorite meals in the well-equipped kitchen, which has top-of-the-line appliances.
Since it is set right on the boardwalk of Mission Beach, you will have quick access to plenty of water activities.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is plenty of outdoor furniture to get comfortableCleanliness:
the house was clean and very well-stockedthe house was spacious and very cleanbeautiful location clean house just what the pictures showHost:
brant was very helpful and communicativegreat location and the deck area is wonderful the host was responsive and availablebrant was super responsive and hospitableRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and cute original beach housegreat location perfect family vacation spotgreat location roller coaster is a 12 min walkit was a perfect family vacation everything is right there within walking distancethe location is great perfect for a family beach vacation
9. Charming hideout for four, Fort Bragg (from USD 250)
This charming place is spacious enough for up to four people. It offers stunning views of the beach, which is located right in front of the property. The rental is equipped with two bedrooms and one bathroom with a tub, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a rejuvenating soak after a day outdoors.
Cook delicious meals in the fully furnished kitchen if you do not feel like heading out. There are also laundry facilities in the cottage for your convenience. To keep you entertained, WiFi and a TV with standard cable channels are provided.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
) and the wifi works greatthis was an amazing spot absolutely stunning views and private tide pools in the backyardbeautiful views comfortable bedsthe beds were really comfortable and the wifi fast enough for us to work out ofcomfortable couch and a huge tv if you want to watch itCleanliness:
the place came clean and as advertisedvery clean and super comfortable (even comfy beds) placehouse is always very cleanclean home with everything you need for a short or long staycomfortable beds and everything super cleanHost:
trulee was a great hostthe host was easy to work withthe host trulee is very responsive by texttrulee was an exceptionally responsive host and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortableamazing stay one of a kindRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location very close to everythinggreat location tidepools right in the backyardconvenient location highly recommend itamazing location on the water with great proximity to town and the botanical gardensgreat location and close to beaches and state parks
10. Refurbished cottage with a full kitchen, Oceanside (from USD 218)
This fully refurbished cottage is suitable for all types of guests, as it features a variety of modern amenities. It has a fully equipped kitchen for preparing delectable meals for the group. Situated just a short distance from the beach, it also offers stunning ocean views,
There is free WiFi offered on site, as well as an HDTV with streaming services, keeping guests occupied while indoors. Right outside the cottage, you will find plenty of seating options, letting you can enjoy a cup of coffee as you admire the surrounding areas.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage was very nicely decorated charming and comfortablegreat cozy cottage next to the oceanthe picnic table outside was also useful for mealsCleanliness:
the cottage is clean and charmingher place is updated clean and in a great area to enjoy oceansidebeautifully renovated super clean cottage steps from the beachwonderful clean and very cute locationthe space is thoughtfully planned out clean and tastefully up to dateHost:
mony was such a great host with everything we could possibly need outlined and easily accessibleRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is absolutely amazinggreat location and the house was beautifulcutest getaway in the best locationthe location is perfect and peaceful even during a busy summer seasonit’s an easy walk to the pier and restaurants nearby
Enjoy your beachside getaway
California is a popular destination in the US that is known for its stunning beaches. Explore the beautiful waters of this laid-back state, and make sure to book one of the cottages listed above.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to