Located in the western USA, California is the third-largest state by land area. Well-known across the world as the home of Hollywood, it has been attracting millions of tourists from all across the globe year after year. Right from clicking selfies with the Hollywood Sign in the background to taking scenic drives to Big Sur, the state offers an overwhelming assortment of activities. Thrill-seekers will love the options for extreme adventures in Death Valley National Park, while families throng to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Plus, the breathtaking Californian coastline features a plethora of mind-blowing beaches too. If you are a beach lover and are looking for a laid-back vacation with your loved ones, check out this article for the best beachfront rentals 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 February 03, 2024.
1. Double-story house with deck and patio, Trinidad (from USD 584)
Located in Trinidad, the seaside city on California’s northern coast, this is a beautiful A-frame home with three bedrooms and two full baths. The property is 1,742 sq. ft. (161.8 sqm) in area and has the capability to accommodate 7 people quite comfortably. This spacious house also has a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, toaster, oven, and more.
The house sits right on the beachfront, which means you will have easy and direct access to the beach from this property. Moreover, you can also catch magnificent views of the ocean from the house’s deck. On-premise parking is available for up to two vehicles.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was clean beautifully decorated and a perfect place for our ladies get togethersuper clean and had all the amenitiesRead more reviewsLocation:
close to downtown trinidad and easy access to 101great place to get awaygreat access to patricks point state parkgreat location to redwoods north and south
2. Spacious home suitable for families, Westport (from USD 390)
Sitting right on the beach in the town of Westport, overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean, this 1,284-sq. ft. (119.28-sqm) house can comfortably sleep up to 4 guests at a time. So, if you are looking to spend a relaxing beachside vacation with your family, do check this place out. It comprises two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and it has bamboo hardwood floors, wood-paneled ceilings, and an open floor plan.
While the house itself sits on a scenic rocky beach, there are also two distinct trails leading to two other beaches in the vicinity. Outside, there is a furnished deck with patio seating from where you can catch amazing views of the sea. The in-house kitchen is well-equipped and the living room is adequately furnished.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
all the desirable amenities are there from a beautiful kitchen to a great bathroom--washer and dryer toowe really enjoyed the ocean views from each deck the living room and dining roomas explained wifi is scarce but i rather enjoyed being able to disconnect from life's distractionsthe unit needs a bit of tlc but overall or stay was comfortable very pleasantthis was a very clean well appointed and comfortable home with an amazing view and beachCleanliness:
however the dishes bathrooms counters and upstairs were all cleanquiet very clean and well keptwas there in august and loved the home clean tidy and beautiful viewscozy and clean with beautiful viewsHost:
owners were awesome to work with as well as vrboRead more reviewsLocation:
easy location on highway 1wonderful house in great locationwhat a beautiful location and settingthe house is beautiful and the location was exactly as promisedclose to the beach and the house is beautiful
3. Stylish sea-facing apartment with private deck, Malibu (from USD 326)
For those looking for a laid-back family vacation on one of the idyllic Californian beaches, this apartment, sitting on Malibu’s Carbon Beach, is worth knowing about. The location of this property is such that it is only a few minutes away from some of the best restaurants in the city. The popular Malibu Pier is also within short walking distance.
Suitable for small families, this unit has a single bedroom and single bathroom. But its real selling point is the private deck from where spellbinding views of the ocean can be enjoyed. Within this flat, guests can avail amenities such as Wi-Fi, an in-house kitchen, a satellite TV, and washing machine. Free on-premise parking is also available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room had a box fan also and the bathroom had a hair dryer-both very appreciatedthe shower water pressure was low but definitely overshadowed by the views and the valueour stay was very comfortable and memorableCleanliness:
it's a calming beautiful clean and remarkable place to stayHost:
the owner was incredibly nice and the on site staff was extremely helpfulangel was so helpful getting us settled inthe caretaker was friendly and looked at it and eventually jiggled the thermostat and it litRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location and great place to relaxthe location of this property is also perfect close to tons of restaurants and the piersimple with an amazing locationfabulous location walking distance to a few restaurants and right in front of the crashing surfstaying in this location is as good as it gets if you love the ocean
4. Cozy beach house with indoor fireplace, Carpinteria (from USD 643)
With the capability to accommodate up to 10 guests comfortably, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom beachfront house is indeed very impressive. Situated right on a beach in the seaside city of Carpinteria, this two-story house has a cozy seating area with sofas, a coffee table, indoor fireplace, and flat-screen TV.
The in-house kitchen is well equipped with most modern appliances and pantry essentials. There is also a dining table and breakfast counter with barstools. The front yard has private patios that are well-furnished. Relax here with a cup of tea while enjoying amazing views of sunsets over the horizon.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds soft sheets and a kitchen with everything we neededCleanliness:
it is extremely cleanthe house was clean and well cared for with many sweet artsy personal touchesHost:
the owners are friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
it is in the perfect locationthe house was perfect and the location unbeatablethere is a pride of ownership evident in every corner of this housethe home cozy and beautifully kept and the location can’t be beat
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 the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Chic townhome on the beach, Castroville (from USD 675)
This is a large 1,900-sq. ft. (176.5-sqm) townhouse that can sleep as many as 9 guests within its 4 comfy bedrooms. The property is located just a few short steps away from the beach and so offers easy and direct access to the ocean where a whole lot of fun and adventures await.
Within the house, several modern amenities are provided to guests. These include, among others, Wi-Fi, cable TV, games and books for kids, an iron, and a washing machine. A parking space is available on the premises, with an EV charger in the clubhouse. Cook nice meals for your loved ones in the house’s kitchen. You can also spend a relaxing time by the sea on the patio that has an outdoor fire table.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we really enjoyed the nespresso coffee bar numerous board games and comfy bedsthe kitchen was extremely well equipped and we loved the coffee barthe views are spectacular the beds are comfy and the beach is steps away - an awesome combowe love to cook and the kitchen had all the amenitiesplenty of room to stretch out and relax and the house was equipped with everything we neededCleanliness:
the house was sparkling clean and very spaciousthe property was clean and well stocked such a perfect location with ocean viewsHost:
the host gina was very responsive and clearly has this process streamlinedit felt like home from the minute we walked in and gina the owner was extremely responsiveevery single effort has been made by the hosts to create a deeply relaxing and uplifting experiencegina is extremely good to work with and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was close enough to enjoy monterey carmel and point lobosnicely renovated and in a beautiful locationwonderful location very clean very well stocked and we will be returning to this unit again
6. Stylish townhouse with panoramic views of the beach, Santa Cruz County (from USD 450)
Thinking of spending a vacation with a large group of friends and family this season? If your answer is yes, then you should definitely check out this stunning beach house in Santa Cruz County. Offering majestic panoramic views of a 15-mi (24-km) stretch of beach, this place can house up to 8 people at a time.
In-house facilities provided at this property include wireless Internet, indoor fireplace, smart TV, washing machine, and more. Parking is also available on the premises. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, oven, grill, and pantry items. Campfires are allowed until 10 pm.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the furniture was comfortablebeautiful views from balcony and roomseveryone had their own room beautiful views literally on the beachCleanliness:
unit was clean fully stocked and very spaciousvery nice clean property with easy access to the beachthe house is clean and location is right on the beachHost:
the owners definitely provided lots of info and clear instructionsthe owners were very nice and easy to get in contact withRead more reviewsLocation:
this property was the perfect place to spend my birthday weekend with my girlfriends
7. Stunning beach-side cottage with hot tub, Bodega Bay (from USD 425)
If you are looking to relax and indulge in beachside adventures then this 1,100-sq. ft. (102.19-sqm) cottage will treat you well. Perfect for small families or a romantic holiday, it is a well-appointed space that has been recently remodeled with modern enhancements.
Located on Bodega Bay’s Wright’s Beach, this property offers stunning views from every corner, and of course, the sea is set enchantingly against its well-decorated deck. Not just that, there is also an abundance of wildlife all around the property, making it a haven for nature lovers. The deck also features a hot tub in which you can unwind while enjoying the view.
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
8. Cozy cottage overlooking the ocean, Manchester (from USD 250)
Perched on a bluff overlooking the spectacular Irish Beach in Manchester, California, this is a stylish family cottage suitable for bigger families of up to six people. The property features a warm and welcoming seating-cum-dining area. Right outside it, there is a covered deck overlooking the sea.
The entire house has vintage wooden finishes, which gives it a very cozy ambiance. The in-built kitchen is well-equipped so you can cook a good meal for your family. Some of the activities you can undertake in the vicinity include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and whale watching.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
private beach is incredible with great sunsets horseback riding and little place to explore some tide poolsCleanliness:
we appreciated that the home was clean and the decor was as grandma would have appreciatedHost:
the owners are wonderful people and were prompt to response to any of our questions or concernsRead more reviewsLocation:
wow this place is very speciala walk to arden creek's lagoon for a nice day of birdwatchingright above the beach cute place couldn’t have been better
9. Peaceful cottage with spa whirlpool, Muir Beach (from USD 390)
Planning a romantic beachside getaway in California? This one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage on Muir Beach might just be the right place for you. This property is at a convenient driving distance from San Francisco’s world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby, you can engage in activities such as swimming, fishing, cycling, birdwatching, and sailing, among others.
On the premises, you can find facilities such as Wi-Fi, parking, a full kitchen, and many more. There is a living-cum-dining area from where spellbinding views of the sea can be enjoyed. There is also a furnished deck where you can relax with your partner and spend some romantic time by the sea.
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
California’s beaches will truly amaze you
California boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. You will surely make some memories worth cherishing on the Californian seaside. So, what are you waiting for? Book a stay at one of the beachside rentals listed here and make the most of your holiday this season.
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