San Francisco Bay Area fuses the urban jungle and pristine nature for a soulful retreat. It is home to Round Top, an extinct volcano, and the ideal spot for adventurers looking for new hiking and trekking spots. Apart from the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Botanical Garden, other unique tourist spots in the area include Mill Valley and Sonoma Valley, making this the perfect destination for wine lovers. Since it surrounds San Francisco Bay, the area is also famous for cruises and boat tours. Interested in living on the water? Read on to see the top houseboats for rent in the San Francisco Bay Area for a memorable excursion.
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 12, 2024.
1. Exquisite French-style houseboat in Mill Valley
With classy charms, boutique decors, and a beautiful foreign atmosphere, you’re bound to say “Oui!” to this captivating French-style floating home for rent in the Bay Area, docked within a historic houseboat community. Best suited for couples or pairs of friends, the accommodation can be found on the lower level of the home.
Savor the unique experience as you take a sip of your cup of joe at the patio, or inside on the chic daybed overlooking the marina. Packed with a cozy full-sized bed, a completely stocked kitchen, a clean bathroom, and tons of books to explore, you’ll surely appreciate staying in for a few nights in full bliss.
Mill Valley, California, United States
4.29 km (2.7 mi) from Golden Gate National Recreation AreaSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was comfy and we had all of the creature comforts one could ask forRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved the decor location and all the thoughtful touches
2. Chic abode in Sausalito (from USD 217)
Inside this chic houseboat for rent in Sausalito are amenities that offer a convenient getaway, including two cable TVs, complimentary WiFi, a cozy gas fireplace, and a heater. The property also has two bedrooms with queen-sized beds and two bathrooms with large walk-in showers, making it ideal for up to four people.
The fully equipped kitchen allows easy cooking and food preparation, and there is a dining area for four people so that everyone can enjoy their meals together. Outside, the houseboat offers scenic views, making it a great place for birdwatching and admiring the sunset.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
janet was very helpful and responsive and made our stay easy and comfortablethe house was immaculate and the beds were perfect for a good night's sleepcomfortable bedding great towels (including the black makeup washcloths ) arrival flowers and spirits and so much moreboth beds were first rate the kitchen was very well equipped and the entire unit was very brightCleanliness:
super clean and cozyit is spotless comfortable and furnished beautifullyvery clean and was ready before we got to san franciscothe home is tastefully decorated and well appointed impeccably clean very comfortable and carefully maintainedHost:
met the owner and everything was more & better than expectedowner thought of everything and has great instructions in a nice book if something comes upthe houseboat neighbors were very welcoming and friendly and were happy to talk about houseboat lifejanet is easily the most experienced organized and thoughtful host we've ever dealt withRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was absolutely perfecttam is calming and upliftingperfect home perfect locationwalking up and down the docks was an adventure in and off itself
3. Fully furnished home on Richardson Bay (from USD 285)
This unique and fully furnished floating home has up-to-date amenities, such as two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area that sits six, a wonderful living room with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace, and a deck.
The primary bedroom is adorned with wooden floors, bay views, a huge smart TV for entertainment, and a stylish fireplace to you keep warm. Best of all, it can accommodate month-long stays.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable beautiful views great locationall the amenities of a nice hotel with the added bonus of a well stocked kitchenthe beds are comfortable and the linens and bedding are superior qualitythe rooms are large and well furnished and the living areas are perfect for socializingCleanliness:
the property is spotless and beautifully appointedthis home was so clean and cozy that we didn't want to leaveall appears new and sparkling cleansea chalet is a cute compact clean and comfortable floating home with all needed amenitiesthe house is very comfortable clean and has gorgeous viewsHost:
amy was wonderful very helpful on the front end making our arrival easy and stress-freeamy was so friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
easy parking close to the ferry to sf close to downtown sausalito convenient to mill valleyhome is as advertised great location for seeing the san francisco bay areaeasy drive into the city or down to ferry dock and close to wine country reyes pte etc
4. Amazing accommodation for four in Marin County (from USD 217)
Outside of this amazing 900-sq. ft. (84-sqm) floating home, the sizeable deck affords magnificent bay views. Inside, the bedroom has a king-sized bed and two additional sleeping options, ideal for four people. Meanwhile, the living area has a satellite TV and a fireplace for a homey stay.
Additionally, provided internet access throughout the property lets you stay online even when you are floating on the water.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very relaxing and sitting on the deck having breakfast or a sundowner watching the birds was perfectit was great fun to be on the water the unit is very comfortable and nicely furnishedvery modern and comfortable would definitely stay here againCleanliness:
very clean and well equipped unitHost:
anna the host incredibly easy to work withanna the host was so easy to communicate with and gave us all the privacy we needed tooRead more reviewsLocation:
location too was awesomethe location was great as in 10 minutes you can be in the heart of san franciscowell equipped and comfortable houseboat in a convenient locationwe loved this amazing houseboat and location we used the kayaks every day at sunset to explore the baywe stayed during the sausalito art festival during labor day weekend and could walk to the festival area
5. The Whisper, Redwood City (from USD 111)
This houseboat, named “The Whisper,” has a living space with TV and WiFi, a kitchen with basic equipment and utensils for cooking, and a bedroom with enough space for three. Despite its home-like amenities, it allows you to experience living on a boat away from typical land-based lodging.
If you’re in the mood to go on land, the place is just five minutes from restaurants and shops.
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
6. Two-bedroom holiday home in Sausalito (from USD 180)
This magical floating home has two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with a queen-sized bed, and a well-equipped bathroom. It also has a kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and a heater, promising a convenient stay.
A washer and dryer help take care of dirty laundry, which comes in handy if you are planning a long-term stay. Overall, four people can stay here and have a wonderful time.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
overall it was clean and comfortableoverall it was clean and comfortablevery clean and well equipped this home is perfect for a couple with room for occasional guestsHost:
the owners are so accommodating and helpfulgreat communication from owner - super helpfulgreat communication from owner - super helpfulcommunication with the owner was terrific - so responsive hope to go back and would definitely recommendcommunication with the owner was terrific - so responsive hope to go back and would definitely recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
unique accommodation with easy access to shopping city natural attractionsunique accommodation with easy access to shopping city natural attractionsthe neighbourhood of floating homes is quiet and respectful of privacy inspite of the close proximity houses
7. Cozy houseboat for families in Sausalito (from USD 400)
This cozy houseboat is spacious enough to accommodate six people, featuring two bedrooms and seven beds. It’s the ideal accommodation for families, as it comes with a crib, games, and a telescope for kids and those young at heart.
Additionally, it has a modish kitchen with cooking equipment, making it convenient to prepare meals, and a fashionable dining table for four.
8. Contemporary houseboat with convenient location in Sausalito (from USD 250)
This stunning and contemporary floating home offers easy access to tourist spots, such as San Francisco, Angel Island, and Stinson Beach.
The accommodation has two bedrooms that can sleep up to four people, a deck that offers 360-degree views, and a fully furnished kitchen that will make preparing meals convenient. The rental is also equipped with a heater for temperature control. WiFi, games, and books are available for indoor entertainment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is perfect with exceptional furniture and decorations great shower and complete kitchenthe beds were super comfortablebeds were great bathrooms nice and kitchen very well equippedCleanliness:
it was very cleanclean new and the area is so quiet and quaintthe house is very clean and the decorating is not overdonehouse boat was immaculate and very clean really enjoyed our stayHost:
the owners are gracious and made us feel welcomethe owners were very helpful through- out our visitowners were so gracious and helpful and provided everything needed for our comfortwe wish the owners much happiness with happy oursreally loved it very comfortable and cosy and the owners even left us a xmas treeRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful base location for trips to ssausalito is a great location to stay while visiting all the sights in the santhe house was a jewel the location is quiet and convenient and we will be backwe loved the location great scenery fascinating wild life and panoramic sunset viewswe walked to local restaurants and made the easy hike into downtown
9. Fabulous ferry with free WiFi in Marin County (from USD 575)
This fabulous ferry houseboat for rent on San Francisco Bay, the West Coast’s largest estuary, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms that can cater to six people. The property also has modern features, including free WiFi to keep you connected while boating, a TV for recreation, and a fully equipped kitchen for whipping up meals during the stay.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
equipped with a washer/dryer full kitchen multiple bathrooms made for a comfortable experiencestaying on a historical ferry that was turned into a charming apartment is a wonderful experienceCleanliness:
i would suggest to have the windows cleaned to have a nicer and clearer viewHost:
owners are responsive and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the setting with the marine wildlife so calming and peaceful but there's plenty to do nearby
10. Comfortable houseboat for three in San Rafael (from USD 110)
This houseboat will make you feel at home, especially since you can cook in its kitchen or lounge in front of its wood-burning stove. Inside, the bedroom has two beds that can sleep up to three people, while the bathroom has a compost toilet and a walk-in shower.
Outside, plenty of attractions await guests, including hiking paths, gorgeous viewpoints, and dining options, all of which can be reached within 30 minutes.
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
Hop on a houseboat rental on your next escapade
While camping and glamping in the Bay Area offers unique experiences, booking a houseboat rental is indeed something you can get the most out of during your stay. You get to enjoy the scenic views only offered by a unique water-based accommodation while savoring conveniences you will usually find at home. Take shelter in one of the houseboat rentals on this list and enjoy an exceptional vacation with family and friends.
Frequently asked questions about the top houseboats for rent in San Francisco Bay Area
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