
Southern California, also known as SoCal, is famed for its gorgeous climate. There is an abundance of sunshine all year round, perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming and surfing. There are also many land-based theme parks and attractions around this region, such as Disneyland Park, San Diego Zoo, Joshua Tree National Park, and Universal Studios Hollywood among others. Still, summer days are ideally spent out on the water, soaking up the sun, and relaxing on a houseboat with friends. A great water destination, Southern California features many lakes that welcome houseboats. By staying on one, you get a luxury vacation and a great adventure at the same time. For your next getaway in SoCal, check out these top houseboats for rent in Southern California, USA.
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 December 27, 2024.
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1. Luz de Luna in San Diego (from USD 619)
This charming 50-foot (15.24-meter) yacht is excellently designed for a luxurious seafront adventure. This boat rental in Southern California’s city of San Diego has a roomy lounge area with a flat-screen TV, a long couch with pristine finishings, and a well-off kitchenette with induction stovetops and mini-fridges.
With two plush bedrooms, it can sleep up to four guests. There are en-suite bathrooms as well in each bedroom, but if you want to make the most of the luxury lifestyle, the marina, where it’s usually docked, offers additional exciting facilities, such as a hot tub, pool, and outdoor shower. From here, you can explore much of downtown San Diego a five-minute drive away.
San Diego, California, United States
183.35 km (114.0 mi) from Venice Canals
2. Charming houseboat with amazing views in San Diego
Experience living on the water in an active marina when you rent this chic Southern California houseboat anchored at Marina Cortez on Harbor Island in San Diego. This rental can accommodate up to four guests with two en-suite bedrooms. An additional queen-sized sofa bed is available in the living room. It also features a fully equipped kitchen so guests can conveniently cook their own meals, and WiFi is available throughout the property.
You will be charmed waking up to nice sunrises and ending days with vibrant sunsets on the upper deck, where you can also lounge and eat your meals. Location-wise, this property is close to great restaurants and attractions like San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
San Diego, California, United States
182.41 km (113.4 mi) from Venice CanalsSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
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 directionsLocation:
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 beachesCleanliness:
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 neededRead more reviewsAmenities & 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 well
3. Boatel California in Ventura (from USD 336)
Permanently moored in Ventura Harbor Village, this beautiful and well-maintained houseboat welcomes up to six guests. It has two rooms with a total of four beds, one bathroom, and a half bath. Bond in the boat’s salon as it has a couch and a TV with Netflix for entertainment. Whip up meals in its fully equipped kitchen. The Keurig Coffee Maker comes with free coffee.
High-speed WiFi is available in the boat, which means that you can work here without interruptions. When you need a break, head to the boat’s deck for some harbor viewing. Incredible views are guaranteed. Want to work on your tan? This property is just 30 meters (100 feet) from the beach.
Ventura, California, United States
79.12 km (49.2 mi) from Venice CanalsSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
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 weekendLocation:
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 revisitingRead more reviewsAmenities & 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 cozy
4. Mini yacht with tandem kayaks in Marina del Rey
Docked at Marina del Rey, this boat is favored by previous guests, particularly because of its location. The harbor is within walking distance to Venice Beach and Lighthouse Beach, perfect for beach lovers. There are also lots of great restaurants around the area.
Good for two guests, book this one-bedroom mini yacht for a romantic getaway with your partner. Besides the beach, tandem kayaks are available for guests and you can use the boat as your launching pad for your adventures on the water. Free breakfast is provided when you book your stay here and there is also a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
1.47 km (1.0 mi) from Venice CanalsSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
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 airbnbLocation:
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 areaCleanliness:
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 boatRead more reviewsAmenities & 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 plus
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. Luxurious beachfront boat in Marina del Rey
Experience a deluxe experience while on a romantic weekend getaway aboard this boat, located in the heart of Marina del Rey. Constructed with gorgeous teak wood and featuring velvet furnishings, this rental is beautiful, comfortable, and can accommodate two guests.
The boat has everything you need for a hassle-free stay. It has a fully equipped kitchen and a coffee maker for your morning caffeine, a cable TV for nights in, and WiFi to stay connected with your family and friends. You can walk to Venice beach and catch the sunset there or even kayak at the nearby Mother’s Beach.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
2.0 km (1.3 mi) from Venice CanalsSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
we had a wonderful experience the host was on top of it all and very kindoverall a great trip and even more wonderful hostsright off the bat jc & sol were incredibly communicative informative and helpfulLocation:
perfect location in the heart of marina del reyparking was easy just a quick walk from the lot to the slipRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the sailboat was clean cozy and felt safegreat hospitality in a very nice marina central and quiet with clean restrooms
6. Remodeled yacht in a serene harbor
Stay in this 15-meter (49.2 feet) luxury yacht located at the harbor of Marina Del Rey harbor. This yacht is perfect for guests looking for relaxing accommodation since it is moored in a secluded and serene harbor. Recently remodeled, this rental can fit up to four guests in two bedrooms.
Have a barbecue party since a grill is available upon request and dine on the yacht’s deck for amazing views. The yacht also has a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and a microwave for easy-to-prepare meals. Free WiFi is also available on the property.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
1.45 km (0.9 mi) from Venice CanalsAccommodates: 4
A unique stay on a boat
If you are traveling to Southern California soon and want to try something new, consider staying on a yacht. Use this list of the top houseboat rentals in Southern California, USA, to help you decide on the best houseboat for an unforgettable experience.
Frequently asked questions about the top houseboats for rent in Southern California, USA
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