Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and just an hour’s drive from downtown San Francisco, Bolinas is an unincorporated community with a small population. Home to Bolinas Museum and stunning spots for beach walks such as Bolinas Beach and Agate Beach, this prosperous community enjoys cool and windy summers and incredible ocean views. Its reclusive residents - ever protective of this stunning spot in California - vote against having road signs directing travelers into town to avoid traffic. Hotels are scarce, which is intentional, so if you want to spend a few days in this paradise, check out this list of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Bolinas, California.
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 06, 2024.
1. Japanese-themed retreat with outdoor hot tub (from USD 190)
Just a 10-minute drive from Bolinas is another seaside town called Stinson Beach, which is far more welcoming to visitors than its reclusive neighbor. Naturally, there are stellar accommodation choices amid this town, not least of all is this fantastic Japanese-themed retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Not only does its guestroom look ultra-comfortable, but it also has an adjacent bathhouse with an outdoor Japanese soaking tub for you to enjoy a hot dip amid the privacy of the bamboo-filled surroundings. The host has also kindly provided breakfast, meditation cushions and Japanese yukatas (kimonos) for your stay. “Sleep to the sound of waves, wake to bird songs,” she recommends, and it is certainly a great way to enjoy this serene part of California.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i was worried it may be too cold at night but there’s space heater that’s quiet and efficientthe bed was incredibly comfortable and the portable heater provided kept the room at the perfect temperaturethis is such a lovely charming serene space breakfast the first morning was such a beautiful treatthe breakfast margaux served the first morning was also amazing and made the experience even betterthis space is absolutely beautiful so calming and cozyCleanliness:
space is very cleanthe room itself is minimal and follows very clean japanese design lineseverything is cozy and very cleanthe guest house and bath house were very cleanamazing atmosphere completely spotless a true home away from homeHost:
she was a great host - gave us detailed directions to locate the place and parkinga truly special place with a wonderful hostmargaux is an awesome host who has created an amazing space for any getawaythis has hands down been one of my best airbnb experiences and margaux was an amazing hostmargaux is a very responsive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location overlooking stinson beachit’s also perfectly located a few minutes walk from the beach and a short drive to amazing naturefirst of all the location is perfecta beautiful home in a perfect locationa wonderful place to decompress
2. Beautiful garden amid small studio (from USD 129)
Bolinas is close to several fantastic natural attractions. The Alamere Falls, one of only two beach waterfalls in California, is a four-mile (6.4 kilometers) hike up the coastal trail in the Point Reyes National Seashore north of the town. The Muir Woods National Monument, with its gigantic redwood trees, is a short drive east of the community. Some of the natural beauty are home-grown, like the wondrous garden surrounding this small studio. The hosts take enormous pride in growing different flowers and succulents that bloom throughout each season. You’re kindly invited to enjoy their little botanic sanctuary.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage was comfortable and met our needssuper cute room with basic amenities and a tranquil feelrecommend for beautiful garden serene setting cozy bedroom studiothe cottage was wonderful--it had great energy and was super cozy--just what we were looking forthere was no toilet paper but i am sure they just forgot to put it outCleanliness:
very clean quiet and a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet in a magnificent settingthe studio space was comfortable and cleanamazing place to stay with gorgeous garden and incredible indoor clean spaceclean with a great viewsuper cozy and clean space in a beautiful area near lots of hiking/beachesHost:
jonathan was a perfect hostjonathan was a tremendous host - responsive accommodating and kindthe gardens are gorgeous and hosts provide all the info neededexcellent hosts and a lovely propertythe host did a great job on providing recommendation in bolinas and communicating the easy check in processRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful location very close to the seaamazing location in walking distance to the beachcute little space in a great locationa really cute funky placesuch a sweet little cabin - really close to beautiful beaches and cute little town
3. Bed and breakfast along downtown main road (from USD 169)
Downtown Bolinas is just a single road lined with eateries, shops as well as bed-and-breakfast accommodations such as this guestroom that is situated above a bistro cafe. It is a simple setup with a snug bed, claw-foot bathtubs, and a patio, but its prime location amid all the town’s amenities makes it a convenient option to stay. From there, you can stroll down the main road to the supermarket and community park nearby, and there is even a Bolinas Museum which curates the art and history of this coastal community. Best of all, the museum offers free admission!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great wifi in a town that had no cellular receptioni am a big fan of the wonderful space that rebecca and kate have created hereloved the rooms walked in and knew this was a place i could really relax infrom the room we would here local bands playing and by 10-11 pm it would be peacefulCleanliness:
room was clean and modestthe space was clean and welcomingsimple clean fantastic tubthe room is simple clean and fineclean cute and the bed was super comfortableHost:
hosts were friendly & welcoming :)the staff are super respectful towards the clientele that are staying upstairswhat a beautiful place to stay so grateful to our gracious hosts and loved bolinasthe wine bar below did have power and they were helpful in lending us flashlights and candlesthere was plenty of street parking and everyone in town was friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in down town bolinasgreat location right in townthe place is centrally located and very cutegreat location and delicious dinner just a few steps away at the restaurant downstairsin the center of bolinas walking distance to beach above a really cute wine bar/restaurant
4. Comfortable two-bedroom house close to Agate Beach
While Bolinas is situated by the seaside, it does not have extensive sandy waterfronts for lots of beach activities. Of its two mini beaches, only the Bolinas Beach offers some surfing possibilities. The other, the Agate Beach at the west end of the town, is, in fact, a county park filled with tide pools that are protected as part of the national marine sanctuary. This charming home is close to the Agate Beach and offers plenty of home comforts such as a studio bedroom, a large relaxation deck outside the kitchen, and even a yurt (Mongolian round tent) for meditation purposes. What’s more, the neighbors own an organic vegetable garden and supply fresh produce daily. It is a perfect retreat after a day of relaxing strolls along the coastline overlooking the endless Pacific Ocean.
Bolinas, California, United States
8.41 km (5.3 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
liza's place was so comfortable filled with light beautiful views of the garden and a well equipped kitcheninterior is beautifully appointed with lots of room to spread outthe bathtub and shower are open with windows looking out onto the private yard which is also beautifulstunning space very comfortable beautiful gardenso cozy we loved this cottage the property and our weekend in bolinasCleanliness:
towels and sheets were cleanvery clean quite and relaxingbeautiful setting and garden very clean lots of useful utensils and disheshouse was cleanthe house was beautiful and very cleanHost:
liza was a gracious hostliza is a great hostloved the veggie garden and found the host very responsiveliza and greg were super responsive to all questions and it was an absolute pleasure to stay thereliza and greg were great hosts the house is beautifully decorated a perfect mix of bohemian character in bolinasRead more reviewsLocation:
really nice place and great locationcozy place with beautiful locationbeautiful cozy home close to agate beachthis is a fantastic place in a fantastic locationthis place offers peace and quiet
5. Two-bedroom cottage with timeless decor perfect for artistic retreat (from USD 289)
With its scenic location and secluded atmosphere, Bolinas naturally attracts artistic souls seeking an enclave to be inspired in their creative pursuits. Some of the town’s accommodations, including this divine cottage, offer a soothing retreat for them to chase their muse. This rustic redwood house has hand-cut antique furniture, a unique branch staircase and homemade sewn coverlets that exude a timeless quality. The host, a performance artist herself, has stocked plenty of home comforts in her abode, such as an outdoor Japanese soaking tub, two flat-screen TVs, and even organic coffee, just so you can relax and create your personal artistic statements without any distractions.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it had all the amenities one needs for a comfortable visitthe space is very charming and we appreciated the full kitchen amenitiessha sha's cottage was lovely cozy and perfectgood- working cooking stove and bbq grill and the kitchen was fully equippedwe had an amazing time exploring tide pools a mile walk south at agate beachCleanliness:
some people prefer a clean modern sterile environmentgreat place to get away and see marin very cozy clean and comfortableHost:
the host was delightful and the town was beautifulsha sha is a friendly and attentive hostsha sha was wonderfully attentive to our needs and a great hostsha sha is an excellent host who is truly committed to creating a great guest experiencegreat host and such a beautiful house thank youRead more reviewsLocation:
super close to the beach super close to the towngreat bolinas location right in the heart of everythingcute cozy comfortable gnome/fairy rustic wonderland the location is perfectsuper location close to town and the beachthe beach is a 3 minute walk away…also great hikes within easy driving distance
6. A spacious cottage with a garden (from USD 175)
Welcome to this spacious cottage that promises a relaxed stay throughout, as you will be surrounded by a garden – a refreshing view you will never get bored of. The two-story cottage features two comfortable beds that can accommodate four people. Feel free to use the kitchen downstairs to cook your favorite meal. You can also enjoy a shared outdoor shower that you can use after an adventure on the beach, adjacent to the cottage.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
such thoughtful and innovative build of the cottage especially the showerthe cottage was warm comfortable and laid backsuch a sweet a cozy cottagepaulette's place is a super cozy cottage in a quite neighborhood with a beautiful yarda beautifully design cottage delightful garden beds and bedding very comfortableCleanliness:
clean and well keptthe cottege is clean sunny and very lovely to be inthe space is clean simple and very comfortablea quiet and clean cottage that is peaceful and luxuriouslovely space with excellent personal touches and very very cleanHost:
palette was a wonderful hostpaulette was an amazing hostgreat house and the owners were friendly and helpfulthe hosts were responsive to our needs and friendlypaulette and david were great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
charming comfortable spot super walk to bolinasonly about 1 hour's drive from sf and near to some wonderful towns and locationssuper close to point reyes and coastal funthis is perfect for a peaceful getaway and being close to many coastal favoritesthis place is ideally located to explore point reyes and small towns in the area
7. Gorgeous garden suite in Bolinas (from USD 195)
Located in the idyllic Marin County Coast of Bolinas, this rental can sleep three guests. This one-bedroom guest suite with a private bathroom and a kitchen also has private entrance ensuring full privacy during your stay. Agate Beach can be reached on foot where you can laze off and soak in the sun. Breakfast is provided to guests during their stay. Head to the private garden with a koi pond if you want to spend a relaxing evening.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
of course they created a beautiful view from the roomthe nearby tide pools were an added bonusthe fruit breakfast items coffee and milk were very much appreciatedwe loved having a little breakfast as we looked out the french doors onto the gardensally’s beautiful garden room and garden exceeded our expectationsCleanliness:
the place was very clean and comfortableclean charming exactly as i expectedthe room was clean comfortable and privateeverything was well maintained clean and well thought outsuper clean great shower comfortable bed with nice linensHost:
a lovely host toosally was a great hostsally was a great hostsally is a wonderful hostsally is a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic place close enough to downtown for a longer walki would definitely stay at this location againthe location is great - 5 minute drive to the beach and amazing views within walking distancethis was a great location for a retreat with my kidswe loved being there and walking to agate beach
8. Guesthouse in historic bar (from USD 257)
Established in 1851, the Smiley’s Saloon Room in downtown Bolinas is one of the oldest bars in West Coast USA, not to mention a beloved institution in the community. Offering regular and diverse live music on most days of the week, it is popular among musicians for gigs that come with free accommodation among its six private rooms in an outhouse behind the bar. Non-musicians are welcomed to stay too if they are not too particular about the loud music. The basic amenities in the guestroom include a queen bed, a single bed, and a pop-up trundle bed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bathroom products were nice and the heater worked welllots of sleeping space plenty of towels and fresh water waiting for us in our roomCleanliness:
very clean quaint atmospherevery clean and comfortablemy room was clean and comfortablecomfortable clean and charming roomclean comfortable and fun we would definitely stay againHost:
they were accommodating and helpfulthe staff was helpful and friendly and we enjoyed use of the kitchenthe perfect getaway and warm staffthe locals at the bar were super friendly and so were the stafffriendly and helpful staff checkin even came with drink ticketsRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location in bolinasexcellent locationloved beachcombing in the morning and the beautiful locationlocation was central as others have mentioned smileys is the town hubwalk to food coffee entertainment and the beach and 15 min drive to stinson beach
9. Petite bungalow on main road (from USD 115)
Here is another fantastic accommodation along the downtown main road. Hidden amid dense bushes and trees, this tiny bungalow for two guests has a charming patio and a bathroom adjacent to it. The bungalow itself is brightly-lit with skylights, high ceilings and lots of windows. Guests can enjoy the convenience of the nearby cafes, live-music bars, and surf shops. The main road ends at the Bolinas Beach, where there are some fine waves crashing in for surf-addicts to enjoy.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was super comfortable and the room was filled with a lot of natural lightfrom the outdoor shower to the chickens in the yard quite a cool situationthe bed was the most comfortablethe outdoor shower was delightful steps from the bungalowthe best thing my girlfriend and i enjoyed was the outdoor showerCleanliness:
the place was clean and comfyit was clean bright and comfortablethe space was clean and cozy (with an extremely comfortable bed)the bungalow itself is great — it is very clean and very welcominglocated in a garden with the "as advertised" shower and bath which were very cleanHost:
matt is a wonderful hostthe host were very friendly and helpfulour hosts were responsive and availablejanis was a very friendly and helpful hostthe hosts were super responsive and kindRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was idealgreat central location for bolinasthis is a cute little space in a great location in the middle of bolinasgreat location right in the center of everythingin a great location and also hidden away for privacy
10. Historic saloon with live music
This is a slightly cheaper room than the aforementioned one at the Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, but it only comes with a queen-size bed. The amenities are basic, but you will want to stay for the raucous live music and the historical vibes in this iconic Bolinas landmark. Why not join in the fun at the bar’s Wednesday Night Karaoke, where you can belt out drunken singalongs with the locals?
6.97 km (4.4 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State Park
11. A coastal cabin for two
Solo travelers or couples who are looking for an excellent escape by the beach should consider booking this coastal cabin that is nestled on the cliff, right above Agate Beach. The cabin comes with one bedroom, along with one bathroom and an equipped kitchen. What’s more, you can also stay by the indoor fireplace in the evening when the weather gets cold. The perfect accompaniment for this would be a bottle of your favorite wine.
Bolinas, California, United States
8.81 km (5.5 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable bed nice amenitiesit was warm and the bed and couch are sturdy and comfortableCleanliness:
the cabin is an extra-special hideaway at the edge of civilization; it is clean cozy quiet warm and well-appointedit's cozy and clean and it's location by the ocean in bolinas cannot be beatHost:
her space makes you feel immediately at home and she was a great hostlaura is a wonderful hostlaura was also extra helpful answering questions and giving us advicelaura is a great hostlaura is a great host and very welcoming good communication and directionsRead more reviewsLocation:
incredibly unique spot and awesome locationremote location was a huge bonusgreat quiet beaches close byamazing cabin great location for exploring bolinas with a carit is a great place and location
12. Peaceful cabin retreat
Located in a quiet and secluded neighborhood of Bolinas, this lovely cabin overlooking the Pacific coast can sleep up to six people. A short walk from here will take you to the cliff from where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sunset. This vacation home has two bedrooms: one with a king bed and the other bedroom with a queen bed and two single beds. The hot tub in this cabin is perfect if you just want to laze off and spend some relaxing time.
Bolinas, California, United States
8.75 km (5.5 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was very nice to have a washer and dryer and full kitchenthe big window in the main room has great views making for a very relaxing ambienceelina's space is as described in the listing- very comfortable and a perfect getaway from the citythe place is quiet comfortable and cozy with a breathtaking viewsuper cozy and love the hot tub out in natureCleanliness:
nice stay clean comfortable and lovely surroundingsenjoyed a couple quite nights in this sparkling clean cabinthis place was comfortable and clean and private and everything we wanted in a post-holiday relaxing family weekendit was clean extremely well-equipped and was filled with great touchesthe home is beautiful simple well-appointed full of light and cleanHost:
elina is so helpful and a great hostelina was very helpfulthe host is super helpful with directions and tips to the beachthe owners were communicative and responsiveit just shows the care and thoughtfulness that the host puts into this homeRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great because the beaches are very close byquiet location and perfect spacefabulous house great locationamazing location: 10 minute walk through national park land to a gorgeous beachvery quiet forested location with easy access to beach and local hiking trails
13. One-bedroom apartment with an ocean view
Contrary to their notorious reputation for being fiercely guarded about their secluded community, some of the Bolinas residents are surprisingly welcoming and generous. For instance, some of the self-run businesses in the town use an honor system, whereby you pay as much as you think is proper for their goods. The spirit is also shown among the Airbnb hosts such as the one renting out this splendid retreat with gorgeous views. He goes out of his way to make sure there is a good internet connection in this remote area and welcomes the guests to use his front-porch deck and yoga mats.
Bolinas, California, United States
6.75 km (4.2 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this is a sweet and peaceful 1-bedroom apartment with lots of natural light and an ocean viewthe apartment has a deck that my wife and i enjoyed in the eveningthe small kitchen has some nice staplesvery comfortable bed nice bathroom and sofa in the living roomkitchen was stocked to cook and the bathroom has a nice shampoo conditioner and body wash includedCleanliness:
the place was neat and clean and was perfectgreat shower and everything so clean and well set upthe kitchen was well stocked and the bathroom was clean and updatedquiet clean and comfortable within walking distance to the ocean and townthe space was super clean and we felt right at homeHost:
they were great hoststhe host were perfect and friendlythe host is very welcoming and check in went very smoothlyshe is as friendly and lovely as described on the site by docbabette was a great host super responsive and very helpful in answering my questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
we found doc’s place perfectly locatedan amazing location and a cozy spacewonderful easy and great locationsimple spot in a great locationwe loved this place and the location was perfect
14. A sweet and warm cottage
Have a sweet escape at this sweet and warm cottage that is surrounded by lush landscape. Nothing is more incredible than waking up to the beauty of nature all around you. There are two comfortable beds for four people. Sit back and sip on a cup of hot chocolate in the morning on the big porch that overlooks Bolinas Ridge. Feel free to prepare your delectable breakfast in the kitchen. And, make sure to spend some time to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the gated garden.
Bolinas, California, United States
9.14 km (5.7 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the deck/dining patio was lovely and the beds/linens were very comfortablevery cozy secluded and had an amazing viewthe house doesn't have wifi or cell service - but this was a bonus for uswill definitely come back in the future great plus was unplugging from the internet/wifi/cell phone for the weekendi would love to visit again the kitchen is small but fully stockedCleanliness:
arrival was smooth and everything was very cleanlogistics - house is very clean and fully equipped with nice towels sheets soap etcclean peaceful and beautiful surroundings that are perfect for getting away with kidsHost:
caterina and jyri are wonderful hostsjyri catherina and rosylin are amazing hostsgreat check in process and the property manager is super helpfulthe hosts are friendly and easy to communicate withgracious hosts made sure i was settled in and everything was perfectRead more reviewsLocation:
unique location and special placevery close to many great placesthis place is a temple to blissthis is a very unique and beautiful place to get away for a few daysfantastic place great location and views
15. Cottage near downtown Bolinas
This cottage for four people is ideal for a group of friends, couples, or families. It’s a two-bedroom rental that has a fully-equipped kitchen ensuring you can prepare meals if you don’t want to go out and eat. The indoor fireplace is perfect to keep you cozy during the cooler months. Free car parking on premises is available to those traveling by car. The property is within walking distance to the beach, while downtown Bolinas is a short drive away for those who wish to explore the popular beach destination.
Bolinas, California, United States
8.04 km (5.0 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
appreciated cast iron pan and some condiments olive oil etccomfortable beds great views workable kitchenamazing views even during rain showersit was like visiting a cottage cozycozy cabin that had everything we needed but internet access and we still enjoyed being thereCleanliness:
it's clean exceedingly comfortable and charmingrustic but cleaneverything was well prepared for us and cleanthe cabin was clean comfortable and had everything we needed in the kitchen for light cookingHost:
isabelle is an excellent hostbolinas is a fun town and isabelle is great hostisabelle was very responsive and helpful with any questionseasy check-in process responsive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of this little cabin is perfectnice location up on the mesalocation is wonderfully close to the oceanwish it was closer to town and beachcozy little cabin in a lovely location
16. Spacious farm house with fruit garden
Due to its secluded nature, Bolinas feels like a rural community even though it is not far from the highly-populated Bay Area. The residences are generally tucked among thick bushes and trees, lending a sense of solitude and peacefulness around. Not surprisingly, some of these accommodations have private mini-farms on the premises, such as this beautiful and spacious three-bedroom home that can host up to six guests. The host has grown lemon and apple trees, as well as herbs, vegetables, and berries in the garden, which she has very kindly allowed guests to snack on during their stay. With country-style wooden furniture, as well as an indoor fireplace, this is a supremely cozy house to enjoy the laid-back vibes of Bolinas.
7.8 km (4.9 mi) from Mount Tamalpais State Park
Tranquility preserved in this seaside town
The residents are adamant about preserving the area and ensuring that this scenic seaside town is not overrun by tourists or party-goers, so make this your destination for a quiet getaway instead of group trips and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Enjoy the splendor of this tranquil community just north of San Francisco.
History
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