Ever wanted an adventure away from the neon lights in the city? Have a gander at some of the wackiest Airbnb vacation rentals here in California! From living in an al fresco environment to sleeping on a train, you’re bound to find something up your tracks with these unique rentals offering a different take on the ideal vacation.
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 08, 2024.
1. Choo Choo! Themed cabins in Nice (from USD 196)
If you’re looking for luxury in an oddity, the Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast Resort is the perfect place for you to indulge in. With a total of nine differently themed cabins to choose from, feel free to spend a romantic night under the crystal chandeliers of Paris with the Midnight in Paris caboose, or have some Whiskey with the cowboys in the Wild Wild West cabin. Featuring a cosy room with your own hot tub overlooking the dense canopy, you will find yourself losing track of time in this little taste of paradise. After a freshly prepared breakfast with ingredients used from the local farmers’ harvest, set off for a brief stroll at the nearby nature trails. Bring along your own fishing equipment to fish bass amongst the relaxing atmosphere in the Clearlake area. If you’re tired from all the walking, take a short drive to the nearby wineries and participate in one of the guided wine tours based on your preference. There are around 30 premium wineries in the area, so don’t worry about finding the perfect bottle for your taste! At the end of a long day, enjoy your relaxing night on the genuine goose down queen-sized featherbed, while catching your favourite shows on the cable TV provided. Here’s a cheers to a great end to the day!
Still undecided on this Airbnb? Check out this short video filmed around the area, that features the best parts of the Featherbed Railroad.
Nice, California, United StatesSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the pool was a great treat after a hot journey and the strawberry scones at breakfast were deliciousour caboose was even cozier and more charming than anticipatedalso the breakfast was amazingfun train themed dining roomCleanliness:
the cars were very cool cozy clean and all with jacuzzi in the middleHost:
great hosts awesome breakfaststhe caboose was gorgeous and the staff was very friendlythe owners were incredibly sweet and welcomingjune was a great host and the property was adorabletony was such a thoughtful and great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the caboose was definitely the most unique place we've stayed in a while and the breakfast was fantasticwe had an amazing time here what a fun place
2. Hipster heaven in El Cajon (from USD 72)
Forget your normal apartments, this magical tipi Airbnb hideaway is going to whisk you off your feet. Located just 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, it is huddled away from the bustling city life and yet, convenient enough to visit. Perched atop a wooden deck, you can see miles ahead, watching as the trees sway to the mountain breeze, and the scatter of stars filling up the night sky is simply spectacular to watch. With a double futon bed and a small fridge, you don’t need to worry about satisfying your midnight cravings for snacks. Spend some time chatting with the friendly hosts, and you can even book a massage session with Barbara, who’s also a holistic health practitioner and massage therapist. Be wary of the summer seasons, as tipis adapt to the temperature outdoors due to its material. Although there is a fan in the tent, you wouldn’t want to stay indoors when it’s sweltering hot, or freezing to the negatives! Plan for some hiking activities in the summer day, and return for a rest when it’s cooler. The beds are warmed up with heaters, so you can go to bed cosily.
El Cajon, California, United StatesSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i loved staying in the teepee warm & cozy all night under the electric blanketi was concerned that i might be cold however the heater kept me very comfortablethe wifi is strong enough to watch netflix in the tipi so that was nicewifi in tipi was surprisingly goodthe climate's comfortable and easy to adjust with the combo of the fan and little heaterCleanliness:
its spacious clean and comfortabletipi was fairly clean with electricity and wifi clean bathroom and showerthe tipi was great - cozy and simple clean and comfysuper cute tipi experience very clean and comfortablethe tipi was extremely clean neat and had a very welcoming feeling to itHost:
host provided helpful info about surrounding areathe hosts are very helpful and enjoyablethe hosts randy and barbara are wonderful peoplerandy & barbara are such wonderful hosts & their place is amazingthe place was nice and the host was very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is picturesquegreat location to lots of local hikesperfect value charming location and very convenient to san diegothis was a great getaway close enough for convenience but far enough away to escape from your busy lifesuper nice place if you wanna get away from the city
3. Al fresco living in Springville (from USD 85)
Imagine waking up to the smell of the mountain winds and seeing the towering trees dance gently to the morning breeze. As you slowly rock on the hammock, you hear the nearby birds chirping to the start of a new day. You would think it’s a dream, no? You can live this reality by staying in this open-air bedroom here in Springville. A private space built beside the hosts’ homes, this unique bedroom is the epitome of all things natural. With an outdoor BBQ pit and dining room, you can have a hearty meal with the hosts by a crackling fireplace. By staying here, not only are you reconnecting with nature, but you are also helping with land and river restoration projects, as 15% of all the proceeds from this booking will go towards non-profit organisation WildPlaces. Founded in 2001, this volunteer group seeks to protect and preserve natural places in southern Sierra Nevada, mitigating the effects of climate change to the best of their abilities.
Springville, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities were very comfortablethe outdoor bed was incredible - you can perfectly view the stars and watch the sunrise come upthe common area has wifi’s there’s a small fridge and freezer perfect to store your goodieswe had beautiful evening and morning views from the outdoor roomsleeping outdoors was very comfortableCleanliness:
the shower was great and everything was clean and the place was very cozyHost:
xico was a wonderful hostmehmet was a great hostxico was an amazing and gracious hostexcellent hosts did everything to make us feel welcomethe hosts were gracious and made sure we stayed hydratedRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location with a gorgeous river for swimming nearbythis place is amazing the perfect location to explore sequioa national parktheir close proximity to the giant sequoia's was a perfect mini retreat for methis is truly a unique placegreat location and great hosts
4. "A-frame" cabin in Gasquet
If you’re ever off exploring in the Six Rivers National Forest, look out for an ‘A’ shaped cabin right in the heart of the forest. Here, you will find yourself in the presence of a minimalist hand-built space, adorned with some candles and batik cloths. This quietly remote cabin is not only home to the common chipmunks and squirrels - it supposedly houses the rumoured Bigfoot too! Surrounded by natural wilderness, sightings of black bears are not uncommon. Fret not, as they are shy about meeting humans, and prefer to run away from humans. With a simple double bed and outdoor kitchen, you can take a short trip down here with your significant other and cook up a delicious meal under the night sky. There is no electricity in the cabin, so lanterns and flashlights will be provided to guests upon checking in. Fall asleep to the reassuring moonlight that shines through your window, and reclaim your well-deserved rest in the arms of Mother Nature.
Gasquet, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the property has gorgeous views and the cabin is very cozycomposting toilet and spring fed plumbing this place is truly “off the grid”this facility feels as though it is constantly improving so any comments may be different by next yeartry some of the self made goat cheese it’s delicious the buildings are nice and cozywe had a great visit it was quiet peaceful and beautiful outside and so cozy in the a-frameCleanliness:
the cabin is tiny clean and the bed is comfyit was neat and tidy with a little rug and a buddha on the dresserclean a frame lots of cute dogs and very much an off road experiencea clean bed is a low expectation but a pretty basic onei recommend bringing your own pillow and sleeping bag for the cabin it wasn’t very cleanHost:
wonderful people and friendly dogsthe people around were friendly and the host was quick to respond to my questionsthe two interns there was also very helpful in showing us around and letting us pet the goatseveryone was super friendly and being surrounded by animals was a joyexpect roosters at dawn friendly dogs a 5 mile drive into the forest and a sustainable farm (incRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is beautifulsuper cute off grid placerustic place in a beautiful locationnice to be so close to naturebeautiful location and an irreplicable experience
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. Regal Royalty Suite in Paso Robles
After all the trekking across rough terrains and nights spent in wilderness, it’s time to pamper yourself in this Victorian home. Built in 1889, it was restored for modern conveniences while still keeping some of the more intricate baroque designs. The Aqua Breeze suite is exactly as the name sounds - smooth ocean blue curtains drape heavily from the tall ceilings, with white lace-trimmed cloth that filters the sunlight into a soft, creamy glow. Live your life like royalty during the Victorian era, with intricately designed dressing tables and exquisite dining tables. Rest your aching feet in the hydrotherapy bath, accompanied by a cup of warm herbal tea in a fancy ornate teacup. Nourish your skin with their spa services, and take up some yoga classes to relax your tense muscles. Looking to do some retail therapy? The inn is within walking distance to the historical downtown area. After having a fabulous dinner, head back to your room and pamper youself by sinking into the luscious sheets, dreaming about the adventures you had in the wilderness.
Paso Robles, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed the adjacent living room and prepared coffee in the kitchenair conditioning for warm nights and a gas fireplace for cool onescomfortable bed and great outside patiotheir air conditioning is so great that i got a little chilly while i was in the roomroom and house are like a bed and breakfast experience (without the breakfast i guess)Cleanliness:
everything was very clean and in excellent conditionthe whole place was very clean and comfortableroom and house were clean and well maintainedvery nice place it was very clean and the bed was super comfortableexcellent facilities very cleanHost:
host responded quickly when requested a flatter bed pillow and it was delivered as promisedshe responded quickly when i had a couple questions and was very friendly and helpfulwe even got to know our hosts and they are wonderfulthey were so kind accommodating and i had an absolutely wonderful time at this placewe enjoyed our stay at serenity spa very much the hosts are very nice and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greatgreat location to downtown pasoa fantastic location within walking distance of downtowngreat location: it's just a short walk to downtownthe location was ideal - just a few blocks from the main square in downtown paso robles
Once-in-a-lifetime adventure
The adventurous nature that we innately used to have as a kid seems to have disappeared. Hopefully, one of the wild places mentioned above has once again ignited that mischievous spark in you, to pack your bags, choose your favourite Airbnb vacation rental and explore the unknown that is the world. Be brave, and keep an open mind to the many bizarre places you could encounter in your travels - have a safe trip!
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