7 San Francisco Airbnbs for Your Next NorCal Adventure
Looking for the best San Francisco Airbnbs? It’s a good thing the city’s vacation rental scene is replete with unique and historic options for visitors. Stocked with Michelin-starred dining, the first established LGBTQIA neighborhood in America, and revolutionary architecture that would send any design buff into a daze, the city has much more to offer than tech giants and unexpected fog.
Come home to a well-designed and reputable space after spending hours browsing vinyl records in some of Haight-Ashbury’s legendary music stores, traipsing through Golden Gate Park, or unwinding in a nearby Napa Valley vineyard. From welcoming Bay Area apartments featuring downtown views and easy access to walkable city life to a 1960s Case Study House complete with endless greenery and embedded history to bat, we’ve rounded up our favorite Airbnbs in San Francisco—perfect for anyone looking to plan their next getaway—below.
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1/7Mill Valley
Built in the 1960s, this midcentury home is ideal for travelers hoping to get away and escape into nature. Hike on trails within walking distance of your Airbnb and enjoy all that Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods have to offer. The nearby scenic walking trails and off-the-beaten-path location make this rental a must for anyone craving serenity and peace, plus it’s just a short distance from one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most iconic landmarks: the Golden Gate Bridge. Snag this renovated space featuring five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and three separate outdoor decks (yes, you read that correctly) for your next getaway.
2/7NoPa
Conveniently located in the NoPa (otherwise known as North of the Panhandle) neighborhood, this central condo is perfect for curious travelers ready to explore the city. Tree-lined residential streets await guests at this San Francisco Airbnb, while lively boulevards lined with cafes and crave-worthy restaurants beg you to stay awhile. The Victorian corner building makes for the perfect photo op after a long day of walking about. Mornings will be made better in this sun-drenched space, equipped with an eclectic collection of art and midcentury decor.
3/7Princeton by the Sea
If you’re looking to stay in a home that resembles a spaceship, well, we’ve got you covered. Check into this quaint home nestled in the quiet fishing village Princeton-by-the-Sea. Only a mile from Half Moon Bay, this property is made for those craving waterfront views and a peaceful escape. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom space accommodates four guests and features jaw-dropping vistas of Pillar Point Harbor.
4/7Cole Valley
This San Francisco Airbnb perfectly fits the bill. Victorian architecture is married with modern interiors and indoor plants to make this rental a comfortable and welcoming space for visitors. Start your days enjoying your coffee on the spacious outdoor deck surrounded by warm greenery and sunshine. Sandwiched between the Castro and Inner Sunset neighborhoods, the home is just a few blocks from bars, restaurants, and museums. This apartment is a dream come true for anyone looking to take San Francisco by storm.
5/7San Rafael
Built between 1945 and 1966, The Case Study Houses were commissioned by Arts & Architecture magazine in an effort to create inexpensive model homes that could ideally accommodate the residential housing boom after World War II. Involving some of America’s greatest architects such as Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, and Eero Saarinen, these prototype homes made a massive impact on designs that followed. Lucky for us, Case Study House 26 is available as a long- or short-term rental on Airbnb. This 1963 home designed by Beverley David Thorne features breathtaking views of San Rafael Valley thanks to its hillside location and sky-high windows. Sounds like an ideal stay to us!
6/7Bernal Heights
Only one block from Bernal Heights Park, this modern rental comes equipped with city views from the vantage point of a quiet residential neighborhood. This detached and secluded home features high-end appliances, minimalist design, and a gated entrance to ensure safety all year round. Its hilltop location gives this space privacy while still remaining close to San Francisco’s best restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. Be sure to take a stroll down Cortland Avenue to see what all of the fuss is about or take a walk over to Noe Valley. A nearby BART station means you’re within a short ride of downtown San Francisco or Berkeley, as well as top tourist attractions, including Union Square, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
7/7San Rafael
Travel back in time with this 1960s midcentury-modern home meant to evoke a classic California feel. Promoted as a “time capsule” by the Airbnb hosts, this rare gem is located in a quiet waterfront neighborhood with bay views—but no TV or Wi-Fi to distract you—as well as a spacious living room and pool deck. Sitting right off San Rafael Creek, you’ll be next to a federal waterway dredged by the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 20th century. But if boating is not for you, fear not. This home is conveniently located between San Francisco and Napa Valley, giving renters endless options for daytime activities and explorations.
