Nowhere in the continental United States screams beach escape like California. With a whopping 3,427-mile shoreline, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Golden State might as well be nicknamed the Golden Sands State. Vacations on the California coast can be costly, but renting a beach house is the perfect excuse to get a group together. So, round up your closest friends or gear up for a family vacation, and check out these nine coastal California Airbnbs from Malibu to Mendocino.
We hope you love the coastal California Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. Seaside home in Cayucos near San Luis Obispo
The appeal of this beachfront three-bedroom is threefold: It’s steps from the beach, it’s a stone’s throw from the sleepy town of Cayucos and just a bit farther to the wineries in Paso Robles, and it’s a gorgeous place to spend your downtime. The unit is the lower level of a duplex that can be rented in tandem if you’re planning a getaway with a party of up to 10 people.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $685 per night
2. Serene and relaxing coastal home in Mendocino
Northern California is notoriously colder than the cities farther south, but its slice of coast is no less worthy of a seaside getaway. See: Mendocino. From whale-watching to agate-hunting on the rocky beach below the property, this roomy studio is perfect for a relaxing yet active couple’s retreat. Fort Bragg’s famous Glass Beach, so named for the vibrant seaglass “sand” that covers its shore, is also just 10 miles away, so be sure to make time for an outing there.
Two guests, studio
Price: $250 per night
3. Idyllic beachfront apartment in Malibu
Welcome to Malibu, baby. Guests of this one-bedroom apartment off the Pacific Coast Highway get sun, surf, and sand right out the front door. The interior is comfortable yet refined, with windows throughout to let in the natural light and show off the views. In between, the irresistible patio comes with loungers, a rain shower, and boogie boards and lifejackets to borrow.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $496 per night
4. Beautiful beach bungalow in Orange County
This two-bedroom cottage in San Clemente, whose state beaches are frequented by both surfers and hikers, comes equipped with beach essentials like towels, toys, boogie boards, and even a surfboard. You’ll even find bikes on the property that you can ride two blocks to the beach or into town. Back at home be sure to make good use of the courtyard, complete with ample outdoor seating, including a hammock, and beautiful fountains and pond.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $175 per night
5. Oceanview condo with seaside style near San Diego
Families visiting the San Diego area will love this three-bedroom condo in Imperial Beach. The unit comes with a travel crib, high chair, and children’s books and toys if you’re visiting with little ones. Everyone else will likely be too mesmerized by the pier views and fun, beachy decor to notice the more banal details, but simple touches like the shelf full of beach reads, fully stocked bath products, and well-equipped kitchen really make this place feel like home.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $492 per night
6. Hollywood Beach hacienda vibe near Los Angeles
Swoon for low-key luxury? This hacienda-style cottage is for you. Located feet from the sand in the city of Oxnard, which is roughly an hour and a half up the coast from Los Angeles, this property is perfectly decked out for a beach vacation, from the balcony views to the barbecue to the towels, bikes, and umbrellas available to guests. Be sure to look out for dolphins while you’re strolling along Hollywood Beach — past guests have been lucky enough to spot them.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $673 per night
7. Garden getaway near Point Reyes
At a glance, this luxurious studio seems more like a mountain retreat than a beach respite. Such is the joy of the Point Reyes National Seashore, which guests of this unit have the privilege of exploring from their base in Inverness toward the southern tip of Tomales Bay. If you like wild coasts, fresh oysters, beautiful gardens, and spotty cell service, this is the place for you.
Two guests, studio
Price: $310 per night
8. Chic coastal escape near Santa Cruz
Travelers to Santa Cruz County not only get access to the beach, which is just a short walk from this three-bedroom townhouse in Aptos, but also incredible hiking in the surrounding state parks and forests. After tuckering themselves out in the surf and on the trails, guests of this self-proclaimed sanctuary can hop in the pool, wind down on the deck, and fire up the barbecue. In the past, families have particularly enjoyed their stays here.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $440 per night
9. Palatial retreat with a pool in Laguna Beach
Oceanview rentals that look like they were decorated by the same designers who did Versailles rarely come cheap. But with four bedrooms and an apartment-style poolhouse that can be rented for an additional fee, this palatial property in Laguna Beach might just be affordable for a bigger group. When they’re not on the shore, which is a five-minute walk away, guests will love soaking in the private pool, lounging on the day beds, and sipping cocktails by the fire pit before barbecuing up a royalty-worthy meal to enjoy alfresco on the veranda. 
Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $950 per night