The best Airbnbs in San Francisco, California range from modern apartments and condos to luxury vacation rentals with private rooftop decks. If you’re looking for a unique stay in the heart of SF, this article has got you covered with lots of awesome accommodations that you won’t find anywhere else.
San Francisco is one of California’s top travel destinations, best known for its year-round sunshine, lively arts and food scene, and iconic attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re seeking an authentic way to experience the “City by the Bay” and its vibrant neighborhoods, book an Airbnb in San Francisco. This sprawling city is also the birthplace of Airbnb, so it makes sense why there’s a diverse collection of cool places to stay. Perfect for your next California adventure, these eclectic vacation rentals in San Francisco offer alluring amenities such as bay views, private rooftops, funky boho decor, and hot tubs.
Here, we’ve ranked the best Airbnbs in the San Francisco Bay area, including rentals near downtown, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, and more. Now, let’s find you a beautiful condo, apartment or house rental on Airbnb in San Francisco!
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Guest Post by Charity De Souza from charitydesouza.com
The Coolest Airbnbs in San Francisco: Top Vacation Rentals in 2021
Here are the best Airbnbs in San Francisco by category, taking into account different amenities, trip types, and budgets. The subsequent sections will cover each listing in more detail.
Top Airbnb in San Francisco: House Overlooking the Bay
Best Luxury Rental San Francisco: Luxe Airbnb in SF
Top Romantic Airbnb in San Francisco: Private Cabana with Hot Tub
Best San Francisco Airbnb for Large Groups: Colorful Apartment near Golden Gate Park
Top Cheap Airbnb in San Francisco CA: Bright Getaway House
Coolest Rooftop Airbnb in San Francisco: Modern Loft in SF
Best San Francisco Airbnb with a View: Victorian-Era Apartment
Most Unique Airbnb in San Francisco: Vibrant One-of-a-kind Home
12 Best Airbnbs in San Francisco
If romantic condos, houses for rent, and luxury vacation rentals in San Francisco all sound good to you, get excited! Below are some of the most unique stays in San Francisco CA:
1. Amazing SF Vacation Rental with Breathtaking Bay Views
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $167 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
This charming Airbnb in San Francisco lures you in with its bright and colorful interior, offering 180-degree bay views from its sun-drenched living room. It’s an incredible steal for up to four guests, offering a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a formal dining area with a marble table.
After a long day of sightseeing, mix a drink from the bar, enjoy incredible sunset views, and listen to distinct San Francisco noises such as foghorns, sea lions, and the jingle of nearby cable cars. You won’t have to go far to reach some of the city’s best sights, with Little Italy, Russian Hill, and Coit Tower within walking distance. However, after stepping foot inside this unique San Francisco vacation rental, it will be hard to leave!
2. Luxe Airbnb in San Francisco with Private Roof Deck
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $308 per night
Accommodates: 5 guests
If luxury is what you’re after, this three-bedroom San Francisco Airbnb is calling your name. Accommodating up to five guests, the crown jewel of this apartment is the private rooftop where you can enjoy a small slice of San Francisco all to yourself, featuring outdoor seating, a BBQ grill, and a hammock.
The glass doors of the sun-lit space even roll out to create a convertible third bedroom with its own doorway. Indoors, you’ll find modern perks such as a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and heated floors. A true bonus for San Francisco – your reservation also includes a garage parking spot. What more could you want in a top Airbnb in San Francisco?
3. Private Guest Cabana with Hot Tub in the Heart of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $248 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Couples will love this romantic San Francisco Airbnb across the street from Dolores Park. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge, with the host of this charming cabana offering complimentary robes and towels for hot tub soaks in the lush garden area.
Open the lanai doors and relax on the sun loungers, then enjoy a peaceful night of sleep in the plush bedroom with its queen-size bed with a pillow-top mattress, private patio views, and room-darkening shades. Rise and shine for an intimate breakfast in the kitchenette, which has a breakfast table, smoothie blender, and espresso machine, or dive into the city’s food scene at one of the local restaurants within walking distance. It won’t be long until you realize why this is among the best Airbnbs in San Francisco.
4. One of a Kind Home for Rent in the Heart of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $325 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Dreaming of staying at one of the best vacation rentals in San Francisco? Look no further!
Accommodating up to four guests in the two-bedroom layout, this striking SF Airbnb features floor-to-ceiling windows where light streams in to create a bright and airy atmosphere. The set of beautiful French doors lead to a private balcony overlooking a garden and are connected to a spacious living room with modern furnishings. You’ll have plenty of room to whip up a meal in the full kitchen, while its extra-large Master bedroom features an indoor fireplace and access to the balcony.
Kick back on the outdoor furniture in the backyard and bask in the California sunshine, and take advantage of the free parking included with your stay. It’s easy to see why it’s ranked among the most unique Airbnbs for rent in San Francisco.
5. Bright Sunset Getaway House Rental in San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $137 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Experience San Francisco in style from this unique and vibrant vacation rental. This charming one-bedroom home is perfect for friends or a small family, offering everything you need for a memorable San Francisco getaway.
In addition to a spacious living room with a small kitchen area, there are two fold-out sofas and a Smart TV with Netflix and Hulu access. Self-check is quick and easy with the smart lock keypads, and when you’re ready to explore, you can park the car in the driveway and use public transport just five minutes away. Located in the Sunset District, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the beach as well as trendy restaurants and bars. With so much vibrance and personality, this is easily among the best Airbnbs in San Francisco for small groups.
6. Colorful Apartment on Airbnb Near Golden Gate Park
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $542 per night
Accommodates: 10 guests
Looking to stay at one of the top San Francisco vacation rentals for large groups? This colorful stay has got you covered.
Large enough to invite the entire gang, this funky family home accommodates up to 10 guests in its three spacious bedrooms. Hang out with cocktails on the furnished back deck, then create memories while sharing a meal on the large dining table indoors next to the chef’s kitchen. The artsy living room is splashed with vibrant colors and features a sofa bed, fireplace, and flat-screen TV, while stylish rooms feature vibrant decor and queen-size beds. For a snapshot of San Francisco’s most iconic symbol, take a short walk to Golden Gate Park. Is this one of the coolest San Francisco rentals? 100%!
7. Modern SoMa Loft Airbnb in San Francisco with Roof Deck
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $289 per night
Accommodates: 5 guests
Let all of life’s worries subside from this epic San Francisco Airbnb with a private sun deck.
The convenient downtown location of this vacation rental in SF makes it an ideal home base for business travelers, families, solo travelers alike. The ultra-chic two-bedroom space can accommodate up to five guests comfortably and features a large living room with a terrace, while its modern kitchen includes a breakfast table and espresso machine. The furnished rooftop patio is the apartment’s star feature and worth the price alone, featuring a large space with cozy seating, a hammock, and gorgeous city views that are picture-perfect at sunset. If you’re looking for a picturesque vacation home in San Francisco, California, it doesn’t get any better than this!
8. Modern Apartment in Victorian Building, Near Haight-Ashbury
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $159 per night
Accommodates: 5 guests
Set in a beautiful Victorian building, this two-bedroom flat-iron apartment features bay windows with stunning views of the historic neighborhood. You’ll find thoughtful touches throughout this San Francisco California Airbnb, from the plush Barcelona chairs and well-stocked kitchen to the Nespresso machine and high-speed Wi-Fi. The location can’t be beat, close to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the Painted Ladies, and Golden Gate Park.
9. Stretch out in This Modern San Francisco Loft Rental on Airbnb
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $195 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
This artsy San Francisco loft on Airbnb is bright and spacious, featuring 16-foot ceilings and large windows where sunlight floods in. Adorned with colorful artwork, the modern space can accommodate up to five guests in its two bedrooms and features high-end perks such as heated floors and a Smart TV with Netflix and HBO Go.
Take in the beautiful city views from the furnished outdoor patio, where you can grill up a meal on the BBQ and cheers to another day of adventure. After staying in this San Francisco Airbnb rental, you certainly will not want to leave!
10. Watch the Sunset at a Boho-Chic Studio Vacation Rental in San Francisco with Private Terrace
Location: Daly City, California, United States
Rates from: $153 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Escape the hefty vacation crowds from this private San Francisco Airbnb for rent in Daly City. Featuring a whimsical, boho-chic vibe, this eclectic studio features a room with a view. The one-bedroom space is ideal for couples, with its artsy vibe enhanced by wall-to-wall decor that includes eye-catching textiles, prints, and floral accents.
Walk through the beautiful set of beautiful French doors and discover a private outdoor patio overlooking the Olympic Club’s golf course and Pacific skyline. Its location is ideal, just a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Bakers Beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge. With its great location and charm, this has to be one of the most beautiful Airbnbs in San Francisco imaginable!
11. Charming Cole Valley Private Suite near San Francisco, California
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $150 per night
Accommodates: 5 guests
Located in Cole Valley, this self-contained one-bedroom suite on VRBO boasts a furnished terrace overlooking the city and surrounding greenery. This San Fran Airbnb is set on the top floor of a Victorian house and decorated with a soothing color palette, featuring earth-tone fabrics and charming seascape paintings.
A stylish room with a queen-size bed and spacious living room with a twin-size daybed and trundle bed allow up to five guests to stay here comfortably. Best of all, you’ll find a wide variety of neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore nearby. What more could you expect out of a top San Francisco, California Airbnb?
12. Private Apartment in Historic Victorian Home on Airbnb with Back Patio
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Rates from: $135 per night
Accommodates: 3 guests
Last but not least on this list of the coolest Airbnbs in San Francisco CA is this historic home for rent in the city. A beautiful mix of old and new, this modern apartment is set in a renovated classical Victorian home from 1889.
Cuddle up by the gas fireplace in the large open-plan living room, then climb the spiral staircase to the loft master suite or enjoy the outdoors at the shared terraced yard. The outdoor area has comfy seating and a BBQ grill, while the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need for a quiet night of dining in. This house rental in San Francisco certainly reminds me of the Painted Ladies in SF, but it’s much more reasonably priced!
Best Places to Stay in San Francisco
Still undecided on where you want to stay in San Francisco? Here are my favorite neighborhoods where I recommend staying:
– Top Neighborhoods: Mission District, North Beach, Nob Hill, SoMa, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Alamo Square
– Best Nearby Cities and Towns: Berkeley, Half Moon Bay, Napa Valley, Palo Alto, Sausalito, Sonoma Valley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charity De Souza is a freelance travel writer from Orlando, Florida. Traveling full-time as a digital nomad for over a decade, her favorite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, eating sushi in Japan, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Indonesia. She currently resides in Porto, Portugal with her husband. You can follow her adventures at www.charitydesouza.com and on Instagram @marriednomads.
Coolest Airbnbs in San Francisco CA: Apartments, Condos, Houses for Rent + More
Have you ever stayed in a unique Airbnb vacation rental in the city of San Francisco? Definitely let me know! As I’m always looking to add to this list of the best Airbnbs in San Francisco!
Considering other unique destinations in the US? Here are some ideas:
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– Unique Accommodations in Colorado
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– Vacation Rentals in the White Mountains
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