Editor’s note: Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks and ensure you’re abiding by local orders when traveling. Stay safe and be responsible!
Whether you are looking to get out of dodge before school starts or you are dreaming of future family vacations, we’ve got some kid-friendly vacation rentals for you. These nearby Airbnb rentals are perfect for families and some are big enough to bring along the grandparents as well. We’ve got rental homes on the beach, pet-friendly rentals and even a treehouse in the redwoods. Pack your bags and book your stay today!
Train Caboose in the Redwoods
How totally cool is this? You can stay in your very own train caboose in the South Bay that comes with three beds and a kitchen. There are lots of nearby hiking and biking trails, as well as other exciting outdoor activities. Being so close to Silicon Valley, yet feeling so far from it all is a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else.
Sleeps: 4
What to do: Check off all the South Bay destinations on this roadside oddities list, like the Facebook thumbs up sign.
Online: airbnb.com
Grand and Cozy 1920s San Francisco Studio
Head back in time when you step into this classy 1920s studio located in San Francisco at Powhattan Avenue and Prentiss Street in what was once a historic corner store. Now tastefully remodeled, guests can get a taste of life in the city while residing in the comforts of home. Families can find a kitchenette, fireplace, curtained sleeping and living spaces, WiFi, cable, a dining area and more. The studio accommodates four people, has two beds and one bath.
Sleeps: 4
What to do: Take in the sweeping views of The City by the Bay when you walk two blocks down the street to Bernal Park.
Online: airbnb.com
Large Mountain Retreat on a Horse Sanctuary
Massage chair, hot tub and espresso maker—doesn't that sound like the perfect start to your next family vacation? This spot in the Santa Cruz Mountains would be perfect for extended family to enjoy together as the massive house sleeps up to 15 guests. You will feel away from it all but it's close enough to head to the beach for the afternoon.
Sleeps: 15
What to do: Visit nearby Natural Bridges State Beach for a day of tidepooling.
Online: airbnb.com
Yosemite Mountain Home
Get away from it all with a stay at this lovely mountain home near Yosemite. Only 30 minutes from the south gate of Yosemite, it's the perfect home base for your national park visit. Head to downtown Oakhurst to stock up on snacks and then spend the day in the park or at vBass Lake (only a 12-minute drive). You'll have two kayaks available to use during your stay. Winter visitors can take advantage of the home's proximity to Badger Pass Ski Area.
Sleeps: 6
What to do: Visit the Giant Sequoias at Yosemite, they are amazing to see!
Online: airbnb.com
Dillon Beach Retreat
Spend some time enjoying the grassy sand dunes of the Marin Coast when you visit this private and spacious, 2200-square-foot home. It features three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a spectacular view from Tamales Point to the Bodega Head. This home is Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired, classically designed and thoughtfully furnished. Walk down to see the waves hit the shore and breathe in the fresh, coastal air. Kids will love the ping pong table and foosball table, and there's a BBQ available for you to cook up the local seafood you purchase nearby. Head out at sunset to check out the waves as you walk along the mile-long sandy beach nearby.
Sleeps: 10
What to do: It's all about the seashore here where you can enjoy digging for clams, visiting the tide pools and watching for whales offshore.
Online: vrbo.com
The Pearl of Muir Beach
Make sure to snag your reservation for this private and roomy home near Muir Beach, another visitor destination along California’s regal coast. Two queen beds and a pull-out sofa are available in this two-bedroom house just steps from the beach and guests can also find great hiking trails. Those traveling with kids will love the pack n' play, toys and highchair that are on-site (request a toddler bed if you need it). The owners provide a surf board, boogie board and two bikes for you to use during your stay.
Sleeps: 6
Things to do: This area is well known as a gorgeous kayaking destination. Get your life jackets on and get ready to explore!
Online: airbnb.com
Deltahouse Waterfront Getaway
Wake up to the calm Delta waves when you stay at this waterfront home in Discovery Bay, the community with a "Live Where You Play" slogan. At this end of Contra Costa County, the people still live the slower-paced lives of more genial times beside rows of crops and open land while remaining in reach of San Francisco and other globally known cities. This spot is a great getaway when grandparents are in town as it has enough room for everyone to spread out with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Floats and rafts for swimming (as well as life jackets) are available. Kids looking for some play time on-land can dig around in the sandbox.
Sleeps: 10
What to do: Rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or jet ski or sail away on a guided cruise tour of the Delta on Captain Morgans Delta Adventures while watching the sun set. In this family-centric community, mostly everything is kid-friendly.
Online: airbnb.com
Redwood Treehouse in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Give your family the experience of a lifetime once you climb into the boughs of this unique destination. Located in Watsonville just south of Santa Cruz, the redwoods surround the treehouse Airbnb, which is fully equipped with a kitchen, bed and bath and only 25 minutes from the ocean. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along a dirt path before reaching the treehouse. This spot is best for families with older kids.
Sleeps: 4
What to do: Soak in the nearby hot tub while also soaking up a relaxing, rejuvenating experience surrounded by nature’s bounty.
Online: airbnb.com
Pescadero Cottage with Ocean Views
Your family will have private access to this two-bedroom cottage surrounded by farmland overlooking the ocean. Just a ten-minute walk to the beach, you can enjoy bird watching, tidepooling and relaxing in Pescadero.
Sleeps: 6
What to do: Pescadero is full of family-friendly activities. Be sure to swing by Harley Goat Farm and snag some artichoke garlic bread in town. You can also enjoy a number of berry picking spots nearby.
Online: airbnb.com
—Kate Loweth & Aly Brown
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
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