My favorite Bay Area vacation rentals
What I look out for in vacation rentals:
Family friendly amenities (E.g. Bunk-beds, tubs, boardgames)
Modern esthetic or farmhouse rustic modern.
Hot tubs and/or pools, please!
4.7+ ratings and ideally super hosts
More recently, we have had to care about dog-friendliness
Sonoma County - Russian River
(Staying in September 2021) Vacation Beach Gem is literally always booked according to the owner but we truly lucked out when we snuck in for Labor Day. Can’t wait to report back. The owner is an interior designer and I love the esthetic. Love that they have all the water gear like tubes and kayaks.
(Staying in August 2021) Casa Del Rio is a duplex but I love how nice the furnishings look and also the proximity to mother’s beach. It is about 10 minutes from town and in a quieter neighborhood.
Sonoma County - Healdsburg
This farmhouse compound actually has three different houses. Super cool place to stay and we loved having the entire property being fenced for our dog to run wild! Bonus that both wholefoods and Doordash delivers to this location! Only 7 mins from downtown Healdsburg.
Napa - Calistoga
Have not done vacation rentals here but we love the Calistoga Hot Springs for great price/value. They have suites with kitchenettes that are unlisted!SLO county/Edna
Greengate is one of our favorite vacation rentals ever (gallery above). They have a semi-private pool and hot-tub and it literally is the BEST place we have ever stayed in. We rarely even want to leave the property! After covid, we don’t expect to be able to visit quite as much as they start to cater only for weddings. I really debated on whether or not to post this because I wanted it to be a hidden gem forever. Please dont make it go viral!
Sea Ranch
We have yet to visit Sea Ranch but definitely on our list! This one saved for now.
Yosemite/Mariposa
(Staying in July 2021) Jazzy hosts several properties in the Mariposa area about an hour+ from Yosemite. It will be our base for our 4 day trip. The furnishings is all new and we love the pool and hot tub! This location is about 25+ minutes from downtown Mariposa so it is definitely more of an escape. Lug all your groceries in!
Tahoe
Honestly we have avoided Tahoe for a little bit since we kids. The driver is really long and Bear Valley gives us a little bit of what we need but much closer.
This new built chalet is on our wishlist for now.
If you don’t have pets, this modern chic Donner chalet and Round house (steps from the lake) both look delightful.
Bear Valley - Arnold
For larger groups: We have been at Monique’s place three times with different friends! Such a great chalet with access to pool during the summer.
For smaller family, totally love the Little Big Cabin.
Swiss Chalet and Geo Dome Chalet are highly recommended by our friends but unfortunately not pet friendly.
Monterey
This rustic glam is potentially on our list for August this year. Love how pet-friendly it is!
Pinnacles Area
Bar SZ Ranch is our quintessential ranch stay. It is definitely more rustic but the family that hosts this ranch is simply amazing. We get to ride horses, shoot, play with baby goats, kittens, rabbits all day long. Just a fantastic ranch experience. It is 30 minutes from Pinnacles National Monument.
SLO county/Edna
Greengate is one of our favorite vacation rentals ever (gallery above). They have a semi-private pool and hot-tub and it literally is the BEST place we have ever stayed in. We rarely even want to leave the property! After covid, we don’t expect to be able to visit quite as much as they start to cater only for weddings. I really debated on whether or not to post this because I wanted it to be a hidden gem forever. Please dont make it go viral!
