The Best Vacation Homes To Book For A Homestay In California

California’s attractions are diverse. From the bright lights of Hollywood to the beaches and galleries of Los Angeles; the steep streets of San Francisco to surfing in San Diego; the still waters of Lake Tahoe to the silent forest of Redwood National Park. If you’re an independent traveler, they’re best enjoyed from the convenience of a vacation home. Here’s our selection of the very best – bookable with Culture Trip.

1. The Wheelhouse, for rustic peace

Villa

A night-time view across to the outdoor pool and mountains beyond, from an outdoor seating area at the Wheelhouse

This ranch-style High Desert retreat will be just the ticket, whether you’re a fresh air fiend looking to hike in nearby Joshua Tree National Park or are just after solitude and artistic inspiration. It’s a unique two-bedroom property, with a design aesthetic that you might term mid-century-meets-funky. Relax in a vintage swing beside the full-size backyard pool, de-stress in the outdoor spa, or watch the sparks from the fire pit in the evening.

2. Snowcreek Resort, for outward-bound fans

Cottages

The outdoor pool area at Snowcreek Resort, with a mountain peering through the trees behind

Are you a keen downhill skier, eager to tackle the snowy chutes, gullies and trails of nearby Mammoth Mountain ski resort? A mountain biker looking to do the same in the warmer months? You’ll be at home in this California vacation rental, where wood-shingled one- to three-bedroom cottages keep things cozy with fireplaces and plaid duvets. If the surrounding wilderness doesn’t offer enough of a sporting challenge, you and your kids can use the on-site indoor-outdoor pools, tennis courts and gym.

3. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Hotel Circle/SeaWorld Area, for calming decor

Hotel

Just off the Mission Valley Freeway, this all-suite hotel is justifiably popular with vacationing families. The location is part of the draw: just a few minutes’ drive from SeaWorld, as well as the sprawling Splish Splash waterpark. Decorated in classic creams, greys and browns, the fully equipped suites have ample space for couples with kids, while on-site perks include a paddling pool, larger pool and a hot tub.

5. Washington Square Inn, for suave surrounds and wine

Guesthouse

Two soft chairs sit opposite wine glasses on a tray by a window at Washington Square Inn

It’s less a California vacation home, more a home-from-home in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy. This intimate guesthouse is a good place to meet fellow travelers over complimentary afternoon wine-and-cheese spreads. Polished wooden floors, splashes of colorful contemporary art and individually decorated, fan-cooled bedrooms with window seats and bay windows are just some of its attractive assets. The excellent European-style breakfast is fuel for exploring the neighborhood relics of the Beat Generation before hitting the retro bars.

6. Marquis Villas Resort by Diamond Resorts, for Palm Springs perfection

Resort

Ready for your Palm Springs vacation? This ocher-colored three-story resort is a brilliant option, immersed in palms with a view of the San Jacinto Mountains, and within walking distance of the town’s diverse dining scene. Spacious apartments are available in various configurations, with full or partial kitchens, and the resort also has a large pool and hot tub – ideal for unwinding after you’ve been golfing, digging the annual Coachella festival or hiking the challenging Cactus to Clouds trail nearby.

7. Skyline, Desert Hot Springs, for cozy, family-friendly comfort

Apartment

The exterior of Skyline, Desert Hot Springs, as seen from across the steep, sloping road; mountains can be seen in the distance

You’re right on the edge of Desert Hot Springs at this generously sized three-bedroom property – floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the desert, the town below and the surrounding mountain ranges. Whether you’re traveling as a family or with friends, the remote location is your key to activity and relaxation: splash about in the town’s hot and cold springs, hike the trails of the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, and return home to relax in the pool, prior to firing up the barbecue and retiring to your individually styled bedroom.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.