From beautiful beaches to thriving metropolises, snowy mountains to redwood forests and expansive deserts, California offers something for everyone. Stay in a beach house in Southern California where the ocean is your backyard, or pick a luxurious home in Palm Springs with your very own pool. How about a quirky apartment in the heart of San Francisco or a stunning view of the mountains from your window in Lake Tahoe?
Choose the perfect vacation rental
Top Vacation Destinations in California
Best Vacation Home Deals in California
Compare and find a vacation rental matching your preferences among the 138,632 welcoming properties from different vacation rental websites in California. By comparing these properties, HomeToGo brings you the best deals and the most popular properties in California.
Top-Rated Rentals and Accommodations in California
Recommended Vacation Rentals in California
Find your perfect vacation rental in California: from $85 per night
Vacation rentals with Wi-Fi
Apartments and vacation rentals with a kitchen
Vacation rentals and apartments with air conditioning
Popular Rental Amenities in California
Accommodations can be narrowed down based on different criteria. Above, you will find the number of properties that include a specific amenity in California. HomeToGo's data highlights that "Internet" and "TV" prove to be the most frequently offered features in California. It is also possible to search for a vacation rental in California if you enjoy soaking in the hot tub as 13,599 of the listed accommodations there include "Hot tub."
Price and Availability Index in California
Vacation Rental Price Information in California
This graph displays average prices of the vacation rentals and holiday apartments located in California. in California, prices can go up to $682 (12/17 - 12/24). Conversely, the cheapest average prices are in a week of October (10/1 - 10/8).
Rental Availability Information in California
Have a look at the above graph to see the global availability of vacation rentals in California. More people travel to California a week in June (6/4 - 6/11). So far, 42% of the rentals are occupied this week. On the contrary, only 13% of the rentals are booked during a week in October (10/29 - 11/5).
The Weather in California
7-Day Weather Forecast in California
Accommodations for your vacation in California
The Weather in California
Due to its size, California has a wide range of climates. Although most areas are known for their warm and sunny days, climates can be subarctic or subtropical depending on where you are.
It tends to be cooler in coastal cities, such as San Francisco and San Diego, while summers are hotter and winters colder further inland.
The North sees more rain, and places like Sacramento are wet during winter but hot and dry in summer. An alpine climate in mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada see snow in winter but mild summers.
In the East, deserts at higher elevations have hot summers and cold winters, while lower deserts have relatively frostless mild winters. Death Valley, which is located well below sea level, is known to be the hottest place on earth.
Explore California's Natural Wonders
Did you know that California has more national parks, historical sites, and monuments than any other state in the US?
The Yosemite National Park is known for its awe-inspiring, plunging waterfalls. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, it has huge granite cliffs, dramatic valleys, and unforgettable nature. All on a gigantic space of 1,100 square miles! It’s no wonder that over 4 million visitors flock here each year. Meanwhile, the Joshua Tree National Park enthralls with its freaky-yet-cool-looking trees that dot the land. Catch glorious sunsets over the grand desert rock formations.
Wine lovers can savor the experience of the Napa and Sonoma wine countries, with their more than 600 wineries. Besides a world-class culinary scene, Napa is known for its meticulously cultivated grapes, which produce wines that rival French produce. Enjoy tasting the wines while feasting your eyes on rolling hills, beautiful plains, and endless vineyards. The agricultural diversity of the fertile land remains one of Sonoma’s greatest prides—and rightfully so. Enjoy it all from the comfort of your California vacation house.
California’s Art and Culture
There is a wide acceptance of diversity in California and a love of innovative ideas. This is, after all, the birthplace of the 60s hippie movement, home to Hollywood, as well as some of the greatest artists in the world. So if art is what you're looking for, base yourself in Southern California where you'll find all sorts of wonderful outdoor art.
Located in the middle of the desert, Salvation Mountain is an art oasis by local resident Leonard Knight. Made entirely of adobe, straw, clay, and half a million gallons of paint, its combines religious scriptures with colorful flowers, trees, the sun, and birds.
Or check out the Integratron, a dome built in the 50s by George Van Tassel, a self-proclaimed UFO abductee who claims that the planet Venus's inhabitants gave him the instructions to build the structure. Supposedly capable of rejuvenation due to its magnetic fields, it proves that nothing is too eccentric for California.
Traveling with Children in California
If you are traveling with children, keeping them entertained will be easy due to the endless number of family-friendly attractions. Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm are some of the popular theme parks in California. There are also many aquariums and zoos, including Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Zoo.
San Francisco's interactive museums are great for inquisitive young learners, and if they love the great outdoors, take them to witness the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Lake Tahoe also offers activities all year-round, from hiking and water sports in summer to skiing in winter.
The 5 Best Cities to Visit in California
1. Los Angeles: Explore the city of stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre. Disneyland and Universal Studios will give you theme park thrills.
2. San Francisco: Get a beach house rental and discover this laidback city's landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
3. San Diego: An island rental will give you panoramic skyline views of this beachside city. Visit attractions like the famous San Diego Zoo.
4. Sacramento: Learn about the history of California's Gold Rush, and experience the emergent cultural scene of the state capital.
5. Palm Springs: Enjoy a day at the spa or golf course, or bask in the desert sun in this famed resort haven.
5 Must-See Attractions in California
1. San Diego Zoo
One of the most popular zoos in the United States, San Diego is home to over 3,700 animals. It's one of the few places in the world to see Giant Pandas, as well as other endangered species.
2. The Getty Center
This exquisite art gallery boasts free entry for visitors to see a range of 20th century artwork including Vincent Van Gogh's famous Irises painting.
3. USS Midway Museum
This maritime museum has been created onboard an aircraft carrier, where you can learn about wide range of aircrafts used by the US military. There are also flight simulators.
4. Alcatraz
This former island prison is one of the most famous attractions in San Francisco, once housing some of the country's most notorious criminals, including infamous crime boss Al Capone.
5. Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic structures in the world, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is walkable by foot, and boasts incredible views of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a vacation rental in California?
The average nightly price for vacation rentals in California is $85.
How many vacation rentals are available to book in California?
October has the highest amount of available House rentals and Apartment rentals in California, so you can expect plenty of offers, even for last-minute bookings.
What amenities are most popular for vacation homes in California?
Most travelers search for Internet, TV, and Pool when booking a vacation rental in California.
How many vacation rentals are in California?
Discover 138,701 vacation rentals available to book in California.
Are pets allowed in vacation rentals in California?
If traveling with a dog in California, 16% of vacation rentals allow pets.
What's the best time of year to travel to California?
If booking a vacation rental in California, consider that rainy season is usually in March or December, with July often being the driest.
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