Fall is upon us and it is one of my favorite times of the year in Northern California.
The mornings are crisp and the days warm. All the various microclimates in the area are temperate and the crowds have thinned after the summer surge.
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It is the perfect time of year to explore this part of the state.
If you’re traveling to Northern California from afar or looking for a local getaway, the options are endless. Find a cozy place to stay by the beach, from Carmel up to Fort Bragg, or out in the forest groves.
Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape, a retreat into the redwoods, or an urban oasis, Northern California has an Airbnb for you!
Read: 5 Incredible day trips from San Francisco.
9 Awesome Airbnbs For a Weekend in Northern California
Image Credit: Airbnb
1. A romantic oasis in Carmel Valley
Find peace and quiet in this guest house surrounded by acres of parklands. You can explore nearby destinations like Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey, before unwinding on a secluded deck.
Read the weekend guide to Carmel and check out these 20 best restaurants in Carmel.
Image Credit: Airbnb
2. The Garden Cabana in San Francisco
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience in San Francisco at this garden cabana. This homey paradise is nestled in a succulent garden with a private deck to hang out at.
Image Credit: Airbnb
3. The cozy A-Frame cabin in the redwoods
Surrounded by redwoods, this magical A-Frame Cabin is a quick drive to the Sonoma Coast or Wine Country. There may not be a TV or microwave, but there is an incredible record player. Get ready to try a new recipe from the many cookbooks in an equipped kitchen.
Image Credit: Airbnb
4. A charming chalet in Lake Tahoe
Retreat to this quaint, wood chalet on the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy lake views with one of the many books that decorate the apartment walls.
Image Credit: Airbnb
5. This one-bedroom sanctuary in Haight-Ashbury
Walk the city from this charming Airbnb, located in one of the most historic neighborhoods of San Francisco. This comfortable and quiet spot has French doors that open to a garden, where you can rest your feet after a busy day.
Image Credit: Airbnb
6. Mendocino Mid-Century Bungalow in the Woods
Wander down to the beaches and bluffs from this cozy pad. Borrow a bike and the famous Mendocino Coast at your leisure.
Image Credit: Airbnb
7. This Japanese-inspired retreat in Stinson Beach
Wake up to a view of the ocean from this peaceful and serene oasis. Not only is it easy to get into Stinson Beach town, but visitors can also experience a traditional bathhouse.
Image Credit: Airbnb
8. A whimsical and romantic B&B in Healdsburg
Escape to this romantic getaway in the mountains near the famous Wine Country. Start every morning feeling refreshed on the spacious and colorful garden-patio.
Image Credit: Airbnb
9. The Owl Tree Cabin in Albion
Hideaway in a tree sanctuary with all the modern, comfortable amenities at your disposal. Get cozy in this private and rustic cabin surrounded by the forest.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
