Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Southern California is famous for its golden sands, and what better way to enjoy them than with a beachfront stay? Thanks to Airbnb, there are many options available that will put you just steps from the Pacific – some even offer the chance to fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the waves. These are our favorite picks, with great reviews, great locations and fabulous amenities to save you time from doing all the digging.
Ocean Front California Dream - Summerland
If you don’t mind something slightly further north in Summerland near Santa Barbara, the “Strand Hus,” Danish for “Beach House,” is a stunning Danish-style home with unobstructed sweeping ocean views for witnessing daily dolphin migrations while being just steps to the beach. It comes with all the essentials, accommodating up to four adults.
Waverly's White Bungalow Over the Water - Malibu
Waverly’s White Bungalow sits right on a secluded stretch of beach and has been spotlighted by several publications, including Travel + Leisure. It was even named the best beach house by Travel magazine in August 2021. Pet-friendly, it sleeps up to four but there is another bungalow on the property available for rent if you need more space. Guests can look forward to spectacular views from the deck which includes chaise loungers and umbrellas. A fully stocked kitchen, seasonal fireplace, two 50″ Smart TVs and a washer/dryer are all included too.
SA Beach Suite on Carbon Beach - Malibu
Enjoy your own private oasis in the heart of Malibu, where you can relax on your patio with an awe-inspiring ocean view, look forward to long walks on the sand and taking part in many other activities from sunbathing and swimming to paddleboarding. The studio space accommodates up to two guests with a king-size bed and a pullout queen-size sofa bed, while the bathroom features a rain shower and a stand-alone bathtub for heavenly soaks. You’ll have Apple TV, high-speed Internet, a kitchenette with a Nespresso Vertuo coffee station with pods, a cooktop, toaster oven, a minifridge and freezer, a tea kettle and a Ninja blender too.
Idyllic, Romantic Beachfront Apartment - Malibu
This Malibu beachfront apartment for two offers the quintessential slice of Southern California paradise with a deck for your favorite beverage while watching the stunning sunsets. Walk right out your door and enjoy romantic strolls, or relax inside, with a wall of windows providing a panoramic view of the Pacific where dolphins, seals, pelicans and many other birds can often be spotted. There’s a relaxing vibe inside and out – inside you’ll have a fully stocked kitchen, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby for dining out too.
Pacific Ocean Breeze Court - San Diego
You’ll be just steps from the beach in sunny San Diego by booking this one-bedroom Airbnb that comes complete with ocean breezes, just a half-block to the boardwalk. Nice and cozy, it sleeps two in one bedroom that has blackout shades so you can sleep in. You’ll have a patio with a grill and a beach view, while beach chairs and an umbrella are included for your days on the sand.
Hi-Tech Hideaway Bordering the Ocean - Solana Beach
This luxurious home is right on the water, providing stunning ocean and sunset views from inside and out, including the deck which boasts a panoramic view of the Pacific. The open-plan interior is flooded with natural light and very high-tech, complete with numerous entertainment options and touchscreen appliances. Guests have access to two beaches that are just a two-minute walk away, Fletcher Cove Park to the south and Tide Park to the north, with all the beach essentials provided for you, waiting in the garage.
Spectacular Beachfront Views from Pacific Villas - Oceanside
This charming one-bedroom condo for two was built in the 1940s. While it’s been completely remodeled to provide all of the modern amenities, original details like a stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings were retained. It includes a full kitchen, a fireplace, a washer/dryer, and a balcony that provides the perfect place to relax with a cool ocean breeze at the end of the day. The unit is just steps from the water, located on “The Strand,” the city’s beach frontage road
Neptune's Palace - San Diego
Neptune’s Palace is a two-story, three-bedroom townhouse for up to eight that’s just steps from Mission Beach where it meets up with Pacific Beach. “Blown away,” “perfect location,” and “amazing” are just some of the words guests have used to describe it. The gourmet kitchen boasts high-end appliances and magnificent ocean views that can also be enjoyed from the living room, dining room and master bedroom too. A TV, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities are all included.
Dreamy Ocean Views, Upper Duplex - Newport Beach
This three-bedroom duplex is the upstairs unit offering gorgeous views of the ocean, Balboa pier, the beach and dazzling sunsets. You can even wake up to ocean views from the ocean bedroom. While you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, the many restaurants on the pier are just a short walk away. Just about anything you need will be within walking distance which means there’s no need to get behind the wheel again once you arrive and a parking space is included too. Other highlights include a washer/dryer and TV.
1 Bedroom Apartment with Beach Access - Oceanside
Book a stay at this centrally located one-bedroom rental for a memorable beach escape in Southern California. The Oceanside Airbnb features sweeping ocean views and the sound of crashing waves along with a wall of sliding glass. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the town, with a short walk to the main strip and a stone’s throw from the beach. Some of the biggest highlights include a king-size comfy mattress, a private patio with ocean views, a shared outdoor fire pit, Amazon Echo for playing music, and a well-stocked kitchen.
The Cottage - Santa Monica
Live like a VIP in this oceanfront Santa Monica cottage, a historic landmark that’s been beautifully renovated. Up to eight guests can be accommodated in four bedrooms and it even includes daily breakfast, maid service, and daily concierge services. You’ll have a small sauna and Jacuzzi in the backyard while the lifeguard-protected Pacific is right out front along with a soft, sandy beach. Main Street Santa Monica with its many diverse shops, galleries and eateries is just a short walk away. You’ll have a full kitchen, BBQ grill, outdoor dining space, a 55″ HDTV with Apple TV and a washer/dryer too.
Beachfront Oasis - Huntington Beach
This 1930s remodeled oceanfront family beach home can accommodate up to eight and includes a deck for sunbathing, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after fun on the sand, with beach chairs, umbrellas, kids’ sand toys, boogie boards and even surfboards all included. The oceanfront patio has a BBQ grill for cookouts and you’ll have a full kitchen with everything you need to make your own meals, plus a coffeemaker with coffee is supplied too. An HDTV, fireplace, a/c and washer/dryer are just a few of the other highlights.
Villa with Ocean Views, Walkable and New - Laguna Beach
Villa Laguna is a two-bedroom for a maximum of five guests who can look forward to waking up to breathtaking ocean views and watching the dolphins swim by. It’s just steps to the beach, shops and restaurants with beach towels, toys, ice chests, chairs and umbrellas supplied. You’ll have a well-stocked kitchen, TV, air conditioning and a washer/dryer too.
Beachfront Condo Capri by the Sea - San Diego
Enjoy unobstructed views of the Pacific right at the oceanfront in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood from this 9th-floor condo. One of the top locations in the area, it’s popular among surfers and sunbathers, with casual cafes lining the boardwalk while Mission Boulevard and streets nearby offer lots of fun casual drinking spots, boutiques and yoga studios. It accommodates up to four guests and provides access to all the building amenities which include an underground gated assigned parking spot, a rooftop patio area, gas BBQ grills, and a dining area with 360-degree views. There’s a heated pool, hot tub and plenty of lounge chairs in the pool area, along with a shared washer/dryer.
Retro 2-Bedroom Oceanview, Dog Friendly with Fire Pit - Encinitas
The two-bedroom Cardiff Beach Cottage is a retro getaway just a half mile from the sand. You are only 10 minutes walk to Cardiff State Beach and Swami’s Beach, while the home offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Stroll to the walking and bike path in Cardiff by the Sea or relax on the furnished patio decks. Right off the great room is a long deck with high-top stools that are ideal for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails, while the second patio deck has unobstructed ocean views where you can barbecue and enjoy outdoor dining.
Stay Steps From the Sea at Pacific Villas - Oceanside
Book a stay at this charming Airbnb rental in Oceanside for a front-row seat to ocean views. Built in the 1940s, the remodeled property offers a combination of original detailing, including a stone fireplace and vaulted ceiling, along with modern furnishings and an open layout. You can spend your time sitting on the balcony and taking in the ocean breeze as you gaze out at the picture-perfect water views.
Oceanfront Condo - Redondo Beach
This luxury one-bedroom Redondo Beach apartment comes with an ocean view and lots of high-end finishes like European marble floors, granite counters and stainless-steel appliances in the gourmet kitchen. Ideal for a couple, it sleeps two in a California King bed – with the en-suite bedroom on the second floor you’ll have a wide-open view of the Pacific and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Guests also enjoy access to the amenities in the building which includes a pool, fitness center, spa, laundry facilities, and covered parking.
Beachfront Home, Park & Ocean View - San Diego
This El Paseo Grande beachfront home is right across from Kellogg Park and the ocean, situated in a fantastic neighborhood with the best beach for walking, surfing, swimming and kayaking. It comes with a gourmet kitchen that has stainless-steel appliances, flat-screen TVs in the living room and two of the four bedrooms, and an oceanfront deck that has a firepit looking out to the park and beach. Another private outside patio is furnished for alfresco dining at different levels and includes a gas BBQ for grilling. You’ll have a Jacuzzi in the backyard too.
Oceanfront Elegant Condo - San Diego
This 8th-floor condo in San Diego boasts a floor-to-ceiling glass door so that you can gaze out at the magnificent views of the Pacific anytime you like. Slide it open and enjoy the sounds of the waves or hang out on the balcony and relax with the salty sea breeze. You’ll be just steps from a great swimming beach, and with cruiser bikes include, you can head out exploring on two wheels, along the sand or the boardwalk. Complimentary wetsuits are included too. When you can tear yourself away from the view, you’ll have a 65″ Samsung Smart TV for entertainment. The bedroom has a comfy king-size bed and includes another Smart TV with Netfflix.
Dolphin Watch Beach House - La Jolla
This gorgeous La Jolla beach house is ultra-luxurious and you’ll have the Pacific Ocean right across the street. It’s large enough for two or three families, with dual master bedrooms. The smaller master comes with ocean views, while the larger master boasts a tranquil view of the spa (which can be used cool or heated with jets) and garden. There are three additional bedrooms, including a kids’ room with bunk beds, accommodating up to 13. Look forward to lots of special extras too, like beach toys, beach chairs and beach towels, as you’re sure to be spending lots of time on the beach. Keep an eye out for the occasional dolphin too!
