California’s stunning coastline and year-round mild climate make it the perfect spot to spend some time on the water. With travel trends pointing to travelers seeking unique (and socially distanced) experiences, booking a yacht or houseboat is growing in popularity as an alternative and sometimes cheaper accommodation option. And thanks to sites like Airbnb and Vrbo there’s now an easy way to find the perfect vessel to fulfill your nautical dreams or just get started on testing out the boat life.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: The Best of California For Budget VacationsSleep & Cruise
Point Loma | Sleeps 4 Book It
Reviewers rave about this rental’s abundance of space, amenities, and chic decor. Note that from March to October overnight stays must be booked with a private three-hour charter (separately charged) that’ll give you an insider’s tour around San Diego Bay.
Sleep & Cruise: More
Spacious staterooms with decent bathrooms aren’t that common on boats, so this generous-sized bed and plush bedding is definitely a bonus.
Related: 19 Destinations Where Houseboat Rentals Beat the BeachBig Dog Living
Bethel Island | Sleeps 8 Book It
The name says it all. This 1,760-square-foot houseboat is larger than some three-bedroom apartments in downtown San Francisco. It comes with just about everything you can think of, including a two-person kayak, stand-up paddleboards, and inflatable towables. Amenities like a washer and dryer, full kitchen, and Bose sound system make longer stays more livable.
Big Dog Living: More
While there are two rates — docked or anchored — the anchored fee opens up a world of possibilities. Either way, your evenings will be enjoyably spent going between the barbecue grill and the hot tub.
West Star Hospitality
National City | Sleeps 6 Book It
While you can’t take this 60-foot motor yacht cruising around San Diego Bay, there’s plenty onboard (therapeutic tub, flybridge with lovely views, two kayaks) and at the marina, which features a putting green, gym, and jet ski rental, to keep you occupied.
Trending on Cheapism
West Star Hospitality: More
Almost all of this boat’s reviews rave about the meticulous, elegant welcoming interiors and comfortable bedrooms, including one with a skylight so you can fall asleep under the stars.
Luxury Stay & Cruise
Point Loma | Sleeps 2 Book It
You won’t be bored on this 40-foot watercraft. The vessel comes with a kayak, paddleboard, and surfboard to get out on the water. On land, amenities like a pool, Jacuzzi, and fire pit are open for use at the marina.
Luxury Stay & Cruise: More
The spacious cabin makes for a change from staying in a hotel and numerous reviewers commented on how well they slept despite being docked at a marina.
Related: 36 Reasons Not to Buy a BoatSign up for our newsletter
Lady J
Rainbow Harbor | Sleeps 4 Book It
Docked at the park-like setting of Rainbow Harbor, Dreamin’ is one of five crafts in Dockside Boat & Bed‘s fleets. This 47-foot Bayliner motor yacht has the advantage of large windows to enjoy views of the lighthouse and all of Rainbow Harbor from the comfort of the large sectional couch or up on the flybridge that seats six.
Lady J: More
Sleep easy below the bow in a full-sized bed with its own ensuite, seating area, and TV with DVD player. Added bonus: There’s a daily breakfast basket with fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, and orange juice delivered to your boat.
A Royal Sleep
Marina Del Rey | Sleeps 4 Book It
Get the most out of a trip to Catalina Island and splurge for a night on the gleaming 63-foot Duchess. The eyebrow-raising sticker price includes a private marine safari and the opportunity to anchor at Avalon or Two Harbors in a secluded private cove while a captain and crew attend to your every need.
A Royal Sleep: More
When night falls, the open-air upper lounge space is where you’ll want to be to enjoy star gazing while the waves gently rock the boat.
Sail Like a Baller
Newport Beach | Hosts 10 Book It
This sexy beast of a boat can be yours for $4,000 a day, but the steep price comes with street cred: It’s the same vessel that appeared in HBO’s “Entourage,” “Ballers,” and the James Bond film “Skyfall.” Plus it’s the only one of its kind on the West Coast so you’ve got bragging rights thrown in for free.
Sail Like a Baller: More
Pack shades and a hat because this open-top vessel with sexy angular lines and an axe-sharp bow is quite the head-turner — you won’t want to waste too much time below deck.
Related: The Most Extravagant Yachts in the WorldLuxe Digs for the Day
Marina Del Rey | Hosts 12 Book It
Think of this 64-foot Azimut more like a super-luxe vacation home for the day, except it’ll also cart you around Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Coast. Cool onboard features like a tricked-out pilothouse and upper lounge space that’s privy to uninterrupted ocean views will keep all entertained. Crewed with captain and staff, bring your bathing suit, non-hot food, drinks (except red wine), and live it up, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Luxe Digs for the Day: More
If you went on a yacht for a day and didn’t post on your socials about it, did it actually happen? We can already see planning your outfit for this shot, and honestly, we don’t blame you.
Tiki Time
Newport Beach | Hosts 6 Book It
If you’ve had to put your Hawaii trip on hold, grab some Tiki vibes by chartering The Big Bamboo. A 24-foot Godfrey pontoon boat decked out in kitsch bamboo, thatch, and actual palm fronds, this rental isn’t for overnight trips, but you can spend a good part of your day on it toasting to the sunset, preferably with a mai tai in hand.
Tiki Time: More
Complete with a comfortable dining area and bar, there’s also a small dance floor and a shaded area next to the captain to seek respite from the sun.
Historic Ferry Boat
Sausalito | Sleeps 6 Book It
As unique Airbnbs go, spending a night in the oldest-surviving ferryboat on the West Coast is one for the bucket list. Launched in 1888, the SS City of Seattle has been beautifully refurbished with a 1,000-square-foot great room and a deck made of Douglas fir and inlaid with teak wood. Reviewers rave about the sunrises and sunsets as well as the solarium, kayaking, and paddleboarding from the deck.
Historic Ferry Boat: More
Beautifully decorated, the spacious master bedroom has a California king bed with water views and bonus daily sightings of egrets, mallards, and harbor seals.
Related: Historic Vacation Rentals Across AmericaBoatel on the Water
Ventura Harbor | Sleeps 6 Book It
For a fun, quirky getaway, this charming 1969 vintage houseboat puts you right in the heart of Ventura Harbor village and across the road from Ventura Beach’s bustling pier, restaurants, shops, and a comedy club. To maximise your watersports time, there are kayaks, SUPs, paddle boats, and electric boats for rent nearby. The boat is wired up for high-speed internet if you’re planning to do any work while on board.
Boatel on the Water: More
While it sleeps six, there are just two proper bedrooms with a convertible double couch bed in the living room.
Related: Dreamy A-Frame Cabins You Can Rent This FallCool Coastal Style
San Diego | Sleeps 5 Book It
Rather than book a hotel room in downtown San Diego, stay at this 41-foot yacht and be footsteps away from the buzzy Harbor Island stretch. Decorated in a cool nautical style and equipped with a FireMagic BBQ, electrically operated slide-out guest bed (aside from a yacht-sized queen bed), and a full wet bar, you’ll be sorted for the weekend.
For more great travel guides and vacation tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
Cool Coastal Style: More
For an extra fee, add the 11-foot dinghy to your rental so you can zip about to Portside Pier and Coronado Island.
Related: Gorgeous Floating Cabins You Can Actually RentCozy Couple Yacht
Marina Del Rey | Sleeps 2 Book It
Big yachts can feel intimidating, but this smaller luxury yacht is cozy enough for a romantic hideaway and has everything you need to forget about the outside world.
Cozy Couple Yacht: More
There’s separate living, sleeping, and outdoor dining space so you won’t feel the onset of cabin fever until it’s time to leave.
Related: Romantic Vacation Rentals Across AmericaHouseboat at Lake Head
Lake Head | Sleeps 16 Book It
Houseboats may not be as sexy as yachts, but they are a lot more spacious. This 15-by-56-foot houseboat with a hull design has five well-sized staterooms (two with private entrances from the rear deck), a generous living room to lounge in, and a fully equipped kitchen. Onboard distractions like an eight-person hot tub, sundeck, gas barbecue, and swim slide will keep everyone from getting bored.
Houseboat at Lake Head: More
Perfect for extended family vacations, there’s enough indoor and outdoor space for all 16 guests. The gas fireplace, entertainment center, and satellite hook-up will keep everyone entertained if the weather is less than perfect. There’s even room for a remote workspace.
Related: 40 Under-The-Radar Boating Destinations Across the CountryWhere Land Meets Sea
Joshua Tree | Sleeps 2 Book It
While technically not anchored at sea, this desert dwelling gets points for creativity. The art-filled Joshua Tree Land Yacht Club compound is home to a retro boat bedroom complete with a dock, pool, and outdoor shower. Situated 12 miles from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, the property is kitted out with an outdoor kitchen, gas fire-pit, and extras like blackout curtains, portable evaporative cooler, and weighted blankets, so all creature comforts are catered to.
Where Land Meets Sea: More
Like something out of Burning Man, this eclectic space maximizes its beautiful desert setting. From April through November, the soaking pool is filled and ready for use, and year-round the outdoor area with a propane fire pit and old “Chevy” two-sided sofa lounge is perfect for enjoying the sunrise and sunset.
Private Escapade to Channel Islands
Oxnard | Sleeps 2Book It
Originally designed and built by a San Diego casino to entertain high rollers, today the slick 50-foot Meridian offers a private charter or overnight stay while anchored out or docked at one of the owner’s secret spots. Guests rave about whale and dolphin sightings, a fully stocked kitchen, an exceptional level of service, and easy access to the town of Monterey.
Private Escapade to Channel Islands: More
Custom designed with stabilizers, anyone prone to seasickness will appreciate the added stability of the vessel — not that you’ll notice it much from the bedroom’s “super comfy” bed.
Related: The Best Lakes in All 50 StatesSlipaway in San Diego
Shelter Island | Sleeps 5 Book It
If ships could talk, this one would regale you with its travels around the world. Immaculately maintained with gleaming inlaid wood interiors, its traditional nautical charm is a big part of the experience. Equipped with a full galley, an onboard barbecue, and LED TVs, you’ll have little reason to leave the vessel except to use the shower at the shoreside facility.
Slipaway in San Diego: More
Peaceful and serene, you’ll wake to the sounds of seagulls and sea lions from the Queen Stateroom. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the midship bunk beds or the colorful double bed.
Related: Amazing Family Vacation Rentals That Are Tricked Out for KidsHouseboat in San Diego Bay
Harbor Island | Sleeps 8 Book It
This floating home isn’t too different from a conventional Airbnb, except it’s a spacious houseboat and comes with numerous advantages of being anchored on the water. Two kayaks are included for guests to explore the marina and reviews praise the attentive hosts who include thoughtful hospitality touches like including a bottle of champagne and a gift card to the local deli. Its location between Port Loma and downtown is also prime.
Houseboat in San Diego Bay: More
You’ll fall asleep to the balmy sea breeze and wake to a sunrise peeking through the wooden shutters. All bedrooms come decorated with a stylish homey touch and plenty of closet space. There’s also a well-sized family room for nightly get-togethers.
Top Notch Yacht
Shelter Island | Sleeps 6 Book It
Take in the spectacular views of Point Loma and San Diego Harbor from the fully enclosed upper deck of the General Bayacht. The 480 Sea Ray with a wide-open floor plan and tasteful modern furnishings is perfect for a romantic weekend or vacation with friends. There’s air conditioning (a rare perk), a full kitchen, and a continental style breakfast is included daily.
Top Notch Yacht: More
There’s no shortage of space with three comfortable staterooms and a double sofa sleeper in the salon. While the master stateroom with its queen-sized berth and VIP guest staterooms have en-suite shower facilities, it is recommended to shower at the shore-side facility.
Oh So Nauti
San Diego | Sleeps 4 Book It
Clean, stylish, and beautiful, this 41-foot yacht has been kitted out to feel like a turnkey home on the water with extras like a snack stash, high-speed Wi-Fi, and streaming-enabled Smart TVs. Located close to the airport, downtown, Gaslamp, and beaches, the boat also comes with underwater lights to make fish- and sea turtle-spotting a lot easier during the nighttime hours.
Oh So Nauti: More
The owners have their priorities right with an IPA-filled double-tap kegerator, Lazy Boy chair, and Nintendo Switch video game console.
Related: Most Luxurious Rentals in Every State
