San Francisco Airbnb
Photograph: Courtesy of Airbnb | San Francisco Airbnb
Photograph: Courtesy of Airbnb

The 17 coolest San Francisco Airbnbs you can rent right now

Looking to explore the City by the Bay? We’ve got you covered with our pick of amazing apartments, houses and villas

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So you’ve booked that ticket to San Francisco, lined up all the best restaurants to dine at, and have plans to visit every museum in town. All you need is the perfect place to stay. You could reserve a room at one of San Franciscos best hotels, but for something a little homier, consider staying at one of these amazing Airbnbs. From a garden oasis to a geodesic dome to a luxurious artist’s retreat, these Airbnb options are the perfect way to experience SF in style. Scroll on for a look at the very best.  

The best Airbnb’s in San Francisco, at a glance: 

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Which San Francisco neighborhood is best for an Airbnb?

The Mission district is your go-to for food and nightlife, where you can hop between taquerias and low-lit wine bars all night before catching the BART home. Head to Nob Hill to catch the cable cars and soak in some old-school grandeur just a short walk from Union Square. But if you’re looking to escape the tourist traps, the Richmond and Sunset districts offer a much mellower, local pace right next to Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, making it the perfect base camp for day trips out to Marin.

Do I need a car when visiting San Francisco?

Staying central means you’ve struck gold. Between BART (the regional subway), Muni (the city’s local buses, trains, and cable cars), and your own two feet, you can easily conquer SF’s best neighborhoods without touching a steering wheel. Car parking here is notoriously difficult and expensive, so unless you are plotting a day trip to Napa or Marin, skip the rental counter entirely.

Where is the safest place to stay in San Francisco?

Well-lit, well-trafficked neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, the Marina District and Noe Valley are consistently good bets. They’re residential, walkable and close to plenty of restaurants and shops without the late-night crowds you get downtown. If it’s your first trip to the city, sticking to one of these areas is a great idea.

Best Airbnbs in San Francisco

1. The Beachfront retreat with hot tub

Neighborhood: Pacifica 

You don’t want to have to wander too far to dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, right? Of course not. And the good news is that this incredible Airbnb puts you right on the beach, with expansive views past your private hot tub and out across the ocean. And yes we’re cheating a bit as this one is about 25 minutes south of San Francisco, but look at itwe had to include it, no? Pitch up, listen to nothing but the waves crashing on the beach, and set yourself on the path to relaxation, in your own private little bit of paradise. 

Time Out tip: If you’re the type to fall asleep to whale sounds on Spotify, congratulations. Here, you can fall asleep to the waves instead. 

Sleeps: 6 guests. 

Perks: Private hot tub, front deck and patio, unobstructed ocean views. 

Price: From $780 a night. 

2. The Mount Sutro villa near Golden Gate Park

Neighborhood: Mount Sutro

This one is a little bit special. Part of Airbnb’s ‘luxe’ selection of homes, this villa on the slopes of Mount Sutro is a beautiful example of contemporary urban living. Geometric shapes and clean lines pervade the place but while there’s a minimalistic quality to the design, the house is also full of homely touches (read: this isn’t somewhere you’ll feel afraid to touch things). The patio dining area is a real bonus, along with the expansive indoor eating spaceshere is a home that is built for entertaining.

Time Out tip: Make ‘the more the merrier’ your motto. Bring the whole crew—this one’s made for hosting, not hiding away.

Sleeps: 10 guests. 

Perks: Part of Airbnb’s Luxe collection, huge patio dining area, built for entertaining. 

Price: From $4,212 a night. 

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3. The renovated 1906 Edwardian in the Mission

Neighborhood: Mission Dolores

This one sits on a quiet side street just off Valencia, which means you get great access to Mission without the noise of its hustle and bustle. It’s a renovated one-bedroom in an Edwardian building dating back to 1906, so expect the beautiful original hardwood floors, but with a new kitchen and the luxury of a private bath. Step outside and you’re two blocks from Dolores Park, with some of the city’s best-loved bakeries, delis and Italian spots like Tartine, Bi-Rite, Delfina and Mission Cheese, all within a three-block radius. There’s also a public park directly across the street with a pool, tennis courts and a playground, if you need to counterbalance all that eating. 

Time Out tip: Don’t bother with a car. The host is upfront that parking’s a pain round here, and everything you’d want is within 1–3 blocks anyway.

Sleeps: 2 guests. 

Perks: 24-hour self check-in, dedicated workspace, 3.5 blocks to BART. 

Price: From $214 a night. 

4. The Brisbane retreat with hot tub and Bay views

Neighborhood: Brisbane 

No it’s not quite in San Franscisco, but we couldn’t resist adding it here because: A. It’s only 15 minutes from the city. B. It has a grand piano, an indoor hammock and a hot tub. And C. It’s flat-out gorgeous. Stay in this unique Brisbane home and you’ll have your own private, tree-lined sanctuary to return to each day after doing all those unmissable SF things. There’s also a nice view of the Bay Bridge from the balcony.

Time Out tip: This unit is perfect to have your own La La Land moment. There’s a grand piano in the living room, which means you now have zero excuse not to (badly) play Chopsticks. 

Sleeps: 6 guests. 

Perks: Hot tub, grand piano, indoor hammock, Bay Bridge views from the balcony.

Price: From $2412 a night. 

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5. The Garden apartment near Ocean Beach

Neighborhood: Lower Sunset

Like the idea of falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves? This charming garden apartment can be found in Lower Sunset, just a stone’s throw from the beach. The area is somewhat of a hidden gem, welcoming surfers, artists, hipsters, and families alike in one multicultural neighborhood. Made up of two rooms, the space features a full kitchenette, a comfortable living area, and a cozy bedroom. Pets are welcome (they’ll have some friends that live with the host upstairs), and there’s free coffee, tea, and a bottle of wine offered to all guests.

Time Out tip: Your dog is very much welcome here. The host’s own pets live upstairs and loves a bit of company. 

Sleeps: 3 guests (1 bed, 1 bath)

Perks: Pet-friendly, free coffee/tea/wine on arrival, steps from the beach

Price: From $245 a night. 

6. The Garden Cottage close to Golden Gate Park

Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury / Cole Valley border

This is the kind of place that would suit a couple or solo traveler. Close to Golden Gate Park, Haight St, Buena Vista Park, and Cole Valley, it’s a spot for people who really want to get stuck into city life. The one-bedroom sanctuary is equipped for all seasons, with a beautiful garden view and cozy fireplace, along with a completely private bedroom, bathroom, and breakfast bar. As for kitchen amenities, there’s a mini-fridge, Nespresso coffee maker, toaster oven, and goodies waiting for you when you’re not out on Haight Street.

Time Out tip: The Nespresso machine means you can pre-game your Haight Street wander with a decent coffee.

Sleeps: 3 guests. 

Perks: Private bedroom and breakfast bar, cozy fireplace, Nespresso machine. 

Price: From $364 a night. 

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7. The handcrafted cottage near Mission District

Neighborhood: Noe Valley

We couldn’t resist adding this artisan cottage because it’s just so damn cute. It’s located just above Noe Valley, giving you fast access to the energy of Mission District while also providing a bit of rest and relaxation (plus great proximity to Glen Canyon). Guests get to enjoy bespoke wooden furniture made especially for the property, along with loads of natural light and a shared garden where lemons grow. And there’s no television which, frankly, we think is a nice thing. Spend time in the garden instead, eh?

Time Out tip: There’s no TV, so if you’ve been meaning to do a digital detox, this is the way to touch grass. 

Sleeps: Not specified in listing. 

Perks: Bespoke wooden furniture, shared garden with lemon trees, no TV. 

Price: From $414 a night. 

8. The private garden cabana

Neighborhood: The Mission

Ok, but what about your own cabana? Soak up some California sun every morning, by opening up the lanai doors from your private suite and enjoying coffee on the patio. Perfect for couples, this cozy space not only comes decked out with all the amenities you could possibly want, but it’s radiant with light and decorated with reclaimed coastal redwood, giving it a real beachy feel. The main draw has to be the cabana and lush garden, which houses chaise longues and a hot tub. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the uber-cool neighborhood, the Mission. 

Time Out tip: You’re a five-minute walk from some of the best taquerias in the city, so skip the cooking and go out to eat instead. 

Sleeps: 4 guests (1 bed, 1 bath)

Perks: Private cabana, hot tub, reclaimed coastal redwood decor. 

Price: From $297 a night.  

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9. The 3-Bed Edwardian home, perfect for families

Neighborhood: NoPa

While the facade is postcard-esque, the colorful interior is awash in contemporary creature comforts (plus fresh flowers). The kitchen is fully equipped with a Dacor dual-fuel range, Miele dishwasher, automatic espresso maker, and more. The three bedrooms contain a king-, queen-, and full-size bed. It’s an ideal apartment for families or small groups: The L-shaped couch is made for cozying up around the fire (check out the game trunk), while the separate dining room seats eight. Take a soak in the oversize, 6-foot soaking tub.

Time Out tip: Traveling with a baby? The host provides gear, so you can leave the travel cot and stroller at home. 

Sleeps: 6 guests. 

Perks: Fully equipped kitchen, dining room seats 8, baby gear included. 

Price: From $937 a night. 

10. The garden suite, close to Golden Gate Bridge

Neighborhood: Ocean Beach

This is how to do color. This uplifting suite in Ocean Beach is alive with prints, patterns and bright hues – but it couples it all with an enviable restraint. Thanks to the white walls and natural light flooding the home, this place is a fun, contemporary boho-infused hangout. Big shout-outs go to the outdoor fountain where you can spot hummingbirds and the extra-deep tub for submerging in. It’s also in a great location: Lands End, the Sutro Baths and Golden Gate bridge are all a short walk away.

Time Out tip: There’s an outdoor fountain that draws hummingbirds, so consider your morning coffee accompanied by a live nature documentary. 

Sleeps: 2 guests. 

Perks: Outdoor fountain (hummingbirds included), extra-deep soaking tub. 

Price: From $368 a night. 

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11. The skyline-view loft in SoMa

Neighborhood: SoMa

Part of the SoMa area of the city (read: lots to eat, drink and buy right on your doorstep), this clever loft conversion fuses clean-lined, geometric stylings with a splattering of quirky flourishes to make this place feel a little bit more ‘lived in’ than it otherwise would. Hand on the bible… we’re not totally sold on that lime green in the bathroom, but we love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and the rich autumnal red of the wood used in the kitchen. High-end touches include beautiful Italian fixtures and fittings, plus a rather nice Ralph Lauren carpet (just be careful with that cup of coffee, yes?).

Time Out tip: There’s a Ralph Lauren carpet in here, so maybe hold off on the red wine until you’re safely on the other side of the room. 

Sleeps: 4 guests (1 bed, 1.5 baths). 

Perks: Floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian fixtures, Ralph Lauren carpet. 

Price: From $414 a night. 

12. The 1890s Queen Anne Cottage in Lower Haight

Neighborhood: Lower Haight

A one-of-a-kind three storey cottage built in 1890 was once nicknamed the ‘Doll House’ by those living on the same street. But although this home looks miniscule from the outside, it expands like a pop-up book once you step inside. The property’s history is reflected in its elegant interior design, in particular that lovely fireplace with ornate mirror above it, the grandiose dining table and that lovely olive green paint. Fun fact: this is another SF Airbnb with a grand piano because… why not?

Time Out tip: The interior’s deceptively spacious, so don’t be put off by how small it looks from the street.

Sleeps: 6 guests

Perks: Original 1890s architecture, ornate fireplace, grand piano

Price: From $1,348 a night. 

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13. The historic Victorian with a home cinema

Neighborhood: Dolores Park / Mission

Sitting half a block from Dolores Park, this 1865 Victorian flat is a certified survivor that stared down the 1906 earthquake and lived to tell the tale. Inside, it feels a bit like you’ve been transported to a period-drama, thanks to the fifteen-foot ceilings, dripping chandeliers and classic bay windows. But history doesn’t mean sacrificing your modern creature comfortsjust look for the 110-inch home cinema and sleek private patio out back. Mind your step as the floors have a slight, historic slant and the gorgeous fireplace is strictly decorative. You will also need to conquer a 30-step climb just to cross the threshold. Consider it your daily leg day, as this place has serious character, but it makes you work for it.

Time Out tip: There’s a 2-hour street parking limit on weekdays so if you’ve driven in, check the posted signs before you leave the car for the day. 

Sleeps: 4 guests. 

Perks: 110-inch home cinema, private patio, free street parking, top 5 percent rated on Airbnb, fast WiFi. 

Price: From $1,327 a night. 

14. The cozy Bay Area suite

Neighborhood: Bay Area

We dig the cozy, vanilla aesthetic of this private guest suite bang in the middle of the Bay. Featuring one bedroom, one bathroom, a charming living area, a full kitchen, and a patio, you’ll have everything you need here to unwind and enjoy the Bay. This is the ideal spot for couples and nomads.

Time Out tip: There’s a great kitchen, so it’s worth grabbing groceries on the way in if you don’t want to eat out for every meal.

Sleeps: 4 guests. 

Perks: Full kitchen, private patio, ideal for couples and nomads. 

Price: From $228 a night. 

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15. The Sonoma Mountain Farmhouse

Neighborhood: Penngrove

If you want views, we’ve got your views. About 50 minutes out, this farmhouse perched atop Sonoma Moutain is the perfect base for exploring wine country while you disconnect and take in the charming pastoral views of the surrounding vineyards, valleys, and those ‘million dollar sunsets’ of course. You’ll have access to a beautifully made-up private studio with all the trimmings including heaps of tea and coffee options. With waterfalls and nearby biking and hiking trails to explore your next great outdoor adventures await. 

Time Out tip: There’s a five-night minimum, so this suits a more indulgent, ‘treat yourself’ stay rather than a quick overnight.

Sleeps: 2 guests. 

Perks: Vineyard and valley views, million-dollar sunsets, plus nearby hiking and biking trails. 

Price: From $278 a night. 

16. The San Anselmo Guest House at Mount Tamalpais

Neighborhood: San Anselmo

Kick back in style at this uber-chic guest house in San Anselmo, dubbed the ‘hiker paradise’ for its stunning location just at the base of Mount Tamalpais. Interior-wise it’s a mid-century meets boho: bright walls, earthy brown tones, cozy throws, and leafy house plantsit’s safe to say a stay here will give you some serious home envy. 

Time Out tip: You’ll want a car for this one as it’s not walkable to the city, but it puts you right at the trailheads for Mount Tam.

Sleeps: 2 guests. 

Perks: Base of Mount Tamalpais, mid-century-meets-boho interiors. 

Price: From $118.33 a night.  

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17. The Hilltop Bungalow near Dolores Park

Neighborhood: Castro Street

Set in the Castro Street neighborhood, nestled atop a hill, this bungalow is the perfect hideaway for those who want to indulge in the best views of the city in the privacy of a beautiful home, all the while, being just a mere few steps from Dolores Park, restaurants for when you want to explore the neighborhood. 

Time Out tip: It’s on a proper hill, so factor that into how much luggage you’re hauling up on arrival.

Sleeps: Not specified in listing. 

Perks: Hidden hilltop vantage point, walkable to Dolores Park and neighborhood restaurants. 

Price: From $330 a night.  

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