These Are the 10 Best Airbnbs in the Bay Area

The New Year is approaching. 

Which means it’s time to map out your vacation time, long weekends and overnight jaunts.

And if you fail to plan, plan to fail.

To help, we’ve compiled the 10 most spectacular Airbnbs from Carmel to Mendocino, with amenities ranging from whale-watching on the wraparound deck to your very own private sledding hill. 

Start reserving posthaste. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea Chateau ($2,500 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because sometimes you need to absolutely wow three other couples. 
Standout feature: If not the pool, then that majestic staircase rising up from the marble floor.
Key pitch: “This fabulous estate showcases a 7,539 square foot residence, elegantly decorated by local artisans.”

Yosemite Cabin ($475 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because there’s no shame in trading your tent for a three-bedroom cabin with home theater once the snow starts. 
Standout feature: That wraparound porch.
Key pitch: “If you don’t mind some stairs, this house has it all with incredible mountain and sunset views!”

Santa Cruz Cottage ($350 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because it’s  two doors from the beach — but the real draw is the sun room, with floor-to-ceiling windows. 
Standout feature: You can hear the ocean and the roller coaster. 
Key pitch: “We have internet and no TV.”

Walnut Grove Onsen ($85 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because sometimes what the soul actually needs is to sleep next to a sauna. 
Standout feature: The owners say it’s the last operating Japanese bathhouse in the U.S., and we have no reason to doubt them. 
Key pitch: “Enjoy your 2 hr. Soak & Steam in the evening under the moonlit sky lights!” 

Slowcoast Retreat ($300 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because everyone needs a private place in the redwoods. 
Standout feature: The writing desk with a view of the forest. 
Key pitch: “Enjoy sitting on the deck next to the beehive fireplace in the evenings after playing all day.”

Sonoma House ($400 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because sometimes you need to test-drive the living-in-Sonoma dream.
Standout feature: The open-plan magnificence of this home; the picture-perfect pool. 
Key pitch: “A Sonoma Wine County home nestled between the two oldest wineries in California.”

Nicasio Ranch ($295 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because being surrounded by 500 acres of working ranchland should provide sufficient space to get away from it all. 
Standout feature: The leather Chesterfield in front of the fireplace.
Telling pitch: “Listen to the coyotes howling in the evening and wake up to dozens of hummingbirds outside along with the morning frost.”

Irish Beach Shore House ($250 per night) 
Why we’re booking: Because ocean views are more enjoyable from the hot tub. 
Standout feature: We mentioned a hot tub? In that case: whale watching from the deck. 
Key pitch: “Linda Mar is anchored on coastal bluffs, at the end of the road, where the edge of California meets the Pacific Ocean.”

Soda Springs 3BR ($178 per night)
Why we’re booking: Because prices plummet away from the lake — and you’re still surrounded by skiing. 
Standout feature: Sledding hill. 
Key pitch: “One may often come across ski area employees on the side of the road with their thumbs out hitching to and from work. Don’t be alarmed, we’ve all slowed down and are on mountain time!”

Mendocino Home ($300 per night)
Why we’re booking: Because of the oceanfront views over the firepit. 
Standout feature: Location: two miles from Mendocino village, one mile from Russian Gulch State Park.
Key pitch: “Full oceanfront view from all rooms.”