The City by the Bay is the home of hippies, fashionistas and techies. It is also popular for its architecture, landmarks, beaches, fog, and rolling hills. San Fran is diverse, and this clearly shows in its many culinary offerings and the city’s unique fashion, fitness, museum, food, and art.
Finding a great Airbnb in San Francisco has never been as easy as it is now. You need not worry about getting a secure and safe place where you can comfortably crash. Instead, you can focus on the things you want to do and enjoy during your vacation, such as surfing or sampling all the wonderful culinary delights the city’s many chefs have to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you are a traveler who prefers luxurious digs or a person who finds joy in private rooms and shared common spaces, there are always a rentals in San Francisco right for you.
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in San Francisco
Guest suite with panoramic views
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Deck and outdoor garden
- > Contactless check-in
Private Room in Proximity to Union Square
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Located in a vintage building
- > Shared amenities
Opulent Home near Filmore Street
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Near Golden Gate Bridge
- > 4 bedrooms
Guest Bedroom with Private Bathroom
- > $
- > 1 Guests
- > Located in a quiet neighborhood
- > Private room
Private Room in a Residential Home
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Self check-in
- > Urban oasis
What to Expect from Airbnbs in San Francisco
San Francisco is the thirteenth largest city in the United States and the cultural, financial, and commercial center of Northern California.
Although it is colossal in terms of amenities and attractions, it is geographically small and if you’re pressed for time, it can be sufficiently explored in two days.
However, if you really want to get to know the city deeper, you need to allocate at least five days to explore. A trip to the United States is never complete without visiting San Fran.
Finding the right accommodation in San Francisco need not be a game of chance or luck. Although accommodations in the city are more expensive than average, you can still get your money’s worth.
To ensure that you know exactly what you can expect from Airbnbs in San Francisco, I’ve come up with a list of myriad properties and what you can expect from them.
San Francisco Airbnbs run the gamut from a private cozy room in a modern apartment to entire rental homes that are mostly above the budget of normal travelers. If you can’t go even a single dollar over your budget, it is best to stick to the cheaper areas of the city or private rooms.
The Top 15 Airbnbs in San Francisco
Time to explore the best Airbnbs in San Francisco. I’ve selected a wide selection of Airbnbs that run the gamut of cozy apartments to private rooms to expansive and opulent residential homes.
Guest Suite w/ Panoramic Views | Overall Best Value Airbnb in San Francisco
This hilltop property is private, modern, and tastefully designed. It is located in a beautiful neighborhood that features amazing panoramic views. Conveniently located in downtown San Francisco, it’s close by to public transportation, restaurants, and major freeways.
The house can be easily accessed by a separate guest entrance and a contactless check-in. Parking is easy, and there is a garden and deck exclusively for guests where you can spend some time relaxing under the sun. The kitchen is also bright and well-equipped.
It’s also located near many of the top attractions in San Fran, including Golden Gate Park, Presidio Park, the Science Museum, and the De Young Museum.
Private Room in Proximity to Union Square | Best Budget Airbnb in San Francisco
This private room in a boutique hotel is just a short walk away from Union Square, when you feel like eating out and shopping, you can easily do so. Guests can enjoy their own private space and have access to high-end shared amenities such as a laundry room, kitchen, and TV lounge.
Housekeeping is free of charge and is available upon request. There is a gym located just 5 minutes away from the property if you want to keep up with your fitness regimen even when away on vacation and a public pool just 10 minutes away.
If this property is still above your budget, check out the best hostels in San Francisco.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIOpulent Home near Filmore Street | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in San Francisco
This eclectic yet opulent home in Daly City has a visually intriguing architecture with a variety of prints and textures. The home stands out for its sophisticated design with comfortable but sumptuous furnishing in a golden palette.
Just a block away from Filmore Street, you can easily spend the day shopping in boutique shops for luxury brands and take a break in the many restaurants that serve local yet savoury cuisines.
The property boasts an outdoor courtyard which has ample seating for anyone who wants to enjoy the sea breeze and morning sun. The home is just an 8-minute ride away is the Golden Gate Bridge, one of San Francisco’s many landmarks.
Guest Bedroom with Private Bathroom | Perfect San Francisco Airbnb for Solo Travelers
This beautiful property is located in Noe Valley and is the perfect place for solo travelers. Your cozy bedroom is in a shared apartment with the wonderful hosts, who will not only share their home with you but cook you pancakes in the morning.
You have a large, private bathroom equipped with a huge tub. The airy room is bathed in sunlight and comes with a comfy queen size bed.
Noe Hill Market is within walking distance and is the ideal spot to get fresh groceries if you feel like preparing and eating your meals in the shared kitchen and dining room. You can even use the host’s garden for some al fresco dining.
If you need to work, there’s also a private office space. There’s also laundry facilities available on site.
Private Room in a Residential Home | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in San Francisco for Digital Nomads
This tastefully decorated private room in a residential home is located in the San Francisco Bay area and features a queen-sized bed. The dedicated workspace lets digital nomads do the work they need to do even if they are on vacation.
The property comes with a private kitchenette and private bathroom. If you like to mingle with other people on the property, you can always hang out in the shared comfortable outdoor space.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in San Francisco
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in San Francisco!
Entire Home in The Marina | Best Airbnb in San Francisco Near Nightlife
Live just like a local in one of San Francisco’s most desirable locations. This contemporary home has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. It’s just a few steps away from local shops, nightlife, cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, and other local haunts.
You will also be within walking distance of amazing sights of the Golden Gate Park, De Young Museum, Alcatraz, and the beach. Parties are not permitted in the house but you can go out at night and come home to the privacy of your own space. There will be no one to judge you even when you’re wasted.
Balinese Retreat w/ Garden | Airbnb for Honeymooners in San Francisco
This stylish Asian-designed property will make you feel as if you are honeymooning in Bali. It has modern luxury fittings and a Zen ambiance for that truly relaxing feel and boasts a fully-equipped kitchen, a bedroom with a queen bed, a backyard, and a patio.
Located in a quiet neighborhood for that perfect honeymoon vibe, you can just enjoy each other’s company. Make sure to check out all the best places in San Francisco with your loved one.
Chilled Hideaway | Most Beautiful Airbnb in San Francisco
This expansive and elegant property in Oakland has two bedrooms and two bathrooms that can easily accommodate four guests. The large and beautiful bay windows open up to bring the outside, inside, as well as letting in as much light as possible so you can soak up the sun.
The luxurious fully-equipped kitchen is also a great place to prepare sumptuous meals should you be up for it. The gorgeous backyard is the perfect place to relax where you can take a deep breath and meditate to the soothing sound of the birds. Or soak in the hot tub or steam in the sauna for a truly relaxing experience.
Entire Residential Home with Fire pit and Hot tub | Best Airbnb in San Francisco for a Group of Friends
This is the best Airbnb in San Francisco for a group of friends with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. It can easily accommodate up to 10 guests and also comes with added amenities such as a pool table, fire pit, and hot tub, all perfect for hanging out with friends.
The kitchen is fully-equipped so if you don’t feel like having a barbecue night, you can easily prepare other dishes. This spacious residential home has two levels with modern glass railings, as well as newly installed hardwood floors.
Check out our favorite weekend itinerary for a getaway in San Francisco with friends.
Farm Stay in Martinez | Most Unique Airbnb in San Francisco
If you’ve had enough of the city and want a truly unique accommodation, this farmhouse in Martinez is perfect. The property is new, beautiful and grand with 2 bedrooms, 4 baths, a well-equipped kitchen, an entertainment room, a dining room, a master deck with expansive infinity views, and a back deck with a BBQ.
If you want a little physical activity you can wander the ranch and admire the stunning views.
Ocean and Mountain View Getaway | Best Airbnb with a View
This San Francisco Airbnb is located next to one of the most scenic stretches of the California Coast and is the best Airbnb in San Francisco with a view. It is the perfect getaway for family vacations and people who love the ocean and outdoors.
Situated in an oversized lot, it has easy access to miles of pristine golden beaches and trails traversing a variety of natural surroundings. You can wake up every day to the sight and sounds of the ocean.
The jawdropping views of the sun rising over the majestic mountains never get old. There’s a gas BBQ available on the deck where you can prepare meals while taking in the stunning vistas.
Private Garden Studio | Best Short-Term Rental Airbnb
This beautiful, quiet vacation rental in San Francisco in the middle of the city has gorgeous French doors that open onto the patio where guests can linger over a sunny breakfast.
The private apartment has a queen-sized bed, a full bathroom, a kitchenette, a small dining area, and private access to your room. The space is located in a 1906 family home with tasteful artwork by a local artist.
Private Room in an Elegant Studio | Most Romantic Airbnb for Couples
Located in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood, this self-contained master suite in a classic Victorian home comes with a private newly remodeled bathroom, 13-foot ceilings, a dressing room with a curved chair, and an elegant fireplace.
The only thing you will be sharing with other people is the door from the exterior and the hallway to get to your private space.
Spacious Modern Home | Best Airbnb in San Francisco for Families
This spacious modern home is equipped with an elevator and has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a formal and casual dining area, and a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen. There’s a 400-square feet redwood deck which is best for ocean viewing and outdoor dining.
One of the bedrooms has bunk beds, and a variety of board games for children. Guests can easily check themselves in using an access code after 4 pm. If you are looking for the best Airbnb in San Francisco for families, this one will tick all the boxes.
Keep the kids busy with all the best things to do in San Fran.
Relaxing Residential Home | Best Airbnb with Pool
This San Francisco Airbnb is a quiet nook that has three bedrooms, 2 baths, a pool, a hot tub, alfresco eating with umbrellas, a fire pit, a patio, and a grill which you can easily fire up if you and your friends feel like having a barbecue.
You can take a nap in the hammock out front or doze off on the pool chair in the back. Take note though that the pool is not heated by default and pool heating will cost an extra $90 for the first day and $65 per subsequent day. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
FAQs About San Francisco Airbnbs
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in San Francisco.
What to Pack for San Francisco
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your San Francisco Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on San Francisco Airbnb
San Francisco continues to be one of the most popular places on the West Coast. Although it has gained a reputation of late for expensive apartments and coffee shops that accept Bitcoin as payment, it has a lot of things to offer.
It has excellent wine country, renowned redwood forests, antique cable cars, diverse culture, amazing cuisine, and temperatures that stay comfortable the whole year.
Whether you are exploring the city on your own for a few days or are traveling with friends and family for an extended stay, you can never go wrong with the variety of Airbnbs in San Francisco that can cater to all your needs.
San Francisco is on everyone’s bucket list but don’t let the frisson of excitement make you forget the necessity of getting reliable Travel Insurance before you hop on the plane. Do check out the range of Travel Insurance available out there. Trust us, you will be able to have a more enjoyable time knowing that you have it.
- Check out our Backpacking San Francisco guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in San Francisco guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in San Francisco too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around the USA.
Buy Us a Coffee!
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