Located just across the bridge from San Francisco, Oakland has recently emerged as one of the Bay Area’s coolest cities. With its funky shops, innovative eateries, and artistic residents, it’s no wonder why Oakland gets increasingly popular every year.
Oakland is a diverse city and its neighborhoods vary wildly. You can enjoy the natural surroundings of the Lake Merritt area, go café hopping in ultra-trendy Temescal, or step into another world in Oakland’s Chinatown.
When it comes to things to see and do, Oakland doesn’t disappoint. Party like a local at the First Friday block party, hike through a redwood forest, or get cultured at a massive museum – the options are endless! Not to mention the fact that Oakland has a seriously impressive culinary scene.
Oakland is a popular destination for those who want a vibrant vacation. If you’re planning a memorable family holiday, a romantic retreat, or a weekend getaway with friends, there’s no doubt that you will find a unique Airbnb in Oakland that’s perfect for you. From cute casitas to vintage Airstream trailers and modern midcentury homes, the options are plentiful.
Finding the perfect vacation home might seem overwhelming, so we have picked out 12 of the best Airbnbs in Oakland to make your decision just a little bit easier!
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Top 10 Things To Do in Oakland, California
- Visit the iconic Jack London Square. Head here on a Sunday so you can shop like a local at the farmers market.
- Rent a boat at Lake Merritt, where you can spot over 100 species of birds.
- Go brewery hopping at The Trappist, Drake’s, and Lost & Found.
- Explore all the shops, restaurants, and cafes in Oakland’s trendy Temescal neighborhood.
- Catch an Oakland A’s baseball game at the Oakland Coliseum.
- Keep your eyes peeled for some seriously impressive street art. Oakland is home to over 600 incredible murals!
- Sample a variety of global cuisine at Swans Market. From fish tacos to Japanese noodles and freshly shucked oysters, you can have it all.
- Get your culture fix at the Oakland Museum of California, which is home to nearly 2 million California-related artifacts and works of art.
- Party down at First Fridays. This monthly block party features artists, street performers, live music, and plenty of street food.
- Go for a hike and enjoy a picture-perfect picnic at Redwood Regional Park.
Why Stay in an Airbnb in Oakland
Staying in an Airbnb in Oakland comes with lots of perks. First off, you’ll have the chance to experience a local neighborhood, instead of staying in a more touristy spot. Locals are known for their friendly demeanor, which means you are likely going to get lots of travel and dining tips from your Airbnb host.
The selection of cool Airbnbs in Oakland is extensive. You can opt for 100-year-old Victorian homes in the heart of town, secluded modern houses in the hills, or eco-friendly lofts in hip neighborhoods. An added perk is that you’ll have a kitchen to prepare home-cooked meals, which saves on dining costs. Although we definitely recommend sampling at least a few of Oakland’s famous restaurants!
By choosing to stay in an Airbnb, you are likely to get way more value compared to a hotel. Most Oakland vacation homes are much nicer and more spacious than your average hotel room. Plus if you are traveling as a large group, an Airbnb will likely cost less per person than paying for multiple hotel rooms. This is especially true during summer months, cultural events, and annual festivals when tourism is at its height.
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The 12 Best Airbnbs in Oakland, California
Best Oakland Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. Stylish Eco-Friendly Barn Home
Located in the historic Santa Fe district, this is hands down one of the best Airbnbs in Oakland. This 1906 carriage house has been fully remodeled into a stylish and eco-friendly loft-style apartment.
The studio space features funky vaulted ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, and large skylights that let in plenty of natural light. Every inch of this space is decorated with contemporary furniture, cute plants, and stylish trimmings.
In addition to the plush queen bed, comfy sofa, and large flat-screen, there is also a cute kitchenette that’s perfect for cooking basic meals. The Airbnb hosts will even offer you fresh eggs from the chicken coop so you can make breakfast every morning!
Sliding doors made with reclaimed wood from the original barn lead to the backyard. Curl up with a good book on the hammock, warm up around the fire pit, or dine alfresco at the picnic table.
If you need to go shopping for organic groceries, the famous Berkeley Bowl Market is just down the street. You’re also within walking distance to a whole bunch of trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops.
2. Contemporary Casita in Temescal
This cute casita is the perfect pick for couples or solo travelers looking to base themselves in the trendy Temescal area. Not only are all of Temescal’s cafes, restaurants, and shops within walking distance, but the hip Rockridge area is also walkable from this Oakland Airbnb.
You’ll love this super-stylish space which has vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling custom shelves adorned with books and trinkets. The skylights let in plenty of natural light, just adding to the homey ambiance.
Curl up on the comfy queen-size bed and have a relaxing movie night with the smart TV – it comes with Netflix and YouTube TV. If you need to get some work done this Airbnb boasts lightning fast internet and a small table where you can hunker down with your laptop. You also can make your morning coffee or heat up leftovers in the kitchenette.
French doors open up to the private backyard where you can unwind on the modern sectional couch and warm up around the fire pit.
3. The Stargazer: Urban Loft with Tropical Garden
This picture-perfect loft is located on the top floor of a 1910 craftsman home. If you’re looking for a special romantic getaway, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Oakland!
Expect to find vaulted ceilings, large skylights, custom wood and stone elements, and heated floors throughout this modern studio. The living room features a large sectional couch and a flat-screen – perfect for a night of Netflix. You’ll love the luxury kitchen with double ovens, the breakfast bar, and everything you need to make a romantic dinner for two.
The king-size bed is tucked away in the far corner of the loft. French doors open up to a private terrace with beautiful views. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sunset. There is also a desk in case you need to get a little bit of work done during your trip.
Head out to the tropical garden, which boasts a lovely koi pond and a hammock perfect for curling up with a good book.
4. Southwestern-Style Airstream Trailer
If you’re looking for a unique Airbnb in Oakland, this adorable Airstream is a fun option. The entire trailer has been fully renovated to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.
The owners have put every inch of this tiny home into good use. The living area has a large kitchen table with padded bench seats perfect for enjoying a romantic dinner or getting a bit of work done. Patterned pillows and potted cacti give the space a Southwestern vibe.
The kitchenette is cozy but impressively outfitted with a 3-burner gas stove, an oven, a microwave, and a fridge. From stylish dishware to pots and pans, the owners have made sure to include everything you need to cook up delicious meals.
The bedroom is tucked away in the far corner of the trailer. With a memory foam topper and a flat-screen, it’s perfect for a chilled-out movie night.
Surrounded by trees, this Airstream trailer is located in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of town. Downtown Oakland is a quick 10-minute drive from this fun little vacation home.
Best Oakland Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families
5. Designer Home Just Minutes to San Francisco
This colorful 2-bedroom home is definitely one of the most stylish Airbnbs in Oakland. Every inch of this vacation home is adorned with ultra-chic decor – from the furniture to the utensils.
You’ll love the two beautiful bedrooms. The master features a hand-painted mural inspired by the 1930s French Riviera as well as an oxygen pillow top queen bed and ornate chinoiserie window screens. The second bedroom boasts a mural with willow trees and birds and an intricate hand-carved headboard.
You can have a chilled out movie night in the designer living room, which has a 40-inch smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime. The space also features the original cast iron fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings. The Airbnb hosts have gone above and beyond to include cool amenities in the fully equipped kitchen including a luxe 15 bar espresso machine, a retro tea kettle and toaster, and designer dishware.
Plus you’ll have access to a private flower-studded garden where you can relax on the bench and unwind with a good book!
6. Modern Mid-Century Home in Trendy Rockridge
This hip 2-bedroom home is located in the coveted Rockridge neighborhood, just four blocks from College Avenue. Not only will you be living in style, but some of Oakland’s best restaurants, cafes, and shops are just a short stroll away!
The entire Airbnb was recently remodeled so expect everything to be brand new and top-of-the-line. The cozy living room features a contemporary sofa, a beautiful area rug, a shabby chic coffee table, and a wood-burning fireplace. The room also has a cute dining area with garden views.
The modern kitchen has deluxe appliances, plenty of counter space, and everything you need to prepare gourmet meals at home. You can even opt to dine alfresco in the private garden.
You’ll find a stylish guest bedroom on the first floor and a gorgeous master on the top floor. The master boasts vaulted ceilings, large windows, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a rain shower.
7. Vintage California Spanish Bungalow
This 3-bedroom mid-century Spanish bungalow has been fully restored and features the perfect mix of modern decor and historic trimmings. Plus it’s located just a few blocks away from the trendy Temescal neighborhood so you’ll be close to excellent restaurants and shops.
Unwind in the cozy living room with its candlelit Spanish-tiled fireplace, leather recliner, and plush sofa. You’ll love the large arched windows, hardwood floors, and stylish wood cabinets.
With custom shelves, cobalt cabinets, and a large island, the kitchen is every cook’s dream come true. The fully remodeled space has top-of-the-line appliances and everything you need to prepare meals at home. You can enjoy casual meals at the rustic indoor table or dine outdoors in the private yard.
With wooden trimmings and bed frames, the bedrooms are as stylish as it gets. This Airbnb can accommodate four guests so it’s perfect for your next family vacation or a weekend getaway with friends!
8. Historic Victorian near Fourth Street
This historic Victorian home was built in 1891 and has been fully remodeled into a chic 2-bedroom vacation rental. It’s not only one of the most unique Airbnbs in Oakland, but it’s just two blocks from all the shops and restaurants on the famous Fourth Street.
The living room is adorned in soothing white, blue, and beige tones. The space features a large bay window, a contemporary sofa, and a large flat-screen perfect for a chilled-out night of Netflix. If you feel like cooking, the cozy kitchen has everything you need to prepare meals at home. Although we do recommend sampling at least a few of the area’s famous restaurants!
You can enjoy meals at the large dining table, sip your morning cup of coffee in the shaded garden, and get a good night’s sleep in the comfy bedrooms with plush queen beds. This vacation rental can sleep up to six and is a great option for two couples or a family getaway.
While this Airbnb is situated near the Berkeley Marina, downtown Oakland is just a 10-minute drive away.
Best Oakland Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events
9. Designer Home near Lake Temescal
If you’re looking to go all out on your next family vacation, this is hands down the best Airbnb in Oakland! Located near the beautiful Lake Temescal, this 4-bedroom designer home can sleep up to eight people so it’s perfect for a large gathering.
Every inch of this vacation home is impeccably decorated so expect to find contemporary furniture, colorful paintings, and modern decor throughout the home.
With its charcoal gray color scheme, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, the chef’s kitchen is about as stylish as it gets. The kitchen is outfitted with everything you need to cook at home and the two kitchen bars make it the perfect spot to socialize while preparing meals.
You can have a gourmet meal in the formal dining room, dine alfresco in the stone-studded backyard, unwind in the picture-perfect living room, lounge around in the sundrenched bedrooms, or curl up with a good book in the study.
This stunning Oakland Airbnb really does have it all!
10. Unique Adjoining Waterfront Homes
This Oakland Airbnb consists of two separate homes on one lot. Each unit features two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and two bathrooms. Together, the homes can accommodate up to 12 guests making it the perfect pick for an unforgettable reunion with family and friends.
The modern homes are situated right on the water on Alameda Island, just minutes from downtown Oakland. You’ll love the private dock which is a prime spot for fishing and a jumping-off point for a kayaking excursion. The Airbnb hosts even provide you with fishing poles and kayaks!
You can also cook up a feast for the group in one of the well-equipped kitchens, dine in the formal dining room or outdoors at the large dining table, hunker down with a good book on the patio, or head into town to enjoy everything Oakland has to offer.
11. Spacious Victorian Home with Hot Tub
This 1883 Alameda Victorian is located in Alameda’s Gold Coast neighborhood, which is famous for its collection of historic Victorian homes. This vacation home was fully renovated in 2015 so it not only boasts contemporary decor but it just oozes historic charm.
This 3,600-square-foot home has four beautiful bedrooms and can sleep up to eight guests. There is even a guest suite with its very own living room and kitchen in case someone in the group wants their privacy!
Every room in this Airbnb is impeccably decorated. Have a relaxing movie night in the contemporary living room, whip up a gourmet meal in the immaculate chef’s kitchen, have a fancy feast in the dignified dining room, or sip your morning coffee in the cozy breakfast nook.
You’ll love the spacious backyard where you can unwind in the hot tub, cook up a barbecue meal at the grill station, dine under the stars at the 8-person table, or relax with a good book in the hammock. And if that’s not enough, all of Oakland’s main attractions are just a short drive away.
12. Relaxing Retreat in Oakland Hills
If you’re looking for a truly memorable reunion with family and friends, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Oakland. Nestled on four acres of land in the Oakland hills, this secluded vacation home is surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing retreat!
This dreamy living room features natural wood vaulted ceilings, a plush sectional couch, and a flat-screen set against a picturesque stone-clad wall. Large French doors lead out to the 600-square-foot wraparound deck, which offers sweeping views of the mountains and the San Francisco skyline.
With stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, the kitchen is a dream come true for the chef in the group. It has everything you need to cook up a holiday meal. Dine at the 6-person dining table or head out to the deck and enjoy a sunset dinner with a view!
Two of the bedrooms feature king-size beds and two of the bedrooms have twin beds so this vacation home can accommodate up to eight guests. You might feel like you’re worlds away, but downtown Oakland is a scenic 15-minute drive away.
That’s it – 12 of the best Airbnbs in Oakland! Do you have a favorite vacation rental in Oakland? Let us know in the comments below.
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