The Bay Area has kicked off its warmest months. As we’ve been baking in record-degree heat, you’ve probably fantasized about floating in a pool. Unfortunately, public pools are closed and you’re probably not planning a vacation or hotel stay anytime soon. The good news: The Bay has vacation rental options with that fabulous water feature within easy driving distance that are also surprisingly affordable for what they offer.
Obviously, this is a hard and difficult time with the wildfires blazing around the region. Please pay attention to the news and monitor the situation before moving around. And with the air so smoky, it’s recommended to stay inside for the time being. So make sure to bookmark these to book once the air clears.
Another note on safety: Many experts have advised vacation rentals to be low risk and Airbnb has implemented strict protocols for hosts to follow. First: According to the CDC, touching a potentially infected surface isn’t thought to be one of the main ways people contract the virus, but even so, vacation rental services have majorly upped their cleaning protocols.
As far as who you choose to vacation with, it’s safest to keep it to members of your house or pandemic pod. Otherwise, best to quarantine for 14 days beforehand since getting timely testing results is so impossible right now.
Sign up for The Bold Italic newsletter to get the best of the Bay Area in your inbox every week.
Alright, enough of that. On to the fun scroll vacay dreams are made of!
1. Vineyard home in Glen Ellen | Sleeps 6, $376/night
Imagine sunning yourself by that giant century plant mirrored perfectly in those cool, still waters. Ugh, I’m getting sunburned just thinking about it. Apart from the stunning pool and hot tub, this gorgeous, three-bedroom property has panoramic views of a vineyard, and is five miles away from 40 other wineries. It also has a bocce ball court if you’re feeling competitive between wine-o’clocks.
2. View of San Francisco Bay in Belvedere Tiburon | Sleeps 6, $210/night
Sick water views AND your own pool? It can all be yours, even if you don’t have a car (the San Francisco to Tiburon ferry is only 30 minutes and drops you a five-minute walk from the property). Every view from this hillside beauty is stunning. Your friends on Instagram will think you risked it all on a trip to the Amalfi Coast (as long as you edit out the Golden Gate Bridge). The pool is hidden behind what looks like a secret garden, and comes with a grill and wet bar. And if you feel like venturing out, Tiburon closes off its main street to car traffic on Fridays, so pedestrians have more room to safely walk and dine al fresco.
3. A cabin in the redwoods | Sleeps 2, $245/night
Cabin lovers, this one’s for you. Down in Woodside on King’s Mountain sits this adorable property that’s both rustic and luxurious. Since it’s only got one bedroom, this cabin is definitely better for couples, especially couples who like to hike. There are amazing hiking trails just steps from your door. But perhaps the best part is knowing you can dive into a pristine, 40-foot pool surrounded by redwoods at the end of sweaty day.
4. Eco luxury farmhouse | Sleeps 4, $314/night
It wouldn’t be a California vacation without some eco farmhouse luxury, amirite? That’s what this incredible spot in Graton — a small artists’ town right outside of Santa Rosa — is all about. I mean, just look at it: hammocks, wicker basket lighting, and so much white paint it might blind you. But the pool oasis out back, surrounded by cedar and cacti, is the definition of “you wish you were here.” Also there’s an outdoor shower. Just sayin’.
5. Mid-century by the Sea | Sleeps 8, $442/night
Who’s up for some (or some more) mid-century modern design? This four- bedroom mid-century house in San Rafael is as legit as it gets. It was built in 1960, and has been impeccably preserved, right down to its spherical formica chair with blue velvet interior. The house sits on the marina (be forewarned: the owners have a sailboat that often docs right out front), and there’s also a lovely pool, so you’ll be surrounded by water.
6. Sonoma Vineyard estate | Sleeps 6, $1,370/night
Okay so admittedly, this one’s a splurge, but come on, we all need to dream, right? This jaw-dropping property in Sonoma is all about the views. And you won’t have to worry about running into anyone, because it’s smack in the middle of 30 miles of vineyards. The home boasts 14-foot ceilings, a wood-burning pizza oven, a bocce ball court, and one stunning 40-foot pool (with hot tub). If you can afford it, can I come with you as your butler?
7. Creekside cottage | Sleeps 2, $200/ night
Back on Earth, we have this lovely cottage in Stinson Beach that’s just perfect for two. It’s up in the hills, but there’s a path down to the town and ocean, as well as hiking paths around Mt. Tamalpais. Or, you can just hang by the quiet, serene pool, although it’s worth noting, the owners of the cottage and big house in front may use it from time to time.
8. Arches Olive Grove cottage | Sleeps 2, $270/night
Sonoma may have a number of properties with a pool, but very few have a pool, a vineyard, a cantina and a friendly cat host. I mean, need I say more? Beyond that, Arches is close to wineries, hiking trails, and Sonoma Plaza, where you can rent bikes, grab a bite, and tour the farmer’s market.
9. Stunning pool cottage in Palo Alto | Sleeps 4, $370/night
Since you can’t get to the actual French countryside right now, this is a pretty good alternative. The cottage itself might be a tad on the frilly side, but the pool is worth the trip all by itself. Just look at those jet-powered fountains! I mean, come on. Pretty sure it will ruin you for every other pool, but hey, it’s the price you have to pay for perfection.
10. Mediterranean estate with lap pool | Sleeps 6, $485/night
Anyone looking to get in some aerobic swimming on their vacay will jump at this awesome spot. Located near Glen Ellen in the Mayacamas Range, Valley of the Moon Estate is all you’ll want and more in a poolside rental property. It’s modern with a Spanish flair, cozy but with all the technological comforts of home, and even has a hanging chair in the living room. The landscape outside is so breathtaking it made the list of best backyard cottages in Sunset Magazine. Honestly, I don’t know how you haven’t booked it yet.
