The Best Airbnbs in San Francisco, From Stately Victorians to Business Traveler–Friendly Apartments
Whether you are looking to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb, San Francisco is a must-stay getaway, with its scenic rolling hills, ocean views, massive green spaces, and unbelievably charming town homes—but snagging the perfect vacation rental requires some forethought. In recent years, San Francisco has put further regulations on vacation rentals, limiting the number of listings by requiring hosts to obtain business licenses and live on-site for 275 days out of the year. Only the most dedicated homeowners have prevailed, resulting in a selection of truly incredible rentals that are carefully maintained and up to code. We’ve culled through San Francisco’s Airbnb options and picked the very best legal listings for groups of all sizes. Below, our 13 favorite Airbnbs in San Francisco to consider for your next trip to the Golden City.
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Cozy cottage in bustling Lower Haight
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
A true historic gem, this Queen Anne–style home was originally constructed in 1890 and has undergone expansions and renovations since, making for a beautiful—and deceivingly large—vacation destination on a quiet, tree-lined street tucked away near plenty of shops and restaurants. On a sunny day, take the outdoor spiral staircase (yes, there’s an indoor one, too!) down to the back patio—which is furnished with a hot tub and charcoal grill—or enjoy the modern, built-in gas grill on the balcony just overhead.
Timeless two-story townhouse in the Castro
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
It’s hard to say which feature stands out most in a spacious home as gorgeous as this. The stairwell and sitting rooms appear to be pulled straight from the Clue mansion, the kitchen has an entire curved wall of glass letting light drench its features, and the primary bathroom is noteworthy for its circular walk-in shower and vanity area, complete with plants and a chandelier. The house has a private backyard with a hot tub, lawn, and garden, and it’s all located in the Castro, the city’s official gayborhood that's filled with quality food and nightlife options.
Luxury home in Eureka Valley
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
You know a rental home is superior when the outdoor space outshines its impressive interior—a shocking feat for a three-bedroom unit with en suite bathrooms, beautiful modern furnishings, cushy seating areas, and private garage parking. The shared backyard is usable year-round, featuring couches, a hot tub, a fire table, a built-in barbecue, a dining table, and a water fountain. The Eureka Valley property is also dog-friendly (with prior approval) and in close proximity to the energy and nightlife of the more lively Castro neighborhood.
Victorian hideaway atop Potrero Hill
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Every room in this quirky, lavender-hued home comes with its own unique personality, making for a truly homey stay: The living and dining rooms have an old-school elegance, the kitchen is authentically California, the pink flamingo bathroom is one-of-a-kind, and one of the bedrooms is bright and colorful with the other more simplistic. The real stars of the show at this residential-area Airbnb, though, are the sunroom breakfast nook—which opens up to a patio overlooking the city—and the backyard garden, with a sturdy wooden table for evening meals.
Work-friendly apartment in the Mission District
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Perfect for business trips and remote workers, this beautiful apartment is conducive to laptop working and still maintains its charm for the more relaxing moments of your visit. Inside, take your pick of seats: at a high-top desk, mid-century modern dining table, sectional couch, or atop the plush bed. On the colorful outdoor patio, get a little cookout going while you enjoy the fresh San Francisco air. Conveniently located close to public transit for any work meetings or social meetups—and centrally placed for great food and drinks in the off-hours—it’s the perfect apartment to make the most of a brief stay in the Bay.
Garden oasis in peaceful Noe Valley
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
This lush unit is part of a larger home owned by designers—and their craft shows. What the one-bedroom lacks in square footage, it makes up for in aesthetic, with two sets of French doors that open up to the thoughtful landscaping outside. The Airbnb is filled with retro furniture throughout, boasts a standalone tub and walk-in shower, and includes access to a shared backyard garden in addition to the stunning private patio with seating for two. The property—situated in the famously sunny Noe Valley neighborhood—isn’t incredibly close to downtown SF, but has easy transit access for getting to the further corners of the city.
Fresh Edwardian home in the Mission District
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
“Tasteful” is the best word to describe the muted aesthetic of this 750-square-foot rental, which takes up the first floor of a traditional Edwardian home and includes a plush leather sleeper sofa in addition to two beds. The space is rigorously cleaned between guests and left spotless for each arrival, but anyone would be silly to spend all their time inside when they’re steps from the bustling 24th Street area—a hotbed of Latinx culture known for its ample murals, bars and restaurants, and trendy new coffee and dessert spots.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Rustic guest suite on Russian Hill
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Located in Russian Hill—a short drive from downtown and Fisherman's Wharf—this studio apartment is ideal for solo leisure or business travelers, or couples that don't mind close quarters. The apartment maximizes its use of space and is much more like a hotel, amenities-wise, than your average rental. As far as the kitchen goes, you'll be relying on a mini-fridge and microwave—but there is a coffee maker to enjoy mornings on the private balcony. There's a small breakfast table and sofa area, but the rest of the apartment is dominated by a four-poster bed.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Contemporary Victorian studio in Lower Haight
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
San Francisco has got a lot going on, and sometimes you just want to head back to your Airbnb and crash. If that appeals to your inner introvert, this one-bedroom is for you. Hayes Valley is centrally located and walkable—and much more low-key than the neighboring Tenderloin, downtown, or Mission areas. With an entrance tucked down an alley, a small, private patio surrounded by plants, and uncluttered interior design, you can decompress upon arrival. (It's also among the most affordable Airbnbs on this list.)
- Courtesy Airbnb
Top-floor apartment in the Castro
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
This Airbnb passed co-author Meredith Carey's inspection with flying colors when she stayed there during a trip to San Francisco. The two bedrooms are set on the backside of a second-floor apartment in the Castro, which means they're a quiet oasis from the bustle of the city, while the light-filled living room is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring. (The views of downtown here are great too, since the home is set on a hill.) Since the hosts have a child, there are also kids' toys and books available for visitors. The real draw, though, is the baby-blue kitchen packed with everything you'd need to cook for yourself—with the exception of groceries, of course.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Charming Victorian flat in Lower Haight
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Located a few blocks from our big spender pick, this Lower Haight Airbnb is set inside one of the 19th-century Victorian homes that San Francisco is known for. With three bedrooms (one with a set of single beds) and room for up to six guests, this well-designed home has enough space for everyone to spread out and plenty of communal rooms for when you want to all be together, including two living rooms and an eat-in kitchen. Plus, if you need anything, the host lives in the apartment below and is easily accessible to give neighborhood recommendations.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Bright and scenic condo in Eureka Valley
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Want to enjoy sweeping views of San Francisco's hills without having to hike up them? This Airbnb in the Dolores Heights neighborhood offers near-panoramic views from its floor-to-ceiling living room windows and its private terrace. With a backyard, large bedrooms (one of which offers similar views of the city), an open floor plan for maximum views from the kitchen, dining space, desk area, and more, there's plenty of reasons to just relax inside the home. When you do leave, you're just a few blocks away from Mission Dolores Park and a short walk from some of our favorite San Francisco restaurants, like Californios and Lazy Bear.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Sun-drenched home in walkable Cow Hollow
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Here are the stats: This Airbnb is located in San Francisco's walkable Cow Hollow neighborhood, has two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms (with a tub), a washer/dryer, large kitchen, and a lush backyard. A crib is included for families traveling with tots, and it's a few minutes away from Allyne Park, a dog-friendly neighborhood meeting point with tons of paths to explore, despite its quarter-acre size. With just one full bathroom, you'll want to be comfortable with whoever you're sharing the space with, as you'll have to wander through the master bedroom to shower each day. And who are you more comfortable with than family?
