Vacation Rentals in California

Due to its size, California has a wide range of climates. Although most areas are known for their warm and sunny days, climates can be subarctic or subtropical depending on where you are.

It tends to be cooler in coastal cities, such as San Francisco and San Diego, while summers are hotter and winters colder further inland.

The North sees more rain, and places like Sacramento are wet during winter but hot and dry in summer. An alpine climate in mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada see snow in winter but mild summers.

In the East, deserts at higher elevations have hot summers and cold winters, while lower deserts have relatively frostless mild winters. Death Valley, which is located well below sea level, is known to be the hottest place on earth.

Did you know that California has more national parks, historical sites, and monuments than any other state in the US?

The Yosemite National Park is known for its awe-inspiring, plunging waterfalls. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, it has huge granite cliffs, dramatic valleys, and unforgettable nature. All on a gigantic space of 1,100 square miles! It’s no wonder that over 4 million visitors flock here each year. Meanwhile, the Joshua Tree National Park enthralls with its freaky-yet-cool-looking trees that dot the land. Catch glorious sunsets over the grand desert rock formations.

Wine lovers can savor the experience of the Napa and Sonoma wine countries, with their more than 600 wineries. Besides a world-class culinary scene, Napa is known for its meticulously cultivated grapes, which produce wines that rival French produce. Enjoy tasting the wines while feasting your eyes on rolling hills, beautiful plains, and endless vineyards. The agricultural diversity of the fertile land remains one of Sonoma’s greatest prides—and rightfully so. Enjoy it all from the comfort of your California vacation house.

There is a wide acceptance of diversity in California and a love of innovative ideas. This is, after all, the birthplace of the 60s hippie movement, home to Hollywood, as well as some of the greatest artists in the world. So if art is what you're looking for, base yourself in Southern California where you'll find all sorts of wonderful outdoor art.

Located in the middle of the desert, Salvation Mountain is an art oasis by local resident Leonard Knight. Made entirely of adobe, straw, clay, and half a million gallons of paint, its combines religious scriptures with colorful flowers, trees, the sun, and birds.

Or check out the Integratron, a dome built in the 50s by George Van Tassel, a self-proclaimed UFO abductee who claims that the planet Venus's inhabitants gave him the instructions to build the structure. Supposedly capable of rejuvenation due to its magnetic fields, it proves that nothing is too eccentric for California.

If you are traveling with children, keeping them entertained will be easy due to the endless number of family-friendly attractions. Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm are some of the popular theme parks in California. There are also many aquariums and zoos, including Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Zoo.

San Francisco's interactive museums are great for inquisitive young learners, and if they love the great outdoors, take them to witness the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Lake Tahoe also offers activities all year-round, from hiking and water sports in summer to skiing in winter.

1. Los Angeles: Explore the city of stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre. Disneyland and Universal Studios will give you theme park thrills.

2. San Francisco: Get a beach house rental and discover this laidback city's landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

3. San Diego: An island rental will give you panoramic skyline views of this beachside city. Visit attractions like the famous San Diego Zoo.

4. Sacramento: Learn about the history of California's Gold Rush, and experience the emergent cultural scene of the state capital.

5. Palm Springs: Enjoy a day at the spa or golf course, or bask in the desert sun in this famed resort haven.

1. San Diego Zoo

One of the most popular zoos in the United States, San Diego is home to over 3,700 animals. It's one of the few places in the world to see Giant Pandas, as well as other endangered species.

2. The Getty Center

This exquisite art gallery boasts free entry for visitors to see a range of 20th century artwork including Vincent Van Gogh's famous Irises painting.

3. USS Midway Museum

This maritime museum has been created onboard an aircraft carrier, where you can learn about wide range of aircrafts used by the US military. There are also flight simulators.

4. Alcatraz

This former island prison is one of the most famous attractions in San Francisco, once housing some of the country's most notorious criminals, including infamous crime boss Al Capone.

5. Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most iconic structures in the world, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is walkable by foot, and boasts incredible views of the city.