Airbnb isn't just for out-of-town vacations. While hotels here can run you several hundred dollars a night for little more than a standard bed and bath, these local Airbnb rentals offer gardens, roof decks, and gallery-worthy decorative details at a much more affordable rate. Go on, try on someone else’s life for a weekend.
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Mission: The artist’s residence
Immerse yourself in creativity in this loft overlooking a working sculpture studio. Ogle the installations in progress and get to know the artists over tea, try making something of your own, or simply relax in front of the fireplace in your private sitting room. See full listing here.
Cole Valley: The Victorian minimalist
This beautifully restored Victorian is like a B&B with more privacy. With rich wood and neutral colors inside and a cozy garden family room outside, this place is the very definition of minimalist luxury. See full listing here.
Mission Bay: The sail boat
A 30-foot sailboat in the Mission Bay marina is the perfect spot for two types of people: lovers of the sea and diehard Giants fans looking to get as close as possible to AT&T Park. The boat comes equipped with a partial kitchen, full bath and enough room to comfortably sleep two guests. See full listing here.
North Beach: The curator’s dream
Spending a night in this one bedroom apartment just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf is like spending a night inside an Anthropologie catalog. From the beautifully mismatched textiles to the perfectly positioned succulents, you can’t help but soak up some style (and some sun on the building’s roof deck) at this chic flat. See full listing here.
NOPA: The fancy hostess
This posh Victorian from the 1890s is what San Franciscan dreams are made of. Grab eight of your closest friends and settle in for a night of elegance, with drinks in the garden, dinner in the grand dining room and a movie in the theater room. See full listing here.
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Sunset: The beach bungalow
Out in the Sunset, San Francisco transforms from a cosmopolitan city to a quaint beach town. Whether you're a surfer or just want to play one for the weekend, this adorable beach abode is the place to be. See full listing here.
Mission: The stylish yoga retreat
This bright and stylish three bedroom is accented with little touches of zen and a yoga studio that doubles as a second bedroom. A beautiful retreat from the Mission’s ultra-hip hustle. See full listing here.
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
SoMa: The ultra-modern penthouse
This award-winning architectural gem is decked out with top-of-the-line appliances, a roof deck and a wall of windows to survey the urban SoMa neighborhood. The space functions as a co-working office on weekdays but is available for guests on the weekend. See full listing here.
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Cow Hollow: The rockers delight
Eclectic and chic, from the colorful modern art that adorns every room to the guitar-laden office, this two bedroom/three bed flat is exquisitely decorated without taking itself too seriously. See full listing here.
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Bonus! Oakland: The band camp
Music lovers, rejoice! This hillside retreat doubles as a professional recording studio complete with drum kit, keyboards and control room. Soundproof walls mean you and your bandmates can turn it up to 11; for a little extra the hosts can even provide a sound engineer to record some of your work. See full listing here.