Bay Area vacation rentals

Explore the San Francisco Bay Area in vacation home rentals

With its iconic crimson bridge, classic cable cars, sparkling bay, and elegant Victorian homes lining its attractive streets, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of California’s gems. Whether you want to explore the California coast or explore diverse cities with electrifying nightlife, vacation home rentals in the San Francisco Bay Area put you right in the heart of the region.

Discover history near San Francisco Bay Area vacation homes

The San Francisco Bay Area is filled with unique historic sites and museums celebrating its broad history and culture. Vacation rentals can be found near Alcatraz Island, home to the notorious former prison that’s now a museum, and Chinatown, a historic area with shops, restaurants, and heritage sites of Chinese culture. Coit Tower, a 1930s-era landmark with beautiful murals, panoramic views, and a population of parrots, and the Painted Ladies, an iconic row of historical Victorian homes in a variety of colors, are also popular.

San Francisco Bay Area attractions near vacation homes

As a popular traveler destination, the San Francisco Bay Area has an abundance of fun attractions and activities for families, couples, or solo travelers. Vacation homes can be found near the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic art deco suspension bridge with areas for walking and biking, and Fisherman’s Wharf, a waterfront area with classic seafood shacks and souvenir shops. Golden Gate Park, an urban oasis with gardens, trails, and multiple festivals throughout the year, is popular for hiking, biking, and art lovers. For the city experience, Union Square is an exciting neighborhood with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

Exploring the natural landscape of Bay Area

Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Bay Area is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are some of the area’s most enchanting features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Alcatraz Island (7.2 mi / 11.6 km)
• San Francisco Bay (8.4 mi / 13.6 km)
• Golden Gate Park (11 mi / 17.7 km)
• Lake Merritt (2.5 mi / 3.9 km)
• University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley (4.4 mi / 7.1 km)
• Tilden Regional Park (5.4 mi / 8.7 km)

Transportation options to and around Bay Area

The nearest airport is in San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), located 15.5 mi (25 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is 9 mi (14.5 km) away.

If you prefer to travel by train, Emeryville Station, Oakland-Jack London Square Station and Berkeley Station are the main stations in the area. It's easy to get around Bay Area by jumping on the metro at MacArthur Station, West Oakland Station or 19th St Station.

Transportation from San Francisco Bay Area vacation homes

Though rental cars, rideshares, and taxis are an option in the San Francisco Bay Area, this region offers tons of transportation choices to make moving through the area quick and convenient. Shuttle services, trains, and buses are available, as well as the iconic San Francisco mode of travel, the cable car. These historic public transit cars run on multiple lines through the city with stops at many major landmarks, allowing you to take in the views along the way. If you prefer, you can also walk or bike from your summer rental to nearby destinations.

Exciting events in the San Francisco Bay Area

It’s a party throughout the year in the San Francisco Bay Area. The biggest events in the area include SF Sketchfest, a two-week comedy festival with sketch and improv troupes in different venues throughout the city, and the celebration of the Lunar New Year, with a Chinese New Year’s parade that includes acrobatic dragons and stiltwalkers. The San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade is one of its biggest draws, which gives the LGBT community and its supporters a chance to don rainbow gear and display their pride with block parties and parades.

Fun near San Francisco Bay Area vacation homes

Children and adults alike will enjoy the numerous attractions and points of interest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Vacation rentals are available near Pier 39, a scenic bayside pier with panoramic views, eateries, seaside shops, arcades, and sea lion sightings, and the Muir Woods National Monument, a picturesque park with giant redwood trees, hiking trails, and recreation areas. The California Academy of Sciences, a museum with interactive science exhibits, an aquarium, and a planetarium, is a wonderful educational attraction for children. For beachside fun, visit the Point Reyes National Seashore, a vast park with hiking trails, sandy beaches, and swimming areas.