12 Special Airbnbs in Sonoma, California

Last updated on October 17, 2024

Sonoma is one of the top places I dream of returning to. Offering a heady mix of redwoods, wine, farm-to-table dining and an all encompassing laid back vibe, it’s the perfect break away.

There are some gorgeous guesthouses and wineries to stay at, but if you’re looking for something more independent, the Sonoma Airbnbs are the way to go, and there is no end of amazing options.

Here’s my shortlist of the best Airbnbs in Sonoma County. I’ve broken them down into different areas: Healdsburg, Russian River, Occidental, Sebastopol, Glen Ellen and Sonoma.

Also have a look at my guide to the best things to do in Sonoma County, which we visited as part of our epic California road trip, and then again on on San Francisco to Seattle drive.

Also see our secret-filled guide to how to find the perfect Airbnb.

The Best of Sonoma Airbnb

Healdsburg Airbnbs

Healdsburg Contemporary Cottage

Healdsburg is the epitome of cute (it reminded me of Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls) and filled with many of the region’s best restaurants and tasting rooms. It’s an ideal place to base yourself, and this arty cottage is a stylish choice.

It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and lots of luxury touches, including original artworks, a peaceful landscaped garden, shower with heated stone floor, and a fully equipped Pilates studio. It’s in a residential neighbourhood within walking distance of the centre of town.

What the guests say: “Great little hideaway in Healdsburg. Perfect location – walking distance to bars, restaurants etc. Candida is a great host, we had complete privacy and had no problem checking in or parking, there were spaces right outside. Toiletries and coffee were thoughtful extras. Thank you Candida for a lovely stay.“

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Russian River Airbnbs

Lollipop River View

For a gorgeous riverside location, you can’t get much better than this cute one-bedroom home with a balcony overlooking the water. Plus it has a cute backyard, complete with hot tub. Inside is quite small yet spacious, and filled with an interesting hodgepodge of antiques. Another good waterside option in the area is this charming two-bedroom cabin.

What the guests say: “We had such a wonderful stay in the cabin, the location was perfect for a relaxing escape and we wish we had booked to stay longer. Peter has thought of everything you could possibly need including beer and wine to purchase and a multitude of condiments in the fridge (very handy when you’re cooking meals).

“Peter was always available to answer any questions we had before we arrived and because everything is so well thought out we didn’t need to contact him during our stay. It felt like a home from the moment we walked in and I would thoroughly recommend staying here.“

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Enchanting cottage with hot tub

This beautiful three-bedroom cabin lies amid the redwood forests and is equally charming both inside and out. Enjoy dinners on the deck beneath pretty festoon lighting or a dip in the private hot tub, and then get cosy for the evening in front of the fireplace in the wood-panelled lounge. The whole place is tastefully decorated and spacious with a full kitchen, lounge, dining area and two bathrooms.

It looks so magical and I’ve bookmarked it for our next USA road trip.

What the guests say: “Nathan and Tom’s cottage was the perfect getaway for our birthday trip! The location is peaceful and serene and the entire cottage is beautifully decorated – we felt like we were staying in a magazine! I would recommend this place to anyone!“

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Occidental and Sebastopol Airbnbs

Wine Country Cottage

Stay in this cute cottage on a farm in the Twin Hills area of Sebastopol, known for its attractive rolling hills and vineyards. It’s just 10 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes to Bodega Bay. The studio cottage comes with a full kitchen and bathroom, as well as its own private garden.

It overlooks the farm and eucalyptus grove, and you may spot the owners’ chickens, sheep and mini horse. There’s a futon for extra guests. And there’s a focus on comfort throughout with high-end linens and a super comfy mattress. And there are two play swings for kids.

What the guests say: “Welcome bottle of wine, fresh eggs and fresh garden produce enhanced this visit. All was as displayed and described. A very peaceful and comfortable stay!“

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Glen Ellen Airbnbs

Crow Cottage

In the charming village of Glen Ellen is the eclectic one-bedroom Crow Cottage, decorated in a colourful and whimsical style. There’s a lovely sunny patio for dining outside, and a well equipped kitchen for cooking. Or you could eat out at the popular Glen Ellen Star and Fig Café. There’s a pool and hot spring right next door to enjoy in the summer months.

What the guests say: “Joyously and idiosyncratically decorated as pictured, this comfortable cottage with capacious quiet shaded patio is a short walk from Glen Ellen’s restaurants, bars and shops. Great find for a two night stop-over.“

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Wine Country cabin in the woods

This beautiful historic cabin, just 10 minutes from Glen Ellen is a perfect forest retreat. Located in the backyard of a friendly family, there’s a shared courtyard with a ping pong table and fire pit. It’s a rustic but comfy place and includes a complete kitchen, gas fireplace, outdoor grill, hot tub, and high-speed wi-fi. Not that the shower is outside, which I love but other might not.

What the guests say: “This is a terrific spot to relax and take in every thing the Sonoma valley offers. The cabin is fantastic with every detail thought of! Diana and Charles are excellent hosts and offered great recommendations for superb restaurants and wineries nearby. One of our favourite Airbnb s of all time.“

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Sonoma Airbnbs

Tre Sorelle Cottage

I’m obsessed by porch swings (something we don’t tend to have in the UK) and this one is delightful, perfect for people watching on the pretty tree-lined street. And the back garden is just as special with sweeping vineyard views and a bocce ball court. The charming two-bedroom home has a fully equipped gourmet kitchen that opens out onto the backyard for some breezy indoor/outdoor living.

What the guests say: “We visited Sonoma to celebrate my wife’s 30th Birthday. We found Julie’s cottage and knew it was exactly what we had in mind. The home, vineyard view, backyard with Bocce ball were all stunning. The neighborhood is peaceful and even has a community garden across the street to explore.

“Julie is currently adding a free standing studio/addition in replacement of the old garage shown in the pictures that looks like it’ll be stunning upon completion! We’ll certainly recommend this cottage to friends and family and are excited to see the pictures of the new studio/addition when it’s completed!!“

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Sophisticated wine country cottage

Thornsberry Cottage is a gorgeous luxury option near to Sonoma Square. It has boutique hotel feel and is made up of two buildings with a bedroom and bathroom each. The large deck with fire pit is perfect for al fresco meals and the kitchen opens out onto the deck for that indoor/outdoor flow. It’s one of the most tastefully decorated options on this list.

Another good option in Sonoma is this studio apartment near the plaza.

What the guests say: “A stunning cottage in a wonderful location. Everything about it was perfect. The cottage is incredibly well designed with a very high attention to detail. You will never want to leave! Stunning space, great location, very welcoming and helpful hosts.

“Everything you will need is within a very short distance from restaurants, supermarket and of course wineries. The bikes are a great way to get around – not that you will want to leave the cottage. A truly exceptional Airbnb, we will be back.“

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All photos courtesy of Airbnb.