12 Special Airbnbs in Sonoma, California

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, Sebastapol, 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 here’s our guide to how to find the perfect Airbnb.

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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.

Other good options in Healdsburg are this luxurious garden suite and this centrally located Cloud Suite.

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.“

Russian River Airbnbs

Camp Noon

Forestville in Sonoma County is cabin central – we were completely spoilt for choice. In the end, I chose Camp Noon, which is owned by two girls in San Francisco who have a fantastic eye for design. I was sold by the AirBnB reviews that mentioned the styles of Wes Anderson, Anthropologie and Scandinavia, and their assessment was spot on. From the claw foot bathtub to the well curated record collection and retro furnishings, everything was on point. And of course, a cabin’s location is key to its success and this one was surrounded by towering redwoods – you can’t get much better than that.

Another cute cabin nearby is this peaceful redwoods retreat.

What the guests say: “This was a terrific place to stay for some quiet, stars, trees, wine by the fire and the experience of staying in a rustic, beautiful cabin. The cabin was clean and easy to find. Our hosts provided excellent details. The record player was a treat. Thank you!“

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.“

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.

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!“

Occidental and Sebastapol Airbnbs

Rustic cabin in Sonoma Redwoods

This gorgeous little cabin amidst the redwoods in Occidental is what cabin dreams are made of. Surrounded by trees, it makes the most of the great outdoors, including an outside kitchen, rocking chairs, outdoor hot tub and fire pit. There’s even a sauna! It’s a one-bedroom studio and beautifully cosy inside, complete with an indoor fireplace.

What the guests say: “This is quite an amazing hideaway amongst the redwoods. There are some real luxuries among the rustic setting – outdoor sauna and hot tub, wood-burning stove, cozy linens and cushions, laying in hammocks looking straight up through a redwood grove! The grounds are fascinating too … hidden paths, art installations, contemplative spaces that Josephine really wants to share with her guests. Highly recommended as long as you’re ok with a few authentically rustic touches too (like composting toilet 🙂“

Modern meets retro in the redwoods

This quirky one-bed home is made up of a retro 1952 Terry trailer attached to a modern cabin. Inside the trailer, you’ll find the bedroom and kitchen, while the cabin has a light and airy lounge with skylights, a fireplace and heated flooring. The shower room has the windows looking out to the forest.  Outside you’ll find a hot tub and fire pit, plus a gorgeous garden with plenty of seating areas and a 2000-year-old redwood.

What the guests say: “This cottage is a romantic little paradise: something between a kitschy piece of glamping elegance from the 1950’s and a pristine modern airy cabin, stuck somewhere in a JRR Tolkien tale of a tall friendly forest just outside the bucolic Hobbit shire of Occidental. Whether it is for an uber romantic honeymoon hide-a-way or a silent spiritual retreat, I couldn’t recommend a better place to stay.“

Large cottage near Sebastapol

This charming guesthouse near Sebastapol is highly rated for its friendly hospitality and attention to detail that guarantees a comfortable stay. The open-plan cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, desk, dining area and comfy queen size bed. And there’s also a shared common area with a pool and hot tub with beautiful views. Extra guests can sleep on the pull-out couch.

What the guests say: “A fantastic space. Beautifully appointed and in a peaceful and beautiful setting. The hosts were easy to contact at all times. The space was great, the outdoor areas serene and the hounds were indeed very friendly! The banana bread was much appreciated and incredibly tasty. I highly recommend this place, it was a great base for exploring Sonoma county vineyards by bike!“

Wine Country Cottage

Stay in this cute cottage on a farm in the Twin Hills area of Sebastapol, 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!“

Cosy period cottage outside Sebastapol

Martha’s two-bedroom home, decorated with vines, is a bright and comfortable option near Sebastapol. There’s a vintage vibe, with hardwood floors, antique furniture and folk art to decorate. Plus there’s a piano for guests to play. The outdoor seated area is perfect for al fresco dining.

What the guests say: “The place is in a wonderful location, especially if you like to taste wine. The lovely village of graton is on your doorstep and you are in touching distance of Sebastopol, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. The cottage is really clean and has everything you need. Martha is right there if you need anything. Recommended!“

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.“

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.

Another good option in Glen Ellen is the cosy creekside retreat.

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.“

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!!“

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.