When you daydream, do you picture a place with tranquil, turquoise waters as a default backdrop? Oceanfront homes in California are exactly like that—and maybe even a tiny bit better. Think aquamarine and pale cerulean fringed with pristine whites, sand beaches dotted with luxe estates, and memories waiting to be made at the water’s edge. Living at these private estates means transporting yourself inside a David Hockney painting; a place where modernity meets oceanside bliss and everything exists in the shades of blue, green, and aqua.

Have we intrigued you yet? Check out our roundup of the most beautiful oceanfront property in the Golden State and start planning that vacay ASAP.

1. Hi-Tech Hideaway 

Location: Solana Beach
Price per night: $707

If you’re a techie in search of a high-end getaway, this California beach home is right up your alley. Offering a blend of luxury, smart tech, and ocean views, the Hi-Tech getaway is stocked with everything you’re going to need for a beach vacation. The light-filled open-plan interior has state-of-the-art everything—we’re talking things like retractable doors, touchscreen appliances, and smart-home gadgets. We don’t know about you, but we’re booking already.

2. Kailua Bluffs Oceanfront 

Location: Dillon Beach
Price per night: $1,150

Tailor-fit for family reunions and corporate retreats, this custom-built beachfront California home sits on one of the most desirable sports in NorCal—Dillon Beach. And, better yet, the street it’s located on is called the “street of dreams,” so you know you’re in for something truly special. If you’re a boogie boarding fan, you’d better pack your wetsuit because a secluded stretch of sand is a stone’s throw away. But if you really want to put your feet up and admire the lapping waves from a distance, the in-house bathtub offers you a great front-row seat.

3. Playa del Rey Beachfront Retreat

Location: Los Angeles 
Price per night: $300

When it comes to homes in the City of Angels, direct access to sand is a huge rarity, making this Airbnb a real gem. Playa del Rey beachfront retreat is ideal for a longer stay because it exudes a particular type of small-town feel; one that makes you want to take things slow and lazy. But you’re in L.A.! And there’s much to do—the place is close to the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park, and the Hollywood Sign.

4. Oceanfront Home with Steps to the Beach

Location: Moss Beach
Price per night: $1200

With a place like San Francisco, you’re going to want to sneak in as many attractions as you possibly can. But when you’re painting a mental itinerary, does the beach ever cross your mind? We’re assuming the answer is “yes” and that’s why you need to stay in an Airbnb, where the beach is at your fingertips. This oceanfront vacation rental is Northern California’s finest and it’s situated perfectly to let you blend sightseeing and hot-tub soaking. You’ll fall asleep and wake up to expansive ocean views, bask in the amenities of this high-end property, and be close enough in proximity to not miss out on any quintessential S.F. activities.

5. Beautiful Oceanfront Cottage 

Location: Cayucos
Price per night: $650

Nestled in the surf-centric Cayucos, this oceanfront cottage is what dreams are made of. After a day of outdoor entertainment and downtown cruising, walking into this place will feel like entering a magical garden filled with comfy seating areas perfect for unwinding, closing your eyes, and immersing yourself in the soothing sounds of the water nearby. And you’ll quickly realize that the amenities were added with the beach in mind—the ocean-view deck, gas fire pit, and the outdoor shower are all a stone’s throw away from the sand.

6. Beachfront Pacific Villa 

Location: Oceanside 
Price per night: $226

Though small, this beautiful ocean-facing unit packs quite a punch when it comes to style, direct access to the beach, and the most dazzling ocean views you’ve ever seen. Originally built in the 1940s, the Beachfront Pacific Villa features a mix of vintage coziness and elegantly blends its modern amenities—original features like a beautiful stone fireplace are among visitor favorites. The rental is also about an equal distance from northern San Diego and Southern L.A.; a bucket list’s worth of attractions await.

7. Oceanfront Getaway on the Mendocino Coast

Location: Fort Bragg
Price per night: $246

The beauty of Mendocino’s coastline is a thing to behold, and this oceanfront getaway is your VIP ticket. The Airbnb is situated near Fort Bragg’s downtown, which means a trip to Glass Beach is an absolute must. The space itself is the best of both worlds—equal parts privacy and convenience. There’s a neighborhood deer herd that wanders through, and you’ll be able to marvel at these majestic creatures from the glass-windowed kitchen or the deck. Tide pools await exploration, whales occasionally pop up, and the coast shines in all its inviting glory; you just might be in paradise.

8. Romantic Beachfront Apartment 

Location: Malibu
Price per night: $514

An oceanfront property in California that’s just like a Parisian flat, only instead of the Eiffel Tower, you have a view of the Pacific? Malibu can make that work. This Airbnb is so close to the waves you can almost reach out from the windows and touch them; it’s perfect for beach-loving partners looking for a romantic retreat in the sands. There’s a deck to enjoy the salty sea breeze, an ocean-view bed, a fully-equipped kitchen and living room, and sun loungers for those long, lazy afternoons.

9. Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes 

Location: Watsonville 
Price per night: $281

This beautiful beachfront condo is in close proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and if you’re willing to travel a bit more inland, Monterey County’s dazzling wine country. The home occupies a peaceful and wide stretch of sand backed by dunes and seagrass. In the summer, a sandbar allows you to walk from Moss Landing directly to New Brighton State Beach. And as for the space, you’ll feel the romance as soon as you walk in the door—high ceilings, an eclectic fireplace, and a beautiful view no matter the season.