The 10 best treehouse Airbnbs near L.A. for a one-of-a-kind vacation

Neighborhood: Moonridge, Big Bear Lake

This really is a treehouse for people who never quite grew out of loving secret hideaways. Handcrafted over a decade, the two-bedroom cabin is packed with custom woodwork, colourful glass, mosaics and artwork, while its treetop setting looks out towards the ski slopes and lake. There’s a jacuzzi tub in each bathroom, a private hot tub on the deck and a backyard with a barbecue, chess table and board games. It’s also just three minutes from Bear Mountain, so you can swap the sofa for the slopes without going far.

Time Out tip: The hot tub is the obvious draw, but head out onto the deck after dark too: guests rave about the stargazing, with the ski slopes visible across the trees. Just be prepared for the climb up as there are more than 40 stairs to the front door.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, private hot tub with mountain views, jacuzzi tubs, lake and mountain views, fully equipped kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, outdoor barbecue, board games, Wi-Fi, free parking, washer and dryer, TV and Apple TV.

Price: From $1,160 for 2 nights. 

Neighborhood: Pine Hills, Julian

This mid-century A-frame has the sort of setup that makes staying in feel like the better option. Built in 1969 and renovated in 2023, the cabin keeps its retro character while adding plenty of modern comforts, including six skylights, a 75-inch TV, record player and a fully stocked kitchen. Outside, there’s a huge 900-square-foot deck surrounded by trees, complete with a private hot tub, two fire pits and a barbecue. With two bedrooms plus an open loft, it’s a particularly good shout for groups who want plenty of space to spread out.

Time Out tip: You’re only about a seven-minute drive from Julian’s Main Street, so leave some room in your itinerary for the town’s famous apple pie. Then head back to Pine Hills for the evening, fire up the barbecue and put on a record. The cabin also has A/C and heating, which is handy given Julian’s cooler mountain climate.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Two bedrooms plus open loft, private hot tub, 900-square-foot deck, dual propane fire pits, barbecue grill, mountain and valley views, fully equipped kitchen, record player and vinyl collection, 75-inch smart TV, fast Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, A/C and heating, washer and dryer, free parking and pet-friendly.

Price: From $750 for 2 nights.

Neighborhood: Topanga Canyon

This place swaps rustic timber for polished concrete, floor-to-ceiling glass and a very good view. Set high on a hillside among oaks, cacti and succulents, the modern guesthouse has two light-filled bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sleek kitchen that opens onto the surrounding landscape. Outside, the wraparound deck is made for slow mornings, with plenty of seating and space for yoga, while the canyon views do most of the decorating. It’s also close enough to Malibu’s beaches and Topanga’s hiking trails to make a day of exploring before retreating back to the trees.

Time Out tip: This one is deliberately peaceful rather than party-friendly, so it’s a better fit if your ideal weekend involves coffee on the deck and an afternoon on the trails. Tuna Canyon is nearby for hiking, while Malibu’s beaches are just a short drive away. There’s also A/C, which is worth knowing if you’re planning a summer stay.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, wraparound deck, canyon and mountain views, fully equipped kitchen, walk-in showers, A/C, Smart TV with Netflix and Prime Video, Wi-Fi, private balcony, washing machine, tumble dryer and free driveway parking.

Price: From $990 for 2 nights. 

Neighborhood: Aptos, Santa Cruz

Perched above the Santa Cruz coast, this mid-century home has three bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and Japanese-inspired shutters, with plenty of wood and stone throughout. Three separate decks give you different spots to sit among the trees, including one with a hammock, while the ocean and forest are both visible from the house. There’s a full kitchen too, so you can make dinner for the group before heading outside for the evening.

Time Out tip: You’re right by Nisene Marks Redwood Forest State Park, so bring walking shoes and make time for a wander through the redwoods. Capitola is also only a short drive away for a beach day. Just bear in mind that this is a quiet residential area with strict no-party rules, so it’s better suited to a low-key group trip than a big celebration.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Three bedrooms, full kitchen, three elevated decks, ocean and forest views, hammock, shared beach access, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, TV, washing machine, tumble dryer and free driveway parking.

Price: From $1,120 for a night.

Neighborhood: San Jose foothills

Set 14 feet up among three sycamore trees, this 250-square-foot treehouse is about as far from a standard hotel room as you can get. Two queen-size sleeping lofts sit above a cozy living space, reached by a spiral staircase, while big windows bring in plenty of natural light and frame views across Silicon Valley. There’s a full bathroom and kitchenette too, plus a stained-glass window that adds a bit of colour to the otherwise rustic interiors. Outside, the patio has views over the valley and is a particularly good spot for sunset, and you might even spot deer or wild turkeys nearby.

Time Out tip: This is a good one for families with older kids who’ll get a kick out of actually sleeping in a treehouse. Just bear in mind that both beds are in lofts reached by stairs or a ladder, so it’s not suitable for anyone who struggles with climbing.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Two queen-size sleeping lofts, Silicon Valley views, spiral staircase, stained-glass window, kitchenette, full bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, private patio, free parking and access to a quiet hillside setting.

Price: From $420 for a night.

Neighborhood: Fillmore

Set nine feet up among orange and avocado trees on a 10-acre working farm, this cozy treehouse makes a fun little base for two. The space has a queen-size bed, kitchenette and bathroom, while outside there’s a deck with a hammock and fire pit. Guests can wander the orchard, meet the farm’s chickens, goats, ducks and cats, and even pick fresh eggs and fruit for breakfast. It’s about five minutes from Old Town Fillmore, but you’ll probably be tempted to spend most of your time on the farm.

Time Out tip: Come hungry for a proper farm-to-table breakfast: guests can collect their own eggs and oranges from the property. There’s also a pole slide and basket hoist, because even a quiet countryside escape needs a little whimsy.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Queen-size bed, kitchenette, bathroom, Wi-Fi, free parking, private deck, hammock, fire pit, outdoor space, farm access and seasonal fresh eggs and fruit.

Price: From $440 for 2 nights. 

Neighborhood: Hollywood Dell

Tucked into the Hollywood Hills, this one-bedroom guest suite feels more like a private hideaway than a typical LA rental. The spacious apartment has a king-size bedroom, kitchenette, living area and full bathroom, but the real draw is outside: a huge covered porch with a hanging daybed, plus a private garden surrounded by trees. There’s even a peek of the ocean on a clear day, while the Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Reservoir are all just a short drive away.

Time Out tip: This is a good pick if you want to be close to LA’s big sights without staying right in the middle of the action. The Hollywood Dell is peaceful and leafy, and the covered porch is made for slow mornings with coffee or winding down after a day at the Bowl or Griffith Park.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private garden, covered porch, hanging daybed, kitchenette, king-size bed, full bathroom, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, dedicated workspace, free on-street parking, washing machine and tumble dryer.

Price: From $400 for a night.

Neighborhood: Santa Cruz Mountains

Perched 45 feet above a working vineyard, this treehouse makes a pretty convincing case for swapping a hotel room for a night in the trees. The 400-square-foot platform sits among giant Douglas firs, with a cosy queen bed inside a tent, electricity, Wi-Fi and a view stretching across Monterey Bay. Downstairs, there’s a full bathroom with a bathtub, while the surrounding 44-acre property gives you plenty of space to wander, unwind and take in the mountain scenery.

Time Out tip: The 45ft ladder is a proper climb, so this one isn’t for anyone who’d rather keep their feet firmly on the ground. But if you’re up for it, the sunset views are the star of the show. You’re also around 15 miles from Capitola Beach and roughly half an hour from San Jose.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Monterey Bay views, queen bed, full bathroom with bathtub, electricity, Wi-Fi, free parking, private garden, shared patio, vineyard setting and access to 44 acres of mountain property.

Price: From $370 for a night.

Neighborhood: Nicasio

Located in a Bay Laurel tree on the 25-acre grounds of Danehill Manor, this is a treehouse stay with a decidedly more luxurious feel. The cozy space has a queen-sized bed tucked beneath a skylight, so you can lie back and watch the stars, while the estate has horses, walking trails, a pool and sweeping views over Nicasio Reservoir. Guests can also book extras including massages, gourmet dining and horsemanship sessions, so there’s plenty to do without having to leave the property.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the estate’s horse-related experiences. Guests can book natural horsemanship sessions, and the property’s herd of horses is one of the highlights of staying here. Point Reyes is also nearby if you fancy swapping the treehouse for a day of hiking and exploring.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: 25-acre estate, Nicasio Reservoir views, queen-sized bed, skylight, shared pool, lake access, Wi-Fi, free parking, kitchen, outdoor space and pet-friendly.

Price: From $2,386 for 2 nights.

Neighborhood: Vista

Hand-built over two years using a mix of different woods and textures, this wonderfully quirky treehouse feels more like a tiny woodland cabin than a traditional Airbnb. There’s a cozy living room with a sofa bed, a loft bedroom, a dining nook and a bathroom, while outside you’ll find a private patio, grassy garden, fire pit and rope swing. It’s tucked away in a quiet, rural part of Vista, but beaches, breweries, wineries and attractions including LEGOLAND are all within easy reach.

Time Out tip: The loft bedroom is accessed by a wooden ladder, so keep that in mind when booking. If you’re travelling with kids, though, the rope swing and treehouse setting make this one feel like an adventure in its own right.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private treehouse, garden, patio, fire pit, rope swing, full bathroom, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, electric fireplace, dedicated workspace, free driveway parking and TV with streaming services.

Price: From $430 for 2 nights.