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A wooden cabin on the edge of a cliff. There is a body of water and a beach in the distance.
Steep Ravine Cabins.
Sean Hoyer

10 best cabin and cottage getaways near the Bay Area

Respites for when city chaos proves too much

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Steep Ravine Cabins.
| Sean Hoyer

Now that winter is here, it’s time to add more layers to your daily wardrobe and start planning a cozy vacation by the fire inside some of the most stylish and cool cabins in the Bay Area.

Better to plan your getaway sooner rather than later. Many of these choice abodes—ranging from pricey and affordable to amenity-heavy and bare-bones—fill up fast. You can pick a spot deep in the woods of the Santa Cruz Mountains or seaside above Stinson Beach. And now that Highway 1 has reopened, Big Sur will be the place to go to get your yurt on.

Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Let us know and we’ll be sure to consider it.

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Philo Apple Farm Cottages

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These three cabins in the heart of Mendocino offer a woody environment and bushels of fresh produce care of the organic garden. After all, they’re smack dab on an apple farm.

But don’t look to be waited on hand and foot when you’re here; this place is an isolationist’s paradise. According to Thrillist, “Most of the staff will be too busy actually farming to take much care of you, so this is a great place to stay if you’re into being left to your own devices in a bright, comfy little house”

A post shared by jinerous (@jinerous) on

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA

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While this campground’s branding (“Kamping Kabins”) brings to mind an E! reality TV show family of note, these kool spots are great for crashing after a long day of wine tasting. Located near Lake Sonoma and the Russian River, these cabins are close to 50 wineries in the Alexander and Russian River Valleys.

It’s also a pet- and child-friendly spot, ideal for families. Amenities include pool, hot tub/sauna, bike rentals, and miniature golf.

A post shared by Leo Stern (@coachtech) on

Healdsburg Modern Cottages

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These wine country dwellings use midcentury design as architectural inspiration. The look is clean with lots of blonde wood, a refreshing break from the dark and rustic look of classic cabins. Each cottage may also include a fireplace, bath, or private patio with hot tub.

The property is only two blocks from Healdsburg's town plaza, should the quiet life prove to much for diehard city folk.

A post shared by Brad Gillette (@bradgillette) on

Nicks Cove

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More than just one of North Bay’s finest eateries, Nicks Cove also offers 12 cottages atop stilts above the shoreline, replete with wood-burning fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, and choice views.

Other amenities include plush down comforters, wood-burning stoves, and bathrooms with heated ceramic tile floors.

Manka's Inverness Lodge

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Located outside the Point Reyes National Seashore just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this tucked-away lodge has cabins and airstreams offering such amenities as Japanese soaking tubs, dinner delivered to your door in cast-iron pots, and outdoor showers.

The 1917 lodge was destroyed in a 2006 fire. Since the owners have restored what remained of Manka’s (the hunting and fishing lodge, two 1900s cabins, and a boathouse on Tomales Bay remain) and added to the property, making it the go-to spot in the area for those in dire need of rest and recharge.

Of special note: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowels once stayed here. They’re no Queen Elizabeth II, of course, but it’ll do.

Fairfax cottage

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A cozy 1921 cottage is located in a quiet neighborhood underneath 200-foot redwood trees. An idea place for those who enjoy forest bathing! Dwelling comes with fireplace, full bathroom, front deck, and two bedrooms.

Just a 10 minute walk to the downtown area. A great spot for hiking and mountain biking trails in nearby Deer Park. There are also five lakes in the area, too.

A dark grey wooden cabin surrounded by trees. Photo via VRBO

Steep Ravine Cabins

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If a lack of luxe amenities is your thing, look no further than these bare-bones cabins along Stinson Beach. Overlooking the Pacific, these humble abodes have no electricity and no water. And people love it. As Sunset notes, it’s strongly recommend to reserve a space seven months in advance. Or you can score a last-minute rental via their lottery.

Riverside Campground and Cabins

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No frills but plenty of chill. Located 22 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Riverside cabins come with queen-size beds, natural wood interiors, and shared or private decks.

A post shared by Peter Mackie (@wehopete) on

Glen Oaks Big Sur

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What this 1957 motor lodge turned eco-retreat lacks in views of the Pacific Ocean, it more than makes up for with soaring redwood trees and lots of privacy. Highlights include cabins with individual patios, outdoor fire pits, heated floors, and spa amenities.

According to Sunset, “[T]hey’ve already poached a few guests from high-end Ventana and Post Ranch Inn who’ve realized they can spa and sup there—but save a load by bunking at Glen Oaks instead. Secret’s out.

A post shared by @glenoaksbigsur on

Treebones Resort

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Yurt alert! This Big Sur spot, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, comes with 16 circular shelters, boasting queen-size beds, skylights, and decks. All of them are affordable and ideal for younger campers.

But if you want something snazzier (and just who doesn’t?), check out Treebones Resort’s Autonomous Tent. The cocoon-shaped shelter provides an ample 500 square feet of indoor living space, a king size bed, gas fireplace, and leather lounging chairs. It also comes with an en suite bathroom including a claw foot shower and flushable composting toilet.

The tent’s fabric material, stretched across the metal ribs, illuminates at night and provides natural lighting during the day.

A post shared by therealreal (@therealreal) on

Philo Apple Farm Cottages

These three cabins in the heart of Mendocino offer a woody environment and bushels of fresh produce care of the organic garden. After all, they’re smack dab on an apple farm.

But don’t look to be waited on hand and foot when you’re here; this place is an isolationist’s paradise. According to Thrillist, “Most of the staff will be too busy actually farming to take much care of you, so this is a great place to stay if you’re into being left to your own devices in a bright, comfy little house”

A post shared by jinerous (@jinerous) on

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA

While this campground’s branding (“Kamping Kabins”) brings to mind an E! reality TV show family of note, these kool spots are great for crashing after a long day of wine tasting. Located near Lake Sonoma and the Russian River, these cabins are close to 50 wineries in the Alexander and Russian River Valleys.

It’s also a pet- and child-friendly spot, ideal for families. Amenities include pool, hot tub/sauna, bike rentals, and miniature golf.

A post shared by Leo Stern (@coachtech) on

Healdsburg Modern Cottages

These wine country dwellings use midcentury design as architectural inspiration. The look is clean with lots of blonde wood, a refreshing break from the dark and rustic look of classic cabins. Each cottage may also include a fireplace, bath, or private patio with hot tub.

The property is only two blocks from Healdsburg's town plaza, should the quiet life prove to much for diehard city folk.

A post shared by Brad Gillette (@bradgillette) on

Nicks Cove

More than just one of North Bay’s finest eateries, Nicks Cove also offers 12 cottages atop stilts above the shoreline, replete with wood-burning fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, and choice views.

Other amenities include plush down comforters, wood-burning stoves, and bathrooms with heated ceramic tile floors.

Manka's Inverness Lodge

Located outside the Point Reyes National Seashore just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this tucked-away lodge has cabins and airstreams offering such amenities as Japanese soaking tubs, dinner delivered to your door in cast-iron pots, and outdoor showers.

The 1917 lodge was destroyed in a 2006 fire. Since the owners have restored what remained of Manka’s (the hunting and fishing lodge, two 1900s cabins, and a boathouse on Tomales Bay remain) and added to the property, making it the go-to spot in the area for those in dire need of rest and recharge.

Of special note: Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowels once stayed here. They’re no Queen Elizabeth II, of course, but it’ll do.

Fairfax cottage

A cozy 1921 cottage is located in a quiet neighborhood underneath 200-foot redwood trees. An idea place for those who enjoy forest bathing! Dwelling comes with fireplace, full bathroom, front deck, and two bedrooms.

Just a 10 minute walk to the downtown area. A great spot for hiking and mountain biking trails in nearby Deer Park. There are also five lakes in the area, too.

A dark grey wooden cabin surrounded by trees. Photo via VRBO

Steep Ravine Cabins

If a lack of luxe amenities is your thing, look no further than these bare-bones cabins along Stinson Beach. Overlooking the Pacific, these humble abodes have no electricity and no water. And people love it. As Sunset notes, it’s strongly recommend to reserve a space seven months in advance. Or you can score a last-minute rental via their lottery.

Riverside Campground and Cabins

No frills but plenty of chill. Located 22 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Riverside cabins come with queen-size beds, natural wood interiors, and shared or private decks.

A post shared by Peter Mackie (@wehopete) on

Glen Oaks Big Sur

What this 1957 motor lodge turned eco-retreat lacks in views of the Pacific Ocean, it more than makes up for with soaring redwood trees and lots of privacy. Highlights include cabins with individual patios, outdoor fire pits, heated floors, and spa amenities.

According to Sunset, “[T]hey’ve already poached a few guests from high-end Ventana and Post Ranch Inn who’ve realized they can spa and sup there—but save a load by bunking at Glen Oaks instead. Secret’s out.

A post shared by @glenoaksbigsur on

Treebones Resort

Yurt alert! This Big Sur spot, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, comes with 16 circular shelters, boasting queen-size beds, skylights, and decks. All of them are affordable and ideal for younger campers.

But if you want something snazzier (and just who doesn’t?), check out Treebones Resort’s Autonomous Tent. The cocoon-shaped shelter provides an ample 500 square feet of indoor living space, a king size bed, gas fireplace, and leather lounging chairs. It also comes with an en suite bathroom including a claw foot shower and flushable composting toilet.

The tent’s fabric material, stretched across the metal ribs, illuminates at night and provides natural lighting during the day.

A post shared by therealreal (@therealreal) on