San Francisco's Best Neighborhoods for Short-Term Rentals | San Francisco Travel
Women sit outside at Patricia's Green in San Francisco's Hayes Valley.
Women sit outside at Patricia's Green in San Francisco's Hayes Valley. Credit: San Francisco Travel Association

San Francisco's
Best Neighborhoods for Short-Term Rentals

Looking to live like a local? Check out the short-term rentals available in these unique and authentic San Francisco neighborhoods.

Hotels have their perks; but if you're looking for more freedom, more privacy, or more authenticity during your next stay in San Francisco, you should consider booking a short-term rental. The city is full of them, and they're maintained by responsible hosts who adore the city and sharing it with visitors.

Here are some neighborhoods popular with short-term rental bookers where you can get a genuine San Francisco experience.

 


 

The Castro

The center of San Francisco's queer culture for generations, the Castro is on the cusp of its next reinvention. Check out the new bars and restaurants and frequent public events that are bringing fresh energy to the neighborhood. Short-term rentals in the neighborhood let you stay in some classic San Francisco homes, as the Castro is dotted with well-maintained Victorians across its picturesque hillsides. 

Find a Short-Term Rental In Castro

A bird's-eye view of the Castro

Haight-Ashbury

Come to where it all started for the hippie movement and see the influence of the 1960s counterculture. You can find vintage shops, thrift stores and other businesses harking back to the Haight's hippie roots. As a guest in a short-term rental, you'll have your choice of bright, cheerful homes to choose from. Who knows; you might be staying where rock 'n' roll royalty once slept!

Find a Short-Term Rental in Haight-Ashbury

Grateful Dead House

Hayes Valley

This tiny neighborhood has been lovingly carved out by residents who have put the emphasis on a walkable, small-town experience just steps from the political center of the city. From the park at Patricia's Green to the many fantastic boutiques and bars along its main drag, Hayes Valley is where the creators on the cusp of the next big thing come to relax and unwind. 

Find a Short-Term Rental in Hayes Valley

The Marina

Along the city's northern shore lies the Marina District, an area that's continually evolved throughout its history; from ocean dunes to exposition grounds to fishing haven to quaint residential area. Now, it attracts a younger crowd, with boutiques and restaurants that are always busy. By booking a short-term rental in the Marina, you're just a short walk from the waterfront, the wide open spaces of Crissy Field, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Find a Short-Term Rental in The Marina

A woman stands on a pier in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood, looking out at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Nob Hill

If you're looking to feel like a high roller when you stay in San Francisco, choose a short-term rental in Nob Hill. The historic neighborhood is home to ritzy hotels, exclusive restaurants, and gorgeous buildings. It's also one of the San Francisco neighborhoods best served by our iconic cable cars!

Find a Short-Term Rental in Nob Hill

Noe Valley

Located right in the middle of San Francisco, this primarily residential neighborhood has ample sidewalks and a pedestrian-friendly layout. Families love Noe Valley, with its shops and restaurants along 24th Street and protected stretches of roadway like Sanchez Street. All in all, it's the perfect place for your family to find a short-term rental and blend right into the community.

Find a Short-Term Rental in Noe Valley

North Beach

North Beach doesn’t have an actual beach. It does, however, have a vibrant and strong Italian-American community that, for generations, has seeded the neighborhood with fantastic restaurants and cafes. Vintage wooden houses climb Telegraph Hill, offering visitors some spectacular choices for short-term rentals—assuming you don't mind the climb! North Beach is especially lively at night, which makes finding a nearby place to call your own perfect for a memorable evening.

Find a Short-Term Rental in North Beach

The Richmond

The Richmond is an enormous neighborhood, stretching from Arguello Boulevard west to the Pacific Ocean. Along its many avenues, you'll find distinct communities and cultures, each and every one inviting and unique. Booking a short-term rental in the Richmond is a guaranteed way to get off-the-beaten-path and experience San Francisco in a way few visitors do.

Find a Short-Term Rental in The RIchmond

The Sunset

The Sunset District lies south of Golden Gate Park and west of Twin Peaks. It features plenty of outstanding restaurants, especially along Ninth Avenue. The Sunset is also home to one of San Francisco's boldest new public achievements: the Great Highway Park. Now when you stay in the Sunset, you can walk along the beach for miles without worrying about vehicle traffic. For visitors looking for a true local experience, the Sunset is a San Francisco neighborhood well worth exploring. 

Find a Short-Term Rental in the Sunset District


Tyler Cohn headshot
Tyler Cohn

Tyler is the Sr. Manager of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants. 

A crowd enjoys food and drink along San Francisco's Valencia Street
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Find Short-Term Rentals in San Francisco

Looking to live like a local? Short-term rentals from Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms are available in almost every neighborhood of San Francisco, allowing you to have a more authentic experience. Find the perfect option for your travel style and budget.