The best secluded Airbnbs near L.A. (2024)

When you think of secluded getaways, it’s usually rustic cabins or grand ol’ country houses that come to mind – not spectacularly modern architectural gems like this Airbnb in Santa Ynez. Called the Shunem Bread House, guests get the entire upper floor (ie. that bit that looks like a wooden cabin on stilts), which is completely separate from the rest of the ranch. The rental’s enormous rooftop patio (and its monumental mountain views) is also exclusively reserved for guests.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
The mood? Very suave.
Distance?2hr 5min from L.A.
Budget? On the pricier end, but well worth it for those sweeping mountain views – slay mother nature.
Time Out tip: ExploreSanta Ynez in all of its glory by sampling its finest Danish baked goods, wineries and breweries while you're in town.

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Feel like a Bond villain or a jet-setting hermit in this glass geodesic dome just outside of Palm Springs. You’ll find the three-bedroom home at the end of a dirt road, with wind turbines, mountains, and mostly open desert as a backdrop from the main 26-foot-tall living area. Inside the dome, it's a white-walled oasis accentuated with exposed brick and futuristic furnishings that make entering this space feel like a new dimension entirely.

Rooms? Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests.
The mood? Off the grid and into a desert paradise.
Where?2hr from L.A.
Budget? An affordable weekend adventuring in Palm Springs.

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‘Cosy’ isn’t normally the word we reach for when describing what we’re looking for in a desert getaway. But bear with us here, because this adorable-meets-luxe home in Yucca Valley somehow combines pyjamas-and-cocoa (ok, maybe late-night co*cktail) feels with something much more Californian. Its location puts you in the wide-open desert scenery while also giving you quick access to restaurants and creature comforts when you require them. It’s super stylish and will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside an Instagram post, but it’s all been designed with family living (including pets) in mind.

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.
The mood? Snuggle up and get cosy.
Where? Round 2hrs 45mins from LA.
Budget? You’ll laugh so hard you’ll… totally relax.

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Rugged mountains, a huge expanse of sky with twinkling stars come nightfall, incredible sunsets...this is your little slice of secluded desert heaven. Sure it’s not super luxe but really, you’re here for the isolation, right? And by the way, those views are best enjoyed from the outdoor cowboy pool or fire pit.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.
The mood?Dessert chic.
Distance?2hr 45min from L.A.
Budget? Enjoy along monthin luxury.

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Be careful not to unwittingly walk into the walls of this Airbnb, which has been cleverly blended into the surrounding forest with a mirrored façade. Plonked in the middle of three acres of space and surrounded by oaks and sycamores, the rental includes not just the "glass cottage" itself but an outside lounge, kitchen, shower, and bathhouse, as well as a hot tub. If you’re looking to hang up yer boots, sink into a hammock and reconnect with nature – there are few places better.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps two guests.
The mood? Optical wonderland.
Where?1hr 30min from L.A.
Budget? A high-end couple's glamping trip.

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Ok, deep breath: this place is a true oasis in the desert. A stunningly-designed modern hacienda, the Villa Paloma takes its style inspo from classic Mediterranean living ideals and a blend of unique Mexican aesthetics. In practice, this means you’ll get to exist purely and simply in a world of whiter-than-white walls offset by gorgeous, handcrafted artifacts. There’s a hot tub, a cowboy tub (we had to Google, but we like it) and an outdoor shower, plus lots of outdoor dining facilities. The hosts can also recommend guided meditation or hypnotherapy sessions, ‘star tours’ and private yoga class instructors.

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests.
The mood? A Mojave miracle.
Where? 2hrs 45mins from LAX.
Budget? Gasp-worthy great price.

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This one-bedroom guestcottage doesn’t sit too far from the property’s main house, but we think you’ll barely notice it. The leafy patio overlooks a gorgeous orchard and jaw-dropping mountain view at the end of a private road. Get your fill of Ojais famous "Pink Moment" at sunset, by firing up the grill and cracking open a cold one. You'll find more than enough to entertain you here: yoga mats, a picnic basket, board games, boogie boards and more.

Rooms? One bedroom.Four guests.
The mood? Dreamy views.
Where?1hr 30min from L.A.
Budget?Not too shabby for a month-long nomadic adventure between four pals.

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This deluxe cabin is selling itself short; we think it could definitely get away with being called a house, as there's a chance it's even more kitted-out than your place back home. Inside you'll find a stunning dark wood kitchen, stripped-back bedroom and on-trend bathroom. Time spent outside will involve fairy-lit fire pit sessions, BBQs, and splashing around in the cowboy tub (if you're visiting in summer) – all while ogling the picturesque landscape.

Rooms?One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
The mood?Stylish sophistication.
Where? 3rh from L.A.
Budget?Not bad at all for a short stay.

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Just 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park lies a beautiful house that looks a little out of place (in a good way). You wouldn't expect to come across such a well-built, modern property in the middle of a desert – but you'll sure be glad you did. The real beauty of this home is the outdoor area; under-the-stars activities include ping pong, hammock-swinging, BBQ feasting, watching films on the 4K projector around the fire pit, and best of all: stargazing from your own self-contained bedroom pod.

Rooms?Two bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.
The mood?Life on Mars – but make it chic.
Where? 3hr from L.A.
Budget?We'd consider it cheap for what you get.

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Itching to get out of town, but not super stoked on camping or shelling out big bucks for an uninspired hotel stay? We hear you. Our favorite short-term alternative living option? A treehouse, of course.