Best Vacation Rental Property Management Companies in California (2025)

California's vacation rental market is among the most diverse and complex in the country — encompassing world-class beach markets, mountain destinations like Lake Tahoe, desert retreats like Palm Springs, and wine country getaways. It also has some of the most aggressive short-term rental regulations in the country, making market selection and regulatory compliance critical. Explore Awning's California property management services to see where we operate.

Use the Airbnb estimator to model revenue for any California market, and check Airbnb market data to benchmark demand trends.

California's Top Vacation Rental Markets

Lake Tahoe: California's most consistently high-performing mountain vacation rental market. Year-round demand from skiing in winter and lake activities in summer. Regulatory requirements vary significantly by county — South Lake Tahoe, Placer County, and El Dorado County each have distinct permitting frameworks. See Lake Tahoe property management →

Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley: Among the strongest short-term rental markets in the western United States. Pool-centric properties, desert modernism architecture, and a packed event calendar (Coachella, Stagecoach, Modernism Week) drive exceptional demand. Palm Springs requires STR permits but is generally supportive of short-term rental activity. See Palm Springs property management →

Big Bear Lake: Serves as a year-round mountain destination for greater LA. Ski season generates peak demand, while summer lake activities provide a second demand season.

Joshua Tree: A distinctive vacation rental market driven by a unique aesthetic and strong demand from LA weekend travelers and music festival attendees. Properties with distinctive design, outdoor space, and stargazing amenities command significant premium pricing.

Wine Country (Napa/Sonoma): Attracts affluent travelers. Properties with vineyard access or proximity to top wineries command premium rates. Regulatory frameworks vary by county and municipality.

Best Property Management Companies in California

Awning

Awning operates across California's major vacation rental markets including Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, Big Bear, and Joshua Tree. For California investors specifically, Awning's ability to navigate STR regulations across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining consistent operational standards is a meaningful differentiator.

Vacasa

Strong California presence particularly in Tahoe and Southern California beach markets. Full-service management with scale advantages in distribution and 24/7 support.

Local boutique operators in markets like Joshua Tree and wine country often outperform national operators on guest experience and brand positioning for unique property types, though typically with less technology sophistication.

California Regulatory Landscape

California's STR regulations are among the most complex in the country. San Francisco limits short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties and caps nights at 90 per year for non-hosted rentals. Los Angeles has strict permitting requirements. Santa Monica has effectively banned most short-term rentals. Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and most Lake Tahoe jurisdictions are more permissive with proper permits. California investors must verify current local regulations before purchasing or operating — this landscape is not static.

Review the Airbnb Risk Management Playbook to understand compliance and operational risks in California markets. And review best landlord insurance for short-term rentals to protect California properties.

California STR Tools

• Airbnb estimator — Revenue modeling for any California market

• Airbnb market data — Benchmark occupancy and ADR

• STR ROI calculator — Full investment return modeling

• Best smart locks for Airbnb — Automate property access

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best California cities for vacation rental investment?

The strongest California vacation rental markets include Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe, Joshua Tree, Big Bear, and wine country (Napa/Sonoma). These markets combine strong demand with relatively accessible STR regulatory frameworks compared to major urban centers.

Are short-term rentals legal in California?

Short-term rental legality varies significantly by city and county in California. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree are generally permissive with proper permits. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica have significant restrictions. Always verify current local regulations before operating.

What is the most profitable vacation rental market in California?

Palm Springs and Lake Tahoe consistently rank as California's most profitable vacation rental markets. Joshua Tree produces exceptional returns for uniquely designed properties despite its smaller overall market size.

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Explore Awning California vacation rental property management →