The Best Desert Vacation Rentals in California for the 2022 Holiday Season

Enjoy a Sunny Desert Getaway With These 8 Luxury Vacation Rentals for Families of All Sizes

There are few things more magical than the holidays, and the Golden State’s temperate weather is perfect for making them a memorable family affair. We’ve handpicked 8 hidden gems so you can enjoy a sun-filled Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re seeking a month-long stay or a shorter-term rental, we’ve got you covered. Check out the 8 best luxury vacation rentals for families seeking a desert retreat this holiday season.

#1 – Ocotillo by Open Air Homes (Available as a Month+ rental!)

View more photos of Ocotillo on this blog post

Bedrooms: 5   |   Bathrooms: 4   |   Sleeps: 10   |   Located Near: Downtown Palm Springs

Why we like this home: Ocotillo boasts five spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms with rain showerheads and thermostatic smart panels. With something for everyone of all ages, this sprawling desert compound is perfect for large, multigenerational families. From the shuffleboard table to the pool’s basketball hoop, Ocotillo is an exciting gem in the tranquil, village-like Tahquitz River Estates. Natural light abounds from clerestory windows and wall-to-wall sliding doors in the living area, giving way to the backyard. California indoor/outdoor living is perfected here: the backyard has ample space for barbecuing, dining, and lounging at the multiple pools and spas. The firepit lounge area keeps the outdoor area functional even on chilly desert nights. Ocotillo is in a true community and is the perfect home for families to laugh, cook, and enjoy quality time.

Click here to stay at Ocotillo.

#2 – Monterey Manor by Open Air Homes

Book Monterey Manor on Airbnb.

Bedrooms: 3   |    Bathrooms: 2   |   Sleeps: 6   |   Located Near: Downtown Palm Springs/The Movie Colony

Why we like this home: Immaculately designed by architect Albert Belden Crist, this stunning mid-century home is a sleek getaway for families with an eye for design. Perfect for snowbirds, its vibrant décor and unique furnishing are sure to put guests in a vacation state of mind. Kids will love fun features like a hanging cocoon swing chair and a sparkling heated pool (perfect for relaxing with your morning cup of coffee!). Despite its eccentric look, it’s still practical for mid-sized families. The enormous gourmet kitchen provides ample room to whip up breakfasts and prepare huge holiday spreads. Quintessentially mid-century, this home offers the best of casual luxury and California living. Hosts also provide bicycles and helmets, so families can enjoy outdoor adventures in the area!

Click here to stay at Monterey Manor. 

#3 – Desert Falls by Open Air Homes

Bedrooms: 3   |    Bathrooms: 2   |   Sleeps: 6   |   Location: Palm Desert, California

This home is perfect for: Located in a peaceful condo community on the prestigious Desert Falls Golf Course, this vacation rental is ideal for retirees and small-ish families with adult children. Golf lovers will be in their element, as Desert Falls is a top 10-rated course by the SCPGA, and is widely considered to be one of the best in the desert.

Wake up to unmatched desert vistas from this south-facing condominium – the sparkling pool, towering California palms, and incredible peaks of the Santa Rosa Mountains are all within view. Families who want a tranquil holiday away from it all will find serenity in this quiet desert retreat.

Click here to stay at Desert Falls.

#4 – Sunrise Sanctuary by Open Air Homes (Available as a Month+ Rental!) 

Bedrooms: 2   |    Bathrooms: 2   |   Sleeps: 4   |   Location: Rancho Mirage, California

You’ll love this home if: You’re a retiree looking for a little slice of sunshine. Located in the coveted Sunrise Country Club gated community, Sunrise Sanctuary is just that – a private sanctuary away from the stresses and inconveniences of winter cold and city life. Tastefully decorated and beautifully furnished, this spacious ranch-style condo offers low-key luxury in Rancho Mirage, California. Incredible dining options abound near this vacation rental, in addition to the food served by chefs at the club’s top-notch dining facilities. Active types can enjoy workouts in the state-of-the-art gym or tennis matches on one of nine regulation hard courts. Pickleball, bocce ball, and of course, golf are also available for fun and energetic desert days.

Click here to stay at Sunrise Sanctuary. 

#5 – Casa Santa Fe by Open Air Homes

View Casa Santa Fe on Airbnb

Bedrooms: 4   |    Bathrooms: 2   |   Sleeps: 8   |   Neighborhood: Desert Park Estates

Why we like this home: An adobe stucco exterior and sleek, futuristic kitchen give this bungalow an otherworldly feel. Casa Santa Fe’s facade harmonizes with the desert landscape, while the pool and spa area offer privacy and mesmerizing mountain views. The open-concept home provides ample space for families seeking a warm-weather getaway with modern touches. Outdoor dining space and sun-splashed spacious bedrooms make this an incredible option for a winter sabbatical.

Click here to stay at Casa Santa Fe. 

#6 – Heaven or Palm Springs by Open Air Homes

View Heaven or Palm Springs on Airbnb

Bedrooms: 3   |    Bathrooms: 2   |   Sleeps: 6   |   Location: El Mirador, Palm Springs

Why we like this home: Calling all music lovers! Named after the Cocteau Twins’ widely-acclaimed sixth studio album, this home is an artsy paradise that’s sure to inspire. From the extensive hand-selected vinyl collection to the high-fidelity record player, Heaven or Palm Springs is ideal for families seeking a winter getaway with warm weather and cool vibes. The backyard evokes the dreaminess of the desert with a covered picnic table, string lighting, and a relaxing hammock near the pool and spa. Eclectic art pieces, vintage-styled bedrooms, and a galley kitchen with subway tile are just some of the elements that lend this home its fresh energy and hip attitude.

Click here to stay at Heaven or Palm Springs.

#7 – Mojave Stargazer by Open Air Homes

View Mojave Stargazer on Airbnb.

Bedrooms: 3   |    Bathrooms: 2   |   Sleeps: 6   |   Location: Flamingo Heights – Yucca Valley, CA

Why we like this home: Perfect for those with a sense of adventure who seek something off the beaten path, Mojave Stargazer is for anyone who wants to get away from it all. Less than 30 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and Landers, this comfortable 3-bedroom home boasts majestic views and a rare taste of remote California. Decor is warm-toned and textural – fur throws, wicker chairs, and a plush leather couch make for a cozy and inviting space. While rustic in design, this secluded getaway isn’t short on modern conveniences. Lightning-fast wifi, smart appliances, and a dedicated workspace make this home a great fit for families with digital nomads in the mix. When you’re ready to unplug, an outdoor shower, horseshoes, and picnic table await. A large deck and heavenly hammock make it easy to kick back and count shooting stars.

Click here to stay at Mojave Stargazer.

#8 Sunsplash by Open Air Homes

View Sunsplash on Airbnb.

Bedrooms: 4   |    Bathrooms: 2.5   |   Sleeps: 8   |   Located Near: Downtown Palm Springs

Why we like this home: Retro vibes and breathtaking mountain views make Sunsplash an elegant and artful escape for the holidays. Endlessly photogenic from any angle, families will love Sunsplash’s mid-century features and Mad Men-esque style. With every bedroom boasting its own private outdoor seating, this space is sure to please everyone. The large pool deck with a barbecue grill makes for incredible outdoor meals amid lovely mountain vistas. Tucked between downtown Palm Springs and the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, Sunsplash provides adventure, privacy, and excitement in equal measures.

Click here to stay at Sunsplash. 

The Best in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Yucca Valley Area Vacation Rentals

Are you looking for a luxurious short-term or Month+ rental that meets all your needs and accommodates the family?

Look no further than Open Air Homes.

View all available vacation rentals here.

View our top 8 holiday rentals in Los Angeles here.