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Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna!

Holiday home in Bolinas with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna!

Property grounds
Views of the ocean from the mushroom's cap.
Al fresco dining in the brand new garden pergola.
Exterior
Sauna interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi
  • Ocean view

Explore the area

View map
Bolinas, CA
  • Place, Bolinas Beach
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Stinson Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Muir Woods National Monument
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪64 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

First floor

1 Single Bunk Bed

Loft

1 Queen Bed

Second floor

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

First floor

Toilet · Shower only

Second floor

Toilet

Third floor

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna!

Welcome to the Mushroom House, a one-of-a-kind coastal escape. Located on the Big Mesa in secluded Bolinas, this rustic visionary structure, built almost 50 years ago, stands boldly, peering down at the Pacific Ocean from its 3-story perch. Just 50 meters from the steep south-facing cliffs that drop down to the rugged beach and a 10 minute walk from nearby Bolinas Beach, the Mushroom House offers expansive views of Duxbury Reef, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas Ridge. Featured in House Beautiful magazine in the 70's as an architectural wonder, the house is truly like no other.

Forget the crowds, traffic and noise of everyday life, just take in the sound of the Pacific Ocean and seaside birds as you slow down to the pace of this magical place.

This 1500 square foot house has three floors. The first two are the mushroom stem. On the first floor, behind a swinging bookshelf, you will find a bunk bed (two beds) and full bathroom with shower. The large bedroom on the second floor has a queen size Necatar bed, 1/2 bathroom, and a beautiful view of the ocean from where you will lay your head. The third floor is the mushroom's cap, featuring a hexagonal, wide-open floor plan that includes a kitchen, living room, and dining area. There is a lovely loft with a queen size Nectar mattress that has pillow views of the ocean and mountain ridge. A full bathroom is right off the living room.

The sleeping arrangement of two queen beds and bunk bed allows for a capacity of 6 occupants. The house is ideal for couples, friends, and families, but there is a spiral staircase between each floor and a ladder to the loft, so convenience and safety should be taken into account when bringing small children or the elderly.

The third floor great room has new wood floors, an 18-foot high ceiling with stained glass at the top, and breathtaking views wherever you look. A sliding glass door leads to the dramatic deck where you can enjoy sunbathing, reading, and al fresco meals. You can also curl up inside and watch a movie on the 65'' LG TV, stay connected if you want through high speed internet, or listen to music on the bluetooth speaker.

On the property grounds you will find a shaded pergola for al-fresco dining, our 6 person cabin sauna with an adjacent outdoor shower (hot water), and friendly critters who we share our space with :) !

The town of Bolinas is an easy half-mile walk from the house, where you will find a quirky little downtown and lovely public beach. Bolinas has a post office (no waiting), a very nice restaurant (The Coast Cafe), a neighborhood bar (Smiley's - they serve burritos now too!) a library, several boutiques, and two grocery stores: The General Store has just about everything you need; The People’s Store, set back from the street, has organic fruits and vegetables and a good dose of Bolinas charm. Check out the Gospel Flat Farmstand on your way into town for the freshest produce that operates 24 hours a day!

The Mushroom House is extremely relaxing and hard to leave, but local activity is too wonderful to ignore. A walk to town and the beach is a must. If you like to hike, don't miss the Palomarin trail to Bass Lake and Alamere Falls, one of the most beautiful and satisfying hikes in the Bay Area. Just 10 minutes away from the house, the trail winds along the coast, heads inland, hits a beautiful swimming lake, then ends back at the beach where a roaring creek tumbles over a steep cliff onto the sand. Road biking, surfing, tide pooling, mountain biking, boogie-boarding, sand-castle building, and many other possibilities await.

The Mushroom House is a gem. It is not new or shiny, but it is warm, homey, comforting, and closely connected to nature's wonders. Migrating whales have been seen from the deck. A pelican carrying a salmon was spotted through the window by a guest doing dishes. The cleansing ocean air graces this special home every day, inside and out. Come experience the simple life.

Note: there is a Ring located next to the front door that monitors the front yard.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
Barbecue

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Stairs between each floor and a ladder to the loft
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Turn OFF all thermostats and heaters
Make sure no water is running
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets are non-negotiable.
No more than 6 guests on the property during a stay (includes outside visitors) due to the recent strain on the septic system.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bolinas

Located in Bolinas, this holiday home is in the mountains and by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Muir Woods National Monument and Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, while Bolinas Museum and Mountain Play Theatre are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Marin Bocce Federation or San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bolinas, CA

What's nearby

  • Bolinas Lagoon Preserve - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Bolinas Beach - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Upton Beach - 12 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Stinson Beach - 12 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 24 min drive - 27.2 km

Getting around

  • San Francisco Station - 83 min drive
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 101 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Parkside Cafe - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Breakers Cafe - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Coast Cafe - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Smiley's Schooner Saloon & Hotel - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Parkside Snack Bar - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Iconic Mushroom House. Ocean Views, Walk to Beach and Sauna! located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Bolinas Museum, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve and Bolinas Beach. Adubon Canyon Ranch and Martin Griffin Preserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 120 out of 123 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 123 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 123 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 123 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 123 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Hannes U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really unique place with lots of charme and beautiful views!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A really cool place and it did seem to create a magical feel for my wife and I. Comfy bed!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maggie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical spot! We would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nick L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the mushroom house

The house is unique and perfect for our family's needs.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect mushroom

This house has everything: nice rooms, great views, mushroom decor, open kitchen. It’s basically perfect. We stayed here as three friends enjoying a quiet weekend together and it was heaven. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Afton T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super cute and great stay!

Beautiful views and interesting floor plan. Such a cute place. Would book again if I’m ever back in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Surya V., Bay Area Ca

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bolinas Mushroom House Family Retreat

The Mushroom House was a great way to spend a few days in one of our family's favorite destinations. Ease of check-in, cleanliness and beauty of the property, and unique style of the home made for the perfect getaway. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate R., brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot!

We had the most wonderful stay! The house is so unique and full of character, with incredible views. We loved exploring town and the house is perfectly located to visit Muir Woods and other nature excursions. We can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elke B., San Jose, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely space

We loved our stay at the Mushroom House! The design is very fun and the top floor with living room and kitchen is a beautiful space to enjoy the ocean view. We hope to return for a future stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Philip C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming honeymoon in the Bolinas mushroom house

My partner and I had a day and a half after our marriage to share a memorable honeymoon experience. This unique stay in Bolinas drew our attention, and we had a great time discovering the house, seeing all the stars in the West Marin sky, running into quail, rabbits and waterfowl. David and Brody were great hosts, providing us all the information we needed to enjoy our stay. Could easily have spent a few more happy days here if we only had the time :-)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

The mushroom house was a fun and unique experience. I highly recommend it. The hosts are very welcoming and communicative.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful mushroom house

Fantastic location and a unique house built with attention to every detail. Great views of the Pacific and Mt. Tamalpais. Well worth the price!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hilda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views!

All four of us were giddy as we climbed the stairs and realized how stunning the views were and how interesting the architecture of the mushroom was. Very comfortable space.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Grace S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mushroom Magic

We had everything we needed; walking on the beach is so restorative; all the plants were in full bloom- gorgeous; the town of Bolinas was a hoot!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simon S., San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

This is our second time staying at the Mushroom House. It was wonderful. Beautiful views of the ocean, great deck, well equipped kitchen, clean, friendly, comfortable and walking distance to the Bolinas beach and to the town of Bolinas. Would recommend it to everyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique house on the edge of the world

We were looking for a unique getaway to somewhere we have never been! This definitely fits the description for the mushroom house. The town of Bolinas had excellent fish and chips and excellent views of the Pacific ocean. Our favorite spot was sitting on the balcony overlooking the ocean and listening to the waves, and just letting the day end slowly. David is an excellent host and communicator. We enjoyed a walk to the quirky downtown and seeing all that Bolinas had to offer. We headed out to Muir Woods one day, and could not have enjoyed that more. The house is really cool with all of the neat features. We even saw deer in the yard!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Susannah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

A quirky but fun 2-bedroom house

The Mushroom House definitely delivers on eccentricity - which makes it absolutely perfect for a weekend in Bolinas! My family of four had fun staying there, and loved the amazing ocean view from the deck. My main critique is that this house does not have 3 bedrooms, despite the way it is titled and classified by VRBO. This IS clear if you read the description of the sleeping arrangements, but still, I wonder why the classification hasn't been corrected. The "3rd bedroom" is actually a loft in the main living area that is about a foot wider and two feet longer than the queen-size mattress it contains, and has no railing (or closet, walls & door, which is what defines a bedroom IMHO). My teenage son convinced me that he could safely sleep up there on our 2nd night by putting his massively heavy school backpack on the open side of the mattress so that he couldn't roll off. My second critique is that the middle floor (which has the master BR) is very dark and does not have a good window opening. It feels very confining. This and the ground floor bunk room are sleep-only spaces, for sure. The host seemed very helpful, and the house is well-situated. The kitchen & main room are well-equipped and inviting. Bolinas is a great, bohemian getaway - we had a great weekend, and rolled with the quirkiness of the place!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Yevgenia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Could not have been better! A++++

I feel a little conflicted writing this review because selfishly, I want The Mushroom House to be our family secret, not become one of those "rare finds" on the travel sites. But it will. This is definitely a rare find. Our family loved the quirky architecture of the house as much as we did being so close to the quiet, secluded beach. Often, with older vacation properties, you compromise comfort for character but in this case, we didn't need to. Everything works. The hot water is hot, the beds are comfortable, the beautiful big kitchen has everything you need to make food - just run into town to get groceries. You could even bake a cake if you wanted to. The three levels are very convenient for a family. We put young kids (7 and 9) in the bottom floor bedroom (hidden behind a bookcase and completely missed on entry! How fun!). Parents took the middle floor with the queen bed and a tiny bathroom rivaling the tiny bathroom at the Guggenheim. And the lucky older kids shared the top floor with its loft, perfect for daydreaming and hiding from your family. We lucked out with perfect weather (much warmer and less windy than we anticipated) and spent half a day at the Bolinas Beach. Then hit the sunset low tide at Agate beach, looking for sea stars. It was wonderful! Our whole family loved The Mushroom House and we hope to come back soon. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The whole family loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

June B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Quirky Gem

Our family just loves staying here. It fit our love of unique and quirky places to stay. Spacious and beautiful!! Great communication with the host!! We will definitely come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

MYRON C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Stay for 60th birthday getaway

We had such an amazing time in Bolinas at the Mushroom House. So inviting and relaxing with a view of the ocean from the deck upstairs!Keep in mind that to go to the living room it is 2 flights up a spiral staircase... the heavy cooler was a bit of a challenge, but SOOOOO worth it!Beds were comfy Sauna and outdoor shower were awesome. And best location we have rented on either Mesa.... We will come back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dale M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cool place, cool area

The mushroom house is a really cool property. Eclectic and fun. Bolinas is a throwback as are the other communities in the area. Would definitely recommend a stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A good spot to stay a few days

The Mushroom House was a great place to stay for a family getaway. Bolinas is a fun little town and the hosts are very nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenna R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Oasis

Amazing, architecturally unique home in an amazing community. We felt right at home and relaxed the moment we stepped inside (ok, maybe after a few awestruck moments of how cool the place is). Beds are comfortable, kitchen is well stocked should you choose to cook and eat there, and really neat outdoor spaces to enjoy the view or the garden.This feels like a vacation home for guests rather than a vacation rental. Truly an amazing experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mushroom house

A wonderful creative space overlooking the ocean. We have stayed twice and hope to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

About the host

Hosted by David and Brody

Host profile image
The Mushroom House is owned and operated by three generations of our family. It is a very special place for all of us and we hope we can share those experiences with you!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests