Bolinas, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bolinas Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bolinas is a tiny, secluded coastal community in Marin County where just 39 active Airbnb listings serve a niche audience drawn to rugged Pacific scenery and off-the-grid charm. Average annual revenue comes in at $71,186 per listing, but with average home values exceeding $3 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is a significant challenge for new investors. Occupancy sits at 30% — well below the 43% California state average — though above-average occupancy stability suggests the demand that does exist is reliable and recurring.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bolinas short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bolinas

Investors look at Bolinas for its scarcity-driven appeal and loyal repeat visitor base in one of California's most exclusive coastal pockets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bolinas presents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited for investors who can absorb the area's premium property prices and accept moderate occupancy levels. Revenue is heavily seasonal — July peaks near $8,327 per month while January dips to roughly $3,977 — so cash-flow planning needs to account for meaningful off-peak softness. The market's small size and coastal scarcity provide a natural moat against oversupply, and the 133% year-over-year listing growth warrants monitoring to ensure demand keeps pace. For buyers targeting larger 3-bedroom properties, the combination of high ADR and stronger relative occupancy makes the math considerably more attractive than smaller units."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bolinas

Average revenue by month in Bolinas

Revenue in Bolinas follows a strong seasonal arc, peaking in July at $8,327 and bottoming out in January at $3,977 — a spread of more than $4,300 between the best and weakest months. Investors should budget for roughly 40–50% lower income during the winter off-season compared to the summer highs.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bolinas

One-bedroom units dominate the 39-listing supply with 16 properties, followed by 10 two-bedroom and just 5 three-bedroom listings. The scarcity of larger homes, combined with their significantly higher revenue, may signal an underserved segment worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bolinas

ADR scales steeply with size in Bolinas: 1-bedrooms average $278, 2-bedrooms $394, and 3-bedrooms command $724 per night. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms nearly doubles the nightly rate, suggesting strong willingness among guests to pay a premium for additional space in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bolinas

RevPAN climbs sharply with property size, from $80 for 1-bedrooms to $105 for 2-bedrooms and $237 for 3-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom properties deliver nearly three times the revenue per available night of the smallest units, making them the standout performers after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bolinas

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across sizes, ranging from 27% for 2-bedrooms to 33% for 3-bedrooms, with 1-bedrooms at 29%. The fact that larger, higher-priced properties maintain the strongest occupancy underscores robust group and family demand in Bolinas.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bolinas

Three-bedroom homes lead monthly revenue at $8,867, more than double the $3,718 earned by 1-bedroom listings and well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $4,574. For investors weighing unit economics, the revenue gap between 2- and 3-bedroom properties is substantial enough to justify the larger configuration where feasible.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bolinas

Annual revenue ranges from $44,624 for 1-bedroom listings to $106,404 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms in between at $54,894. Three-bedroom homes offer the highest absolute return potential, though investors should weigh this against higher acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bolinas

Parking (92%) and kitchens (87%) are near-universal, reflecting both the car-dependent nature of reaching Bolinas and guest expectations for self-catering stays. Outdoor amenities like patios (69%), backyards (64%), and BBQ grills (49%) dominate the mid-tier, while beach access (41%) and pet-friendliness (44%) serve as meaningful differentiators in this nature-oriented market.

Understanding Bolinas's ROI Score: 43/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Bolinas earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 43 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band where strong investor interest and demand are tempered by challenging economics. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag — $71K in annual revenue against $3M+ home values makes yield generation difficult without creative deal sourcing. Above-average occupancy stability is a bright spot, and pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research will help investors determine whether a specific property can pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bolinas

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Bolinas. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Bolinas falls within unincorporated Marin County, California, where short-term rental operators may need to register with the county and obtain any applicable permits. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Marin County Community Development Agency before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA or community association rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs and any local overlay districts is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and Marin County may levy its own rate on stays of fewer than 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both county and state obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Bolinas can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bolinas is likely to maintain its pronounced summer peak, with July and August revenue roughly double what hosts earn in January and February. ADR may see modest upward pressure in the range of 1–3% as the supply of listings — which grew 133% year over year — stabilizes against the area's inherently limited housing stock. Occupancy rates are expected to hover around 28–33%, with any meaningful improvement contingent on broader travel trends toward remote, nature-focused getaways. Investors should treat revenue estimates conservatively given the seasonal concentration of demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bolinas, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bolinas?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bolinas is currently 30%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom homes performing best at 33% and 2-bedroom units at 27%. Despite the lower headline number, Bolinas benefits from above-average occupancy stability, meaning the demand it does attract tends to be consistent rather than erratic.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bolinas?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bolinas earn approximately $5,932 per month and $71,186 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $44,624 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $54,894, and 3-bedroom homes lead at roughly $106,404 per year. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $8,300.

Is Bolinas a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bolinas carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 43 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market's main challenge is its below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values exceed $3 million, making it difficult to generate strong yields relative to acquisition cost. That said, above-average occupancy stability and the area's natural scarcity of listings create a defensible position for investors who can source deals selectively or already own property in the area.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bolinas?

The average daily rate in Bolinas is $456, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR varies considerably by size: 1-bedroom listings average $278 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $394, and 3-bedroom properties command an impressive $724 per night. The premium for larger homes reflects the area's appeal to families and groups seeking a coastal retreat.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bolinas?

Bolinas is located in unincorporated Marin County, California, where short-term rentals are generally permitted but may require registration or a permit from the county. Regulations can change, so prospective hosts should check directly with Marin County's Community Development Agency and review any applicable zoning, HOA, or community rules before operating an STR.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bolinas?

Peak season in Bolinas runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $8,327 and August close behind at $8,284. The shoulder months of September and October remain solid, averaging $6,581 and $6,098 respectively. January and February are the slowest months, with revenue dipping to around $3,977–$4,046.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bolinas?

There are currently 39 active Airbnb listings in Bolinas as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by smaller properties, with 16 one-bedroom listings, 10 two-bedroom listings, and 5 three-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 133%, so the competitive landscape is evolving.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bolinas?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bolinas are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary significantly based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Bolinas market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal authorities before purchasing or operating an STR. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.