51 Best Airbnbs in the U.S., From a Floating Florida Tiki Hut to a Luxe Utah Treehouse
If you're planning a cross-country road trip, or have some domestic travel in the books, you're likely considering staying in a vacation rental—so we've taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of the best Airbnbs in the U.S. Ask 100 people what makes an Airbnb “cool” and you’ll get 100 different answers. For some travelers, it’s the novelty of staying in a place they would never otherwise experience—like a houseboat in Oregon or a converted grain silo in Missouri. For others, it boils down to a James Beard-worthy kitchen, an exceptionally well-curated vinyl collection, or hotel-caliber creature comforts like a heavenly bed made up with fine Belgian linens. However you define it, these 51 Airbnbs represent the coolest of American cool—aesthetically, architecturally, and A-plus hospitality. (Every listing featured below is run by a Superhost with a 4.8 rating or higher.) Scroll through to find out which spot in your state made the list—along with helpful tips for what to do in the area when you visit. Without further delay, these are the very best Airbnbs in the U.S.
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Paris Wilson and Alex Erdekian.
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Crane Hill, Alabama
This four-bedroom contemporary log cabin puts a more refined spin on #lakelife Pinterest boards, trading cliché anchors and oars for a neutral color palette and luxurious linens. In addition to its dockside perch on Lake Smith, the wraparound porches, media center with a 60-inch TV, and rec room with a pool table make this a desirable retreat for up to 12 guests. You can even BYO boat.
Insider tip: The Clarkson Covered Bridge in nearby Cullman was built in 1904 and named to the National Register of Historic Places seven decades later. Today it’s surrounded by idyllic hiking trails and picnic spots.
The vibe: Chic western log cabin
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Amenities: A kids room with three bunk beds, a two-level dock with a charcoal grill and a cooler
Best for: A comfy lakeview retreat; sleepover partiesAnchorage, Alaska
Cocooned by centuries-old hemlocks, this three-bedroom house near Chugach State Park has been gut-renovated with an eye toward comfort and design. Observe the many moods of Denali from the living room sofa, watch for moose and bears inside the bubble-windowed outdoor sauna, and revel in the dancing Northern Lights from the expansive deck.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the Smithsonian’s Arctic Studies Center at the Anchorage Museum. Its interactive First Peoples exhibition showcases ethnographic artifacts from every Alaska Native culture—including a waterproof parka sewn from the intestines of sea lions by Unangan women.The vibe: Mountain house with Denali and Mt. McKinley views
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: A deck with an epic view, fully-equipped kitchen, and sprawling backyard
Best for: Hikers visiting Anchorage—it's walking distance from the Glen Alps
Tucson, Arizona
One of Condé Nast Traveler’s all-time favorite Airbnbs, the balconied Agave room at the five-suite Posada by the Joshua Tree House is done up in enviable Sonoran style. Think bohemian rugs, hand-thrown ceramics, and a curvaceous kiva fireplace. The one-bedroom Agave includes a private living room and kitchen, but even communal spaces like the pool and rooftop will steal your heart—and have you mentally redesigning your own house before you even get home.
Insider tip: Posada borders Saguaro National Park, where you can ogle prickly pear shrubs and our country’s mightiest cactuses along the Valley View Overlook Trail. (Just watch out for rattlesnakes!)The vibe: Tangerine desert dream
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Shared facilities like a yoga room, chef's kitchen, dining patio, and living room with a projector and movie nights
Best for: A restorative desert getawayHot Springs, Arkansas
Experience the best in treehouse living in the layered Ouachita Mountains. A corrugated tin roof and swaying porch swing give this cabin a homespun feel, while the cushy leather sofa, all-season fireplace, and king-size bed are pure comfort. A kitchenette and gas grill make it easy to prepare simple meals; the simmering hot tub seals the deal.
Insider tip: Twenty-six miles of forested hiking trails await at Hot Springs National Park, just a five-minute drive from the treehouse’s 27-acre property.The vibe: Adults-only tree house
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Amenities: A hot tub under the stars, keypad check-in, welcome gifts like homemade banana bread
Best for: A couple looking for an intimate hideaway
Pioneertown, California
Sol to Soul’s 10-acre sanctuary in the mystical Mojave Desert is resplendent with stacks of granite boulders and spiny Joshua trees. Unwind in the saltwater hot tub while watching hawks circle overhead, or scribble notes to self about the inspired interior design—a delicate balance of Christian Liaigre furniture and hand-knotted Moroccan textiles.
Insider tip: Schedule a healing sound bath at the Integratron, a 38-foot dome built by a UFO believer who chose its location in Lander for its powerful geomagnetic vortex.The vibe: Futuristic, striking Joshua Tree National Park stay
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: A breezy outdoor shower and salt water hot tub, self check-in, state-of-the-art AC
Best for: Stargazing during Milky Way Season (March-September)Cortez, Colorado
Secreted off a single-lane dirt road, this unique rental gives new meaning to the word glamping. The one-bedroom cliff house is built directly into a sandstone boulder at the edge of Sleeping Ute mountain in McElmo Canyon. The towering rock is the star design element in both the living room and bath. While there is no TV here, you may get lucky and spot a bobcat or mountain lion.
Insider tip: The house is only 40 minutes from Mesa Verde National Park, where you can tour exquisitely preserved ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings dating back to the 1190s.The vibe: Red rock canyon alcove
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: A wild sage garden path with Sleeping Ute Mountain views, dedicated work space with good Wi-Fi but no TV, and high-tech sound system
Best for: An artist or writer fleeing distractions and seeking inspiration
Essex, Connecticut
Attention home cooks: The owners of this two-bedroom, post-and-beam barn trained as chefs, so the kitchen is set up with everything you’d ever need to prepare a memorable meal. (Even a waffle maker.) Bellies full, relax with a good book or board game in front of the roaring fireplace.
Insider tip: Superhost Renee raves about the “out-of-this-world” scoops at Honeycone Craft Ice Cream in Chester. Seasonal small-batch flavors include sweet corn blueberry and honey-roasted fig.The vibe: Renovated barn with the works
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Hair and body products by Meraki; organic tea and locally roasted coffee; all-star kitchen; work space with a monitor, writer's desk, and closing doors
Best for: Getting out of the city, working remotely, or throwing a micro wedding (inquiries accepted)Lewes, Delaware
The beamed ceilings in the bedroom date back to the 1700s, but everything else in this historic apartment was recently renovated. Previous guests applaud the super-thick towels, interesting titles tucked into the bookshelf under the stairwell, and prime location—mere steps from the bustle of Main Street.
Insider tip: Pedal the 3.2-mile Gordons Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park for a mini tour of coastal dunes, forest, and wetlands. (Bikes are available for free at the Seaside Nature Center.)The vibe: Small town charmer
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: A bookcase under the stairs, self check-in, and in-unit laundry
Best for: Strolling a quaint Delaware beach town with your love
Key West, Florida
The only way to access this floating tiki paradise is to hire a local marine shuttle. Once you’re there, it provides an overwater glamping experience like no other. The generator-powered, thatched-roof hut has breezy vaulted ceilings, Brazilian hardwood flooring, and French doors that open right onto the ocean. Guests have access to paddleboards and snorkeling gear, which you can use to spot dolphins, sting rays, starfish, and manatees.
Insider tip: Book months in advance if you plan to take the Yankee Freedom ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s the most affordable way to get there but only makes one round-trip voyage a day, with a max capacity of 175 passengers.The vibe: Overwater bungalow
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Amenities: Parking on the premises, Yeti cooler, Keurig with cream and sugar
Best for: Honeymooners who love the water- Courtesy Airbnb
Atlanta, Georgia
This special stay gives guests a taste of nature without requiring them to leave the city borders. The treehouse shares some amenities—hot tub, a barbecue grill, gardens, outdoor shower, and a sizable koi pond—with the five other tiny houses on the compound. If you want to really splash out with a group, you can book the whole plot.
Insider tip: Guests can inquire about private chef services, mixology classes, and on-site massages to level up their stays.The vibe: Treehouse in 400-year-old oak
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Treehouse with AC, heat, and Wi-Fi; pond and garden; composting toilet
Best for: Elopements, unique experiences, and all kinds of romance
- Courtesy Airbnb
Volcano, Hawaii
The greatest draw at this architecturally stunning property is the private lanai, decked out with slatted wood loungers, a Japanese soaking tub, and a sleek gas fire pit. The Scandinavian-inspired interior is no less marvelous, with 14-foot windows framing the Big Island’s lush tropical foliage.
Insider tip: The rental is five minutes from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike two of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kīlauea and Mauna Loa)—and even glimpse a live eruption.The vibe: A-list A-frame cabin
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Fluffy towels, switch-operated fire pit, floor-to-ceiling windows, modern flatscreen and sound system
Best for: Volcano chasers Boise, Idaho
This rental is one hot potato—literally. The giant spud, recycled from the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour, is now plopped on 400 acres of farmland and can fit up to two travelers in its windowless, whitewashed interior. Tater fixins include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, indoor fireplace, antler chandelier, and a detached silo turned outdoor spa.
Insider tip: Boise is a bastion for Basque culture, and there’s no better place to learn why than at The Basque Museum and Cultural Center, followed by authentic pintxos at The Basque Market.The vibe: Tiny house inside a 6-ton potato
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Record player, mini fridge, on-site Jersey cow
Best for: A solo traveler who doesn't take life too seriously
Chicago, Illinois
It’s hard to decide what makes this three-bedroom penthouse loft in Fulton Market cooler—the exposed brick and beams that give it its edge or the delicate pottery and distressed leather butterfly chairs that soften that raw industrial feel? We’re going with all of the above.
Insider tip: Reserve early if you want to nab a table at Alla Vita, one of the West Loop’s most in-demand tables thanks to Chef Lee Wolen’s stellar lineup of fresh-made pastas.The vibe: Penthouse loft
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Smart TV with Roku, fully-equipped kitchen that seats six, 7-foot tall windows, hair dryer, clothes iron, in-unit laundry
Best for: A large friend group looking to explore the Windy City- Courtesy Airbnb
Bloomington, Indiana
Looking at this bedroom, you'd never guess it's inside a renovated church originally built in 1872. But this studio—best for a couple or solo traveler, as there's just one bed and essentially no walls outside of the bathroom—is just that, with some of the original church pews and other furniture still inside. You'll be on the outskirts of Bloomington, home to Indiana University, and not far from Cincinnati, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Insider tip: The location is a short walk from the entrance to the Fairfax State Recreation Area and Lake Monroe, which has a beach, boat ramp, and picnic areas.The vibe: Church-turned-studio
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Dedicated workspace, self check-in, board games, books, video game console
Best for: Couple or solo travelers (long-term stays allowed)
Des Moines, Iowa
This slate gray home with a half-moon window and witch’s hat roof will stop you in your tracks. Other design features on the three-bedroom haunt include a double-sided fireplace, waterfall bar with granite countertops and concrete backsplash, and the fenced-in yard with relaxing patio space.
Insider tip: Stroll the grounds at the 4.4-acre Pappajohn Sculpture Park, featuring enormous artwork by Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, Olafur Eliasson, and Ai Weiwei.The vibe: Unique, witchy three-bedroom
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Enclosed porch, games, a double vanity for getting ready, washer and dryer
Best for: A taste of the midwestWichita, Kansas
Design firm Indigo Moon Homes staged this one-bedroom house with plenty of boho flair, as evidenced by the earthy jute rugs, shapely rattan chairs, and handwoven wall baskets. The rental is walkable to bars and restaurants in College Hill, and just two blocks from the free Q-Line trolley.
Insider tip: Head to the Ulrich Museum of Art for an incredible photo op with Personnages Oiseaux, the only large-scale glass mosaic ever created by Catalan artist Joan Miró.The vibe: Hip one-bedroom in College Hill
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: A pair of electric guitars, Smart TV with Netflix and Hulu, street parking
Best for: Barhopping with your cousin who attends Witchita State
Louisville, Kentucky
An Instagram-ready makeover breathed new life into this 1974 Airstream Sovereign Land Yacht. The 31-foot camper sleeps up to six guests and features reclaimed wood floors, concrete countertops, and a private toilet (the shower is shared). Stationed near Buechel Beach at Progress Park, guests can spend their days swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and roasting s’mores by the fire pit.
Insider tip: The Speed Art Museum hosts some of the South’s most fascinating exhibitions—like the current show, “Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art,” and the upcoming exhibition “Codeswitch,” a survey of Sanford Biggers’ textile works inspired by African American quilters.The vibe: Reimagined Airstream
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Trundle beds to squeeze in friends or kids, Wi-Fi (really), AC (yes,really), coffee maker, microwave, burner, fridge freezer, Smart TV, hammock, picnic table
Best for: Romantic beachside glampingNew Orleans, Louisiana
The Mazant, a Bywater mansion dating to the 1880s, invites you and up to 15 of your companions to play croquet in its manicured gardens, splash in the heated pool, sip Sazeracs on a gallery porch flickering with gas lanterns, or do your best Elton John impression on an upright Baldwin piano topped with a taxidermy gator. Do note its many historic details too, from the Cypress doors to the soaring 13-foot ceilings with plaster medallions.
Insider tip: Lock in a self-guided tour of Studio BE, a 35,000-square-foot Bywater warehouse showcasing the colorful large-scale murals of local artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums.The vibe: 5,000-square-foot Louisiana mansion
Bed & bath: 8 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
Amenities: Baldwin upright-piano, 18-seat dining room, heated pool and spa, clawfoot tub
Best for: A grandiose milestone celebration or splashy bachelorette party
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
With its antique metal bed frames, brick-floored kitchen, outdoor showers, and light-flooded yoga balcony, this two-bedroom country cottage could charm even the hardest of city dwellers. What a dream to sip your morning coffee on the porch while watching deer nibble apples in the distance.
Insider tip: Superhost Suzie’s favorite spot for lobster and fried clams is Five Islands Lobster Co. in Georgetown near Reid State Park. Go during the mid-afternoon to avoid the lunch and dinner rush.The vibe: Cottage-core
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Refreshing outdoor shower, lavender garden, solar power, outdoor seating, grill, washer/dryer
Best for: A New England girls' trip fit for decompressingSherwood, Maryland
If it’s a big family bash you’re throwing, this 12,000-square-foot mansion set on 30 private acres delivers. It has eight bedrooms accommodating up to 12 guests, a heated swimming pool, billiards and Ping Pong tables, a fitness room, kids toys, and an epic outdoor playground, plus a brand-new 160-foot pier for cannonballing straight into the Chesapeake.
Insider tip: Charter skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark from nearby Tilghman Island. Captain Wade H. Murphy can take up to 49 passengers and invites interested parties to help raise the sails and steer.The vibe: American castle
Bed & bath: 8 bedrooms, 11 baths
Amenities: Elevator, on-site pier, playground, a manicured waterfront with stately Adirondack chairs
Best for: Family reunions
West Stockbridge, Massachusetts
This might be the design-iest house in the Berkshires. If you don’t immediately fall in love with the millennial pink living room, you’ll be bowled over by the enormous chef’s kitchen, clawfoot bathtubs, and original slate fireplaces. With six bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests, it’s a superb pick for a stylish family reunion.
Insider tip: Stroll the wooded grounds at TurnPark Art Space, a 16-acre marble quarry transformed into a sculpture garden to display the works of Russian artist Nikolay Silis.The vibe: Historic manor with of-the-moment interiors
Bed & bath: 6 bedrooms, 4 baths
Amenities: Side porch, self check-in, washer/dryer, fire pit, large backyard
Best for: A family getaway to the BerkshiresDetroit, Michigan
When it comes to Detroit’s Core City neighborhood, the prefab metal caterpillar dome stands alone. The raw, plywood-heavy interior with 24-foot ceilings incorporates many locally found objects. In addition to all-new kitchen appliances, other thoughtful flourishes include handmade ceramics, a French press, Aesop hand soap, live greenery, and a groovy collection of Motown vinyl.
Insider tip: Browse the excellent selection of African American history books at John K. King Used and Rare Books, a glove factory turned four-floor bookstore with more than a million titles in stock.The vibe: Inventive one-bed made of metal
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: 24-foot ceilings, fully-equipped kitchen with a 7-piece pot set and cookbook collection, vinyl record player
Best for: Solo creatives passing through
Grand Marais, Minnesota
You can’t beat the smack-on-Lake Superior location of this cozy one-bedroom cabin built from locally and sustainably logged white pine timber. Couples and small families can watch for shooting stars through the lofted sky-lit bedroom, hunt for agate on a nearby pebble beach, or detox in the newly built cedar-paneled sauna (available from November through March).
Insider tip: Take a class at the renowned North House Folk School, which offers immersive courses in everything from blacksmithing and bread baking to basket weaving and yurt building.The vibe: Lake Superior cabin surrounded by Northwoods evergreens
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Cedar panel sauna with a wood-burning stove; vegetable garden; stargazing skylight with a ship ladder; Apple TV; kitchen with barstools and tons of appliances
Best for: A dreamy all-American honeymoonLaurel, Mississippi
Fans of HGTV’s Home Town will fall hard for this sweet-as-can-be cottage, built in 1907 and recently treated to a grand makeover. The bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry are private; amenities shared with a sister property include the swimming pool, cabana, and jungle gym.
Insider tip: Pop by Laurel Mercantile Co., the something-for-everyone boutique that Superhost Mallorie co-owns with Home Town co-hosts Erin and Ben Napier.The vibe: Verdant, leafy cottage
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Shared pool, cabana, and backyard with sister property (which can be booked for added space); sunscreen and beach towels; air mattress, high chair and crib available
Best for: A family looking to escape the city and enjoy a yard
Bonne Terre, Missouri
If you’ve never slept in a grain silo, you’re missing out. This double-decker lakefront conversion goes hard on the farmhouse-chic aesthetic, complete with porch swings and a stylishly rusty clawfoot bathtub. The two-bedroom rental is set on five private acres, which guests are welcome to explore on foot or bicycle.
Insider tip: Go scuba diving at Bonne Terre Mine, the world’s largest man-made caverns. There are more than 20 freshwater dive trails to explore here—averaging 50 feet in depth with more than 100 feet of crystal-clear visibility.The vibe: Repurposed farm silo
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Amenities: Waterfront (on a pond where you can fish), double-decker porch with sunset views, central AC, swing set
Best for: Unwinding in a unique spaceWhitefish, Montana
Scandinavian minimalism informs the subdued interior of this three-bedroom ski chalet, which is everything you could ever want in a rental (minus the clutter). Your to-do list after hitting the slopes: Warm your mitts by the orb-like hanging fireplace, luxuriate in a soaking tub with breathtaking views of snow-covered branches, then cook up something hearty in the gourmet kitchen.
Insider tip: Mosey up to the tasting room bar at Spotted Bear Spirits and order a cocktail fashioned with house-made vodka, gin, agave, limoncello, or coffee liqueur.The vibe: Forested ski chalet at the base of a mountain
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Amenities: Top-notch kitchen with prep space, dining room that seats six, floating fireplace, cozy TV loft with Sonos sound system
Best for: A family of ski bums
Omaha, Nebraska
With its brightly patterned rug and wall of eye-catching art, this one-bedroom industrial loft in Omaha’s historic Blackstone district oozes character. Superhost Maddie lays out a complimentary breakfast bar—and there’s no better spot to enjoy it than on the private backyard patio.
Insider tip: The Joslyn Art Museum, opened in 1931, is a must-see for admirers of Art Deco architecture and anyone interested in 19th- and 20th-century American and European fine art.The vibe: Tiny, artsy industrial loft
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Garden, mini fridge and freezer, Bluetooth speakers
Best for: Omaha on businessIntervale, New Hampshire
This three-bedroom, pet-friendly chalet is a poster child for homey mountain vibes. The rustic lodge with orange storybook trim has sweeping views of the White Mountains. Inside you’ll find vaulted ceilings, a brick fireplace, macramé wall hangings, and enough game room diversions (foosball, darts) to keep the whole brood entertained. Note: All-wheel drive vehicles are recommended in winter.
Insider tip: Hike the 1.3-mile out-and-back trail to Diana’s Baths in North Conway. The falls cascade from 75 feet up and are swimmable in summertime.The vibe: Rustic, bohemian dwelling
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Breakfast bar, reading nook, pull-out sofa, foosball, parking
Best for: Low maintenance ski trip lodging
Lambertville, New Jersey
Architectural buffs and Mad Men obsessives alike will find plenty to love in this three-bedroom mid-century modern house. Highlights include wall-to-wall windows, a sunken living room with an abstract hanging mobile, extensive record collection, and, of course, that distinctive wavy roofline.
Insider tip: The artsy village of New Hope, Pennsylvania, is just across the Delaware River—and a lovely spot to gallery hop, go antiquing, or catch a show at the Bucks County Playhouse.The vibe: Mid-century home with an out-of-this-world wavy roof
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Pets allowed, central AC, dedicated workspace, parking, Netflix
Best for: Design lovers in town for a wedding- Courtesy Airbnb
El Prado, New Mexico
With knockout views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this off-grid marvel feels completely isolated—yet sits just 20 minutes from Taos’ best ski runs. The two-bedroom, two-bath home runs on rainwater and solar power but is fully equipped to entertain up to six guests with a 55-inch smart TV, Bluetooth sound system, and strong, reliable Wi-Fi.
Insider tip: The 310,528-acre Rio Grande del Norte National Monument offers hiking trails for every experience level, from easy La Vista Verde to the primitive and steep Picuris trek.The vibe: Vanguard take on a Taos House
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Solar power, stocked kitchen, multi-use dining room/ping pong table, TVs with Roku in both bedrooms
Best for: A mental reset
- Courtesy Airbnb
Woodstock, New York
The three-bedroom family estate of late social realist painter Reginald March overlooks a rolling meadow and still-life pond—all of which can be appreciated without stepping outside thanks to the property’s generous picture windows. Concrete floors and designer lighting add another layer of poetic drama.
Insider tip: Immerse yourself in the teachings of Gyalwang Karmapa at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, a revered Tibetan Buddhist monastery and clerical retreat open to the public.The vibe: Gatsby-esque
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Amenities: Immaculate grounds with a garden and waterfall, self check-in, fully equipped kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, children's gear (high chair, baby bath, baby plates)
Best for: New Yorkers wanting to escape busy city life - Courtesy Airbnb
Swannanoa, North Carolina
With so many hand-built features (a hanging swing, snug tea loft, and Richard Serra–esque outdoor bathtub among them), you’ll hardly notice the diminutive size of this tiny house. Though it’s tempting to just hole up in the woods, the rental is conveniently located for exploring both the Blue Ridge Parkway and downtown Asheville.
Insider tip: Swing by Seven Sisters Gallery in the neighboring town of Black Mountain for the region’s best selection of locally made pottery, jewelry, and small-batch apothecary goods.The vibe: Design-forward forest nook built by hand
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Breakfast bar, self check-in, free parking, shampoo
Best for: A Blue Ridge Mountains escape
Bismarck, North Dakota
Black and white with pops of greenery is the name of the game at this modern two-bedroom abode. The four-season sunroom has a daybed and swinging hammock and the fenced-in patio is equipped with a firepit—making this home the ideal place to chill after exploring downtown Bismarck on foot.
Insider tip: See the world’s largest giant squid fossil—along with a T. rex skeleton and Mars spacesuit—at the kid-friendly North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum.The vibe: Fashionable home in downtown Bismarck
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Amenities: Central AC, books for your entertainment, free parking
Best for: A walkable, convenient stayLogan, Ohio
Who knew a shipping container could look so chic? This tiny home—one of several set on 30 wooded acres in Hocking Hills—comes with a full kitchen and motorized glass garage door that opens onto a covered patio with a swinging bed, hot tub, and barbecue grill.
Insider tip: For a good dose of natural beauty, hike the challenging six-mile Grandma Gatewood Trail from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave, passing gorge overlooks and gushing waterfalls en route.The vibe: Shipping container-turned-tiny home
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Outdoor swing bed, gas fireplace, Youtube TV
Best for: Calming energy
Edmond, Oklahoma
The polished monochromatic interior and creative furnishings in this three-bedroom house help it stand out from the competition. Read a book in the hanging swing, grill steaks on the fenced-in patio, or simply enjoy everything within walking distance—including two parks and myriad shops and restaurants.
Insider tip: Catch a live concert at the University of Oklahoma Jazz Lab, which serves pizza and craft beer while hosting jazz ensembles, blues artists, and country music acts.The vibe: A dashing black and mahogany home
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Amenities: Remote controlled Tempur-Pedic bed; TV with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu
Best for: Those coming back to explore after graduationPortland, Oregon
Convinced most houseboats are damp and cramped? Come aboard the good ship at Tomahawk Island marina for a change of heart. Well suited for a couple or solo traveler, the light-filled floating studio at Hayden Island features an upgraded kitchenette, twin kayaks, and a porch for basking in its stellar views of the Columbia River.
Insider tip: Superhost Kathryn swears Swift and Union in North Portland makes the city’s best burger. The signature stack is topped with bacon jam and buttermilk blue cheese and served on a brioche bun.The vibe: Tomahawk Island houseboat
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Pets allowed, toiletries, AC, heating, patio, parking
Best for: A romantic weekend adventure
Cresco, Pennsylvania
Guests go ga-ga for the stained glass windows, babbling stream, and other fun surprises at this roomy Poconos hideaway. The one-bedroom A-frame is intended for couples; romantic touches include pondside Adirondack chairs and a wood-burning stove. Note: The property has no Wi-Fi and limited cell reception, so only book if you’re truly ready to unplug.
Insider tip: Explore the Poconos on horseback with a trail guide from Mountain Creek Riding Stable, a local outfitter with 20 years of experience.The vibe: Forest cabin for two
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: AC, parking, kitchen basics, chairs near the pond
Best for: Running away from it all with the love of your lifeVillalba, Puerto Rico
Just over a half hour from Ponce, this one-bedroom rental embodies the best of indoor-outdoor living. Fry up some tostones in the partially covered outdoor kitchen, bathe in an alfresco shower or twin tubs, take a dip in the private heated hot tub, or laze the day away in a suspended hammock. Wherever you venture, arresting mountain views will follow.
Insider tip: Check out the impressive Chorro de Doña Juana, a triple-shoot waterfall with a natural pool at its base.The vibe: Authentic, local getaway
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: Outdoor kitchen, AC, hammock, mini fridge, spectacular views
Best for: A unique glamping experience
Westerly, Rhode Island
The most noteworthy feature in this two-bedroom cape house is its minimalist art collection. Or is it the vintage writing desk and Underwood typewriter? Perhaps the outdoor shower with onsen-style towels? Or maybe the soft-top surfboards, available to guests upon request? Whatever lures you in, the forest-bordering property, situated less than a mile from the ocean, will leave you smitten.
Insider tip: Learn why it’s so important to protect apex predators at the Living Sharks Museum, the first shark history and conservation museum in the United States.The vibe: True New England cape
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Espresso machine, Bluetooth speakers, wood-burning fireplace, typewriter
Best for: Travelers who are happier by the seaFolly Beach, South Carolina
Two blocks from the beach, this newly built five-bedroom getaway beckons families and friend groups with its swimming pool and airy open floor plan. Gather up for sunset cocktails on the partially screened verandah or for movie night in the vast living room. The 65-inch TV and professional sound bar make any screening feel like an event.
Insider tip: Sign up for private, semi-private, or group surfing lessons at the top-rated Isla Surf School in Charleston—or just rent boards and wetsuits if you already know what you’re doing.The vibe: Brand new home with Sunset Cay Marina views
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
Amenities: Wraparound porch, screened porch with six-person dining table and grill, heated pool, bath amenities, local coffee
Best for: Entertaining kids during the summer
Rapid City, South Dakota
Once you park yourself under the pergola and around the gas firepit at this three-bedroom house, you and the crew may never want to pack it up. The quaintly restored 1917 cottage fits up to eight guests, including four in a kid-friendly loft. Steam showers and heated floors in the bathrooms offer an extra hygge touch come winter. Notably, the Skyline Wilderness Area Park with its robust network of trails spanning 150 acres is just five blocks from the house.
Insider tip: Check out the candy-colored seed bead library and lovingly curated Indigenous art gallery at the Prairie Edge & Sioux Trading Post in downtown Rapid City.The vibe: Luminous suburban cottage
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Amenities: Private backyard with patio and firepit, indoor fireplace, games, and puzzles
Best for: Hiking and biking the nearby trailsMaryville, Tennessee
Platform 1346 was born in 1943, serving first as a kitchen car for U.S. troops during World War II and later as a communications center for the Cold War. Today it’s a one-of-a-kind guesthouse with period-specific shiplap and cabinetry, as well as original details like upper mounting racks and plank wood flooring still intact.
Insider tip: Venture out to family-run Blue Goose Vineyards and tip back a glass of Appalachian muscadine while taking in views of the Great Smoky Mountains.The vibe: A converted World War II train car
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Amenities: Gazebo, firepit, free parking, full kitchen
Best for: History geeks
Leander, Texas
Here’s another unusual rental to check off your list: the geodesic home. Kitschy as the 1970s kit-built exterior may look, this five-bedroom geodome is stuffed with modern amenities like soaking tubs and high-end appliances. Mid-century modern furnishings and a smart art collection add the perfect finishing touch, while the wraparound deck and observation library tower capture 360 degrees of the surrounding treetops and beautiful Lake Travis.
Insider tip: Tweens/teens driving you up a wall? Challenge them to a relay race on the 600-foot floating obstacle course at Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures. Or just kick back on a chaise lounger and watch them tackle it.The vibe: Spacious geodome near Lake Travis
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths
Amenities: Lofted library, six parking spots, full kitchen with cooking basics and coffee makers, two smart TVs, wraparound deck with treetop views
Best for: Creatives in the area for South By- Courtesy Airbnb
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
With its cliffside swimming pool, fine Belgian linens, and well-outfitted kitchen, this three-bedroom villa in Cruz Bay is nothing if not epic. Designed by David Moser of storied furniture brand Thos. Moser, the elegant house sports vaulted wood ceilings and custom stonework—plus no shortage of outdoor decks for taking in the dazzling sea view.
Insider tip: The house sits 15 minutes from Virgin Islands National Park, a 7,000-acre preserve with pristine beaches and kaleidoscopic coral reefs.The vibe: Capacious luxury villa
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Amenities: Multiple patios, multiple sleeper sofas, outdoor shower off the primary bedroom, cliffside lap pool with its own TV and speakers
Best for: Feeling like you own a resort
Park City, Utah
This one-bedroom rental is surrounded by the spectacular Uinta Mountains, but it’s the 200-year-old fir tree growing straight through the bedroom floor that really enchants guests. A kitchenette, sizable porch, and marine-style half bath round out the offerings at the treehouse, which sits at a remote 8,000 feet of elevation. Note: Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles are required year-round, including snow tires and chains in winter and mud seasons.
Insider tip: Drive the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway in summertime to experience fields of wildflowers; go in fall to see the slender aspen trees turn radiant shades of crimson and gold.The vibe: Chic dreamlike treehouse
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, half bath
Amenities: Large private deck, dedicated work space, apartment-style kitchen, Lululemon yoga mats
Best for: A weekend of wellnessStowe, Vermont
Less than two miles from downtown Stowe, this remodeled A-frame has three spacious bedrooms and impeccable design (whitewashed timber, herringbone tile, cognac leather armchairs). The outdoor hot tub fits six guests, with a barbecue grill close by to keep everyone well-fed.
Insider tip: Get your skiing and snowboarding fix at Stowe Mountain Resort, then drop by the buzzy Matterhorn bar for a curious après-ski scene featuring sushi, pool, and live music.The vibe: Bright, airy A-frame
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Amenities: Abundant healthy plants, real fireplace, 50" TV with a soundbar
Best for: Getting your friends together
Appomattox, Virginia
Behold the sweetest little cabin in the woods, on a bluff overlooking the burbling Appomattox River. The one-bedroom, red-roofed house was built in the 1800s but boasts plenty of modern touches: Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, even a dishwasher. Surrounded by 50 acres of private land, you might not see or hear another soul for days. Even cooler—it’s pet-friendly.
Insider tip: Rent a bicycle from The Outdoor Adventure Store in Farmville to pedal the High Bridge Trail, a 31-mile converted “rail trail” lofted 125 feet above the Appomattox.The vibe: Storybook log cabin
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Amenities: HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Netflix; free parking; pets allowed; AC; firepit; long-term stays allowed (there's also clothing storage)
Best for: Pretending to be a princessSeattle, Washington
The immaculate interior of this sleek two-bedroom rental stands in stark contrast to the blue-hued mountains and bay that surround it. About 300 feet from Alki Beach, the house is minimalist and modern but doesn’t skimp on amenities. Selling points include a chef-grade kitchen with quartz countertops and Italian cabinetry, a magnificent soaking tub/spa shower, and handy binoculars for observing orcas, seals, and eagles.
Insider tip: Pick up a brown sugar pecan brioche at Bakery Nouveau, a beloved local bakeshop in nearby West Seattle Junction.The vibe: Sleek, classy rental
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Amenities: Beach access, self check-in, fully stocked bathroom
Best for: Those looking to catch the perfect sunset
Baker, West Virginia
The highlight of this one-bedroom tiny house is the dry sauna, roosting on a deck with panoramic views of the misty Appalachian Mountains. French doors and a skylight make the 10 by 34 foot home feel surprisingly spacious. Other perks include a lofted game lounge, Nespresso machine, firepit, and washer-dryer.
Insider tip: Shop for locally made soaps, candles, pottery, stained glass, and fiber works at the Lost River Artists Marketplace.The vibe: Mini spa retreat
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Amenities: Bath essentials, washer/dryer, kitchen basics, sectional couch, 4K smart TV, and Wi-Fi
Best for: Finding peace in the mountainsTwo Rivers, Wisconsin
Live out your architectural fantasies by booking a stay at Still Bend, the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Bernard Schwartz House featured in a 1938 issue of Life magazine. A mile from Lake Michigan, the four-bedroom estate is dressed to the nines in red brick and tidewater Cypress. The living room measures a gobsmacking 63 feet long—and yes, you’re welcome to borrow a book from the time-capsule library.
Insider tip: For another vintage experience, settle in for a roasted chicken dinner and brandy-fueled Wisconsin Old Fashioned at Machut’s Supper Club, a classic since 1961.The vibe: A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Amenities: Bird feeders and garden, private dock on the water, lawn games, full kitchen with spices on spices
Best for: Architecture admirers, FLW devotees
- Courtesy Airbnb
Teton Village, Wyoming
The four-bedroom cabin, less than a mile from Grand Teton National Park, fits up to 12 travelers, including a handful of little ones in a dedicated bunk room. Spend your mornings hitting the slopes and afternoons relaxing your muscles in the bubbling hot tub or around the stately stacked stone fireplace. Other luxe amenities include walk-in showers and a pro-grade chef’s range in the kitchen.
Insider tip: From mid-December through early April, register for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the feeding grounds of thousands of elk at the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole.The vibe: Glam cabin decorated by design influencer
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Amenities: Laundry room, two-car garage, mountain views, deck, hot tub
Best for: A ski-filled sabbatical
