From bamboo treehouses to a Bavarian-style castle sitting on its own 20 acres, there are many unique and quirky vacation rentals in the United States to adopt as your temporary home. Whether you’re looking for spacious unique Airbnbs, a vacation home for families, or an eco-friendly VRBO retreat fit for couples, this list of best VRBO and Airbnb properties has got you covered! Keep reading if you’d like to know which have been featured in renowned travel publications and be prepared to start booking your next vacation!
1. A Hill Country Home near Austin, Texas
This is one of the most architecturally impressive vacation rentals in the United States. Its vast limestone and steel architecture is a stylish rendition of a warehouse/barn, with enormous glass windows and walls that effortlessly blend the indoor/outdoor living spaces. The home sleeps up to 10 people with the sleeping quarters separate from each other. There’s also a gourmet stainless-steel kitchen, a dining room and a covered pool which make it an ideal vacation home rental for families. This award-winning house has 17 acres to explore and is close to Austin and San Antonio.
2. Loft in the Clouds, Alaska
This 2,600-square-foot property isn’t your average vacation home rental. The four-bedroom home comfortably sleeps 10 individuals and is situated just 25 minutes from Anchorage. The home is divided into two floors and there is a deck on each level with a gas grill and outdoor dining. These decks offer panoramic views of Cook Inlet and Chugach State Park, and the Master bedroom even has its private terrace! This vacation home to rent has a billiard table, a wet bar, and a 65-inch smart TV, along with two offices with high-speed WiFi.
3. “On the Rocks”, California
This “On the Rocks” vacation home has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller, and for good reason! Its contemporary design, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, opens out onto acres of desert and a rock/boulder pile. Its unbeatable location is just a 10-minute drive from Joshua Tree Village, and there’s an outdoor fire pit, a grill, a patio, and a hot tub – ideal for stargazing. Inside, there are three contemporary bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a living space – all with dessert-inspired décor!
4. Domeland: Off-grid Adobe Dome, Texas
This is probably one of the most unique Airbnbs in the United States, as it’s a remote solar-powered adobe dome near Big Bend National Park. Its location is under a dark sky ordinance, meaning it’s excellent for stargazing, and it’s only 25 minutes from the historic Terlingua Ghost town. Despite being solar-powered, this vacation home has a fully equipped bedroom for two, a stove and oven, a refrigerator, and plugs. It’s recommended that guest bring their own drinking water and must be comfortable using a composting toilet.
5. Waters Edge, Palm Springs
Have you ever dreamed of living like a celebrity? Thanks to this private Palm Springs vacation home, you can. Its Alexander-style, mid-century, modern Meiselman architecture looks as luxurious as most celebrity homes, and its indoor-outdoor design was built to offer guests optimal relaxation. The multi-level pool with steppingstones, outdoor waterfall shower and spa, and outdoor seating area next to a fire pit, only add to its appeal. Its mountain views and proximity to North Palm Springs’ art district are bonuses!
6. Sedona of Rockford, Illinois
The property description claims to take guests ‘to a different time and place’, and it doesn’t disappoint. The exterior is a wonderful Spanish-style villa and beyond its entrance are five patios with quirky fabrics and lots of exotic potted plants. There’s also a fully furnished balcony, a gazebo, a gas fireplace, a bar, and an 1886 outdoor dry Cantina set within a historic stucco building. Inside this vacation home rental, there are three bedrooms with period-style bedding, a breakfast Atrium, and a fully equipped kitchen!
7. The Happy Owl Lakehouse, Texas
This 2,670-square-foot vacation home was made for large groups and families, offering private access to the shores of Canyon Lake. Its sweeping views are home to many activities like cave exploring, boating and day trips like safari tours and ziplining. For those after quiet, Happy Owl Lakehouse will be your oasis. It has waterfront decks and balconies for lounging, an outdoor hot tub, and an indoor/outdoor sound system. Inside, there are three large flatscreen TVs and four bedrooms with black-out blinds.
8. Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Nicknamed “Whales Play”, this waterfront retreat on Hawaii Island is a romantic vacation home rental. From the upper lanai, guests can take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and watch dolphins and whales play – hence the nickname! There’s an infinity pool with beach chairs and a poolside BBQ, and there are also plenty of alfresco dining areas. Hawaii Island offers three stately bedrooms decorated with art and furniture from around the Pacific and boasts views of the ocean, garden, and a waterfall.
9. Big Sky Resort, Montana
If you’re looking for an alpine-inspired lodge surrounded by an endless forest, rolling green hills and valley views, then Big Sky Resort is ideal for you. Situated in Big Sky on Beaver Creek, the resort has 20 acres of land which is great for travellers who like to fish, ski or hike. It has four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms divided over three levels. The property is approximately 4,500 square feet with a wraparound deck, a hot tub, and a fire pit. Inside features a large family room with a card table, dart board and shuffleboard, and a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area. This vacation home requires a seven-night minimum stay!
10. Gregoire Castle, Vermont
Amongst all the vacation rentals in the United States, this is the one to book to fulfil your fairy-tale fantasies. It’s a five-bedroom Bavarian-style castle with 20 acres, within which there is an ice rink, a pond full of rainbow trout, two fountains, and woodland walks! Moreover, there are two bluestone patios with a grill and lounge areas, a custom-built fire pit, and a hot tub. Inside has vaulted ceilings, a bar/games room, Restoration Hardware furnishings, a wine room, and a kitchen with copper fixtures. A little further afield is Lake Willoughby and Willoughby Falls State Park, and some fantastic skiing, hiking, fishing, and golfing activities!
11. The Stika Lighthouse, Alaska
If you’d like to experience a private island, check out the Stika Lighthouse which is situated on a one-acre island and has functioned as an official navigational aid since 1985. Today, guests have access to the entire island, as well as a private water taxi to reach the mainland. This vacation home rental now boasts four levels with two bedrooms, a dining and living room, and on the fourth floor there’s a room with 360-degree views of the island. There’s also a wraparound deck to watch the wildlife!
12. The Bloomhouse by Lodgewell, Texas
With an exterior in the shape of a giant seashell unicorn, the Bloomhouse should be at the top of any young family’s list for vacation rentals in the United States. As the host notes, it’s a piece of artwork with inspiration from Willy Wonka and Big Lebowski and a celebration of ‘all things magical and mystical’ with not a single right angle in sight! The inside has a boho chic aesthetic with spirals and curves that mimic a unicorn. There’s even a whimsical fireplace inside a unicorn’s alicorn! It can accommodate up to four guests – although no children under five – and there’s a fully equipped kitchen and living space.
13. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
This beachfront house is a super luxurious vacation home to rent on Hilton Head Island. Not only does it have ocean views, but also a private heated pool with sun chairs, multiple decks for lounging, a spa, and a two-car garage. It requires a minimum of seven nights’ stay and can sleep up to 14 people in six bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. There’s a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, office space for remote workers, and a large lawn for children to play games.
14. Dreamy Tropical Tree House, Hawaii
Surrounded by a dense jungle is one of the most earthy vacation rentals in the United States as it evokes a truly tropical and paradisical vibe. It’s an off-grid bamboo treehouse built on top of 15-feet stilts, with a hanging bed dangling beneath the living quarters. To reach the bedroom, guests must go through a trapdoor which leads to a wraparound lanai. From here, glass doors reveal a minimalistic, yet elegant bedroom, with 70s-inspired decor and bamboo features. There’s also a bathroom, and a counter stocked with snacks and coffee.