Unique vacation rentals: Cool getaway homes in every state

What makes for the perfect vacation? It depends on who you ask, of course. Some people love the beach, while others love to visit cities and enjoy their cultural offerings. Others view time away as an opportunity to live a different life altogether.

Let’s take a look at unique vacation rentals across the country so you can find the getaway home of your dreams – whether that’s a treehouse, a rustic cabin with a hammock and no Wi-Fi, or a hobbit house straight out of a fairy tale of your own making.

How to find a unique vacation rental

If you’re open to different possibilities for your next travel adventure, finding a unique vacation destination shouldn’t be difficult. Simply do a Google search for unique vacation rentals in the area you want to explore. Be sure to specify any features you desire in a rental (for example a hot tub, fire pit, large living room, etc.).

Some of the most unique vacation rentals are homes turned into an Airbnb, which is a house that the homeowner often rents out to guests. This type of homeowner is known as an absentee owner. Thanks to the growth of the vacation rental business in recent years, you can likely find unique homes for rent wherever you want to go.

Cool vacation rentals in America

State by state, let’s check out the most unique vacation rentals across the country. Take a look and plan your next big getaway.

Alabama

Lake Shore Cabin: This unique Airbnb located in Guntersville features striking wood finish, scenic views of the lake and recycled tree stumps that serve as column posts. $179/night.

The Glass House: Witness stunning views of the lake in Bremen from this architectural wonder that features wraparound glass walls. $1,400/night.

Alaska

Orca Island Cabin (Yurt): The outdoor lover will enjoy this eco-friendly yurt, complete with a round-trip water taxi excursion, surrounded by natural snow-capped mountain views. Located in Seward, this venue is perfect for a couple or solo traveler wanting to get off the grid. $850/night.

Arizona

Walk to Downtown Scottsdale: This fun getaway in Scottsdale comes with a heated pool, miniature putting green and an outdoor fireplace. $308/night.

Scenic View of Sedona Mountains: Floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound deck show off Arizona’s famed red rocks. The property has apple, peach, plum and fig trees. $450/night (Vrbo).

Arkansas

1930s Treehouse Cabin: This quaint, renovated 1930s cabin located in Eureka Springs has large decks and overlooks Lake Lucerne. The cabin is surrounded by beautiful natural forest, but it’s only 2 miles from downtown dining and shopping. $164/night.

California

Hollywood Hills Midcentury Home with City Views: Want to live like a Hollywood star for a week? This vacation home will help you (and your wallet) really feel like it. $1,295/night.

Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway: Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience in Topanga Canyon located in Los Angeles County. Create a magical trip with your partner by sleeping in a fully furnished tepee and witness a psychedelic light show while bathing in the hot tub. $198/night.

Colorado

Unaweep Yurt at Thimble Rock: This fully furnished yurt located in Gateway hosts breathtaking views of the canyon. Escape the stress by immersing yourself in the natural landscape and wildlife. $195/night.

Connecticut

The Windy Top Cottage: This quaint cottage located in the mountains of Connecticut offers a quiet and relaxing experience in a secluded area. Amenities include fresh bedding, bathrobes, a fully stocked linen closet, artistic furnishings and a large fireplace. $137/night.

Delaware

This Tiny House in Ocean View packs a proverbial punch. Located on an organic farm, the house creates a unique experience for guests and customers with its farm-to-table dining. $119/night.

Florida

Historic Architecturally Distinct Apartment: A majestically designed home within Winter Park, this property features striking architecture and is located near gourmet restaurants and high-end retail shopping. $225/night.

Villa Near Disney Resort, Universal Studios and SeaWorld: Vacationing families can enjoy Disney-inspired decor featuring rooms designed with “Frozen” and Mickey Mouse in mind. It’s complete with a game room and access to the pool. $470/night, but higher prices are common.

Georgia

This famous Intown Treehouse is a fairy-tale haven near Atlanta. This treehouse has been featured in multiple magazines and media publications, and it’s one of Airbnb’s “most wish-listed properties in the world.” $389/night.

Hawaii

Ocean View Near Waikiki Beach: Close to everything you could hope for, this ocean view studio lives up to its name and is within walking distance of central downtown, Waikiki Beach and shopping. Enjoy breathtaking views of the skyline while lounging outside. $173/night.

Idaho

Boise Romantic Downtown Getaway: Enjoy a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind with this cute downtown getaway. Relax and soak in the clawfoot vintage tub. $102/night.

Illinois

Unique Artist’s Loft in the middle of downtown Chicago: Lounge while drinking coffee surrounded by a blooming rooftop garden. Take in the working art made by the owner, a local artist. $100/night.

Indiana

A stylish Broad Ripple Village apartment is perfect for art lovers and located in the heart of an eclectic Indianapolis neighborhood. $78/night.

Iowa

This farmhouse-style home in Des Moines is completely renovated with beautiful white and black decor accents throughout. $250/night.

Kansas

This Santa Fe Boxcar allows you to live out a truly unique and fantastical lifestyle. You’ll have the entire boxcar to yourself with a table and chairs in the backyard for you to enjoy the beautiful Kansas skies. It’s only 30 minutes from Wichita, near the quaint town of Yoder. $129/night.

Kentucky

This repurposed church in Louisville now gives off a modern, vibrant feel and is within walking distance of dining and shopping. Featuring a relaxed outdoor patio, the Airbnb is large enough to host growing families comfortably. $474/night.

Louisiana

One block from the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone has a reputation of being haunted. In fact, the ghostly happenings are said to have been documented by paranormal experts. Fascinated? Skeptical? Check it out for yourself. $199 – $679/night.

Maine

Modern Downtown Loft in Bangor: Originally built in 1833, this renovated loft is near local eateries and shopping. The minimalist design and open patio make the loft an ideal vacation spot for couples. $161/night.

Maryland

The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground offers a beautiful, wooded campground and includes lodging such as the firefly deluxe tree house, a one-of-a-kind hobbit house, cozy tree cottages, rustic tree houses and tent camp sites. These affordable accommodations cost less than $100 a night.

Massachusetts

Formerly the Charles Street Jail, The Liberty is a luxury hotel on the West End of Boston. It’s centrally located, close to the Museum of Science and Kendall Square. Around $500/night.

For fans of poetry, American history and ghosts, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn checks all the boxes. It’s been operating continuously since 1716. Less than $300/night.

Michigan

Paris Loft near downtown Detroit features exposed red brick, local art and a rooftop terrace. $166/night.

Minnesota

This Magic Studio in Minneapolis is complete with a forest-decorated bedroom, wolf-themed shower and forest-like hallway. $261/night.

Mississippi

The Farmhouse in Corinth is a converted silo fit to house up to four guests and offer a living experience unlike any other. $128/night.

Missouri

Located in Hermann, The Cottage is surrounded by tranquil forest. This B&B is only a mile from the Missouri River, Stone Hill Winery and the Hermann Wine Trail. $200 – $600/night.

Montana

You can rent a stylish Airstream with a hot tub if you’re interested in glamping in Montana. You can bring your pets, enjoy Wi-Fi and sleep in a plush queen-sized bed while enjoying the great outdoors. $136/night.

Nebraska

This Boho “Jungalow” situated near downtown Omaha is the ideal spot for a traveling pair or family. You’ll love the eclectic furniture and decor, as well as its location. Within walking distance of shopping and dining, this home is a popular stop for obvious reasons. $120/night.

Nevada

An hour from the nonstop lights and liveliness of Las Vegas is a tiny home called The Peacock. Enjoy horseback riding and rodeo events on this real dude ranch. $125/night.

New Hampshire

A great choice for families, the Lumen Nature Retreat is located in the White Mountains and only 2 hours from Boston. Unplug and reconnect to family in this rustic setting. Less than $300/night.

New Jersey

If you’re a Bruce Springsteen fan, you’ll want to stay at The Asbury Hotel in legendary Asbury Park to soak up the lively music scene, beaches and restaurants. Make sure to visit the nearby Stone Pony, home to many rock-and-roll legends. You’ll also be able to visit New York City – just over an hour away via NJ Transit commuter trains. Rates are typically $400 – $600 per night.

New Mexico

Delve into history and comfort in Santa Fe at this 100-Year-Old Adobe Farmhouse, complete with a cactus garden. $728/night.

New York

This former synagogue in NYC is now completely renovated with a decked-out library, cathedral ceilings, jacuzzi, steam room, sun room and wine cellar. You get what you pay for at $2,643/night.

North Carolina

This spacious downtown loft in Asheville is near breweries and restaurants. Take in the sights right from your open-air balcony overlooking the bustling Lexington Avenue. $273/night.

North Dakota

This beautiful downtown Fargo loft is just what you need to take a relaxing weekend trip. The stunning architecture combined with local artists’ work will set the scene for a perfect vacation. $124/night.

Ohio

This downtown Cleveland loft is perfect for furry friends, business retreats or a weekend getaway. You’ll have plenty of space to sprawl out in this open-concept home. $311/night.

Oklahoma

This restored 1932 Tudor home is registered as a historic landmark. It’s a beautiful getaway for weary travelers looking for some R&R. At only $148 per night, this is a perfect place to wind down.

Oregon

A beautiful Pacific Northwest retreat named Wald House PDX was developed by a renowned architect in 1979. This haven is located near downtown Portland and serves locally sourced coffee every morning. $296/night.

Pennsylvania

This industrial chic loft will brighten your day with its past life as a flashlight factory. The unique interior features one-of-a-kind chandeliers and other eclectic decor. $332/night.

Rhode Island

The Sarah Kendall House in Newport is a formal bed-and-breakfast filled with antiques and offering stunning harbor views. It’s also walking distance from the White Horse Tavern. Rates are typically $300 – $500 per night.

South Carolina

This converted wedding chapel features an astonishing 20-foot ceiling and handsomely crafted stairwell made out of heartwood pine. A short walking distance to downtown Charleston, it’s a great group gathering spot for future brides and retreats. $428/night.

South Dakota

Want to get off the grid? The Still House in Rapid City will accommodate – there’s absolutely no electricity, but otherwise, it offers all the amenities you’d find in any hotel room, like a hot shower and a solar battery station. Better still, you can bring your dog along. $199/night.

Tennessee

The Library in Music City is centrally located near the Broadway district in Nashville. Rustic red brick interior will have you singing happy tunes all weekend. $1,400/night.

Texas

The Bloomhouse in West Austin is the ultimate fairy-tale getaway with its unique architecture and imaginative layout. It’s so interesting that it was featured in an episode of Home Lore. Rates are around $600 per night.

Utah

Ever wonder what it’s like to live in a modern, stylish tiny house? Stay in Cliffside Cabins and get a taste of smaller home living. You’ll be near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. $113/night.

Vermont

If you’re a fan of “The Lord of the Rings,” a stay at The Hill Hobbit House in Middletown Springs might be for you. This unique architecture is located on 12 green acres and has been widely featured in travel magazines. $439/night.

Virginia

If you’re an aficionado of gothic-glam decor, you might like the Nocturnal Gardens in Richmond. It’s a second-floor walk-up with a private entrance and two full living rooms. $101/night.

Washington State

A hobbit house on the West Coast, Underground Hygge is located in Orondo. This inspired dwelling is right in the Columbia River Gorge mountainside and offers gorgeous views. $400/night.

West Virginia

This dreamy barn loft located in Fayetteville is perfect for an intimate weekend in a comfortable canopy-draped bed. $96/night.

Wisconsin

American architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed this home located in Two Rivers. It’s been profiled by major media outlets such as the Travel Channel, The New York Times and Dwell Magazine. $691/night.

Wyoming

Last but not least, Wyoming offers an opportunity to stay in a beautiful barndominium in Lander, with a terrific view of the mountains, valleys and greater landscape. Enjoy the quiet solitude of the rural area, with plenty of room for activities such as biking, fishing and hiking. On July 3 and July 4, you can have a front-row seat to a rodeo and giant fireworks display just outside the home. $181/night.

Invest in unique vacation rentals

Interested in creating unique vacation rentals? Starting a vacation rental business can be a great way to make passive income and help others enjoy unique lifestyles. From the examples above, it’s clear that vacation homes come in all shapes and sizes – from treehouses and Airstreams to shipping containers, silos and more. Keep an eye out for distinctive living spaces and follow our guide for spotting rental property gems.

You can also turn your own home or vacation home into a vacation rental by making a few modifications that you can potentially fund with a home improvement loan or a cash-out refinance.

The bottom line

On your next vacation, would you like to see what it’s like living a different life instead of just seeing a new place? Or are you thinking of a more permanent change – like downsizing to a tiny house – that you might like to try out before committing? Either way, you now have a plethora of options to explore.

Interested in making your own home more unique and perhaps making some upgrades that will increase your home value? Start the process for a cash-out refinance today and get those home improvements in motion.