Travelers are increasingly turning to unique accommodations like cabins, tiny homes, and treehouses to break up the monotony of everyday life. Finding a particular place is now as easy as searching for rentals in specific destinations with new search tools that filter by rental property type.
More than half of Airbnb’s 100 most wish-listed homes are one-of-a-kind properties such as floating homes, tiny houses, private islands, and even a hobbit hole. With many of their 170,000 unique properties located outside popular tourist destinations like state and national parks, art meccas, and trendy downtowns, you can stay in a treehouse and still be close to restaurants, grocery stores, and boutiques.
Unique Vacation Rentals
From an underground earth house near Washington’s Daroga State Park to a treehouse in the heart of the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, here are ten unique vacation rentals to add to your bucket list.
1. Sanctuary, Treehouses of Serenity (Asheville, NC)
This treehouse on eight acres of land is 10 minutes from Asheville’s eclectic downtown and 25 minutes from the airport. So you can stay within easy driving distance to all Asheville offers but among white oaks. In a city with rich architectural history, add this gorgeous, fairy-tale-like treehouse to the many reasons Asheville is the ultimate playground.
“I can promise that it never gets old seeing a child’s eyes light up as they see their treehouse accommodation for the first time or assisting a guest with a surprise proposal,” said Caroline and Mike, the property hosts.
With one look at this rustic yet magical property offering sunset mountain views and beautiful stargazing, it’s not hard to see why it’s the setting for unique moments and celebratory getaways.
2. Whispering Pines Treehouse (Hot Springs, AR)
If you’re looking for an individual or couples getaway to unplug from it all, this property in a canopy of trees on 27 wooden acres is for you. It’s located minutes from downtown, Hot Springs National Park, and surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains. Featuring a king-size bed, upscale furnishings, a small kitchen, plus endless mountain views from the hot tub, deck, or porch swing.
“For years, we dreamed of creating a special and unique place where people can escape, relax, unplug and renew. We love hearing from guests that they don’t want to leave and are already planning their return visit,” said property host Susan.
3. Eagles Nest Treehouse (Stanton, KY)
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, put Eagles Nest Treehouse on your bucket list. Located on a private island in Red River Gorge inside a National Park, it’s a treehouse fairy tale within walking distance of national trailheads.
Featuring a bedroom perched 16 feet off the ground, dubbed The Nest, it’s the perfect place to stargaze while a fire roars in the handmade stone fireplace. Or listen to the owls on the deck rocking chairs or while relaxing in the hammock swing. Whatever part of the property you choose, the mountain sunsets are stunning, and the gentle sounds of the nearby creek help melt your cares away.
4. Raven’s Nest Treehouse (Columbia Falls, MT)
Offering both seclusion and convenience, Ravens Nest Treehouse is minutes from Whitefish restaurants and resort activities and five minutes from Columbia Falls but located in five acres of Montana woods. With two living trees growing inside the house, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a treehouse, but with luxury amenities like a soaking tub.
This modern A-Frame treehouse is big enough for a family, offering two bedrooms, the main suite with a king-size bed, a kitchen, and a living room. There’s no shortage of places to take in stunning Montana mountain views with two decks, a reading nook, and an upstairs loft.
5. Underground Hygge (Orondo, WA)
If you dream of visiting Hobbiton or other Lord of the Rings filming locations, but can’t make it to New Zealand, then Underground Hygge in Washington State is for you. Built right into a Columbia River Gorge mountainside, with the iconic round doorway, you’ll be in your shire paradise. The property is located on six acres offering convenient hiking. For more epic adventures, explore nearby Darago State Park.
“The thing I love the most about hosting Underground Hygge is that most of the guests that visit are surprising their loved ones with a trip,” said property host Kristie. This vacation rental might be the one surprise to rule them all for the Tolkien fan in your life. Make sure to reserve a birthday or anniversary trip far in advance for a popular booking.
6. Floating Willamette River Home (Oregon City, Or)
This floating vacation home along the Willamette River is just 15 minutes from downtown Portland and offers three bedrooms and 2.5 baths over 2500 square feet. Visit the city’s 275 parks and gardens, art institutions, or family-friendly attractions while enjoying one of America’s Best Places To Eat.
Owned by lifelong Oregon residents who admit they haven’t seen all the region has to offer. “From natural wonders to city sights, Portland and the Pacific Northwest offers something for everyone,” said owners Bob and Joyce.
Whether you explore the sites or spend your entire trip relaxing on the houseboat, there’s more than enough to fill your vacation days. With 3,000 square feet of floating decking, you can fish, swim right off the deck, take your houseboat out for a ride, canoe, feed the wildlife, and enjoy Pacific Northwest nights roasting marshmallows and soaking in the hot tub.
7. Eagle’s Nest Treehouse on the Water (Port Angeles, WA)
Unplug and relax in this treehouse perched 20 feet above the ground near Olympic National Park and Sequim Bay. Spend your days in the large window seat watching ships sail by, watch wildlife or read a book in one of the hammocks. At night enjoy the fire-heated hot tub.
“We have a unique property overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and built a treehouse for our son. Now that he has grown and moved out, we “love sharing what we’ve created and giving people an experience they will cherish,” said property host Beverly.
8. Daybreak, a Designer Treehouse (Dahlonega, GA)
Just because you’re staying in a treehouse doesn’t mean you’re roughing it. This rental near Smithgall Woods and Don Carter State Park is a luxury stay in the trees with custom-made furnishings and a king-sized bed. The attention to detail shines in this property.
“From design elements to materials to setting and amenities, a getaway should feel special, exhilarating, and unforgettable,” said host Debra.
Located in Dahlonega Wine Country and set on seven acres with an on-site spring-fed creek, you have the benefits of camping but the conveniences of a home. Wake up to sunrise views of Wauka Mountain and enjoy local wine from your deck as you want North Georgia mountain views.
9. Joshua Tree Serenity Dome Oasis (Landers, CA)
Grab your friends and family and escape to this 2-acre desert getaway in a peaceful neighborhood that’s more like a private mini-camp resort than a house rental. So much more than just the dome house, this bohemian getaway can sleep 12 people.
Accommodations include the geodesic dome and three air conditions trailers beautifully painted by local muralists. During the day, swim in the pool, sway in the hammock tree, or take in stunning desert views in Adirondack chairs. At night soak in the hot tub or roast s’mores around the fire pit as you enjoy incredible stargazing.
While you could easily spend your whole vacation in your private compound, Joshua Tree National Park is only 25 minutes away. This 800,000-acre National Park offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and adventure sports. For low-key experiences, walk Skull Rock’s beginner 1.7-mile nature trail or the flat, short loop around Cholla Cactus Garden to see the infamous Joshua Trees up close.
10. Survival Earthship Studio (Taos County, NM)
Located near Carson National Forest and Cimarron Canyon, enjoy one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Eco-stays. Perfectly sized for an individual or couples getaway, it’s constructed with recycled tires, cans, and bottles. The beautiful glass front of the building floods the space with light and is the perfect spot for daytime and nighttime New Mexico views. It is one of the most unique vacation rentals in the US.
“This simple survival Earthship grows plenty of fruits and vegetables, catches and stores rainwater, and uses the sun’s energy to power your wifi and provide a beautiful hot shower,” said Michael, the property’s host. Earthship Studio will be for you if you want to explore this art destination and sample off-the-grid living with the conveniences of a conventional home.
