Your State's BEST Airbnb For An Unforgettable Vacation

Amazing escapes

You don’t need to be a millionaire to stay in a swanky pad with a pool or wake up in a penthouse with incredible city views. These properties, available to book via Airbnb, allow you to immerse yourself in a different lifestyle if only for a night or three. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful Airbnbs in every state and DC.

Alabama: Osprey’s Nest, Mobile

Located two miles from downtown Mobile, Osprey's Nest is so-named because it nestles among the treetops in the heart of the Midtown Historic District. The bright, sunny one-bed apartment has huge windows that bring the outdoors in and a patio for gorgeous views of sunrises, sunsets and star-filled night skies.

Alaska: Aurora Adventures Northern Lights Cabin, North Pole

This cosy, rustic cabin near Fairbanks might be modest in size, but it more than makes up for it with one of the most impressive nature shows in the world. The two-bed cabin features a large deck to enjoy the Northern Lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer. There’s also a nearby lake for fishing or swimming, and the cabin is wonderfully secluded.

Arizona: Guest Suite, Sedona

This one-bed private guest suite is pretty enough, with fresh, modern decor and a bright living area with a kitchen. Really, though, it’s the location that makes this self-contained casita – attached to the owners’ home – special. Between the village of Oak Creek and downtown Sedona, it’s surrounded by the area’s famous red rock formations. In fact, they’re right there, in pretty much every direction, when you step out the front door.

Arkansas: Luxury Tree house, Fayetteville

Retreat to the woodland outside of buzzy Fayetteville and stay at this charmingly rustic tree house. It comes complete with a wood-fired stove, a hot tub and a sun-dappled deck jutting out into the forest. And if all that peace and quiet has you craving some city sights, spend the day in Fayetteville, with its top-notch Botanical Gardens, and catch a show at the highly regarded Walton Arts Center in the evening. 

 

California: Hillcrest, Beverly Hills

This mid-century masterpiece is perhaps one for the wish list or a once-in-a-lifetime escape for a big group. With seven bedrooms sleeping up to 12, this palatial pad oozes Hollywood glamor. Statues flank the arched entrance, a library opens to a records room and palm trees tower over the private pool and sculpture garden. Just minutes from the legendary Sunset Boulevard, the villa also has a home cinema and private tennis court.

Colorado: Little Red Tree house, Lyons

We can’t imagine a more charming spot to stay en route to Rocky Mountain National Park. This delightful tree house, sleeping a maximum of two guests, is in an area known for bluegrass music and surrounded by mountains, red rock cliffs and forest. The interior is well thought-out with an efficient kitchen, shower room and toilet, though it’s the views that really make this place. You can walk to shops, cafés and restaurants too.

Connecticut: Getaway Machimoodus, East Haddam

Blink and you might miss this atmospheric woodland cabin, which has been purposefully designed to blend into its surroundings. It's enveloped in the forest of Moodus, a dinky village in larger East Haddam, and it's one of 45 rustic-chic cabins spread out across 86 private, tree-laced acres. The major draw is the giant picture window, which looks out into peaceful woodland, while fire pits, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs help you make the most of the bucolic setting. 

Delaware: Decked Out, Bethany Beach

The definition of a coastal charmer, this Delaware home gets its name from the fact it has four decks, two of them equipped with outdoor speakers and one screened-in for breezier days. It’s around 15 minutes’ walk to the coast and the main drag of Bethany Beach, yet the property is tucked in a quiet residential area. The breezily decorated interior has four bedrooms and a huge open-plan living area and kitchen – perfect for bigger groups.

District of Columbia: Georgetown House, Washington DC

This beautifully decorated home is in Georgetown, one of DC’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. The two-bed house, which sleeps up to six with a sofa bed, has a gorgeous open-plan kitchen and a large living area, plus a second hangout space and games room in the basement. Another highlight is the outside seating area, which has an outdoor bar and fire pit that beckon for late-night drinks during summer.

Liking this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

 

Florida: Boca Grande All-Inclusive Island Estate, Gasparilla Island

Make the most of your time in the Floridian sunshine at the opulent Boca Grande All-Inclusive Island Estate, located in a small community on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida. The sumptuous home sleeps up to eight adults and six children and is surrounded by tropical gardens, creating a secluded oasis for winding down by the huge pool. Continuing the exclusive resort feel, there’s private access to the beach plus free use of fishing equipment, snorkeling gear, golf carts and bicycles. Boca Grande sadly suffered hurricane damage and is under repair – but it will be available again in 2024. 

Georgia: The Barn Guesthouse, Rising Fawn

Tucked just off the Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway in the small community of Rising Fawn, this charming barn home might not be the biggest or most luxurious Airbnb in the state but we reckon it’s the prettiest. The delightful one-bed house has high ceilings with skylights, a rustic cabin-inspired interior and gorgeous tall windows that frame the idyllic forest views. There's an outside seating area with a grill too, while the kitchen is fully equipped for cooking meals inside.

Hawaii: Tropical Garden Retreat, Captain Cook

This tropical retreat, in the gardens of an organic mango farm on the Island of Hawaii, is about as close to paradise as it gets. Guests can soak up the sunshine in the spacious outdoor living space or relax in the open-plan indoor area, with large picture windows that bring nature in. Decorated in an eclectic Hawaii-meets-Indonesia style, this beautiful home is located one mile from the spectacular Kealakekua Bay with activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Idaho: Luxury Vacation Home, Boise

This understated Idaho hideaway, in the historic South Boise Village area, offers visitors a quiet and restful escape. The one-bedroom vacation spot is wonderfully chic and cozy with natural materials like wood, linen and wool. There’s a queen-sized bed and for an extra charge they can set up a second bed or inflatable twin bed to sleep up to four guests. The bathroom has a huge, deep tub, while the leafy location – within minutes of downtown Boise – is perfect for peaceful walks.

Illinois: Old Town Penthouse, Chicago

Right in the heart of Chicago in the historic Old Town area, this striking penthouse is the ideal base for exploring the Windy City. An Airbnb Plus property – meaning it's been verified for quality, comfort and style – the five-bedroom loft has access to a private rooftop, soaring 20-foot (6m) ceilings, huge windows and even a pool table. The decor is how you might imagine a classic warehouse apartment, with wonderfully quirky artwork and ornaments adding extra charm.

Indiana: Historic House, Bloomington

This perfectly turned-out studio in Bloomington, Indiana, might look modern from the inside but the property actually occupies a former one-room church built in 1872, making it one of the most unique places to stay in the area. It’s beautifully decorated too, with glossy wooden floors and white walls brightened with artwork and pops of color. Located just steps from Lake Monroe, it’s the perfect retreat after a day on the water.

 

Iowa: The Henhouse Retreat, Baxter

This two-bed retreat really was once used as a henhouse on this farm in the small city of Baxter, around a 40-minute drive northeast of Des Moines. Nowadays you’ll find feathered friends roaming the grounds along with sheep, while this flawless two-bed home is all fresh shades of white cosied up with vintage accessories, snug textures and plush furniture. The setting, with views of the farm and surrounding countryside filling every window, is equally glorious.

Kansas: Modern Farmhouse, Kansas City

This elegant farmhouse, set in nine acres of land, is decorated in a minimalist, Scandi-inspired style with lots of natural materials and vintage pieces throughout. The two-bedroom home dates back to the 1930s and is well-located for easy access to Kansas City and its surroundings. The outside area, with a fire pit, swings and sunset views, is a lovely bonus.

Kentucky: The Pete, Germantown

When it comes to going off-grid, a stay at this remote tree house in rural Kentucky is about as luxurious as it comes. The gorgeous wooden structure, best suited for up to two adults and two kids, looks like the prettiest cottage from the front, with wraparound decks jutting into the treetops at the back. The Pete is one of three tree houses tucked within 200 acres of private land, and has a wood-burning stove, open-plan living space and loft bedroom.

Louisiana: Bywater Beauty, New Orleans

Located in Bywater, one of New Orleans’ most sought-after historic neighborhoods, this Airbnb Plus home is a chic and charming retreat. The bright, one-bed property – a classic example of a shotgun home, where rooms are laid out in a straight line – is less than a mile away from the French Quarter and the jazz bars of Frenchmen Street, so it’s perfect for strolling around and soaking up the city’s music-filled streets. Or take a seat and watch the world saunter by from the spacious porch.

Maine: The Sparrow’s Nest, Boothbay Harbor

Bigger doesn't always mean better, as demonstrated by this charming country cottage in Maine. The two-bed guest house, sleeping up to three people, is about as pretty as they come, with fresh, crisp decor, beautiful wooden furniture and plenty of cozy nooks. Wake up in the plush queen bed and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of deer eating apples in the lavender-scented garden.

 

Maryland: Madmen Beach House, Ocean City

Locations don’t come much more glorious than this. In the community of Montego Bay, jutting right over the water and within a short walk of the beach, this three-bedroom property (sleeping up to 10 people) is simply idyllic. You can even fish from the private dock, take out a kayak (provided with the rental) or watch a movie on the outdoor projection screen. The name refers to the mid-century style decor inside – very Mad Men.

Massachusetts: Octagonal Glass Tree house, Otis

Surrounded by the mountains of the Berkshires, this one-bedroom tree house is certainly a little different. It’s octagonal with huge windows on every side to make the most of the surroundings – gloriously green, jewel-colored or blanketed in snow, depending on the time of year. The interior design is just as impressive, with a circular staircase, a red wood-burning fireplace and master bedroom with en suite and access to the outdoor deck. There’s also a double bed in the living area, so it sleeps up to four people.

Michigan: Calming Restful Cottage, Holland

This five-bedroom cottage is within walking distance of Lake Michigan’s beaches and walking trails, with the Michigan Woods and Holland’s boutiques on the doorstep too. The interior is flooded with natural light and decorated in subtly stylish shades and natural materials, including a striking wooden ceiling. Pull up a stool at the modern kitchen island for lazy brunches and intimate dinners.

Minnesota: Lakefront Lodge, Isle

This sprawling 10-bedroom, six-bathroom lakefront lodge is ideal for hosting bigger groups as it can accommodate over 16 guests. On the edge of the Mille Lacs Lake, the lodge offers gorgeous views of the water and surrounding area from all angles. Less than two hours’ drive from Minneapolis, the lodge is perfect for an idyllic escape, with a sauna, outdoor seating area with grill and a pontoon.

 

Mississippi: Coastal Beach Cottage, Waveland

If beach walks, relaxing on the porch and evenings around the fire pit sound like the ingredients for an ideal escape, this beach cottage is just the Airbnb for you. Inside the lovely two-bedroom home – close to the beach and Mississippi’s Gulf Coast and an easy drive from New Orleans – there’s a dreamy open-plan kitchen and living space. The screened porch has a comfortable seating area, perfect for enjoying those balmy Southern evenings.

Missouri: Penthouse Apartment, St. Louis

Centrally located in downtown St. Louis, this stunning penthouse apartment is beautifully fresh and modern with an open layout, large windows and a minimalist design. Details like exposed brick walls, bold patterns and colorful accents add a final flourish. The one-bedroom home also has a full kitchen, bathroom and an open-plan living and dining area, whose marble tulip table was designed by Eero Saarinen, the architect behind the city’s famous Gateway Arch.

Montana: Cargill-Earl Guesthouse, Livingston

Make the most of ranch life with a stay at this outstanding two-bedroom guesthouse in rural Montana, on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. The beautiful home has floor-to-ceiling picture windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain scenery. The guesthouse resides on Erik’s Ranch, a nonprofit with lodging run by young adults with autism. They also work as tour guides, taking guests to skiing spots, on hiking trails in Gallatin National Forest, to visit hot springs and, of course, to Yellowstone.

Nebraska: Spacious Loft Apartment, Omaha

Centrally located in Omaha’s famous Old Market district, this bright and cozy loft has two bedrooms with four beds plus a sofa, airbed and hammock in the common area, so can sleep up to eight people. It’s a lovely space, with exposed red brick walls, floating staircase and timber-clad mezzanine. There’s plenty to explore right outside but, when you do want to stay in, the loft has board games, a fully equipped kitchen and a large, inviting sofa.

Nevada: Designed to Death, Beatty

Being stranded in the desert might sound like something straight from a horror movie – but this luxe escape in Beatty makes the idea a dream. The bolthole actually takes influence from Soho FarmHouse in the English Cotswolds and it brings country chic to this extreme landscape of rugged mountains and sun-baked sand dunes. Expect eight-foot picture windows milking those views, plus creature comforts including egg chairs, a rock fireplace and a BBQ. 

New Hampshire: Luxury Solar House, Jackson

Everyone will find something to love about this luxury two-bedroom mountain cottage on the outskirts of Jackson. The solar-powered house has a professional-standard kitchen with gas range cooker, a gloriously luxurious bathroom with a deep-soaking tub, three separate living areas and a billiard room. The views over the White Mountains are spectacular too, and the huge deck makes the most of them.

 

New Jersey: The Hawk’s Nest Bungalow, Little Egg Harbor

The spoils of the New Jersey coast and countryside are often underrated – but this bright Airbnb puts them on fine display. Giant windows look over the water, and the gorgeous Long Beach Island, with its Champagne-colored sands and historic lighthouse, is just a short drive away. The place itself is sleek – with whitewashed walls and tiled and wood floors – and there are complimentary kayaks on offer too. 

New Mexico: Taos Skybox, El Prado

This property in New Mexico's stirring, sagebrush-filled high desert was constructed to milk the region's dark and star-filled night skies. It's got floor-to-ceiling glass doors for taking in those views, plus a generous deck and chic interiors with a Southwestern vibe. It's just a 15-minute drive from downtown Taos, with its galleries and artisan-run shops, too. 

New York: The Mission House Sanctuary, Hopewell Junction

Enjoy a slower pace of life at this four-bedroom sanctuary in Hopewell Junction, a hamlet within the town of East Fishkill. Surrounded by a beautiful garden with a pond, the Balinese house has a Moorish-inspired terrace perfect for warmer evenings and, inside, a bright and breezy living area, swish bedrooms and beautiful bathrooms. There’s also an outdoor hot tub, which is especially lovely during winter when the landscape is blanketed in snow.

North Carolina: Cabin In The Woods, Winston-Salem

The outdoor space is a real highlight of this cabin in the woods, located in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of charming Winston-Salem. The raised, covered wooden deck has a huge table, grill, sofas and even a hammock. The inside is equally charming, showcasing eclectic, rustic-chic decor – the work of the owners, an interior designer and a realtor – cozy textiles and high-tech touches.

 

North Dakota: Studio Loft, Fargo

Offering the best of downtown living, this cool studio loft is located right at the heart of Fargo. The exposed brick walls are adorned with paintings by local artists and the works are available to buy with all proceeds going directly to the creator. The whole space has been thoughtfully laid-out, with a comfortable queen bed, huge sofa, tucked-away kitchen and dining area.

 

Ohio: The Box Hop, Rockbridge

Three intermodal shipping containers have been transformed into an outstanding three-bedroom house hidden away among the trees in Ohio’s Hocking Hills near Rockbridge. Despite its intimate setting, which sleeps six, there’s still room for everyone around the dining table and in the hot tub, nestled among the trees. The rooftop patio is particularly lovely in summer, when guests can sunbathe or just soak up the surroundings with a cocktail.

Oklahoma: Couples Cabin, Broken Bow

The name of this Oklahoma retreat says it all: it's ultra romantic, parceled into woodland on a lush hilltop. You and your significant other can enjoy sunsets around the brick fire pit; cook dinner for two in the modern kitchen; or hang out on rocking chairs on the charming wooden porch. It's the ultimate couples' escape. 

Oregon: Oceanside A-Frame, Oceanside

Go to bed with waves lulling you to sleep at this dreamy escape in Oceanside village on the Oregon coast. Located just steps from the beach, the two-bedroom cabin is an unusual A-shape – beautifully framing ocean views from Cape Meares to Cape Lookout. The property also has a large private deck with a wood-burning stove for chillier nights. The area is pretty special too, with hiking and nature trails and opportunities for crabbing and clam digging.

Pennsylvania: The Mansion In The Pines, Myerstown

Built in the 1860s, this historic eight-bedroom mansion is believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad that helped people to escape from slavery. It’s a gorgeous property, set on two-and-a-half acres of land with pine forests and rolling farmland in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lebanon Valley. With easy access from Philadelphia, Wilmington, Harrisburg and Allentown, it’s in a superb location too.

Rhode Island: The Quonset, Tiverton

This Quonset hut (a semi-cylindrical structure of corrugated iron and galvanized steel) was used as an ammunition store during the Second World War. Now it’s been immaculately restored and filled with beautiful furniture rather than weapons. The three-bedroom property has gorgeous common areas including a long dining table under the curved roof, living area with a snazzy velvet sofa and a chic kitchen, all with accents of green. The outdoor deck is lovely too, and it’s only a short ride (bikes are provided) to the beach.

South Carolina: The Majestic Tree house, Walhalla

Cozy interiors, amazing forest views and cute details like an outdoor swing seat await you at this unique tree house escape. Nestled in the woods right by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the one-bedroom property is ideal for a romantic break or a serene retreat. Take a dip in nearby lakes or hike through the countryside. At the end of the day, recharge in a comfy super king bed with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the trees.

South Dakota: Cabin At Green Mountain, Nemo

Enjoy true mountain living in total comfort at this impressive cabin near Nemo, a tiny mountain town set in the picturesque valley of Boxelder Creek. The location is pretty perfect, being midway between Deadwood, Hill City, Rapid City and Sturgis and within an easy distance of attractions including Mount Rushmore. The structure itself dates back to the 1910s and has been beautifully restored with two bedrooms, a lofted cathedral ceiling and a large fireplace.

Tennessee: Secluded Cabin, Goodlettsville

Built using reclaimed materials, this enchanting cabin near Nashville is the place for the ultimate secluded getaway. Hugged by the surrounding forest, the open-plan home has an attractive vintage feel to it. And, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling picture windows, you can soak up the area’s natural beauty from the comfort of an armchair. The two-bedroom cabin sleeps up to four guests – and is so adorable you probably won’t want to leave.

Texas: Boho Chic Glass House, Austin

The glass walls of this mid-century modern home strip away any need for patterned wallpaper or colorful paint. It’s the surrounding greenery and ivy-clad walls that provide the color, along with the birds that can often be spotted right from the living room. The four bedrooms, one of which has a deep-soaking bathtub, also have huge windows to make the most of the views, while the property is surrounded by nature trails, lake parks and wineries, being in the heart of Texas Hill Country yet close enough for trips into Austin city center.

Utah: Treetop #1, Orderville

This treetop house is one of several at East Zion Resort in Orderville and each of the small yet perfectly formed properties has incredible views over the spectacular scenery of southern Utah. The property packs in a surprising amount, sleeping up to four with one bedroom and a double sofa bed in the living area and with a bathroom, kitchenette, fire pit and gas grill. There’s a shared pool and hot tub area too.

 

Vermont: The Hygge House, Stowe

As the name suggests, The Hygge House is all chic coziness, filled with contrasting textures, from the velvet loveseat to plush bedding, and a living space warmed up with rugs, throws and cushions. The location of the three-bedroom home is pretty perfect too, being right by the river and within easy walking distance of downtown Stowe’s highly rated bars and restaurants. There’s also a mountain shuttle taking guests to the ski resort in winter, while bike paths weave through town.

Virginia: AVA, Strasburg

This A-frame cabin, named AVA, is beautiful inside and out. The unique architecture looks especially striking against the wooded surroundings of the Shenandoah Valley, with an outdoor hot tub, deck, campfire ring and barbecue making the most of the location. Inside it’s all cuteness and color, from the vibrant bedroom (sleeping two) to the compact, well-equipped kitchen. It’s also within walking distance of the river.

Washington: Hansel Creek tree house, Peshastin

There are plenty of stunning penthouses in Seattle with ocean and mountain views, but this one-bedroom tree house is like something out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by lush, verdant forest and located right above the Hansel Creek, the timber house has a king-sized bed in the loft, a kitchen with all the essentials and a fire pit to toast marshmallows in the evening. There are opportunities to hike, bike, fish or even go white-water rafting in the surrounding area, close to the Bavarian-style city of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains.

West Virginia: Cozy Cabin, Harpers Ferry

With the Appalachian Trail just a couple of miles away, this cozy lakeside cabin is the perfect getaway in any season. It has three bedrooms sleeping up to eight guests (one room has four single beds, so it's good for big groups) – but the best feature is the way it welcomes the outside in. Go fishing in the lake, relax in the hot tub with a glass of wine or retreat to the inviting sofas inside and enjoy an evening by the fireplace.

Wisconsin: Still Bend/Frank Lloyd Wright’s Schwartz House, Two Rivers

Built by the legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Schwartz House is a masterpiece of architecture and design. Finished in 1940, the house retains original features complemented by modern amenities and decor in keeping with the period. The four-bedroom house features a large fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtful details throughout, while the riverside setting is just glorious. Lake Michigan is nearby, with beautiful beaches and shops within walking distance.

Wyoming: Luxury Mountain Cabin, Cody

This gorgeous two-bedroom cabin combines rustic charm with chic modern decor. Views of the mountains fill the windows like paintings, while the interior is a mix of exposed brick, cozy furnishings, eye-catching artworks and focal points like the enormous stone fireplace. It’s around a half-hour drive from Yellowstone National Park too, so even more spectacular scenery is ready to be explored.

Liked this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now read on to discover the most exclusive hotel in every state