These Unique American Airbnb Experiences Belong On Your Bucket List

Trips you won't forget

Airbnb is known for offering the chance to stay in some of the world's most incredible accommodation. But the site also connects travelers with incredible bookable experiences. Our well-traveled team have narrowed down the best Airbnb experiences in the US, from stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park to vintage shopping in LA, and ranked them. Of course our opinion is purely subjective, but we hope our choices will help to make your next trip that little bit more memorable.

Read on to discover which incredible experience made it to our number one spot...

30. Kayaking, La Jolla Bay, San Diego, California

The best way to explore San Diego's rugged coastline is by kayak. Previous experience isn't required as you'll do a little paddle tutorial before heading out into the Marine Protected Area in La Jolla Bay. If conditions are safe, you'll kayak into the stunning Emerald Cave and you might spot seals, sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins. Prices start from around $60 per person.

29. Maple syrup making, Townshend, Vermont

Your host Robert makes maple syrup the artisanal way, in a tiny sugar shack tucked away in rural Vermont. You’ll venture into the nearby woods to help him tap his grove of maple trees. Then, after tasting syrups of different grades, you’ll learn how to grade and bottle maple syrup yourself. The experience ends with ‘Sugar on Snow’ – hot maple syrup, poured onto ice and then rolled on a stick like a lollipop, a real Vermonter treat. Prices start from around $45 per person.

28. Kayaking near the Hoover Dam, Nevada

The Hoover Dam is one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements and there is no better way to appreciate it than kayaking in its shadow. After launching from the dam, you’ll paddle your way along the still waters of the Colorado River, through Black Canyon and on to hot springs, cascading waterfalls and a deserted sandy beach where you’ll enjoy lunch. Along the way your host, Zoltan, will point out historic landmarks and desert wildlife, otherwise hard to spot. Prices start from $200 per person, excluding the $30 National Park Service fee. 

27. Sacred Sound and Tea Ceremony, Yucca Valley, California

Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit as your host, Leyah, guides you through a sacred sound bath and heart chakra tea ceremony in the heart of California’s ethereal Yucca Valley. Leyah calls upon the techniques she learned from sages, shamans and healers from all over the world to lead you to a place of relaxation, reflection and healing. Breath in the sights, sounds and smells of this truly magical corner of the US and discover the true, inner you. Prices start from $45 per person.

26. Meeting Kentucky's wild horses, Jackson, Kentucky

Hosted by Ginny, an experienced horse owner and breeder, this tour takes in the incredible wild roaming horses of Kentucky in their natural habitat. From Jackson, you'll ascend into the Appalachian Mountains in tour guide vehicles along a beautiful winding road. There'll be opportunities to stop and take photos of the horses along the way. A portion of the tour fees go towards caring for injured or malnourished horses, who are cared for at the farm and then rewilded. The tours for groups of up to eight people (there are no individual tours) start from around $150.

25. Fraidy Cat Family Fun Ghost Tour, Savannah, Georgia

This is a fun, family friendly ghost tour around America’s most haunted city. You’ll explore Savannah’s creepy parks, haunted antebellum mansions and hidden burial grounds – places even many locals are unaware of – and learn all about the city’s most famous ghosts. Prices are around $25 per person.  

24. E-bike tour of Santa Barbara, California

Let your pedal assist electric bike do all the hard work as you explore Santa Barbara on California’s stunning Pacific coast. The tour is hosted by Cal Coast Adventures, a company comprised of outdoor enthusiasts with in-depth knowledge of their hometown. One of their main guides is Sergio, who has been biking in Santa Barbara for over 30 years and has designed this tour to show you breath-taking views, hidden gems and local hotspots only accessible by bike. He’s a font of local knowledge too – ask him about everything from local gossip to the best eats in town. Prices start from $106 per person.

23. Sunset sail with wine and cheese, Baltimore, Maryland

See Baltimore's prettiest side as you hop on board a sailboat and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the water. As the day draws to a close, you'll be treated to a symphony of colors over Fort McHenry and the city as well as some wine, cheese and crackers on the deck. Prices start from around $126  per person (food and drink included).

22. Warren Buffett's walking tour, Omaha, Nebraska

The hometown of one of the most influential business owners and investors in America, Omaha is closely tied with the Buffett family. The two-hour tour takes in all the locations significant to Warren and the rest of the Buffett family, like the grocery store founded by his great grandfather in 1869 as well as his current office. It's a brilliant insight into the man dubbed the Oracle of Omaha. Prices start from around $60 per person.

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21. Line dance lessons, Nashville, Tennessee

20. Freestyle weaving class, Santa Fe, New Mexico

If you've always been keen to create your own handcrafted item, this freestyle weaving class in Santa Fe is a great starting point. First, choose a pattern and color combination, then learn the basics of weaving as the host Dayna guides you. You'll get to keep the piece you've created too. Prices start from around $150 per person.

19. Hike in Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina

Get away from the crowds and enjoy the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains on a four-hour hike near Asheville in western North Carolina. Depending on your experience and hiking ability, the trek will be up to five miles long. Hosted by licensed guide Greg, the hike will lead you to a secluded mountaintop, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Prices start from around $94 per person.

18. Dairy farm tour, Rochester, Vermont

Hosted at the Liberty Hill Farm near Rochester, this dairy farm tour gives guests a real taste of what working life is like here. Times of the tour coincide with daily tasks like milking cows and feeding calves, and you can even give it a go yourself. When you leave, you'll have a full understanding of how milk makes it from the cow to the jug. The farm donates all proceeds from tours to the non-profit Liberty Hill Center for Agricultural Education, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of local agriculture. Prices start from around $30 per person.

17. Sail Puget Sound on a classic yacht, Bainbridge Island, Washington State

Experience the tranquillity of life on the beautiful waters of Puget Sound aboard this classic yacht. Your captain is Ben, a Coast Guard licensed captain. Your course to Bainbridge Island is dotted with islands, distant volcanos, the city skyline and abundant wildlife. If you’re lucky you’ll even spot whales. And, if you ask, Ben will let you take the wheel. You’ll return to Seattle with the breeze in your hair and a smile on your face. Prices start at around $96 per person for a maximum of six people. 

16. Coffee Tasting, San Francisco, California

One for the caffeine fiends out there. Enjoy a coffee tasting session in San Francisco, a city that’s always been at the heart of American coffee culture, with your hosts Four Barrel Coffee, a renowned coffee roasting company. The day begins with a hot cup of joe accompanied by freshly baked pastries and at the end you’ll leave with your own custom bag of coffee beans. Prices are around $75 per person.  

15. Explore dazzling architecture interiors, Chicago, Illinois

Gain an insider’s insight into Chicago’s stunning architecture with tour guides who will give you a truly unique perspective on the Windy City. On a leisurely two-hour walk you’ll explore some of the most beautiful and often overlooked buildings in downtown Chicago, both inside and out including stunning stained glass, atrium-like spaces and 19th century skyscrapers. Prices are around $30 per person. 

14. Beyond the Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is brimming with incredible history and its buildings and streets definitely have a story or two to tell. This comprehensive two-hour tour takes in sights such as the historic Custom House Tower, the Old City Hall and the famous streets of Beacon Hill (pictured). Although you'll follow parts of the city's famous Freedom Trail of Independence-era landmarks, you'll also deviate off the trail, with a 'surprise local treat' included. Prices start from around $45 per person.

13. Traditional dumpling making masterclass, San Francisco, California

Who doesn’t love dumplings – and wouldn’t it be great to be able to make your own? Well, in this masterclass you’ll learn how to do just that by getting to grips with traditional Shanghaineese dumpling making skills such as dough kneading, skin rolling and dumpling pleating. You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of that lovely umami taste and even create your own personal secret dipping sauce. Prices start from around $129 per person.  

12. History walking tour, Savannah, Georgia

This two-hour stroll takes guests around the historic streets and squares of Savannah. Focusing on history, architecture and culture, the tour is a great way of getting to know the city's historic district and can be tailored to your own interests. Prices start from around $33 per person.

11. Cuban food tour, Miami, Florida

It's no secret that Miami has a very rich Cuban culture and many aspects of life, including food, have been influenced by Cubans. This leisurely walk in Little Havana shines a spotlight on Cuban traditions, history and flavors in Miami. You'll visit small family-run eateries and gorge on Cubano sandwiches, picadillo empanadas and mojitos and admire Cuban art. Prices start from around $70 per person (food and drink included).

10. Spencer Glacier kayak and train tour, Anchorage, Alaska

See the wild side of Alaska with this incredible day trip from Anchorage, discovering scenic views, hiking on a glacier and more. The day starts with an early morning train journey on board the Coastal Classic train to Spencer, where you'll then enjoy a kayak tour on Spencer Lake and a trek on the glacier. After you've got up close and personal with the striking blue ice, take another scenic train ride to Grandview, through the Placer River Gorge and back to Anchorage. Prices start from around $450 per person.

9. Mafia and crime walk, New York City, New York

Are you fascinated by the mafia history of New York City? Then join this three-hour tour masterminded by retired NYPD detective Dennis, who was born and raised in Little Italy. You'll visit real-life locations associated with New York's top mafia families, including the former headquarters of the Gambino family, where you'll hear plenty of stories and taste some of the most famous food in the area. Prices start from around $137 per person (food included).

8. Graffiti History and workshop, Washington, DC

Learn how the powerful art form of graffiti has shaped Washington and its culture before creating your own name-based artwork. You’ll be guided through creating your name on paper before bringing it to life on a 50-foot (15m) long, nine-foot-tall practice wall. The workshop is run by Words Beats and Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to hip-hop culture who have been offering free classes to young people for over 20 years. Prices start at around $60 with all profits helping support their work. 

7. Kayak, whale watch and snorkel at Maui’s Turtle Town, Lahaina, Hawaii

6. Hamilton walking tour, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Visit the real-world locations from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton as you explore the streets of Philadelphia with super-fan and registered architect, Reid. Alexander Hamilton spent a good deal of time in the city and Reid will walk you through his life and times here, as well as that of the other Founding Fathers. This is a walking tour with a soundtrack – you’ll be listening to songs from the musical as you walk – so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and your singing voice. Prices start from $45 per person.

5. Stargazing, Joshua Tree National Park, California

Spend a night deep within the legendary Joshua Tree National Park, away from any light pollution, gazing at stars and listening to fascinating stories about how our ancestors used the night sky. Using military grade night vision goggles, your hosts Molli and Tony will show you thousands of stars no longer visible to the naked eye. Bring your sense of wonder and who knows – you may get lucky and see a UFO. Prices start from around $170 per person.

4. Rappelling in slot canyons, Zion National Park, Utah

Although Utah's Zion National Park is a top spot for tourists, you'll escape the crowds on this four-hour experience that includes private access to gorgeous slot canyons and even rappelling in some of them. Supervised by a licensed team of guides, the trip offers a real Indiana Jones-style adventure and showcases some of the more secret Zion spots. Prices start from around $159 per person.

3. Vintage thrift shopping, Los Angeles, California

Thrift like a pro with your host Erin as she leads you through the labyrinth of aisles and stalls at Pasadena's Rose Bowl Flea Market, the largest of its kind in LA with around 2,500 vendors. Whether you’re looking for quality vintage clothing, antiques or a unique souvenir of your visit, Erin will guide you to the right section and help you get a great deal. It’s a fabulous insight into the lives – and unwanted possessions – of Angelenos. Prices start at $60 per person and include entry to the market.

2. Gold Rush husky dog sledding, Fairbanks, Alaska

If you’ve ever wanted to go husky dog sledding then you couldn’t do better than this experience in Fairbanks, Alaska. You’ll be provided with all the outdoor gear you’ll need before you’re whisked through the snow for your 20–30-minute ride by a pack of lovable hounds. There’s time for pics with your favorite pups after too. We love that reviews state how well cared for and loved the dogs obviously are. Prices are around $151 per person. 

1. Sandwich and history tour, New York City, New York

Maybe it's because we're greedy but this sandwich tasting tour makes our number one spot. With countless delis in the city, sandwiches and New York go together like a horse and carriage. This unique tour goes beyond just tasting food and explores what a sandwich really is by sampling three different interpretations. Along the way, host Ben will discuss the history of sandwiches, the people who make them and share the history of the East Village as well. Prices start from around $75 per person (food included).

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