24 of the Coolest Airbnbs in the U.S. to Rent Right Now

For the past year and a half, the coolest Airbnbs in the US have been booked solid, for obvious reasons. A short-term rental house became the ideal way to escape for a tranquil weekend getaway or a longer-term WFH setup. City dwellers used Airbnbs as a trial run for a permanent move, either out to the ‘burbs or a whole other part of the country. In the midst of a global pandemic and mounting cabin fever, you no doubt found yourself hunting through the app, too, increasingly desperate to discover something that offered a change of scenery. Priorities likely topped out at wifi, a roof over your head, and a halfway-decent view. Mountains, lake, pool, hell, even a tree with a tire swing…it wasn't the time to be picky. Except now, as the world re-opens, expectations—and proper vacations—are returning to normal. And the coolest Airbnbs can prove elusive to find (and book, too, if you're not fast). 

You've no doubt noticed that too many Airbnbs have a cookie-cutter interior design aesthetic best dubbed “2-Day Drab." Cheap lucite chairs from a big-box store. Couches and beds that look like knockoffs of knockoffs. “Art” that looks suspiciously like the photo that came with the frame. More and more Airbnbs are actually investment properties, built out just enough, in the cheapest possible way, to look okay on a mobile phone screen. But the truly good ones—the Airbnbs that look like someone cared? Where the design is so good, the view inside might be better than what's through the windows? They're the prizes. 

Turns out, there are tons of unique Airbnb’s stateside that’ll make you feel like a certified travel guru for as long as you stay. Consider renting one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s impossibly cool architectural gems in the Midwest or hitting up one of Joshua Tree’s swanky sustainable solar homes. To help you pick a spot befitting of your heightened taste levels, we rounded up 24 of the coolest Airbnbs in the US to rent right now, from off-grid cabins to minimalist masterpieces that belong in the type of sleek coffee table book you'll probably find on their shelves. 

1. The Philip Johnson Wolfhouse, Newburgh, New York

With panoramic views of the Hudson River, this iconic 4-bed, 3-bath home designed by the late, great Philip Johnson, a pioneer of postmodern architecture, is only one hour north of New York City and a short drive from art meccas Dia Beacon and Storm King. But the real reason to book is the perfectly 'grammable sunrise views across the Hudson.

2. Mid-Century Modern A-Frame Home on Six Acres, Red Hook, New York

Let’s face it: Your colleagues are sick and tired of staring at a pixelated view of your dead plants and crinkled sheets. So imagine their shock and awe when you sign on to your next meeting nestled in this sweet A-frame cabin. Featuring 2 beds and 2.5 baths, floor-to-ceiling windows, and vintage Danish furniture, this mid-century home is set on 6 acres of land in the Hudson Valley—close to city living, but not too close.

3. Woodstock Historic Artist Estate - The Pond House, Woodstock, New York

The Japanese influence in the master bedroom of this Woodstock artist estate is palpable: the natural materials, the low-lofted bed, the conspicuous lack of clutter, and the floor-to-ceiling windows all nod to design details associated with our neighbors in the East. But the perks of posting up here aren't just about a good night's sleep. The house also features a spacious living room with a piano, a large dining room table, and ample outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to entertain friends and family before you nab some long-awaited shut-eye.

4. Cedar Modernist, Montauk, New York

Imagine the slickest loft you’ve ever seen. Now imagine it magically transported to the beach. That’s what it feels like waking up in this decked-out (sorry) beach house in Montauk. The vibrant, thoughtful space boasts 2 beds and 2.5 baths, along with multiple surfboards you can take with you to Montauk’s best surf breaks. Afterwards, you can climb into the cedar-clad sauna and outdoor shower, an après-surf setup you'll be happy to come home to, even if you didn't catch every wave.

5. Table on Ten Studio on the Hill, South Kortright, New York

Some Airbnbs can feel like they were decorated by a West Elm obsessive from Palm Springs. Not this one. This small, modern studio in the Catskills is abundantly soulful. The floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the property’s private meadows might lure you in, but it’s the interiors that'll make you stay: the retro plaid bedding, the wood accents, the living room couch that doubles as log storage. Need more? The show-stopping claw-foot tub in the master bath should seal the deal.

6. Table on Ten Earth House, South Kortright, New York

If you’re hoping to impress a significant other with your secret cooking skills, this newly renovated solar home managed by the same owners as the Studio on the Hill is the ideal place to do it. With a large offering of cookbooks on hand and an IG-friendly kitchen—not to mention the abundance of herb gardens, fruit trees, and blueberry bushes on the property—you’ll finally get to bust out that recipe you perfected during lockdown.

7. Mid Century home: 2 bedrooms, Sayville, New York

This mid-century home on Fire Island is as optimally situated as it is designed. Literal steps from the beach and the bay, the space boasts 2 bedrooms, a back deck, and an outdoor shower—i.e. all of the rustic beach charm you could ever want.

The listing isn't playing around: This home is indeed a treehouse, albeit one with a full kitchen, bathroom, living room, and lofted bed (all overlooking a private pond on the property, naturally). The Antony Gibbon-designed space comes kitted out with everything you need for a comfortable stay—childlike sense of wonder sadly not included. If you like the outdoors but dislike tents, bug bites, and a lack of running water, this Airbnb is for you. 

9. Bright Studio with Panoramic Views, Silver Lake, California

Want to post up in the heart of L.A.'s achingly hip Silverlake neighborhood? This studio features unfussy design, panoramic views, and a wraparound deck, along with—in true form—a corrugated steel ceiling. (Tell me you live in Los Angeles without telling me you live in Los Angeles.) There are few better ways to kick off a day in L.A. than enjoying some java from Cafecito Organico in this Airbnb's wood-paneled kitchen nook. 

10. Off-grid itHouse, Pioneertown, California

This Airbnb is located right outside of Joshua Tree and very aptly named—solar panels provide sustainably-sourced electricity and hot water for the entire space. And it's off-grid in another, less literal way: There's no TV, and the satellite wifi is “for emergencies communication.” Plenty to do without staring at your phone, though. Study the way the architecture expertly contrasts industrial-leaning design with the backdrop of the remote California desert. Get lost (not literally) in the awe-inspiring martian landscape. Before you know it you'll have made it through the weekend without checking your phone once.

11. Architect's Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin, Twentynine Palms, California

Down the road from Joshua Tree and just one hour from Palm Springs, this Malek Alqadi-designed home is heavy on the sex appeal. The space boasts both indoor and outdoor sleeping arrangements, the latter featuring a heated bed nestled into a roofless steel structure that delivers a full starlight view.  

12. Whisper Rock Ranch, Pioneertown, California

Another Joshua Tree gem fueled entirely by solar energy, this desert oasis features an open floor plan with large windows and glass doors to ensure unobstructed views of the landscape. The interior boasts a cool amalgamation of eclectic mid-century modern pieces and dashes of Native American-inspired decor that makes the space feel distinct without verging into blatant appropriation. Watch the sunset from the hot tub or pool, then move the telescope out to the wraparound deck to try and spot the Big Dipper.

13. The Topanga A-Frame, a Heavenly View, Topanga, California

This 1978 A-frame cabin overlooks the Topanga mountain range and is just a 10 minute drive from Malibu. Tricked out with a record player, guitars, a collection of '70s vinyl, and a film projector, this is where you retreat to finally get those creative juices flowing. It even features a “zen den” and mezzanine for yoga or meditation. Got an electric car? The house also includes a driveway carport with two complimentary EV chargers.

14. Private and Secluded Large House, Palm Springs, California

We have no proof that Diplo relaxes here between tours, but it seems like the kind of place he might. Waking up in this geodesic dome house means 360-degree views of the desert (you've got five acres to roam). The 26-foot-high ceiling means you'll never feel cramped for space. Need some air? The restaurants and cafes in town will get you recharged, whether you're coming down from a 24-hour DJ set or just waking up late after getting 10 uninterrupted hours of sleep.

15. Modern Solar Home South of Marfa, Marfa, Texas

Marfa, the artist enclave about 7 hours west of Austin, is a must-see stop along the drive through West Texas. This small solar home is situated a little over an hour from the tiny art town and about the same distance from Big Bend National Park. Roll the HDTV outside and indulge in its extensive collection of classic westerns or take in the expansive views of West Texas and Mexico. The one caveat? There’s minimal cell reception (though a landline and internet service are available). Stop refreshing the like count on your dimly-lit Prada Marfa pic and unplug here instead.

16. Historic Casa Cartel, Austin, Texas

This vibrant, meticulously-decorated home in the heart of Austin’s downtown is like stepping into a kaleidoscope, sans the nausea. With antique-style furnishings, distinct tiled walls, and a courtyard pool, and nine beds, it’s the perfect place to throw down with a larger group. Each of the 5 bedrooms and 5 baths have individual design themes, giving them a feel you won't find at any hotel, no matter how luxe.

17. Still Bend/Frank Lloyd Wright's Schwartz House, Two Rivers, Wisconsin, United States

About a mile from Lake Michigan sits Frank Lloyd Wright’s “dream house”, an icon of modern architecture initially detailed in a 1938 issue of Life. Lloyd Wright described his paean to Usonian design as a home with "special privacies, ultra conveniences, and style all the while.” And that's precisely what he delivered: high design with livable comforts—a livable introduction to one of the great pioneers of contemporary American architecture.

18. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Eppstein House, Galesburg, Michigan, United States

Fancy yourself a real Lloyd Wright fan? The architect also designed a home in Galesburg, completed in 1953 but restored to its former glory less than five years ago. Many of Lloyd Wright’s original touches, including the dining room table and furniture from the same period, are preserved, allowing his dedication to crafting comfortable homes for American families to shine through. There’s even an especially capacious family room with a record player and vinyl collection that's to die for. 

19. The GLASS TreeHouse, Atlanta, Georgia

This all-glass house in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood was designed on a raised platform to provide a treehouse-like experience, but comes jam-packed with the sort of modern amenities you'd expect to find in a more conventional home. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer natural light in spades, and might just convince you to spend an entire afternoon doing nothing but enjoying the view. On Sundays, head to the organic farmer’s market a stone's throw away to pick up dinner.

20. The best view in Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina

Our colleagues at Architectural Digest recently named it the most beautiful Airbnb in North Carolina, and it isn't hard to see why. This sleek bungalow in Riceville Valley looks out over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inside, its a minimally-decorated space where wood furniture plays off poured concrete flooring while a few bright colors liven up the muted interior. The whole thing is one big deep breath of relaxation. 

21. Viewpoint in Lutsen, Lutsen, Minnesota

Does waking up to a cotton candy-colored sunrise over Lake Superior sound like a morning ritual you might be into? If so, welcome to your Airbnb. Outside, this wooden cabin offers sweeping views of the most, ahem, superior of the Great Lakes, while inside the design is rustic but modern—leather couches and chairs swathed in cowhide, with wood panelling in the bedrooms. When your eyes finally recover from staring at the sun, venture out to nearby Lockport Market for a day on the town.

22. Camp Wandawega Hillhouse, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

In a stroke of pure genius, the owners of this listing renovated a summer camp cabin from the ‘30s while somehow managing to preserve all its original retro charm. Inside, leather accents mix with vintage decor and carefully-placed industrial details, making the space comfortable enough for you to feel at home, but elevated enough to remind you that you’re definitely not. Outside, you’ve got a private beach, canoes, rowboats, and tennis courts. It's summer camp—minus the crippling social anxiety and raging adolescent hormones.

23. Scenic Mountain Lodge on Sardis Lake, Clayton, Oklahoma

Oklahoma is more than just a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. The breathtaking views on display at this mountain escape (yes, Oklahoma has mountains) are on display via two outdoor deck areas that allow you full access to the surrounding natural beauty. Better yet, the home is situated directly adjacent to a lake and nearby hiking trails, the latter of which represent the perfect opportunity to put your techiest jacket you've been jonesing to wear by putting it to use in an environment it was actually designed for.

24. Cinco Chimineas, Santa Fe, New Mexico

This large adobe home is a classic Santa Fe family stay, with an indoor pool, a foosball table, and a special room for the kids (or your single friends) to bunk in. If you can find a reason to leave, you might stumble across the beloved Santa Fe coffee shop Downtown Subscription or—if you really want to be energized—visit Meow Wolf, the trippy psych art center originally founded by George R.R. Martin.