When a three-day weekend pops up, sometimes the best plan isn’t where you’re going, it’s where you’re staying. And that’s where the coolest Airbnbs come in. These spots aren’t just crash pads; they’re the kind of rentals that make the trip all on their own.
Think houses shaped like flower pots, treehouses that look like they belong on a postcard, or quirky shoe-shaped stays that your kids will brag about for months. You don’t need a complicated itinerary when the Airbnb itself is the main event. Pack a bag, grab snacks, and boom—you’ve got a getaway that feels big, even if it’s just a few hours from home.
And the best part? The coolest Airbnbs don’t require a passport or weeks of planning. Some are close enough for a quick road trip, perfect for when you want to turn an ordinary weekend into something memorable. Whether you’re in the mood for cozy, quirky, or downright Instagrammable, these are the stays that make you say, “Yep, totally worth it.”
Stoneflower Cottage | Heber Springs, AR
Stoneflower Cottage is located in the foothills of the Arkansas Ozarks, surrounded by beautiful trees and Greer's Ferry Lake. The lower level feels like a natural cave, complete with stones and boulders. Upstairs feels like a completely different place, with sleek Redwood floors, beams, and clean lines. With spectacular views and a large deck, your camera roll will be filled with tons of pictures by the end of your stay. Sleeps 5/3 beds/1.5 baths.
Stoneflower Cottage | Heber Springs, AR—Book Here!
The Lens Lodge | Ellijay, GA
Sleep in the lens of this amazing camera-themed rental in the Georgia mountains! With an open concept floorplan, a bed situated in the "lens", and a hot tub to take in the scenery, you can't go wrong.
The Lens Lodge | Ellijay, GA—Book Here!
Flower Pot | Burley, ID
If a "blooming good time" is what you're after, this flower pot-shaped tiny house is for you. A seasonal rooftop patio, a hot tub, and a loft sleeping area are all surrounded by a seasonal flower farm from April - October.
Flower Pot | Burley, ID—Book Here!
RELATED: The Best Airbnb Experiences For Families Who Love to Play
Hobbit House | South Sioux City, NE
The classic tale of Hobbits, elves, and magic comes to life in this Nebraska house. Built into the ground with a round door and real grass roof, this cottage transports you into the famous books.
Hobbit House | South Sioux City, NE—Book Here!
The Quonset | Tiverton, RI
This beautiful 1940s house was constructed during WWII to store ammunition (there are only a few left in the country!). Of course, all the ammunition has been cleared out and now includes a stunning kitchen, a secret kids' game room, a library living room, and a hot tub.
The Quonset | Tiverton, RI—Book Here!
The Bloomhouse | Austin, TX
A "giant seashell unicorn" pretty much sold us when we read the Airbnb description. The property is secluded outside of Austin, TX, with windy, whimsical interiors and a beautiful deck. (*The property management notes that due to the nature of the interior, The Bloomhouse can't accommodate kids under 5 years old.)
The Bloomhouse | Austin, TX—Book Here!
RELATED: The Coolest Airbnbs for Families with Toddlers
Chinook | Brooksville, FL
This wild, real, repurposed Chinook CH-47D helicopter promises a stay like no other. It includes totally modern amenities, including your choice of bedroom either in the cockpit (with pilot and copilot chairs) or the loading ramp at the back with a private deck, modern kitchen, and fenced-in property.
Chinook | Brooksville, FL—Book Here!
The Copperfox Treehouse | Pownal, ME
This fox-shaped treehouse is like a dream. Designed and built by the owners, it's nestled above the trees and is decorated with foxes (of course)—can you find them all?
The Copperfox Treehouse | Pownal, ME—Book Here!
The Haines Shoe House | Yorkana, PA
Straight out of Mother Goose, this shoe house has been featured on HGTV and The Amazing Race. It's not just cool; it's professionally decorated, includes a hot tub, and a game area, plus two living rooms.
The Haines Shoe House | Yorkana, PA—Book Here!
Pyramids Villas | Ft. Meyers, FL
Situated on the shore of a sparkling lake, these individual pyramids have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with outdoor dining and lots of fresh air. They also created the interior to be allergy-free for your best possible sleep and relaxation.
Pyramids Villas | Ft. Meyers, FL—Book Here!
Apple Ridge Farm Caboose | Cooper Hill, VA
If you have kids who love trains, this remodeled 1978 Norfolk Southern caboose car will create a trip for the books. Apple Ridge Farm is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is owned by a nonprofit organization that provides environmental education and summer camp experiences, field trip programs, and afterschool programs for more than 80,000 kids.
Apple Ridge Farm Caboose | Cooper Hill, VA—Book Here!
Western Saloon | Tetonia, ID
On a sprawling 10 acres in Idaho, this saloon-style rental is oh-so-cozy, even for the roughest cowboy. There are multiple outdoor seating areas, a saltwater hot tub, and a big, expansive sky full of stars you'll want to gaze at every single night.
Western Saloon | Tetonia, ID—Book Here!
The Silo | Bonne Terre, MO
A luxury, boho, industrial, farmhouse-style, chic silo? Somehow it works perfectly at the Silo in Missouri. The interior is beautiful, and outside, you'll find a two-story deck over a new pond with a hanging hammock, two swings, and a claw foot tub.
The Silo | Bonne Terre, MO—Book Here!
All the properties listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you book a stay from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
