Vacations are about the experience. No matter where your travels take you, what matters most is spending time with loved ones in memorable places—and that includes your lodging. It’s why many travelers are now opting for unique vacation homes vs. hotels. Think cool rustic cabins near Yellowstone, luxury retreats in New England’s high-end towns, and charming Southern homes complete with palm trees. For an unforgettable stay, choose a unique vacation home with a distinct style and features—a place that feels like it really belongs.
Whether you’re a pro at finding quirky homes, or it’s time to break free from your hotel comfort zone, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up the types of hidden gems you won’t want to miss out on, from coast to coast.
If you’re like us, you have major heart-eyes for New England’s pastoral villages and coastal towns. While you could go with a traditional hotel for your trip, you’ll be missing out on the feel of the region that practically invented the word “quaint.”
Instead, immerse yourself in your surroundings with a shingle-style vacation home right on the harbor, near seafood markets and world-class sailing. Explore architectural gems in rural Vermont—why compromise on style and seclusion, when you can have both at one of these modern vacation homes? Or maybe the peaceful lakeside cottages of New Hampshire are just what you need to disconnect from it all.
Nothing says “Southern charm” like a beautiful home with old-fashioned character. Private pools with shady palm trees, screened-in porches complete with rocking chairs—all that’s missing is you and a cold glass of sweet tea. Try leaning into the quirky beach town vibes with a fun bungalow, or commemorate your trip to high-end resort areas like Hilton Head with an elegant luxury vacation rental.
It’s time to head “up north” for tranquil waterfront stays and small-town vibes. Vacasa offers hundreds of unique vacation homes in the Midwest. Find an artsy home that reflects the local culture of Saugatuck, Michigan. Or get up close and personal with the Northwoods of Wisconsin and their 3,200 lakes, rivers, and streams. Imagine a home nestled right on the water, where you can fish or launch your kayak for a peaceful morning on the lake. Many of our homes in this region are log cabins with perfectly rustic decor, where you can truly immerse yourself in the environment.
When we think of places like Colorado, Northern Utah, and Montana, we imagine powdery winters and unbeatable skiing, whether at a resort or in the backcountry. Or perhaps you’re more of the warm-weather adventurer, eager for blooming meadows, towering mountains, and roaring rivers. Connect with nature in a way that hotels won’t allow: book a rustic-chic cabin in the woods or on the side of a mountain. These unique homes even include features like game rooms, home theaters, and one-of-a-kind decor.
If you’re heading to the land of incredible desert vistas and open skies, a unique vacation home is just the ticket. Commemorate your Grand Canyon adventure with a retro camper straight from a vintage national park postcard. Discover our adobe homes in Taos, teeming with southwestern decor and tucked in the city’s cute neighborhoods. Or maybe you’re looking for a Texas property to watch the starry night sky—whatever your Southwest style, Vacasa has homes for an unforgettable stay.
Our homes on the West Coast are just as diverse as the area itself, from SoCal to the Olympic Peninsula. Wake up to the sound of waves in an oceanfront yurt in Oregon, or sip local wine on the patio of your Sonoma vineyard home. Find Instagrammable retro homes in Palm Springs, where all that’s missing from the swimming pools is you and your unicorn floatie. Or maybe you’re the outdoorsy type—check out our unique cabin rentals with hot tubs in the Columbia River Gorge, where the hiking trails are near-endless.