14 Airbnbs Around the Country with Drop-Dead Gorgeous Views

There’s nothing better than letting the outside take center stage.

airbnb with a view
Airbnb
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Swimming pools, gourmet kitchens, and game rooms are all pretty great, but nothing takes a vacation house to the next level like a jaw-dropping view. Waking up to vistas of mountain peaks, serene lake waters, or crashing open waves is an instant reminder that you’re on holiday—and the only thing on your to-do list is to relax.

Whether you’re taking time off to hike, ski, swim, fish, or just enjoy drinks around a fire, it’s so much easier to enjoy yourself when the outside takes center stage. With that in mind, here are 14 Airbnbs to book the next time you want to kick back and take in some incredible views—before documenting it all for Instagram, of course.

west virginia lake house airbnb
Airbnb

8 guests/$522 per night

 

If you want to better understand what John Denver meant when he wrote the lyrics to “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” book a stay at this cozy cabin just miles away from the Appalachian Trail in historic Harpers Ferry. Perfect any time of year, this cabin sits on the shores of a small lake, ideal for swimming when the weather allows and for sunset-watching and stargazing year-round (best enjoyed from the hot tub on the back deck). Sip cocktails on the screened porch, and warm up around the outdoor fire pit or the indoor wood-burning stove—by the end of your stay, you’ll be wishing you’d booked it for longer and that those country roads were taking you anywhere but home.

 

What guests say: “This cabin was absolutely beautiful with lakefront views. When you think of cabin getaways, this is the kind of place you dream of. My family had a very cozy stay and would definitely come back.”

upstate new york treehouse rental airbnb
Airbnb

2 guests/$382 per night

 

While we all love a view of a sweeping vista, sometimes we want views that are a little more up close and personal—and that is exactly what you’ll find at this delightful treehouse that sits in a wooded enclave and overlooks a small (and swimmable!) pond. The treehouse sits on 34 acres and is shared with the main house, but it’s still very private and perfect for couples. Take a soak in the hot tub, cozy up on the couch next to the wood-burning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows, wake up to views of trees and natural light, and if you get antsy, drive into Woodstock, which is only 15 minutes away.

 

What guests say: “Honestly, I don’t know what else to say that everyone else hasn’t said. This treehouse is beyond your expectations. It offers beautiful scenery, outdoors, decor, and architecture. Our weekend stay was magical! It was a weekend we never thought we needed. A meditative and grounding experience being surrounded by nature and nature only. The best.”

sedona airbnb
Airbnb

4 guests/$412 per night

 

This cozy casita faces west, so you can watch the sun dip behind the red rocks from your private hot tub. The home feels very secluded, but shopping and dining are just a 5-minute drive away. During the day, take a dip in the infinity pool, enjoy views from every window, go on a hike, or just enjoy cocktails on the deck and take in even more gorgeous scenery.

 

What guests say: “Simply breathtaking! The road leading to this stunning casita is the perfect crescendo to the view you will find upon opening the front door. This lovely little home had everything we needed to enjoy one of our favorite places on the planet, Sedona. We loved lounging on the back deck overlooking the beautiful valley as far as the eye could see. We sipped coffee in the mornings with hot air balloons over our heads and wine in the evenings over a lovely sunset. This is a truly special place!”

alaska northern lights airbnb
Airbnb

2 guests/$389 per night

 

If taking in the Aurora Borealis, the most intense light show/natural phenomenon to (probably) ever exist, is on your bucket list, this Alaskan igloo is the place to stay: What better place to take in one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world than…from your bed? This igloo has a wraparound clear ceiling, so you won’t miss a minute of the magic. The dome also has a private bath and kitchenette and access to a yurt where you can get all of your meals. Looking to fill up some of your daytime hours? The area has lots of trails, fire pits, fat-tire bikes, snowshoes, snowmachines, and ice fishing. You can even arrange to be picked up by Alaska’s version of Uber—a sled pulled by dogs.

 

What guests say: “A once-in-a-lifetime experience. The accommodations, the incredible infrastructure that was built to create such an experience, THE FOOD, the thoughtfulness—everything was on point and so well thought out. I will be talking about this visit for a long time. Would recommend to anyone, especially photographers looking for an awesome way to photograph the Aurora and enjoy a peaceful break from the rest of the world. The only thing I would do differently is plan to stay longer.”

malibu beach house airbnb
Airbnb

10 guests/$12,500 per night

 

This mythological beach town is known for its celebrity residents, excessive wealth, and long stretches of sandy beaches. If you want to pretend like you’re part of the scene for a few days, it’ll cost you a pretty penny—but it’s well worth it if you can afford it to stay in this modern home that sits on stilts over Carbon Beach (aka “Billionaire’s Beach”) with panoramic ocean views. The open concept space has a living room with floor-to-ceiling windowed doors that open right up to a deck overlooking the Pacific. Most of the bedrooms also have glass windows/doors with decks, and you’re literally just a flight of stairs away from feeling the sand between your toes. 

 

What guests say: “This was the perfect Malibu home rental. The pictures don't do the property justice. It is an amazing property with sweeping views. On top of that, the quality of everything on the property is top-notch; it was spotlessly clean, and the owners/managers were very dependable. I would highly recommend this property to anyone visiting Malibu, and we hope to stay at this property again in the future.”

montana airbnb
Airbnb

16 guests/$1,956 per night

 

This luxurious chalet was built to embody the Danish concept of hygge—cozy comfort that inspires contentment and well-being. That’s exactly what you’ll feel in the 4,626-square-foot custom ranch surrounded by mountain views and overlooking a pond. The 21-acre property feels completely remote but is less than 10 minutes from downtown Livingston and 45 minutes from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Throw steaks on the grill, organize some ping pong and shuffleboard tournaments, drink beers by the fire pit, or try your luck fishing in the fully stocked trout pond. 

 

What guests say: “By far the nicest vacation rental I have ever stayed in. The house is very well designed and has a stunning view. It feels cozy yet was more than spacious enough for four families with small children to spread out. We enjoyed the grill, the ping pong table, the horseshoe pit, and the lawn. I even caught (and promptly released) a cutthroat trout from the pond. The pictures don't do the house justice.”

hamptons airbnb
Airbnb

4 guests/$1,214 per night

 

This sleek, modern house has been featured in several magazines due to its stunning architecture and sculptural qualities. You can gaze at the ocean, sand dunes, and a nature preserve all from within the home, which is light and airy with show-stopping details—think a hanging steel fireplace, lots of skylights, a feather lamp above the dining room table, an outdoor cedar shower, and a terrace with a grill that is perfect for long dinners.

 

What guests say: “Not just a place to stay but an immersive experience, from the sweeping ocean views to the amazing water pressure of the outdoor shower post-beach swim. This home is a fascinating—a design-minded person’s dream. Everything feels intentional, organic, and perfectly/imperfectly placed for deep relaxation and connection to nature.”

florida keys floating tiki hut airbnb
Airbnb

2 guests/$719 per night

 

Sure, a beachfront house with ocean views is amazing—but try waking up surrounded by water on all four sides. You can experience just that in the Grand Tiki, a floating bungalow in the waters of the Florida Keys. The thatched cabana has everything you could need, including paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and a double hammock. You’ll have to take a water taxi out to your floating home from the mainland, but once you’re there, you probably won’t want to leave. There’s even a TV at the foot of the bed for a movie night after the sun goes down. (Although it will be difficult to pull yourself away from staring at the stars.)

 

What guests say: “The tiki far exceeded all my expectations and was a dream stay. You feel like you're in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean; it’s epic. Highly advise staying up all night, turning off all of the lights, and laying out on the deck to see the massive amount of stars at night. It’s something you really can’t explain and has to be seen in person.”

joshua tree airbnb
Airbnb

4 guests/$417 per night

 

Escape the stress of everyday life at this midcentury ranch-style home, which has been transformed into a modern oasis inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection). Play wildlife bingo while trying to spot jackrabbits, quails, roadrunners, and other animals you probably don’t see back at home. Take an outdoor shower after a long hike (trailheads leading to some of the best scenery in Joshua Tree are just a short walk from the house) and then relax in the saltwater hot tub or around the fire pit while taking in sweeping desert views and the star-filled night sky.

 

What guests say: “We loved our stay at Villa Kuro! The entire home is a design dream, and the salt water jacuzzi is the perfect way to take in the beautiful views at sunset or the beautiful night sky. This house is the perfect place to get away and disconnect. It’s also very close to Joshua Tree National Park, which was a plus! Everything was clean and the bed was super cozy. We will be back!”

Classic beachfront home on Cape Cod
Airbnb

9 guests/$1,707 per night

 

Located about 23 miles south of Provincetown, Eastham is a sleepy town with tranquil beaches, natural beauty, rustic charm, and everything you need for a relaxing getaway—especially if you’re staying in this gorgeous Airbnb. The waterfront home is set atop a dune on a private beach, and it features endless views of Cape Cod Bay. Play fetch with your dog on the beach, rinse off in the outdoor shower, and take in the sunset while sitting on the wraparound deck with a drink in hand and a contented smile.

 

What guests say: “Our stay was amazing. The home is extra-large, although still felt cozy. The kitchen is amazing; we never wanted to leave the house and did not. The views are amazing with the most beautiful sunsets every night. The access to the beach being right next to the home was another plus. I can not say enough wonderful things about this home and location.”

Rustic cabin with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Airbnb

8 guests/$429 per night

 

Perched atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia, this cozy cabin is truly all about the mountain views. Take them in from the hot tub, the outdoor wood fireplace, or one of the decks—even while grilling steaks for dinner. If you get the urge to move around a bit more, you can entertain yourself with a game of pool or foosball or head out to enjoy nature hikes (so many waterfalls!), canoeing, tubing, jet skiing, horseback riding, and more.

 

What guests say: “The view from this home is spectacular! Plenty of room for families and/or friends. Whether you gather on the porch by the fire, soak in the hot tub, enjoy a game of pool, or just relax inside, you won’t be disappointed in your stay!”

Florida penthouse with mesmerizing ocean views
florida oceanfront condo airbnb

8 guests/$420 per night

 

Throw on a linen blazer, push up the sleeves, slip on a pair of Ray-Bans, and grab seven friends to do the same while staying at this Miami Vice-esque condominium 41 floors above the Atlantic Ocean. The corner unit has panoramic views overlooking the city and ocean, which only get more panoramic when sitting on the balcony with a cocktail in hand. Though the views are impressive, guests are also allowed to break away and explore the entire resort, including a beach, oceanfront pool, and gym you’ll probably never use.

 

What guests say: “The penthouse condo was wonderful! Amazing view and exactly as described. They had everything we needed for our stay (beach towels, a few extra chairs for the beach, etc.). We loved sitting out on the balcony every morning for the sunrise and throughout the day watching the boats out on the open water.” 

palm springs desert airbnb
Airbnb

6 guests/$352 per night

 

Though this geodesic dome home with 26-foot ceilings is one of the most efficient human shelters on Earth, it feels more like something you might find on a strange but beautiful planet. Set on five acres and surrounded by windmills, the San Jacinto mountains, and desert outside of Joshua Tree National Park, there’s a view of something spectacular from every window. The house is equipped with everything you’ll need, but if you feel like venturing out, downtown Palm Springs is just 15 minutes away.

 

What guests say: “Want to take a ride on a spaceship for a weekend? You got it. Have a love for mid-century modern furniture? You got it. Want to go to a place far enough for silence and close enough to grab a bit in town? You got it! This isn’t your everyday Airbnb and you can really tell how much thought and attention was put into designing and building out this unique place. Probably one of the best I’ve stayed in so far!”

montana group airbnb
Airbnb

16 guests/$1,226 per night

 

A 10-bedroom lakefront lodge with a gourmet kitchen, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, sauna, waterfront deck, huge lush lawn, stainless steel grill, and fire pit is pretty much everything one could want for a group vacation. Add in a pontoon for adventures on the lake, and...well, just book it already! Bonus: If you’re there for musky season, book a guide who can show you all of the best places to reel one in.

 

What guests say: “This cabin was huge! Lots of beds and separate doors great for getting family together and catching up. Loads of fridge space and a massive dining table perfect for our group.”

Daisy Barringer is an SF-based writer with a 155-pound Saint Bernard who loves the mountains even more than she does. See where they are visiting these days on Instagram @daisysf.
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