Cool Airbnbs Near Houston to Book This Fall

We love hanging in Houston and all, but we also love exploring the rest of the Lone Star State. Case in point? We’ve brought you the perfect weekend road trips, the most picturesque places in Texas, the most gorgeous locales in South Texas, and some awesome nearby hikes. With some (fingers crossed so hard) cooler fall weather coming our way, we’ve got our eyes on the coolest, most extra accommodations within spitting distance of H-Town. With amenities like hot tubs and infinity pools, wrap-around decks with sunset views, and free s’mores, these totally excellent, totally relaxing Airbnbs are just a roadtrip away.

Bolivar Peninsula, Texas
14 guests, $1,364 per night
Distance from Houston: 1 hour
The fall is probably the choicest time to spend a few days out near Galveston Island. First, it’s way less crowded. And most importantly, it’s way less hot. Listen to the waves crash as you settle into this four-bedroom open-floor concept on the nearby Bolivar Peninsula, set right off the beach and with floor-to-ceiling windows, second- and third-story decks, and a private outdoor shower to boot. There’s also a 24/7 concierge service that can set up cool things like a bonfire on the beach.
Things to do nearby: Live that blissful beach life, and if you’re looking for some action, take a ferry over to Galveston Island to stroll through the historic streets of the Strand District, excellent bars and restaurants rocking tropical drinks and Gulf Coast seafood, and see cool stuff like an 1877 sailing ship.

Lago Vista, Texas
12 guests, $502 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
This is the kind of place where you want to get away with friends. The resort-style pool area comes complete with a slide, rock climbing wall, palapa for shade, and 12-person hot tub, plus sick Lake Travis and Hill Country views and a downstairs with a fire pit with wrap-around benches and free s’mores from November - February.
Things to do nearby: This house is just three minutes from the northern shores of Lake Travis, so it has access to all that goodness; and not too far away, that little city called Austin has quite a bit to offer, including but not limited to Bartons Springs, Lady Bird Lake, really, really good patio eating and drinking, and all of these actually cool things to do.

Spicewood, Texas
2 guests, $450 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3.5 hours
You can immerse yourself in nature while still feeling luxe at the NDotto retreat, set in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The modern one bedroom space rocks a fireplace, full kitchen, spa bath, and soaking tub with sunset views plus an outdoor courtyard with an open-air shower, hammock, hot tub, and yet another fireplace because this is glamping, y’all.
Things to do nearby: If you’re visiting before November, hit up Krause Springs, an underrated watering hole surrounded by a 115-acre property with over 30 springs, an au naturel pool flowing into Lake Travis, waterfalls, and grottos (it’ll close for winter break from November 1 through February 15). Later, spend some time winery hopping at spots like El Gaucho Winery, Spicewood Vineyards, and Stonehouse Vineyard; dig into some real deal Texas brisket at Opie’s Barbecue, or go grab beers and live music at neighborhood hangouts Angel’s Icehouse and Frontyard Brewing.

Austin, Texas
6 guests, $911 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
Spending a weekend on Lake Travis is a Texas rite of passage, one you may want to conquer with some friends at this luxurious Austin retreat. The modern gem boasts two decks overlooking that beautiful lake alongside two outdoor fireplaces, an outdoor grill and dining area plus access to a boat dock, shared swim platform, and kayak.
Things to do nearby: Pair your buzz with lakeside views and live music at inimitable Lake Travis bar and restaurant, The Oasis. And if you’re up for it, strip down to your birthday suit on the shores of Hippie Hollow, Texas’ only clothing-optional public park.
 

Lumberton, Texas
2 guests, $231 per night
Distance from Houston: ~1.5 hours
The deeply forested Big Thicket is nature at its finest, and this woodsy “naturalist boudoir” is the perfect place to feel at one with said nature. With big open windows, a cabin feel, and awesome amenities like an outdoor shower, secluded hot tub, and suspended queen bed, this is prime unplugging territory. Note: If this boudoir is all booked up, there’s a second.
Things to do nearby: Explore the biodiverse, rainforest-like Big Thicket where adventurers can hike and kayak through endless scenic trails and waterways.

New Braunfels, Texas
10 guests, $1,088 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3.5 hours
You’ll have to drive up the winding hillside road to find it, but once you do, the Skyhouse offers gorgeous views of Lake Canyon in addition to some very nice creature-comforts. Ease in the infinity pool and brand-new hot tub, fire up the outdoor grill, and catch the sunset from the wrap-around deck.
Things to do nearby: Dive into Canyon Lake itself and scope out the mile-long Canyon Lake Gorge, sip through grapes at the nearby La Cruz de Comal Wines, or, if you’re visiting before the end of tube season (roughly through the end of September), grab yourself a toob from Tube Haus or Whitewater Sports and take an epic float down the Guadalupe River.

Dallas, Texas
4 guests, $338 per night
Distance from Houston: 3.5 - 4 hours
A trickling brook and endless rows of Japanese Maples are just some of the natural beauties awaiting your admiration when you book this distinctive getaway. Nestled away in funky Little Forest Hills, the rustic-chic property feels like an escape from city life in the midst of the Big D.
Things to do nearby: All of these Cool Things to Do in Dallas, including but not limited to getting back to nature at the Arboretum, coming face-to-face with sharks, and dining like a real cowboy.

Fredericksburg, Texas
2 guests, $305 per night
Distance from Houston: ~4 hours
This luxury cabin is legit on stilts, built right into a cluster of oaks on the Palo Alto Creek. Bring a partner or go solo as you laze the day away in the hammock, sip wine while soaking in the outdoor tub, and live that Swiss Family Robinson life to the fullest. And check out the Sycamore Treehouse, Leaf Treehouse, Sapling Treehouse, and Acorn Treehouse properties while you’re at it.
Things to do nearby: This secluded spot is only seven minutes from Fredericksburg’s town center, meaning you should probably pay the charming old German town a visit (along with all the wineries in the area, naturally). Bonus: Hauntingly beautiful Enchanted Rock lurks a mere 20 minutes or so down the road.

Dripping Springs
2 guests, $159 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
Stressed with city life? Consider chillin’ in a straight up yurt in the middle of Texas Hill Country for a few days. This one’s perched between Live Oaks on a plot overlooking the gaping canyon and trickling spring-fed creek below. A quiet common area with porch swings and a fire pit beckons nearby. 
Things to do nearby: The yurt sits halfway between Bee Cave and Drippings Springs, home to must-see Texas grotto Hamilton Pool. Solaro Estate Winery is within walking distance, Treaty Oak Distilling and Fitzhugh Brewing are a stone’s throw away, and world-famous Salt Lick BBQ is jut a quick 25 minute drive from your front door… er, flap.
 

Leander, Texas
12 guests, $624 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
Just a half hour outside of Austin, a supremely cool, fully renovated tri-level dome house dubbed the “Black Beauty" awaits your arrival. Take your freshly-brewed coffee (or a Bloody Mary) out onto the treetop deck to enjoy in the crisp Texas Hill Country air, climb the spiral staircase to the observation tower’s lofted library for 360-degree lakeside views, and don’t forget to snap some quality pics for the ‘Gram.
Things to do nearby: While downtown Austin is only 30 minutes away, you’re also just minutes from the quiet Sandy Shores of Lake Travis. What we mean to say is, get out on that lake.

New Braunfels, Texas
15 guests, $3,546 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
Skip the fratty, outdated river house rental and level up to sensational luxury instead. This five-bedroom stunner’s comes correct with hilltop views, an oversized hot tub, and an infinity pool complete with a cascading rock waterfall plus a sick outdoor kitchen with a gas-fired pizza oven.
Things to do: If the weather’s still right, embark on a leisurely float trip or splash the day away at Guadalupe River and Canyon Lake, both a short drive away. It’s also a 20 minute hop over to New Braunfels and 30 minutes from historic Greune, home to Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall.

Terlingua, Texas
3 guests, $118 per night
Distance from Houston: 9.5 - 10 hours
If you’re itching to get the heck out of dodge, it doesn’t get much more remote than the Far West Texas ghost town of Terlingua—and local accommodations don’t get much cooler than this earthen dome house. The isolated rental sits in one of the few remaining territories under a dark sky ordinance, meaning your views of the Texas-sized starry night will be just as unforgettable as the sunrises and sunsets. 
Things to do nearby: It’s a quick 25-minute drive over to Big Bend National Park, one of the largest national parks in the US at over 800,000 acres. There’s a lot to explore, from the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon to winding Rio Grande.

Driftwood, Texas
6 guests, $495 per night
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
One of two ranch homes on a serene eight-acre property, this spot screams true Lone Star livin’. Here, you'll be sippin’ shandies while soaking up the sunset from the front porch, taking more than a few dips in the sleek pool, and searing marshmallows over the moonlit fire pit as you listen to the crickets churn deep in the oak Texas trees.
Things to do nearby: Grab local wine from the Wimberley Valley Winery or Limestone Terrace Vineyard or day trip over to nearby Jacob’s Well, a gorgeous, natural artesian spring and home to what is believed to be the longest underwater cave in Texas.