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Unique Places to Stay in Florida: 10 Cool & Quirky Rentals

Discover unique and charming vacation rentals in Florida, from treehouses to castles.

Updated Mar 8, 2023

Written by 

Victoria Winkler

Sure, it's nice to splurge on a fancy room in a glitzy hotel, but why do that when there are so many other options out there? Lucky for us, living in Florida means access to some of the country's most beautiful and charming vacation spots. Here are some of the most unique places to stay in Florida when you want an unforgettable experience.

Treehouse Rentals in Florida

Take yourself back to your childhood days when hanging out in your neighbor's treehouse was the thing to do. While Florida is known best for its beaches, palm trees, and theme parks, there are forests here as well. Check out these whimsical treehouse rentals in Florida that will get you up close and personal with nature:

1. Studio Unit, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Colorful cottages surrounded by trees, connected by wooden walkways in a serene outdoor setting.
VRBO.com
Cozy living space with a sofa, dining table, TV, and large windows overlooking trees. Modern decor and warm lighting.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL
  • Size: Studio, 1 bathroom
  • Price: $147/night
  • Amenities: Heater, air conditioning, wireless internet, kitchenette, Smart TV
  • Ratings: 4.7 stars

Located beneath a canopy of towering trees lies a small village of suites that are connected by a wooden walkway. This treehouse-like setting is the ultimate escape and is in close proximity to the beach. In just two minutes you can walk to the sand!

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2. The Hive at Wanderlust Okto, Orange County

A cozy cabin surrounded by greenery, featuring a spiral staircase and outdoor seating, with a pond in the background.
VRBO.com
Cozy living space with a brown sofa, wooden shelves, and a bright door, featuring warm decor and natural light.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Orange County, FL
  • Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Price: $149/night
  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, kitchen, Smart TV
  • Ratings: 5 stars

If you're searching for cool places to stay in Florida, look no further than The Hive. This one-of-a-kind treehouse is 240 square feet and has amenities like a private deck and an outdoor clawfoot bathtub. Talk about a unique getaway!

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Tiny Home Rentals in Florida

Have you ever stayed in a tiny house? Some of them can be just as comfortable as a hotel room or a larger house. Here are two tiny home rentals for when you're looking for fun places to stay in Florida:

3. Tiny House Margarita, Sarasota County

A vibrant green and yellow tiny house on wheels, surrounded by palm trees and a white picket fence.
VRBO.com
Cozy living area with a beige sofa, bright yellow walls, and beach-themed decor, featuring a TV and a small dining table.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Sarasota County, FL
  • Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
  • Price: $187/night
  • Amenities: Wireless internet, cable television, kitchenette
  • Ratings: 4.7 stars

Located in Siesta Key, this colorful tiny house on wheels is part of a tiny house village. The interior is just as colorful as the exterior and is sure to bring a smile to your face!

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4. Tiny House on the Water, Key Largo

A wooden dock with a thatched roof, picnic table, and a boat by the water, surrounded by palm trees and clear blue skies.
VRBO.com
Bright, airy living room with large windows, a white sofa, and a dining table, overlooking a waterfront view.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Key Largo, FL
  • Size: 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: $423/night
  • Amenities: Swimming pool, beach, dock, kayaks, paddleboards, washer/dryer
  • Ratings: 4.7 stars

As one of the most unique places to stay in the Florida Keys, this tiny house has it all! Its waterfront location in a private community allows you to enjoy the great outdoors and all that the Sunshine State has to offer. Go to one of two beaches, go kayaking, or go paddleboarding. If you have a boat, feel free to bring it as there's a dock.

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Farm Houses for Rent in Florida

While Florida has an extensive coastline, there are also many rural areas and farms around the state. Escape from the grind of daily life and enjoy a getaway at one of these unique rentals in Florida:

5. Modern Farmhouse Cottage, Taylor Creek

Wooden deck with stairs, shaded by an umbrella, next to a house and landscaped yard under a clear blue sky.
VRBO.com
Cozy bedroom with a white sleigh bed, ceiling fan, lamps, and a bathroom door in the background. Neutral color scheme.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Taylor Creek, FL
  • Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Price: $197/night
  • Amenities: Washer/dryer, internet, kitchen, grill, Smart TV
  • Ratings: 4.7 stars

This renovated farmhouse cottage has a dock and is close to Lake Okeechobee. Sit out on the deck and take in the views of nature as well as cattle -- just a little reminder that this is Cowtown!

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6. The Strawberry Field Stilt House, Plant City

A modern elevated house with a porch, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, set in a spacious outdoor area.
VRBO.com
A view of a rural landscape with a truck on a road, surrounded by fields and trees under a cloudy sky.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Plant City, FL
  • Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Price: $144/night
  • Amenities: Heating, air conditioning, internet, cable television, washer/dryer, outdoor furniture
  • Ratings: 5 stars

Overlooking a strawberry field, the aptly named Strawbery Field Stilt House is one of the most unique places to stay in Florida. While only 555 square feet, you'll find the space quite roomy, especially with all the farmland that surrounds it.

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Mansions for Rent in Florida

Not all of us have the means to live in a mansion, but we may be able to get a group together and rent one for a night or two (splitting the cost, of course). Take a look at these palatial mansions for rent in Florida -- they are perfect for a family or friends reunion:

7. Luxurious Gated Private Waterfront Estate, Fort Lauderdale

Luxurious villa with a pool, surrounded by palm trees and featuring multiple balconies under a blue sky.
VRBO.com
Luxurious living room with high ceilings, elegant furniture, a chandelier, and a fireplace, featuring warm colors and decor.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Fort Lauderdale, FK
  • Size: 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
  • Price: $2,270/night
  • Amenities: Gourmet kitchen, pool, hot tub, 2 washers/dryers
  • Ratings: 4.9 stars

This 7,000-square-foot waterfront home is a dream come true! Complete with a pool, a hot tub, water views, and a large gourmet kitchen with two dishwashers...the amenities are endless. The comfort and luxury here are endless as well. It's one of the most extraordinary vacation rentals in the state.

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8. Gulf Front, Crystal Beach, Destin

A modern white house surrounded by palm trees and a paved driveway under a clear blue sky.
VRBO.com
Bright living room with ocean views, featuring a glass table, striped chairs, and a cozy atmosphere.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Crystal Beach, Destin
  • Size: 9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms
  • Price: $1,509/night
  • Amenities: Washer/dryer, gourmet kitchen, private heated swimming pool
  • Ratings: 4.2 stars

Here we have a stately oceanfront home complete with a swimming pool that overlooks the water. As if that wasn't enough, there are jaw-dropping views of the Gulf from many areas of the house. When you want to spend time indoors, feel free to relax or play billiards. With nine bedrooms, this mansion can sleep up to 20 guests.

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Castles for Rent in Florida

While there aren't too many castles around the Sunshine State, there are a few places that are castle-like. And if you want to feel like royalty, then spend the night at one of these castles in Florida:

9. Castle on the Key, Siesta Key

A serene pool scene featuring a unique stone building, palm trees, and lounge chairs under a cloudy sky.
VRBO.com
A spacious dining area with a dark table, brown chairs, and a cozy seating nook in a well-lit room.
VRBO.com
  • Address: Siesta Key, FL
  • Size: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
  • Price: $469/night
  • Amenities: Heating, air conditioning, wireless internet, fitness room, hot tub, private heated outdoor pool
  • Ratings: 4.2 stars

Located along the canal in Siesta Key, this castle-like home is within walking distance to both the beach and the village and in close proximity to Sarasota. While the location is great, this house has many elements of a castle plus a pool and water views, making it one of the most unique rentals in Florida.

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10. Pillars Castle, St. Augustine

A pink castle-like house with arched windows, surrounded by greenery and a large clay pot in the front yard.
VRBO.com
Spacious living room with a red rug, leather sofa, and elegant chandeliers, viewed from an upper level.
VRBO.com
  • Address: St. Augustine, FL
  • Size: 4. bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
  • Price: $1,136/night
  • Amenities: Kitchen, kitchenettes, heating, air conditioning, wireless internet, game room, Smart TV
  • Ratings: 4.9 stars

This grand historic castle was once home to C. Adrian Pillars, a famous sculptor. You may feel you're in Europe with a stay at this Moorish castle. While there are plenty of spaces for entertaining here, there are many ways to relax as well. You may wish to play billiards in the game room or meditate in the zen room...there are so many options at this palatial castle in Florida.

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Which of these unique places to stay in Florida would you like to book? Let us know in the comments!

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