12 Unusual and Quirky Airbnbs Across the United States
From treehouses and converted train cars to desert domes and floating cabins, these one-of-a-kind stays prove that where you sleep can be just as memorable as the destination itself.
Unique Airbnbs in the U.S. can be a destination for your next family vacation. I know that when we first started looking for unique stays, it began with a treehouse and has only gotten more interesting from there. Sure, you can go to the lake house for a long weekend getaway one more time, or you can give your family a trip they will never forget. Call me eccentric, but I will take a vacation in a giant pine cone, any day. So no matter where you are from, we have got some truly unique Airbnb rentals you will want to check out this year. So pick a region and start exploring some rather quirky Airbnb rentals!
1. The Copper Fox Treehouse, Pownal, Maine
The Copper Fox Treehouse is a beautifully designed structure that came to the owner in a dream. After putting in the sweat equity to create this one-of-a-kind structure, the results speak for themselves. The whole treehouse is designed to look like a fox and is a work of art as much as it is a unique stay. Guests will have to traverse the gravel path leading up to the structure, and once settled in, they will find a peaceful, serene wooded oasis that will lull them into complete relaxation. The Copper Fox Treehouse is located on a 6-acre property, but is neighboring Bradbury Mountain State Park, which only enhances this forested getaway. If you can pull yourself away from this incredible accommodation, you will find yourself close to Freeport, making a trip to L.L.Bean quick and accessible. While staying at this property, keep an eye out for artist foxes woven into the thoughtful design throughout the treehouse.
2. The Haines Shoe House, Yorkana, Pennsylvania
Welcome to The Shoe House. This roadside attraction of yesteryear has been updated and renovated to make it the quirkiest rental in all of Pennsylvania. Far from a gimmick, this laced-up luxury offers a comprehensive list of amenities. Guests can enjoy a soak in the hot tub, play a game of foosball, and fully explore all three stories of this shoe house. There is great attention to detail throughout the interior that tells the story of this roadside attraction and how it came to be. Book a stay, and you will also notice the clever use of shoe-related puns and wordplay, which makes your visit even more enjoyable. This “Sole-full” accommodation is located right in the heart of the beautiful farmlands that Pennsylvania is known for. With only a 45-minute drive to Hershey and an hour's drive to Gettysburg, you will have plenty to do while spending the night in a giant shoe. This is the kind of home that the Little Old Women wish they had.
3. Dome Sweet Dome, Bend, Oregon
Dome Sweet Dome isn’t just a unique stay; it's an entire experience. You may have seen the rising popular trend of making accommodations out of geodesic domes, but this one is wholly different than what you may have seen before. The exterior brings to mind something like a beehive, and the inside is just as sweet as honey. The Dome Sweet Dome features a second story, and every inch of the space is put to good use. Methodical window placement allows plenty of natural light to flood in and illuminate the dome, while offering a large wraparound porch to enjoy the scent of the evergreens. Dome Sweet Dome is in a perfect location in the beautiful town of Bend. Get out in the great outdoors with a trip down the Deschutes River Trail or explore, then have a meal at Dear Irene.
4. A UFO, Prairie, Washington
This next Airbnb rental is simply out of this world! This UFO accommodation goes all in on the alien theme. The story is that this spacecraft landed in the rural hills next to the owner's house, and now you can explore the interior and even spend the night in this futuristic interstellar traveler. The whole UFO Airbnb is decked out with cosmic creations that are fitting for any fan of 1960s-style Science fiction and beyond. At night, the spaceship lights up, offering an even more immersive experience. There is no doubt this stay is filled with fun quirks that play up the alien theme nicely, with custom-made furnishings, and they even have cryo-freezing tubes for guests who want to stay for 5 or more years. It’s nice to know there are options.
5. An Apartment In an Atlas F Missile Silo, Roswell, New Mexico
Speaking of aliens, our next rental will take us to Roswell, New Mexico. I have been to that section of the state before, and let me tell you, there are some odd things in the sky at night. I’m not saying it's aliens, but then again, you never know. However, I do know that the area has many military bases and that they test equipment in the desert, so it should come as no surprise that there are a few underground bunkers. What might surprise you, however, is that one of these locations has been converted to an Airbnb. That’s right, you can stay in an abandoned underground Atlas F Missile Silo! This 186-feet-deep underground silo is a true Cold War relic, and when you book a night, you will also receive a tour of the facility. Learn what it was like to operate these types of stations on a trip that is both educational and a little bit eerie. Take a trip into town while you are there, and you will be quick to realize how stellar Roswell is. While you are there, make sure you visit some Alien attractions and grab a quick bite to eat at the UFO-shaped McDonald's.
6. Invisible House, Joshua Tree, California
The Invisible House is more than just a unique stay, but a work of art that you spend the night in. Located just outside of Joshua Tree National Park, you will have nothing around you other than a beautiful desert landscape. The property even has its own mountain with hiking trails. The building itself seems to vanish, giving way to the purity of the stunning backdrop. Inside, you will find this rental to be minimalistic but thoughtful in design from top to bottom. This stay combines the finest of life’s luxuries with 360-degree views of the desert. The floor-to-ceiling windows can be opened, creating a seamless flow between outdoor and indoor spaces. Cool off in the custom-built 100-foot swimming pool in the heat of the day, and at night, get ready for those famous desert starry nights. There are several clever lights inside playing up on the glass, making for an ambient and artistic masterpiece. Everywhere you look, The Invisible House is impressive and would make one of the most memorable trips to the desert you could ever dream of.
7. The Pinecone Treehouse, Bonny Doon, California
I’ve stayed in a treehouse before, but this Pinecone Treehouse takes things to a whole new level. If you are looking for a glamping experience unlike anything you have ever seen, this unique stay is perfect for you. The Pinecone Treehouse is suspended 35 feet off the ground, and on the slope side, you will be hanging 60 feet high. The mirrored windows will offer a full 360-degree view of the beautiful redwood forest, giving the illusion of soaring through these ancient trees. The experience will allow you to be fully immersed in nature in a fully one-of-a-kind way. The bathroom area is located at ground level with a catwalk leading to it, and even that enclosure has a fantastic view of the wilderness. If you are looking for a quiet and romantic glamping getaway, make sure to put this one on your list, and you won’t regret it.
8. The Nut House, Aubrey, Texas
Ever since treehouses became popular, it's been fun to watch the creativity and evolution of these unique stays. The Nut House in Aubrey, Texas, is a great example of that imaginative process being fully realized. Taking inspiration from the simple acorn, this owner made a one-of-a-kind destination suspended in the trees. The Nut House is a great place to go to sit back and relax. Listen to the sound of the creek and the birds chirping as you emerge from your shell and sip your morning coffee. Inside, you will find a great use of space and creative touches that remind you that you are indeed spending the night in an acorn.
9. The Lens Lodge, Ellijay, Georgia
We’ve still got some more quirky Airbnbs to feature, and next up is The Lens Lodge. Have you ever found the perfect landscape to frame your shot and captured a photo that you are really proud of? As photographers, your goal is always to tell the story through your lens, what you see with your own eyes, but have you considered what it would look like to spend the night in that very camera? Well, you can’t stay in the camera per se, but The Lens Lodge is the next best thing. This unique accommodation captures the feeling of taking the perfect picture by placing the bed at the focal point of the structure. A comfy king-sized bed is positioned nicely within the tube of the lens with a circular window pointing at Georgia’s most beautiful mountains. The rest of the interior is sleek and luxurious, with everything you need for a comfortable stay, from a waterfall shower to a fully stocked kitchen. Guests can also make good use of the deck, which offers a view of the hot tub. Make sure you book your stay with plenty of time to explore the area, including the lovely town of Blue Ridge and the various hiking trails in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
10. The Chinook, Brooksville, Florida
I can’t help myself, but the first thing I think of when I see this Airbnb is “Get to the Choppa!” I’m glad to know I am not alone, because they even have a sign that expresses the same sentiment. Lace up your boots and get ready for a testosterone-driven adventure on a real military helicopter known as The Chinook. This authentic Chinook CH-47D Helicopter is the real deal from the cockpit to the loading dock. The whole place has been renovated and repurposed as an Airbnb, but much of the internal components remained intact. So you can imagine what it was like to soar in the clouds or to load cargo on this aircraft during a mission. The outdoor space makes good use of the Florida sun, with cornhole, a gated area, and even a bar. This unique rental is located near the Withlachoochee State Forest, so don’t forget to bring your hiking gear to explore a sinkhole cave. You can also let your engines roar at the thrilling Croom Motorcycle Area, where you can bring your dirt bikes and ATVs. There is never a dull moment in the little town of Brooksville.
11. The Chameleon House, Northport, Michigan
Made from a specific prefabricated steel, this vacation rental reflects the colors of the surrounding area and is known as The Chameleon House. This 9-story Airbnb rental is in Northport, very close to Lake Michigan. If Michigan were a mitten, this structure would be located near the pinky. The property is surrounded by a cherry orchard and is only a short drive to the lake. Each level of the home has been purposely designed to make the most of the view, with large windows and observation opportunities. The minimalist approach to decoration has an artistic, sophisticated vibe. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub on the deck. If you were looking for a Great Lake getaway, then this Chameleon House should be added to your list.
12. A Hobbit Home, Creola, Ohio
Last but not least, we arrive at this unique Airbnb near Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. This hidden gem is no longer very hidden and has become a hot spot once the world learned about this fantastic natural wonder. If you want to explore the area, then this nearby Hobbit Home is a perfect getaway in the Buckeye State. Take a fairytale journey by booking a stay at this underground Hobbit-inspired earthen home. This home looks like it was plucked right out of the Shire and placed in Ohio, and whether you are a fan of J.R. Tolkein’s masterpiece or not, you are sure to fall in love with this unique rental. The peaceful rolling hills on which this home is located also house a sauna with a large window overlooking the beautiful natural scenery. If you plan to take a short trip to Hocking Hills State Park, I would recommend visiting Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave while you are there. Enjoy the magical state park, then hop back to your fairytale getaway for a great night's rest before you can get up in the morning and do it all over again.
From coast to coast, we have some pretty quirky, creative, and unique Airbnb rentals in the U.S. Have you stayed in any of these places before? Let us know which ones are your favorites or which ones you are putting on your bucket list. Adventure is out there; all we have to do is pack our bags and head out on a trip to create memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are a big hiker, then I would suggest getting AllTrails+. This app is a must-have tool I use on every hiking trip. If you are looking for more inspiration for your next trail, check out these iconic hikes across the U.S.
Ready to start checking destinations off your list? Consider using our Itinerary Planner to map out your route, find nearby Airbnbs and restaurants, and build a custom travel plan around these beautiful places.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!

















