Top 9 Unique Vacation Rentals in the West

Hit the ranch by staying at The Love Nest, located near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. A bohemian Wild West theme pervades the space, which even has a “Draft Horse Saloon” onsite where you can grab a drink and play pool or horseshoes. There’s an adult swing on the property, too, plus access to hiking trails and the host’s sister property, where you soak up panoramic views of the desert.

Ever dream of life in a lighthouse? Get the experience at this lighthouse keeper’s apartment on the Mendocino Coast in Northern California. While the apartment is a fairly simple unit, there’s nothing simple about the amazing views. A stay includes free fours of the Lighthouse Museum and Tower, and the grounds include 23 acres to enjoy during the day.

Go for the full architectural experience at the off-the-grid ITHouse, which earned a Western Home Award from Sunset in the past. The home was designed to appreciate the beautiful desert surroundings, and uses solar panels for power and hot water. Extra bonus? Fresh-pressed beverages delivered by a local Joshua Tree juice guru for more of the local experience.

Maybe our 9-year-old selves had it right: All you really need for a happy existence is a little backyard treehouse. You can test that fantasy in this real-life (adult-size) Airbnb rental in the rainforest of the Big Island. (You even enter the dwelling through a trap door!) Built by minimalism enthusiast Kristie Wolfe and her mother, this dreamy tropical treehouse resides 15 feet up in the canopy of local flora and features a wraparound lanai (with, yes, 360-degree jungle views).

There’s no better place to escape than this geodesic Airbnb. The modern-bohemian Dome in the Desert is secluded, with multiple acres of land surrounding the adorable cabin rental, but only a few miles away from the Joshua Tree park entrance. Discover sprawling mountain views and starry night skies at this insanely Instagram-able location.

You’ll be transported into the world of Tolkien at this hillside hobbit hole. Nestled right into the Columbia River Gorge mountainside, this inspired nook has loads of personal touches down to the custom woodwork. Even the iconic round door, which opens to an incredible view, features custom metal work from a local designer.

Want to escape the bores of the conventional hotel room but keep the comfort? From this rustic yurt, you’ll enjoy luxury conveniences and private canyon and ocean views. As one of Malibu’s top ranking Airbnbs, this one-of-a-kind rental offers an escape to a private and fully functional organic citrus farm. Get a glimpse of sustainable living with home-cooked farm-to-table meals.

Go full funky on your next trip to L.A. by staying in a vintage 1954 trailer—parked inside of a loft. The Arts District loft has bathrooms, a shared kitchen, multiple shared living spaces, and even a backyard if you want more space beyond the trailer itself.

Meet the Earthship, a completely off-the-grid Airbnb.The property catches its own rainwater, generates its own electricity, and the inside manages to stay 72 degrees all year long amidst the New Mexico desert. The ultra-modern a studio space that feels as though it could’ve arrived from outer space.