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7 Unique getaways you need to see to believe

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

If you’re feeling stuck or lacking inspiration for your next travel destination, think: what kind of sleeping arrangement would be unique and an adventure in itself?

From glamping tents to airstreams, treehouses and luxury villas, many unique options go above and beyond your typical hotel. Before booking just any place, browse these amazing getaways around the U.S. to blow your mind and convince you to add some spice to your next travel experience.

East Coast

1. Eastern Catskills – New York

A large window fills one wall of a tiny home. The walls are light wood and a bed with light color linens fills the room.
Photo: getaway.house.com

Set among rolling hills and serene forests of oak, spruce, and pine in the Eastern Catskills, roughly 2.5 hours from New York City, this incredible tiny cabin awaits. With a large window looking out into a beautiful forest and the minimalist, comfortable set-up, you’ll get the best of both worlds – luxury with a woodsy, rustic feel. 

This tiny cabin is equipped with a small kitchenette and one or two queen beds. Spend the day exploring Kaaterskill Falls or Newman’s Ledge, followed by a trip to Crossroads Brewing Company for a beer before returning home to sleep soundly with a view of the stars.

2. Cape Cod – Massachusetts

An aluminum airstream RV is lit up from within giving off an orange glow. An outdoor rug hosts two chairs and a bonfire pit in front of the RV door.
Photo: autocamp.com

Just a short bike ride from Falmouth and Woods Hole in Cape Cod, bring the whole family to this 31-foot custom Airstream with a kids’ tent that will make them squeal with excitement. The space is efficient, with a queen bed, fold-out sofa, and two child-sized twin beds in the kids’ tent. Take your time in the walk-in shower and enjoy the outdoor fire pit and dining area. 

Inhale the seaside air and enjoy views of Buzzards Bay. Cape Cod is an ideal New England summer beach destination with access to the nearby Provincetown Dunes (Cape Cod National Seashore) and Hatches Harbor and Race Point

You can also take a ferry ride to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Before hopping on the ferry, stop in the Landfall Restaurant for a quick bite of New England summer classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls.

West Coast

3. Paradise Springs – California

A small cabin sits a foot or two above rocky land. There is an accessible ramp to a deck in front of the cabin and rocky mountains with evergreen trees are in the background.
Photo: canada-usa.huttopia.com

In Valyermo Southern California, nestled among the San Gabriel Mountains where a mountain spring flows through a canyon, get cozy in this wood frame/canvas tent with features including a kitchenette, king bed, bathroom, shower, deck, fire pit, and outdoor bbq grill. This accomodation is a great option for the classic outdoor lover who wants to stay in nature with the luxury of some basic amenities. 

After adventuring to places like Devil’s Punchbowl and Devil’s Chair, there’s nothing quite like soaking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the canyon while kicking back on the porch with food on the grill.

4. Rogue Valley – Oregon

A wooden deck hosts two adirondack chairs and a wide canvas tent. There is a large bed and trunk inside the tent.
Photo: tentrr.com

Have you ever wanted to live on a farm? In Central Point, Oregon, you can stay on a working organic farm set among rolling hills and Mount McLoughlin. This glamping setup with a canvas tent has a queen-sized bed and other basic amenities like a propane heater, Adirondack chairs, and a picnic table. It’s the perfect way to fulfill your farm life dreams, as you might awaken to rooster calls and morning moos. 

Hang out on the property to enjoy views of the farm animals on-site, or try Rafting the Rogue River nearby. For fun dining options, check out one of the local farmer’s markets, the Hummingbird Estates Vineyard, or The Point Pub & Grill, which has an outdoor patio. 

Midwest

5. Fontana-on-Geneva Lake – Wisconsin

A black a-frame building among trees.
Photo: airbnb.com

Lake lovers will appreciate this modern A-frame with nearby lake access in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin. The interior has sleek designs throughout the house and special features like heated floors, in-ceiling speakers, a wood-burning fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling showers. You can stay here any time of the year!

Want to explore the area? Check out the Glacial Park Loop Trail and Devil’s Staircase before returning home to play games or chat by the fireplace at night or bonfire in the private yard.

Southeast

6. Hilton Head – South Carolina

Photo: airbnb.com

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a dreamy destination for serene waterfront views. This isn’t your average waterfront home. It's set among the trees with sweeping 360-degree sights of trees, sky, and ocean. Be a child at heart again and get excited about the chance to sleep in a real life adult treehouse with beachy touches just steps away from the Harbour Town Lighthouse and marina. 

The private balcony, which might feel more like a lookout or a place for a bird’s nest, is the perfect spot to get warm by the fire pit during sunset. Enjoy access to a shared pool and take a dip during the summer months. 

Start your morning with breakfast at the Salty Dog Cafe followed by hiking the Nature Trail at the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge or visiting the Historic Leamington Lighthouse during your stay.

Southwest

7. Red Rocks – Arizona

Photo: whimstay.com

For those with a big family or looking for an exquisite spot to spend time with friends, this impressively large home has exceptional views of the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona. The house has a Santa Fe aesthetic and was designed by two local artists. Its earthy tones blend into the natural surroundings. 

The home features two fireplaces, rustic ceilings, wooden beams, a steam shower and sauna, a game room, and a hot tub. It’s sure to impress all ages. 

As good as the amenities are, the surrounding rocks and peaks are on a whole other level. Hike the nearby Cathedral Rock and Chapel of the Holy Cross as the cherry on top while visiting.

Cover photo: autocamp.com

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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