These US vacation rentals should be added to your travel bucket list!

A few decades ago, taking a family vacation meant staying at a motel, hotel, or resort. But these days, it’s all about staying at a private US vacation rental for a truly unique travel experience. The best part is that it can be your home away from home that also happens to be Instagram-worthy.

Luckily, we have apps like Vrbo to make the searching process easier. With just a few taps in your smartphone, you can book the stay of a lifetime anywhere in the nation. And if you’re looking for a little inspiration, VRBO just announced this year’s Vacation Rentals of the Year, which features the top 8 US vacation rentals.

From a seaside escape to a cozy mountain lodge, these properties are both incredible and entirely unique. So what are we waiting for? Continue reading to see them all!

Entertainment Barn: Dripping Springs, Texas

-Average price per night: $2,184
-Rooms: 9
-Bathrooms: 7 full. 1 half
-Amenities: Pool, barbecue grill, fireplace, covered poolside cabanas, and a separate entertainment barn with a bar, pool table, poker table, and massive TV
-Pet Friendly: No

If you’re planning a big family reunion or simply want to book an unforgettable vacation with friends, the Entertainment Barn in Dripping Springs, Texas, is as impressive as it gets.

Nuzzled an hour outside of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, this US vacation rental stands out with its separate entertainment barn, lounge areas, pool table, poker table, bar, shuffleboard, and many more amenities.

It also features an impressive cabana-dotted pool, a big lounge, and a barbecue area. Visitors love that this rental looks like a designer hotel but offers all of the amenities you would enjoy at home… and then some!

Heaven’s Crown: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

-Average price per night: $1,070
-Rooms: 9
-Bathrooms: 9 full; 3 half
-Amenities: Hot tub, gym, fireplace, indoor heated pool, barbecue grill, game room, incredible mountain views
-Pet Friendly: No

Maybe you’ve always dreamt of the idea of a mountain home, but you need a bit more space to accommodate a big family reunion. Well, in that case, Heaven’s Crown in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a fantastic time for the whole family.

With a private heated indoor pool, 9 primary suites, and tiered decks with plenty of seating options, Heaven’s Crown is a true VRBO gem hidden in the Smoky Mountains. MY pro tip? Gatlinburg’s firefly season is one of the most must-see natural phenomena in the world.

So I recommend booking your stay at this US vacation rental between the end of May and the beginning of June to catch the awe-inspiring light show.

Previous guests have raved about the spectacular views from the luxurious master suites, decks, and expansive windows, and the spacious, amenity-filled game room.

Deep Water Days: Folly Beach, South Carolina

-Average price per night: $1,182
-Rooms: 5
-Bathrooms: 4 full; 1 half
-Amenities: Hot tub, fireplace, barbecue grill, heated pool, water view, sun room, and porch swing
-Pet Friendly: No

If you’ve ever been curious about exploring a relaxing getaway in the Carolinas, this Folly Beach retreat is a must!

With various queen bedrooms, two king-bed suites, a children’s dream bunk room, not to mention spectacular views of the Folly River, it’s the ideal property for water-centric family vacations or a weekend escape with some friends.

This US vacation rental is a dense, tropical paradise with so much to see and do on the property that you don’t even have to leave for an extraordinary vacation experience.

Luxury A-Frame: Bethel, Maine

-Average price per night: $799
-Rooms: 3
-Bathrooms: 3
-Amenities: Hot tub, fire pit, fireplace, mountain views, and more
-Pet Friendly: No

If you prefer to be a bit cozier on your US vacation rental, this modern A-frame in Bethel, Maine, makes for a picture-perfect mountain escape.

The custom-built, jet-black luxury home stands stark against its beautiful surroundings, while the inside is bright and strikingly saturated with natural light. Beyond the walls, though, you’ll find 6 gorgeous acres of land to explore, with the charming town of Bethel and Mt. Abrams Ski Resort.

And you also have Sunday River, which is situated just a few minutes away. Stepping into the cabin, you’ll feel immediately enveloped in a luxurious and organic atmosphere.

Lake Michigan Beach Estate: Saugatuck, Michigan

-Average price per night: $1,930
-Rooms: 6
-Bathrooms: 5 full. 2 half
-Amenities: Waterfront view, pool, hot tub, chef’s kitchen, barbecue grill, private beach, and game room
-Pet Friendly: Yes

If you’d rather see the lake than the ocean, head to Lake Michigan to relax at this unbelievable waterfront US vacation rental. Just below 10,000 square feet, this huge luxury home has 5 spacious bedrooms and different living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking shore views.

As a bonus, guests get complimentary yacht trips when booking for an entire week, and there’s an option for an in-home chef service to make your stay even more relaxing. It’s situated on over 5 acres, with more than 400 feet of walkable, lovely sandy beach.

Luxury Family Estate: Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Arizona

-Average price per night: $1,171
-Rooms: 5
-Bathrooms: 4 full. 1 half
-Amenities: Grotto-style waterfall pool, hot tub, private basketball and tennis court, outdoor dining area, lawn games, kid’s playground, and BBQ grill
-Pet Friendly: No

This Scottsdale, Arizona, single-level home is worth considering for all the desert seekers or those hoping to get a taste of the dry climate.

Even though the property features a stunning grotto-style waterfall pool and spa that’ll make you want to lounge around all day, the home’s location is only a few minutes away from Old Town Scottsdale. So you can easily explore the city’s trendiest shops and restaurants.

Visitors at this US vacation rental tend to love how family-friendly and welcoming this home is. And the private pickleball court is always a fan favorite, offering a unique, fun activity on the property.

Domus Pacis: Seagrove Beach, 30A, Florida

-Average price per night: $3,783
-Rooms: 7
-Bathrooms: 7 full. 2 half
-Amenities: Two heated pools, two barbecue grills, gourmet chef’s kitchen, hot tub, elevator, pellet ice makers on every floor, outdoor shower, fire pit, lawn games, and bikes
-Pet Friendly: No

Located along 30A, a strip of Florida’s picturesque Gulf coast, Domus Pacis is an open-concept, California-style beachfront home that’s even more spacious than it looks in VRBO’s pics, with large suites, walk-in closets, soaring ceilings, expansive balconies, and 2 kitchens that are so gorgeous, you’ll want to cook on vacation.

It’s the perfect setting to represent everything visitors love about this beach town. Every amenity, detail, and room was designed to offer the guest relaxation, connection, and a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

By the way, this US vacation rental has been dubbed “the Hamptons of the South” and is famous for looking like an international beach destination despite being home in the US. So pack your sunscreen for this one!

Under the Tram Outpost: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

-Average price per night: $1,731
-Rooms: 4
-Bathrooms: 4 full. 2 half
-Amenities: Hot tub, gym, sauna, barbecue grill, ski-in/ski-out access
-Pet Friendly: No

Whether you’re gearing up for an epic summer mountain adventure or dreaming up your next ski trip, this Jackson Hole property is a must! The charming, rustic-chic mountain home is situated right in Teton Village, with ski-in/ski-out access to the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

A big highlight of this US vacation rental? It features a hot tub and a sauna, making it the ultimate destination for winter vibes.

But other than the location, the property’s incredible amenities include a private sauna for you to experience the ultimate relaxation, a cozy indoor fireplace, a sprawling outdoor living space perfect for hanging out, and a spacious bar that sets the tone for unforgettable evenings.

Would you ever consider one of these US vacation rentals? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. And if you liked this article, check out the 6 Beautiful Bug-Free Places You’ll Want to Visit This Summer