From beachfront vacation rentals to cabins near national parks, this list of vacation homes is the ultimate inspiration for 2021.
Every year, I’ve shared a roundup of private homes, condo rentals, and vacation destinations in the US in one list like this 2020 list. I’m certainly excited to share this year’s list of great finds. With 2021 looking perhaps a little different, I’m looking to be inspired for future trips right here in the US.
This year’s curated list of vacation homes are all centered around spacious accommodations that are set near or around nature. Places that we can retreat to to unplug and reset. I know it’s something I’m needing more of.
One of the big feedbacks this year was that your favorite Airbnbs were consistently sold out. So this year’s list is solely VRBO properties, a similar vacation rental platform to Airbnb. Over the years, we’ve switched back and forth between VRBO and Airbnb for our own trips. We love both equally and have found that the rates are often similar or even lower on VRBO.
I’m hoping this year’s list of vacation rentals will inspire you to take a trip somewhere, get offline, and reset. I’m certainly looking forward to when we can travel soon again.
*This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may make a small commission if you book. This is not a sponsored post, my personal favorites.
(all images belong to their respective property owners)
The Most Beautiful Vacation Rentals in the United States to Visit in 2021
Stay at a Wonderful Property For the Whole Family in Myrtle Beach


Oceanfront Luxury Family Home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — CHECK RATES
Escape to Hill Country in A Stunning Architectural Home Near Austin, Texas


Architectural Home in Kyle, Texas — CHECK RATES
Stay Oceanfront at the Family Beach House in Panama City Beach
The Family Beach House Panama City Beach — CHECK PRICES
Cozy Up at This Yurt Rental Near Crescent City


The Secluded Yurt Near Crescent City — CHECK PRICES
Getaway to This Beach Vacation Home in Oceanside, Oregon


The Oceanfront Home in Oceanside, Oregon — CHECK PRICES
Retreat to Palm Springs at a Private Meiselman Mid-Century Modern Home With a Pool


Secluded Mid-Century Modern Home in Palm Springs, California — CHECK RATES
Hideaway at This Unique Treehouse-like Rental in Inverness, California, Not far from San Francisco

Unique Treetop Home in Inverness, California — CHECK RATES
Take a Florida Vacation at This Key West Villa in The Florida Keys


The Palm Villa in Key West, Florida — CHECK RATES
Getaway to Upstate New York At This Cozy Cabin House Near Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain House in Prattsville, New York — CHECK RATES
Hideout in This Natural Escape Near Joshua Tree National Park


On The Rocks in Joshua Tree, California — CHECK RATES
Have A Winter or Summer Trip to Breckenridge in This Log Home


Luxury Log Home in Breckenridge, Colorado — CHECK RATES
Book a Waterfront Cabin Near Yellowstone National Park in Montana


Waterfront cabin on Hebgen Lake in West Yellowstone, Montana — CHECK RATES
Stay in America’s Most Charming Town at this Sanctuary in Nevada City, California


Secluded Creekside Sanctuary in Nevada City, California — CHECK RATES
Get Outdoors in the Pocono Mountains in the Lehigh River Gorge area, Pennsylvania


Log Home in Hickory Hills, Pennsylvania — CHECK RATES
Stay At a Waterfront Island Retreat Near San Juan Island, Washington


Waterfront Home on Lopez Island, Washington — CHECK RATES
Take a Lake Tahoe Vacation At This Gorgeous Four Bedroom Home on the Lake

Lakeview Home in Crystal Bay, Nevada — CHECK RATES
More US Travel Inspiration
Looking to explore more of the United States this year and don’t know where to start? There are some of my bucket-list destinations I recommend to everyone looking to discover more.
You may consider a winter sojourn in the Tucson Area. This Tucson Guide has everything you need to plan your trip — like how to visit Saguaro National Park and some great eats.
If you’re looking for a coastal escape, you may want to stop at one of these epic places on the Southern Oregon Coast. It’s a dreamy spot to be near the ocean.
And for a little off-the-beaten-path, checkout Whitefish, Montana for all of your winter and summer fun.
Be sure to use this guide on Google Flights to find the cheapest flights.
Save this post for later on Pinterest:
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica








1 Comment
Wow! Perfect vacation rentals for this year. Thanks for compiling this list.