Extraordinary Stays: 21 Unique Airbnb Rentals Across Texas

With its coastline, deserts, rolling hills and pine forests, Texas offers an impressively diverse range of vacation rentals.

The vastness of the Lone Star State is never more apparent than when traveling across its dramatically varied landscapes. In East Texas, towering pine forests fill the air with their signature scent, while nearly 3,400 miles of Gulf coastline hug the southeastern edge of the state. Hill Country’s rolling terrain is dotted with wineries and swimming holes, while deserts give way to plains in the north and high desert plateaus stretch westward, continuing the legacy of cowboy country.

Even Austin, the state’s cultural and political capital, is surrounded by small towns and natural escapes that offer their own brand of Texas charm. And in South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio reflect the deep-rooted cultural blend between Mexico and the United States, keeping the Tejano spirit alive and evolving.

Texas resists simple definitions. It’s a place that defies expectations and rewards curiosity—where you can soak in a hot tub above the treetops one day and stargaze from a mirrored cabin in the desert the next. Whether it’s a quiet weekend for two or a rowdy reunion for twenty, the state’s Airbnb offerings remind travelers why so many fall in love with the heart of Texas.

Hill Country

Concan

Round up your 25 closest friends for a true getaway in Concan. From the street, the Highball presents as a sleek modern mansion, but step inside and onto the back patio, and you’re met with a sweeping Hill Country vista that feels timeless. Inside, two bedrooms feature king-size beds, another holds two queen beds with two trundles, a fourth includes one queen, and the last is outfitted with four bunk beds and five air mattresses—plenty of space for even the most Texas-sized bachelorette trips. Out back, an oversized hot tub sits beside the infinity pool, comfortably fitting 20 or more guests as the sunset sinks into the hills.

Wimberley

Waking up to a view of Wimberley’s surrounding countryside is exactly the point of this modernist A-frame. A two-story glass facade opens onto a porch that hovers above the treetops, with a hot tub off to the side for sunset soaks. While the triangular frame may look compact, the interior includes an upstairs main bedroom, a full kitchen, living room, bath and bunk beds downstairs. An open-air shower tucked along the side completes this sleek, design-forward escape into nature.

Fredericksburg

It’s hard to imagine a more enchanting place to end a day of wine tasting. This whimsical, cottage-style stay in Fredericksburg is straight from a fairytale, with a circular stone fireplace, a cozy reading nook, and an upstairs loft tucked beneath umbrella-shaped chandeliers. The bathroom includes a classic clawfoot tub, and if that’s not enough, there’s a hot tub out back for stretching out under the stars. One night here, and Fredericksburg’s spell will be fully cast.

West Texas

Alpine

Andromeda #2
4 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath
From $476 per night

At first glance, the geodesic dome known as Andromeda #2 looks like it landed from another planet. Two queen beds are wrapped in plush pale teal linens, with curtains hung in a semicircle to echo the dome’s shape and provide full shade. A separate bathroom structure features a rainfall shower, and outside, a BBQ grill, dining area and push-to-start fireplace round out the futuristic campsite vibe. Best of all, even under the desert sun, the dome stays cool, thanks to what might be the most essential tech of all: air conditioning.

Terlingua

Mirror Cabin
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
From $337 per night

The cabin’s mirrored facade reflects the surrounding desert so precisely that the structure nearly disappears into it. From the inside, though, guests are treated to panoramic, picture-frame views of Big Bend’s rugged beauty—even from the bathroom. While it might feel a little voyeuristic at first, step outside and you’ll see just how well-hidden the cabin is within its own reflection. Complete with an outdoor shower for those who want to lean into the elements, this stay is ideal for travelers looking to blur the boundaries between inside and out.

Marfa

Hermosa Container Home
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1.5 baths
From $223 per night

Located on the first floor of a repurposed shipping container, this Marfa stay blends industrial design with the warmth of a lived-in space. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the West Texas high desert, where javelinas, roadrunners and dust devils pass through the landscape like background characters in a dream. Inside, it’s all clean lines and homey comforts. The balance turns the container into a photographer’s paradise and the stay into something quietly surreal.

Central Texas

Austin

The Falling Leaves
10 guests · 4 bedrooms · 5 beds · 3.5 baths
From $3,231 for two nights (two-night minimum)

Perched like a branch over a creek, The Falling Leaves is an architectural feat that just happens to be available as a rental. Designed by Bercy Chen Studio, the cantilevered estate rests above a creek in West Austin, nestled into the natural landscape. Inside, expansive windows frame the surrounding Hill Country flora, while the pool and patio place guests right in the middle of it. With its infinity-edge pool stretching toward the cliff’s edge, the home feels like a secluded forest retreat just 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

Lockhart

The Brock House
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath
From $319 per night

Lockhart may be best known as a barbecue destination with a postcard-worthy town square, but tucked above one of its downtown shops is a hidden spot perfect for unwinding after a day of brisket and sausage. The Brock House pulls double duty as an Airbnb stay and as a residency for visiting artists, writers and musicians. Both bedrooms are comfortably appointed, but if you’re sharing, call dibs on the one facing the street. From there, you’ll have a front-row view of small-town life, especially on First Fridays when the square comes alive.

Waco

Magnolia’s Historic Hillcrest Estate
12 guests · 5 bedrooms · 7 beds · 3.5 baths
From $2,504 for two nights (two-night minimum)

There are plenty of reasons to know Waco these days, but one that continues to attract shiplap-loving visitors is the home renovation empire built by Joanna Gaines. The Hillcrest Estate is one of the jewels in her crown, renovated by Joanna and her husband, Chip. Though it wasn’t featured on the show, the home still reflects the signature Magnolia aesthetic. Designed for group getaways, it’s especially family-friendly, with a backyard cottage playhouse that’s sure to spark envy in even the most grown-up guests. Perks of staying include complimentary cupcakes from Silos Baking Co., a 25% discount at Magnolia Market, and a reserved table at Magnolia Table.

East Texas

Houston

Houston Hobbit House
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
From $167 per night

Houston’s suburbs might be the last place you’d expect to find a slice of the Shire, but that’s exactly where a wizard would hide it. The Hobbit House blends fantasy with Art Nouveau charm, offering just as much for design lovers as it does for Tolkien fans. A circular fireplace and memorabilia display anchor the living room, where a cozy reading nook is framed by a half-moon window. Upstairs, a snug lofted bed with a porthole window completes the storybook feel. The shelves are stocked with Tolkien’s works, making this the perfect place to finally read your way through Middle-earth.

Kirbyville

Piney Woods Treehouse
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
Rate varies by season

While most picture cacti and cowboys when they think of Texas, the eastern side of the state offers a different kind of magic. Deep in the Piney Woods, this rustic treehouse sits among towering pines on an 80-acre woodland farm complete with a serene pond and friendly farm animals. A spiral staircase wrapped around a pine trunk leads to the treetop escape, where guests can finally live out their childhood dream of sleeping in a treehouse. End the evening with a soak in the outdoor tub as the fire pit crackles nearby.

Paris

Rustic Blacksmith-Themed Retreat on a Working Farm
4 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1.5 baths
From $194 per night

In Paris, Texas, you can finally live out that farming fantasy, minus the early mornings and heavy lifting. Set on a 65-acre working cattle ranch, this barn-style cabin offers front-row views of grazing cattle and a stocked pond where guests can fish and keep their catch. Inside, the décor leans full Western, with mounted deer and faux barbed wire lining the loft, which holds two twin beds and a half bath that can be added for $15 per night. The only thing missing? A rooster to wake you up at dawn.

North Texas

Wills Point

HoneyHive
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath
From $395 per night

You’ll see why bees favor the hexagon after a night at the HoneyHive. Tucked in Wills Point, this beehive-shaped glamping cabin blends whimsical design with cozy comfort. The six-sided motif carries throughout—from the tile in the rainfall shower to a built-in bed nook with its own hexagonal window. At night, string lights illuminate the walkway to the hot tub, casting a soft glow over the cabin.

Glen Rose

The Nest by Skybox Cabins
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
From $661 for two nights (two-night minimum)

Just outside Dinosaur Valley State Park sits a rustic retreat with a one-of-a-kind feature: a full-sized nest made entirely of branches. Designed to blend the feel of a bohemian bungalow with the wonder of a treehouse, The Nest places the bedroom inside a wooden cabin, with windows that look out toward a staircase winding up into the sculptural nest. Surrounded by gentle birdsong and rustling leaves, this stay invites guests to perch above the trees and embrace a slower pace.

Ransom Canyon

Robert Bruno Steel House
8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2.5 baths
From $714 per night

Ransom Canyon, just outside of Lubbock, is home to one of Texas’ most striking architectural feats. The late sculptor Robert Bruno spent decades shaping his masterpiece above Lake Ransom Canyon. With no sharp angles in sight, the structure stands on two legs, adorned with stained glass and bulbous windows that seem to belong more to a dream than a blueprint. The structure stands on two legs, with sweeping curves, stained glass, and bulbous windows that seem to defy gravity. Known as the Steel House, it’s a whimsical, otherworldly escape that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Gulf Coast

Port Aransas

Santiago at The Camp at Sunflower Beach
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
From $707 for two nights (two-night minimum)

At this cheerful teal cottage in Sunflower Beach, the spirit of classic beach days is alive and well. Santiago is just a quick boardwalk stroll from the sand, and even closer to the resort-style community pools, offering a swim-friendly backup when Gulf waves get choppy. Inside, the decor strikes a playful balance: a mounted marlin on the wall, blue china-inspired linens on the bed, and thoughtful details throughout. With its blend of timeless charm and modern comfort, Santiago is reason enough to make your way to Port Aransas.

Galveston

The Kettle House
6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath
From $888 for two nights (two-night minimum)

A beloved Galveston landmark is now ready to host guests. Once a steel storage tank, the Kettle House gained new life—and national attention—after being featured on HGTV’s “Restoring Galveston.” Today, it stands as a retro Gulfside escape, complete with a wraparound wooden porch and an interior finished in warm wood paneling that softens its industrial past. The main bedroom is located on the upper level, while two additional beds sit at the base of the kettle-like structure, accessible by a spiral staircase.

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Galveston

Saint Helen’s Hideaway
1 guest · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 2 baths
From $279 for two nights (two-night minimum)

Part inn, part home, Saint Helen’s Hideaway brings old-school charm to Galveston. Housed in a restored Queen Anne-style residence from the late 1800s, this cozy spot invites guests to slow down. With just a handful of rooms and a warm, welcoming host, guests are invited to embrace the communal spirit—swapping stories in the shared kitchen, dining and living spaces. Spend the evening rocking on the front porch or soaking in the clawfoot tub out back, and settle into the slower pace of life by the Gulf.

South Texas

San Antonio

The Loft – Monte Vista
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
From $383 for two nights (two-night minimum)

Tucked beneath a sprawling live oak in San Antonio’s Monte Vista neighborhood, this guesthouse delivers on every idea the word suggests. Inside, the space is warm and welcoming, with large windows overlooking lush vegetation and a tranquil pool. The refurbished apartment carries a nostalgic charm that fits seamlessly into a city known for its early 20th-century architecture.

Devine

Simpli Devine Casita
4 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath
From $257 for two nights (two-night minimum)

When it comes to a proper country getaway, the last thing you want is a neighbor in sight. The Simpli Devine Casita in Devine, Texas, delivers that sense of true seclusion, surrounded by wide-open pastoral land in every direction. Within the 400-square-foot space, picture windows frame an ever-changing landscape of sun, sky and stillness, while the east-facing porch offers front-row views of sunrise each morning.

Rio Grande Valley

Rancho Los Alacranes
16+ guests · 12 bedrooms · 9 baths
From $4,166 for two nights (two-night minimum)

Out in the Rio Grande Valley, this sprawling ranch is tailor-made for unforgettable reunions and group getaways. With six cabins, 500 acres of open land, eight miles of private trails and a 3.5-acre pond, the property itself is impressive, but it’s the add-ons that take the experience to another level. For an additional $1,100 (or $400 per person), guests can enjoy a cowboy-style barbacoa with a whole pig slow-roasted over an open fire and served by on-site staff. Roping lessons with a real West Texas cowboy are also on offer. Whether you’re reconnecting with family or gathering with friends, this private ranch promises a stay that’s as memorable as it is immersive.

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