Winter months are fast approaching, and with them comes their yearly bouts of ice storms, frosty winds, and snowdrifts. I’ve lived in the Midwest all my life, which means I live in a nonsensical tornado of temperatures from the months of November to March, but for folks north of the Ohio River, when winter gets cold, it can stay very cold.
Luckily, some parts of the U.S. stay mild and temperate year-round -- perfect for the COVID age of destination traveling. We’ve compiled 24 gorgeous rental properties where you can escape the wintry landscapes of home and enjoy sunny skies and temps above 60 without leaving the U.S.
Coral Gables, Florida
Hammock Lake Estate
Splurge
Accommodations: 14 guests, 6 bedrooms, 6 beds, 5.5 baths
Price per night: $1,793
Good luck finding the will power to leave once you’ve arrived at this gorgeous estate minutes from Miami. You’ll be able to soak up every last drop of sun with the property’s private dock, swimming pool, al-fresco lounging area, and firepit.
Cape Coral, Florida
Villa Lake View, A Stunning House and Spectacular View
Mid-range
Accommodations: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths
Price per night: $187
Enjoy the vibrant blue of a Floridian lake in a breathtaking indoor/outdoor infinity pool or hot tub jacuzzi. The house itself features airily light and spacious rooms for entertaining, lounging, and dining -- but the real star of the show is the view from the backyard.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Casa Del Prince Lower
Bargain
Accommodations: 2 guests, Studio, 1 bed, 1 bath
Price per night: $70
Just across the bay from Tampa, St. Petersburg is home to world-renowned beaches, the Salvador Dali Museum, and Fort De Soto Park. If you’re looking to enjoy the historic city without breaking the budget for a bed, this French Quarter-inspired studio apartment is the perfect crash pad for a long day of tanning on the beach, sightseeing, and sampling the local cuisine.
Sarasota, Florida
Luxury Tiny House on Private Island
Most Unique Stay
Accommodations: 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath
Price per night: $162
Tucked away on a 1.5-acre inland peninsula is the tiny house getaway of your dreams. With a midcentury-meets-the-beach aesthetic, an outdoor fire pit, screened-in lounge, and seasonal fruit trees ripe for the picking, this luxury tiny house will have you feeling truly Floridian in no time.
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Secluded Desert Oasis with a Professional-Grade Kitchen
Splurge
Accommodations: 16 guests, 5 bedrooms, 8 beds, 5 baths
Price per night: $713
Beautifully blended into the tans and greens of the Southwestern desert, this stunning home offers total privacy, luxury, and of course -- once in a lifetime views. Lounge under the Arizona sun by the pool, stay cool under the desert stars by the fire pit, and enjoy home-cooked meals in the professional-grade kitchen.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Float Under Palms in the Pool at El Sueño Scottsdale
Mid-range
Accommodations: 8 guests, 3 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2 baths
Price per night: $289
This breezy, bohemian stay greets you with a Southwestern white-stucco facade framed by towering palm trees. Minutes from sight-seeing, dining, and spectacular desert views, this home features a private swimming pool, lounge area, and temperature-controlled garage game room, making it the ultimate getaway for the whole family.
Phoenix, Arizona
Midtown Guest House with Rooftop Deck
Bargain
Accommodations: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
Price per night: $110
This architecturally unique guest house is a work of art in and of itself, featuring colorful and light-as-air industrial accents and sun-soaked living spaces. The gorgeous Arizona weather can be enjoyed around the clock in the outdoor patio area and cozy rooftop deck. The best part? Less than fifteen minutes to the airport.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Dome on the Range with Sweeping Mountain Preserve Views
Most Unique Stay
Accommodations: 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
Price per night: $120
If you’re heading Southwest for the rocky red landscape, consider staying in this unencumbered dome house. The unique stay blends perfectly into the towering terrain, which can be enjoyed without even leaving your bed. The perfect stay for someone who wants to cram city and nature sight-seeing into one trip.
South Padre Island, Texas
Divine Beachfront Home for a Luxury Vacation
Splurge
Accommodations: 14 guests, 5 bedrooms, 8 beds, 5.5 baths
Price per night: $659
Take your morning cup of coffee to the ocean via your private boardwalk in this gorgeous coastal getaway. Featuring a private pool and hot tub, stunning stained glass, and modern beachy-chic decor, this private paradise allows you to enjoy all South Padre Island has to offer.
South Padre Island, Texas
Island Home with Private Pool and Spa
Mid-range
Accommodations: 10 guests, 3 bedrooms, 7 beds, 3 baths
Price per night: $248
Just steps away from the beach, this funky beach bungalow boasts a private pool and spa, a sunroom for lounging after a long day of sightseeing, and a well-stocked kitchen for cooking meals from home. If you’re not in the mood to cook after spending all day in the sun, you’re minutes away from a whole myriad of local dining experiences.
Port Isabel, Texas
Dog-friendly, Waterfront Getaway with a Dock, Shared Pool, and Hot Tub
Bargain
Accommodations: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath
Price per night: $74
No vacation is ever truly a vacation unless you can enjoy it with your pup, and luckily, this quaint cottage by the water allows you to do just that. Explore the waters of the southeastern Texan coast using the dock just off the property, and enjoy the restaurants, museums, shops, and other attractions less than a mile away.
South Padre Island, Texas
SPI's Most Unique Vacay, Stay right on the beach!
Most Unique Stay
Accommodations: 8 guests, 2 bedrooms, 5 beds, 1 bath
Price per night: $350
If you’re escaping winter weather to go to the beach, why not really go to the beach? Rent a brand-new Forest River 33 ft. RV and literally step outside onto the sand. That’s why you came all the way to South Padre Island, right?! Lounge, entertain, and dine with portable BBQs, bodyboards, two 100-watt beach speakers, and beach games and toys.
Los Angeles, California
Panoramic Ocean View 5 Bedroom Home
Splurge
Accommodations: 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 7 beds, 3 baths
Price per night: $795
Enjoy the bright blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean on and off the beach with this property on the border of Pacific Palisade and Malibu. Each room offers panoramic views, oceanic blue accents, and breezy white structural elements. Enjoy all Southern California has to offer from Venice Beach to Malibu Beach and more.
Venice, California
Multi-Level Beach Luxury with Spectacular Roof Deck and Spa
Mid-range
Accommodations: 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1.5 baths
Price per night: $285
Entering this sun-soaked California getaway involves a walk through lush green and warm, dark wood into an expansive, earth-toned retreat of large windows, unique staircases, and exposed brick and stone. What really makes this Venice stay worth it is the gorgeous rooftop deck and spa framed by an overflowing garden and Buddhist imagery.
Topanga, California
Beautiful Canyon Home Near State Park
Bargain
Accommodations: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths
Price per night: $92
Nestled in the nook of a canyon near Topanga State Park, this cozy getaway is surrounded by towering Californian trees that offer privacy, peace, and tranquility. Curl up with a good book in the sun-filled bay window seat or explore the nearby wilderness in this affordable and lovely southern California home.
Topanga, California
The Topanga Treehouse - An Amorous Arboreal Abode
Most Unique Stay
Accommodations: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 0 beds, 1.5 baths
Price per night: $364
If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to live in your very own magical fairy dwelling on the California cliffside, look no further. This breathtaking and unique stay features an entirely outdoor living space perfectly sheltered by trees, whimsical canopies, and rustic “interior” structures indicating the bathroom, kitchen, sleeping, and lounging spaces. Oh, and did we mention the jaw-dropping mountain views?
Paia, Hawaii
Very Private Oceanfront House on Maui North Shore
Splurge
Accommodations: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 3.5 baths
Price per night: $950
Claim a chunk of the Maui north shore as your own with this completely secluded oceanfront home. There are few better places to quarantine than on a 100% private grassy lawn overlooking aquamarine waters and windswept palm trees. Minutes away from surf breaks, kite and windsurfing beaches, and charming cafes and shops, this fantastic Hawaiian getaway is sure to melt any and all winter blues.
Kihei, Hawaii
Exclusive Beachfront Cottage with Ocean Views
Mid-range
Accommodations: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
Price per night: $286
The ideal locale for a romantic getaway for two, this private cottage offers ocean views from every room and an expansive open floor plan. Hawaiian sunshine is soaked into the natural tan wood, casting a warm glow over the entire living space during your awe-inspiring stay.
Kealakekua, Hawaii
Kona Coffee Farm Home with Ocean and Mountain View
Bargain
Accommodations: 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1.5 baths
Price per night: $95
Situated on a 5-acre coffee farm at 1400 ft. elevation, this charming cottage tucks you away into untouched Hawaiian beauty. Packed with vivid, tropical colors and surrounded by lemon, avocado, banana, and other local fruit trees, this Kona Coffee farm stay allows you to experience Hawaii in all of her natural splendor.
Captain Cook, Hawaii
Magical Kona Jungle Yurt
Most Unique Stay
Accommodations: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath
Price per night: $127
Submerse yourself in the Hawaiian jungle in this whimsical, art-filled yurt. The owner of this magical property is an artist, herbalist, gardener, yogi, and organic farmer, and her property is filled with the same spiritual, earth-centric, and holistic qualities. You’re minutes away from the beach and local shops, but the lush Captain Cook farm itself boasts caves, natural hideaways, and lush greenery to explore.
