Building on marshland with bridge
Photograph: Airbnb | The Shire in St Augustine
Photograph: Airbnb

The 18 coolest Airbnbs in Florida right now

From houseboats and A-frame cabins to swish villas and oceanfront apartments, the sunshine state has got it all

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Florida is a pretty easy place to book a holiday, but choosing where to stay is a different matter. There are beach houses, enormous villas, cabins tucked into the woods, treehouses, boats and some even whackier options, too. So, rather than trawling through hundreds of listings yourself, we’ve picked out some of the best Airbnbs across the state, from Miami and St Augustine to the Florida Keys and beyond.

There’s something here for most kinds of trip, whether you want a log cabin by the river, a big villa near Disney World for a group, or a sailboat anchored in Biscayne Bay. We’ve focused on places with something worth travelling for, whether that’s a great view, a brilliant location or simply the fact that you can tell your friends you stayed in a shipping container in Gainesville.

The best Airbnbs in Florida, at a glance:

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we’ve based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Frequently asked questions about staying in Florida

Is it better to stay in an Airbnb or a hotel when visiting Florida?

Airbnbs often offer better value, privacy, and unique experiences compared to standard hotels, especially for families and large groups. Booking a vacation home near Orlando or in the Keys gets you private pools, full kitchens, and multiple bedrooms for a fraction of the cost of multiple resort rooms. However, if you prefer daily housekeeping, room service, or on-site resort activities without cooking, a full-service hotel might be the better option.

What is the best time of year to book an Airbnb in Florida?

High season runs from January to April, offering ideal warm weather and low humidity; book these stays 6 to 12 months in advance. Summer (June through September) brings high heat and humidity, but also the best rates on luxury condos and coastal properties. If booking between June and November (hurricane season), opt for listings with flexible cancellation policies or purchase travel insurance.

Do I need to rent a car when staying at a Florida Airbnb?

In most cases, yes. Unless you are staying exclusively within highly walkable, compact areas like South Beach, Old Town Key West, or central St. Augustine, Florida is a spread-out state with limited public transit. A rental car is essential for groceries, visiting beaches, driving to theme parks, or exploring inland natural springs.

The best Airbnbs in Florida

1. Best for pet-friendly family stays: The tropical modern bungalow

Neighborhood: Coconut Grove

A leafy little hideaway in the heart of Coconut Grove, this two-bedroom bungalow comes with a private tropical garden, screened porch and a mango tree that’s ready to do its bit for snack time when the fruit is in season. Inside, there’s a bright, newly renovated space with two queen bedrooms, a modern kitchen and all the essentials for a comfortable Miami stay. But really, the garden is the star: fire up the grill, settle into the outdoor furniture and pretend you’re too busy enjoying the sunshine to go anywhere else. CocoWalk is around a five-minute walk away, while the waterfront is about six blocks from the door.

Time Out tip: This bungalow is pet-friendly, so your four-legged holiday companion doesn’t have to miss out.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private fenced garden, screened porch, mango tree, grill, outdoor dining area, air conditioning, washing machine, dryer, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $790 for two nights. 

2. Best for boaters and kayakers: The ultimate Keys waterfront escape

Neighborhood: Marathon, Florida Keys

Bring your swimming costumes, your fishing gear and your appetite for doing absolutely nothing, because Casa De Cayo is built for long, lazy days by the water. The three-bedroom home has a private pool, a 40-foot deep-water dock and kayaks and a paddleboard for launching straight into the canals. There’s also a tiki hut with a full outdoor kitchen, bar seating and a TV, plus a hammock and cornhole for when you’ve had enough aquatic activity. Inside, the multi-level layout gives everyone room to spread out, while balconies and the top-floor primary suite make excellent spots for coffee with a view or sunset drinks. Sombrero Beach is about a mile away, with restaurants, shops and marinas also close by.

Time Out tip: The dock is a serious bonus for boaters, with ocean access, a fish-cleaning station, electricity, water and trailer parking. Just note that the boat lift and garage aren’t available to guests.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Private pool, 40-foot deep-water dock, kayaks, paddleboard, mangrove launch, tiki hut, outdoor kitchen, bar seating, outdoor TV, hammock, cornhole, balconies, dedicated workspace and free driveway parking.

Price: From $4,200 for seven nights.

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3. Best for luxury travelers: The luxe condo with resort amenities

Neighborhood: South Beach, Miami Beach

If your idea of a Miami holiday involves waking up to ocean views, then spending the day refusing to leave the pool, this one has your name all over it. Set inside 1 Hotel South Beach, this enormous one-bedroom residence has a king-size bed, queen sofa bed and a seriously good oceanfront balcony overlooking the pool, skyline and beach. There’s a full kitchen, marble bathroom and in-unit washer-dryer, but the real selling point is that you get access to the hotel’s resort amenities, including multiple pools, a rooftop pool and bar, restaurants, spa and fitness centre. And when you eventually decide to venture out, South Beach and Lincoln Road are right on your doorstep.

Time Out tip: The balcony is the spot to claim at sunset, but don’t sleep on the rooftop pool either. It’s adults-only and comes with some rather excellent views.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Oceanfront balcony, multiple pools, adults-only rooftop pool and bar, direct beach access, spa, fitness centre, on-site dining, full kitchen, washer-dryer and hot tub.

Price: From $1,600 for two nights.

4. Best for wildlife watching in nature: The swampy shipping container

Neighborhood: Kirkwood, Gainesville

A shipping container in the middle of a two-acre garden might sound like the beginning of a very niche camping trip, but Caja Verde is a surprisingly dreamy little escape. The 400-square-foot loft has a queen bed, cosy interiors and two porches, while outside there’s a deep saltwater pool, bikes to borrow and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a swim. The setting is the main focus, though: expect plenty of greenery, birds and the occasional curious critter, with downtown Gainesville and the University of Florida both around a mile away. There’s even a pond where great blue herons, turtles and egrets like to hang out. Although, being Florida, an alligator has been known to make an appearance too.

Time Out tip: The outdoor shower is part of the fun here, but so are the wildlife sightings. If you’re not a fan of bugs or the great outdoors, this probably isn’t your Florida Airbnb. Everyone else: bring the bug spray and embrace the swampy magic.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Deep saltwater pool, private outdoor shower, two porches, two-acre garden, bikes to borrow, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, microwave, fridge, coffee maker and toaster oven.

Price: From $140 for one night.

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5. Best for massive group trips: The adult playground with a bowling alley and cinema

Neighborhood: Kissimmee, Orlando

Forget arguing over who gets the biggest bedroom, because at the Sports Bowling Villa, there are 14 of them. This enormous Kissimmee rental is essentially a private entertainment complex, with two bowling lanes, a home cinema, free arcade games, a wall-to-wall TV and a private pool and spa. The 14 bedrooms are sports-themed, with 12 king rooms and two bunk rooms, and every bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, so you can bring the whole extended family, wedding party or sports team without having to share quite as much as you might expect. There’s also a huge open-plan living space and double kitchen setup for group meals.

Time Out tip: You could spend the entire holiday here and barely notice you’re in Orlando. But if Mickey Mouse is the reason you’ve come, you’re only 10 minutes from Disney World, with Universal around 25 minutes away.

Sleeps: Up to 40 guests.

Perks: Two-lane private bowling alley, home theater, arcade games, private heated pool and spa, wall-to-wall TV, sports-themed bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, double kitchen, two refrigerators, two dishwashers, two washers/dryers, and free parking.

Price: From $3,410 for three nights. 

6. Best for animal lovers: The barn on a farm in Vero Beach

Neighborhood: Vero Beach

For a Florida stay where your neighbours are more likely to be donkeys and chickens than other holidaymakers, book into this cosy studio above a working farm. Set across 20 acres of rural Vero Beach, the barn has wood floors, a king-size bed and plenty of space to eat, sleep and properly switch off, while outside you’re free to wander the oak-lined property, meet the horses and donkeys, fish in the stocked pond or simply find a hammock and do absolutely nothing. There’s a lovely sense of being away from it all here, but you’re still only around 20-25 minutes from Vero Beach’s sandy shores.

Time Out tip: The animals are very much part of the experience, so leave some time to say hello. And if you fancy getting properly involved, the farm offers the chance to book horse riding sessions.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: 20-acre working farm, horse and donkey encounters, stocked pond, fire pit, hammock, swing chair, kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, dedicated workspace, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $220 for a night.

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7. Best for low-cost, off-grid woodland retreats: The log cabin in Fort White

Neighborhood: Fort White

This Amish-built log cabin is a very good shout if you're looking for a Florida escape that swaps crowds and cocktails for deer, rivers and campfires. Tucked away on a private wooded acre, it’s surrounded by trees and wildlife, with a covered porch made for watching deer wander past and a fire pit ready for an evening of s’mores. Ginnie Springs, Ichetucknee, Poe and Blue Springs are all within easy reach, making this a particularly good base for tubing, kayaking and swimming.

Time Out tip: Free firewood is provided for one fire, so save the fire pit for after a day on the water. And keep an eye out for deer as they’re regular visitors to the property.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private wooded acre, covered porch, fire pit, free firewood, kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, BBQ grill, free parking and boat parking.

Price: From $180 for a night.

8. Best for stylish poolside entertaining: The luxe pool house

Neighborhood: Naples, Florida

Pool days are pretty much mandatory at this cheerful Naples home, where a private heated pool sits beneath a screened lanai complete with loungers, pool toys and plenty of space for stretching out in the sun. Inside, there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen and living area, while the huge backyard has its own gazebo, deck and fire pit for evening hangs. There’s also a garage game room with ping pong, toys and board games, making this a particularly good pick for families or groups who need a bit of entertainment beyond the beach. Vanderbilt Beach and the restaurants and shops at Mercato are both around a 15-minute drive away.

Time Out tip: Pack your beach bag: the house provides chairs, towels, a cooler and beach umbrella, so you can head for the coast without filling the car to the roof.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Private heated pool, screened lanai, large backyard, gazebo, fire pit, BBQ grill, garage games room, ping pong table, beach gear, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $860 for two nights. 

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9. Best for a design-forward forest sanctuary: The Amelia Island Treehouse

Neighborhood: Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

A treehouse for people who like their woodland escapes with a side of proper creature comforts. Nestled in five acres of pines, live oaks and sweet gums, this elevated hideaway has huge windows looking out over the trees, a queen bed, a kitchenette and a pair of decks at canopy level. Downstairs, there are hammocks for lounging around in, while the upper deck has a dining table for two and a BBQ grill. Beach chairs and pickleball gear are provided too, and when you’re ready to leave the treetops, Amelia Island’s beach is about 1.9 miles away and historic Fernandina Beach is 2.9 miles away.

Time Out tip: Bring a book and make a beeline for those swivel chairs. You can turn them towards the TV or, much better, towards the surrounding trees.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Two decks, two hammocks, woodland views, BBQ grill, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, beach chairs, pickleball equipment and free parking.

Price: From $725 for two nights.

10. Best for a bucket-list stay: The tiny home on the water

Neighborhood: Key West Harbor

Forget checking into a Key West hotel: The Grand Tiki puts you in your own private floating bungalow, anchored out in the harbor with water in every direction. The one-bedroom retreat has a king bed, panoramic French doors and a deck where you can hammock, paddleboard, snorkel or simply watch the sun disappear into the horizon. There are plenty of modern comforts on board, including air conditioning, a hot shower, mini fridge and microwave, but the best bit is being properly out on the water, with underwater lights that bring fish into view after dark. It’s private, peaceful and about as far from an ordinary Key West stay as you can get.

Time Out tip: The Grand Tiki is accessible by boat only, with arrival and departure coordinated via a local water shuttle. Bring your food and drinks with you, then settle in as once you’re aboard, the whole floating bungalow is yours.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Private floating bungalow, king bed, ocean views, private deck, hammock, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, swim ladder, underwater lighting, air conditioning, hot shower, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and microwave.

Price: From $900 for a night.

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11. Best for outdoor enthusiasts: The stylish Cypress Cottage

Neighborhood: Everglades City

If you’re coming to Florida to get properly stuck into the great outdoors, the Cypress Cottage makes a very good base camp. Perched beside a canal in Everglades City, this two-bedroom home has huge windows looking out over mangroves and the water, plus a private dock where you can fish, spot wildlife or just sit and watch the world drift by. The vaulted ceiling and window-lined living space make the most of those views, while the fully stocked kitchen means you can refuel properly after a day exploring the Everglades, Big Cypress or the Ten Thousand Islands. There’s also parking for four cars, with room for a boat or kayak trailer, which is handy if your idea of a holiday involves considerably more adventure than lying by a pool.

Time Out tip: The private dock is the place to be at the end of the day. Grab a drink, settle in and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the water.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Private canal dock, panoramic mangrove views, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, dedicated workspace and parking for four vehicles plus a boat or kayak trailer.

Price: From $820 for two nights.

12. Best for oceanfront views: The boho rooftop retreat

Neighborhood: Cocoa Beach

Beach mornings, rooftop sunsets and a heated saltwater pool in between... the Cocoa Boho is basically a very good argument for extending your Florida holiday. Just a stone's throw from the beach, this one-bedroom guest suite has a queen bed, sofa bed, kitchenette and private entrance, while outside there’s a shared pool, outdoor shower, patio with a bar and games, and a rooftop deck with hammocks and panoramic ocean and Intracoastal Waterway views. Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels and a cart are all provided, so there’s no need to haul half your house down to the sand. Downtown Cocoa Beach is just 1.5 miles away, and Kennedy Space Center is around a 30-minute drive.

Time Out tip: The barrel sauna and cold plunge are available for unlimited access for an extra $20 a day, which is worth considering after a morning on the beach.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Rooftop deck with hammocks and ocean views, shared heated saltwater pool, outdoor shower, patio and bar, shared hot tub, beach gear, BBQ grill, fire pit, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, board games and free parking.

Price: From $440 for a night. 

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13. Best for big group trips to Orlando: The luxury villa in Encore Resort

Neighborhood: Four Corners, Kissimmee

When your group is big enough to require eight bedrooms, six bathrooms and a serious amount of fridge space, you might as well go all in. This sprawling villa has room for 20 guests, with six king-size bedrooms and two bunk rooms, plus a private pool and spa, outdoor dining area and a game room with pool and foosball tables and a PlayStation 4. There’s plenty of space to regroup between theme-park days, and the big-name attractions are all within easy driving distance: Disney parks are around 15 minutes away, Universal about 20 minutes and Disney Springs around 15 minutes.

Time Out tip: Pool heating and spa heating are available for an extra $45 a day, so consider adding it if you’re visiting when Florida’s temperatures are doing something less than tropical.

Sleeps: 20 guests.

Perks: Private pool and spa, game room, pool table, foosball table, PlayStation 4, outdoor dining area, propane grill, pool basketball hoop, six king-size bedrooms, two bunk rooms, fast Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, pets allowed and free driveway parking.

Price: From $1,820 for three nights.

14. Best for cozy family river adventures: The log cabin

Neighborhood: Live Oak, Suwannee County

Channel your inner Taylor Swift folklore era with a stay in this proper North Florida log cabin, tucked away on three acres of oak and pine trees. There’s plenty of room for a family or big group, with three bedrooms, a big open-plan kitchen and living room, covered porches on both sides and a deck out back for morning coffee or evening BBQs. There's also log furniture, a gas fireplace and enough cosy cabin energy to make you want to put on a chunky jumper regardless of the weather. It’s brilliantly placed for outdoor adventures, with Charles Springs just two miles away and Peacock Slough, a world-class cave-diving spot, around seven miles away.

Time Out tip: Save some time for the fire pit once the sun goes down. There’s something particularly satisfying about ending a day of Florida adventures around a campfire.

Sleeps: 9 guests.

Perks: Three bedrooms, gas fireplace, outdoor fire pit, covered porches, large deck, BBQ grill, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, washer-dryer, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $340 for a night.

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15. Best for a glamping-style stay with a hot tub: The sweet little A-Fram

Neighborhood: Ocala

A little A-frame in Ocala’s horse country, with two bedrooms, big windows looking into the trees and enough cosy wood panelling to make you feel like you’ve escaped to a woodland hideaway. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, comfy living space and two queen bedrooms, but you’ll probably want to spend most of your time outside. The deck comes with swings, outdoor seating, a fire pit for marshmallow duties and, best of all, a private hot tub for soaking under the stars. Santos Trailhead is around 10 minutes away, while Rainbow Springs is about 35 minutes by car, so there’s plenty to do when you eventually tear yourself away from the deck.

Time Out tip: If you’re into horses, Ocala is known as Florida’s horse country, so make time for a visit to one of the area’s equestrian attractions.

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Private hot tub, fire pit, spacious deck, outdoor seating, swings, two queen bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, air conditioning, washer-dryer, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $460 for a night.

16. Best for hikers, cyclists, and quiet nature retreats: The cabin on the river

Neighborhood: Brooksville, Florida

Another cabin! But this one is right on the Withlacoochee River, so we’ll allow it. Hidden away in the woods, this cozy log cabin has a dock for fishing, kayaks for getting out on the water and hiking and biking trails nearby. There’s a big open living space, full kitchen, wood-burning fireplace and an upstairs bedroom with its own bathroom, while outside you’ll find a hot tub and fire pit for post-adventure soaking and s’mores. It’s peaceful, surrounded by nature and the kind of place where you can quite happily lose track of what day it is.

Time Out tip: Bring your appetite for the outdoors, but don’t forget to leave room for pizza. Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Brooksville is a local favourite for a post-hike dinner.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Riverfront location, private dock, kayaks, hot tub, fire pit, wood-burning fireplace, full kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, free parking and pets allowed.

Price: From $830 for two nights. 

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17. Best for waterfront sunset dock views: The Shire in St Augustine

Neighborhood: Vilano Beach, St Augustine

A restored 1930s cottage with a private dock, marsh views and a rooftop deck? Yeah, we can see why this one gets repeat visitors. The Shire sits on an acre of waterfront just a five-minute walk from Vilano Beach, with a cosy mix of mid-century furniture and original details inside, plus a kitchen overlooking the marsh. The rooftop deck looks out over the river, Atlantic Ocean and surrounding marshland, while the private dock is a peaceful spot for fishing, birdwatching or keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. Downtown St Augustine is only about three miles away, too.

Time Out tip: Take your fishing gear down to the dock as guests can fish right from the property.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private dock, rooftop deck, marsh and ocean views, private hot tub, wood-burning fireplace, full kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, washer-dryer and free parking.

Price: From $1,400 for three nights.

18. Best for sea lovers: The stunning sailboat in Miami

Neighborhood: Coconut Grove, Miami

Fancy swapping your usual Florida Airbnb for a boat in the middle of Biscayne Bay? This Hunter 26 sailboat is anchored just off Coconut Grove, giving you a rather spectacular place to wake up, with Miami’s skyline in the distance and the bay all around you. It’s a genuinely different kind of stay: there’s a double bed, sofa bed, basic toilet and freshwater, but no air conditioning or hot water, and the boat can get a little rocky depending on the weather. Two kayaks are included for paddling out to nearby islands and sandbars, while a charcoal grill is your option for cooking. Basically, come for the views, the water and the novelty of saying you slept on a boat in Miami.

Time Out tip: The last ride out to the boat is at 9pm, so plan your evening accordingly. This is more sunset-on-the-bay than all-night-in-Miami.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Biscayne Bay location, Miami skyline views, two kayaks, charcoal grill, freshwater, basic toilet, Wi-Fi and dinghy transfers to and from the dock.

Price: From $185 for a night.

Discover more about traveling to Florida

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