14 Unique Vrbo & Airbnb Traverse City Vacation Rentals
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Traverse City Michigan is one of the best vacation destinations in Northern Michigan. There are plenty of things to do in Traverse City and the surrounding area – no matter the season. It has beautiful beaches, powdery ski resorts, artisan shops, a delectable culinary scene, and so much more. To get the most out of everything, you need the perfect place to stay during your visit. One of these unique Vrbo & Airbnb Traverse City vacation rentals could be your ideal home away from home.
You might ask, “How many vacation rentals are available around Traverse City?”, “Are there cabin rentals or lake houses available in Traverse City?”, or “Why choose a Vrbo or Airbnb Traverse City vacation rental instead of Traverse City hotels?” The answers to all of these questions and more about Traverse City vacation rentals are below, so keep reading!
One-of-a-Kind Airbnb Traverse City Vacation Rentals
Rustic Tiny Cabin Camping
If you like rustic camping but don’t like to sleep in a tent, tiny cabin rentals might be for you. Hosted by Bill, the tiny house has 1 bed, a half-bath Porta-John, and no electricity or running water. For the small budget price, though, it accommodates up to 6 guests and gives you an opportunity to relax in a quiet neighborhood where you can disconnect from technology. Some of the perks include an on-site park and back patio with folding chairs, a fire pit, and a grill. Also, it only takes about 15 minutes to reach the amenities of downtown Traverse City and Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.
Country Living Close to Downtown
With 1 bedroom and 1 bath, this country farm stay near downtown is perfect for couples. Despite the moderate price, it has all of the standard amenities that you’ll need on vacation. You can take advantage of the gas barbecue on the deck, and enjoy the peace and quiet. There’s a 125-year-old barn on the premises, and you can use it for romantic dinners. You can even pick fruits and vegetables from the garden, use the fire pit, and feed the goats. Walking the 10-acre farm and trails really allows you to appreciate the outdoors. During the winter, Traverse City Airbnb hosts Marco and Joni make sleds and snowshoes available.
Tiny House in the Woods
This tiny house in the woods is another cozy Airbnb Traverse City vacation rental that’s perfect for couples. It provides 2 beds and 1 bathroom for a modest price and makes for a quiet countryside getaway that’s only about 15 minutes from downtown. There are a campfire and easy access to lakes and trails, so you can bring your boat, dirt bike, ATV, or other outdoor equipment to use. Additionally, many guests have praised Ellen for how clean and tidy the tiny home is and for her hosting skills.
The Beachside Dream
Sitting on East Grand Traverse Bay, this beachfront condo is 800 square feet and can comfortably sleep up to 4 guests near downtown. The bedroom has a king-size bed, blackout curtains so that you can sleep in, and a flat-screen television. Also, there’s a sleeper sofa in the living room. The open floor plan gives you a panoramic view of the sparkling water from the living and dining rooms, the kitchen, and the private balcony. Katy provides all of the standard amenities in the kitchen for preparing meals. With pool and hot tub access, this Airbnb rental in Traverse City offers a wonderful respite after spending the day on one of the best Lake Michigan beaches.
1959 Airstream Pacer Camping
Although this remodeled 1959 Airstream Pacer RV rental looks small on the outside, it’s surprisingly roomy on the inside. The 2-bed, 1-bath setup is quite suitable for 4 guests, ideally 2 adults and 2 kids. The best part, though, is that Luette lets you choose where to set up the camper. It has everything that you need to be comfortable, including kitchen essentials and lanterns to see at night. On top of that, this Traverse City Airbnb is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog or cat with you.
The Martin House
If you’re looking for a more luxurious Airbnb, the Martin house is a modernized early 1900s farmhouse. Inside are 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, and the 5 beds can accommodate up to 6 guests. The kitchen has a gas cooktop, and Marissa provides all of the cooking utensils that you need to make meals. On the 1-acre property, there’s a barn, flower garden, and fire pit that the whole family can gather around. It’s conveniently located in a perfect place to access all the great things to do in Traverse City. Lake Michigan beaches on Traverse Bay, including Traverse City State Park Beach, are only a 10-minute drive away, and there’s a berry farm, grocery store, vineyard, and winery within a 5-mile radius.
Balia Boat and Breakfast
For a one-of-a-kind Traverse City Airbnb experience, stay on the Balia sailboat, which can be anchored at one of the 6 marinas along the Grand Traverse Bay shoreline. The 42-foot boat has enough room for 6 guests, so it makes a great place to stay for a large family or for multiple couples. What’s even more special is that you can visit Grey Hare Inn Vineyard Bed and Breakfast for breakfast in the morning. Of course, you have the option to enjoy breakfast on the boat too. The owners also offer 3-hour sailing tours for an additional fee.
More Unique Airbnb Traverse City Area Vacation Rentals
Fern Garden Tiny House in Interlochen
To the southwest of Traverse City and next to Interlochen State Park in Northern Michigan, you get more for your money than you expect. The Fern Garden House is a new tiny house with a pullout bed that’s rather comfortable. Alongside this Airbnb vacation rental, you get access to the Coffee House as well. The extra cabin doesn’t have electricity, but it serves as an excellent space for doing yoga, making art, or gathering with friends. It even has an extra bed. Previous guests have noted how hospitable host Alice was during their stays.
Bird’s Nest (Treetops) at the Art House in Suttons Bay
The Art House is a truly exceptional Traverse City area rental. The available space is called the Bird’s Nest because it sits among the treetops, and it’s theatrically decorated by host and artist Jackie. Ideal for 2 guests, it has a full-size bed, fireplace, and balcony seating. On the deck, there’s an electric grill that you can use. The location is within walking distance to the beach, a bakery, a brewery, pubs, and shops. Also, several wineries are just a short drive away.
The Loveboat Retreat in Lake Ann
If you and your sweetheart want a romantic waterfront getaway, the Loveboat Retreat is perfect for couples. The charming houseboat is docked at a private lot on Herendeene Lake, which is just north of Lake Ann Michigan. It features a double Murphy bed, dry kitchen, and plenty of space on the deck for swimming, fishing, or relaxing in the sun or cool breeze. Additionally, there’s a base camp with toilet and shower facilities and a barbecue grill. Guests say that Mark and Rachel are incredible hosts.
Sweetheart Beach Cottage in Lake Ann
The waterfront Sweetheart Beach Cottage is located near Herendeene Lake too and is a tiny house in a wooded area. With 1 bed and 1 bath, it’s suitable for 2 guests. There’s a small kitchenette, gas grill, and full-size refrigerator inside. The cabin has its own sandy beach, while the dock and swim platform are shared with the main house. You have access to paddleboats, a canoe, and a tandem kayak to take out on the water.
The Yurt at Spruce Hill Farm in Maple City
Located on Spruce Hill Farm, this yurt Airbnb sits at the edge of a wooded area, which offers hiking trails and privacy. The space is so interesting because the numerous windows give you beautiful views of the working goat dairy farm, and the large skylight provides dazzling views of the night sky. The wood stove makes the yurt cozy on cooler days. With 2 beds and 1 bath, it’s a convenient place to stay near Traverse City for 4 guests. Other notable features are an outdoor kitchen, picnic table, and fire pit.
Suttons Bay Dome Home
Although a little more on the pricey side, the dome home in Suttons Bay is a very unique Airbnb Traverse City area vacation rental. After a fresh renovation in 2019, the house has a modern, luxurious atmosphere. There are 2 queen beds, and Jill can provide an inflatable bed if you need it. The kitchen is stocked with all of the amenities you need for making food. What makes this stay so great is that it’s on a hill, so you get a spectacular view of West Grand Traverse Bay. Furthermore, the TART Trail is only 1 mile away and connects directly to downtown Traverse City. There are 6 wineries in the area as well.
What to Do During Your Traverse City Getaway
As noted, there are a lot of wineries and breweries in Traverse City, and some of them are open all year round. There are many unique restaurants in Traverse City and lots of things to do with kids in Traverse City and the surrounding area. Traverse City winter activities are a big hit, too!
Is there a special place where you stay during your visits to Traverse City? Share it with us in the comments below.