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Planning a weekend getaway to the last frontier? Swap your bland hotel for one of these unique Alaska Airbnbs for a truly unforgettable trip.
As the last great expanse of unexplored wilderness in the United States, Alaska is nicknamed “the last frontier” for a reason. It’s estimated that only 0.05% of the entire state is inhabited by humans, leaving over 364 million acres of pristine wilderness untouched and mostly unexplored.
You may not be planning a Nat Geo-worthy expedition into the heart of the Alaskan tundra, but you can still enjoy the secluded and wildly beautiful parts of remote Alaska just outside of the major cities and ports.
And if you’re looking for a truly unique adventure that lives up to Alaska’s wild nature, consider ditching your standard lodging for a one-of-a-kind vacation rental that you’ll be bragging about at the water cooler for years to come.
To help you find the perfect accommodations for your Alaskan adventure, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most unique vacation rentals across the state. Covering everything from glamping tents to rustic cabins, luxury villas, buses, boats, and igloos, there’s something here for everyone.
Related Read: The Best Time to Visit Alaska: A Year-Round Planning Guide
1. The Borealis Yurt
Why you should stay here: Turn your Alaska vacation into a glamping trip by staying in a classic yurt on the outskirts of Fairbanks.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: No
Whether you’re into exploring Alaska on foot or skis, you can start either adventure from your front door at the Borealis Yurt. Conveniently located near the outer limits of Fairbanks, you’ll enjoy easy access to the city’s amenities with enough seclusion to enjoy the stars and Northern Lights from atop the hill.
Outside, this property features a private deck with a grill, an outdoor fire pit, and a shared hot tub. Step inside and you’ll discover a custom knotty pine interior with a fully equipped kitchen, two private bedrooms, and double futon in the sleeping loft. You can take care of your own laundry in the private washer/dryer, and if the weather’s too frightful to head outside, the yurt also comes with WiFi and a large screen television for home-bound entertainment.
Check Availability — Airbnb Check Availability — VRBORelated Read: 9 Best Places to Stay in Alaska for the Ultimate Getaway
2. Borealis Basecamp
Why you should stay here: Slumber directly under the Northern Lights in an open-top igloo.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: No
Borealis Basecamp is located about an hour outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, on 100 acres of private land. This secluded getaway is the perfect place to view the Northern Lights, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your cozy bed thanks to the wraparound clear ceilings.
Step inside these luxury dome dwellings and you’ll discover a private bath and kitchenette, providing everything you need to set up your base camp for adventure. There’s an all-day access yurt that provides three meals a day in addition to hot drinks and cookies, and you can also rent fat tire bikes, snowshoes, and snowmobiles to explore the local trail network. There’s a great ice fishing spot nearby (they’ve got poles and gear), and you can even schedule a dog sledding adventure for an authentic Alaskan experience.
Check Availability — AirbnbRelated Read: 11 Best Resorts in Alaska Offering Unbeatable Outdoor Adventures
3. Luxury Homer Villa
Why you should stay here: Experience the epitome of rustic luxury perched atop a small cliff overlooking Kachemak Bay, where you’ll find jaw-dropping vistas in every direction.
- Sleeps: 9
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Pets allowed: No
We’re swinging for the fences at this price point, but the exquisite Odyssey Lodge is too stunning to pass up. Sitting on 22 private acres adjacent to the picturesque Kachemak Bay, you’ll enjoy off-the-grid seclusion without sacrificing an ounce of luxury living.
Odyssey Lodge features two wrap-around decks with multiple wet bars, fire tables, and chaise lounges where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alaska Range. Jump in the hot tub to warm up on a chilly evening, or fire up the gas grill and smoker for some delicious BBQ.
Meander inside this backwoods beauty and you’ll find enough space and sleeping accommodations for 10, replete with luxury furniture, heavenly linens, walk-in closets, a gorgeous fireplace, and wall-to-wall windows. The fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need to whip up a gourmet meal, and there’s a wine fridge to keep your libations at the ideal temperature.
Check Availability — Airbnb Check Availability — VRBORelated Read: 8 Breathtaking Alaska National Parks to Visit this Year
4. Between Beaches Alaska
Why you should stay here: Luxury glamping cabins sandwiched between two beaches, offering incredible views of sunrises and sunsets over the water in both directions.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: Yes
Glamping resorts are on the rise, but even with new spots popping up across the states you’ll never find anything like Between Beaches Alaska. Located on the narrow MacDonald Spit in Kasitsna Bay and only accessible by water taxi, every vacation rental here is a beach-front property, offering jaw-dropping views of the bays, islands, and rugged Alaskan peaks.
When you’re not soaking in the views from comfort of your bed, try warming up in the wood-fired hot tub and sauna, scouring the beach for clams with your rake and bucket, or exploring the bay on your kayak or rowboat.
Check Availability — Airbnb Check Availability — VRBO5. The Rockwell Lighthouse
Why you should stay here: Live out a Nicholas Sparks storybook for a weekend in this beautifully remodeled lighthouse in Sitka, Alaska.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2-3 nights
- Pets allowed: No
It’s not every day that you get to live in an active-duty lighthouse — let alone one that’s enjoyed such a fabulous face lift. The new owners did a full interior remodel that completed in 2018, paving the way for a four-story architectural masterpiece with a new hot tub, chic furniture, a charming kitchen, cozy beds, and ample space for a family of six.
The interior is gorgeous, but let’s not forget that the true gem is on the outside. From your perch atop the lighthouse, you’ll enjoy unbelievable views of Jamestown Bay and the local islands.
You’ll also enjoy complete seclusion as the property is only accessible by water taxi, and the close proximity to water means you’ll have easy access to fishing and kayaking anytime.
Check Availability — Airbnb6. Rustic Contemporary Chalet
Why you should stay here: The cabin itself is a work of art, boasting unique architecture and a beautifully designed interior.
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Pets allowed: No
If you’re looking for a secluded Alaskan getaway for a large family, this one’s for you. The newly constructed cabin sits on a private wooded lot, yet it’s conveniently located near the Aleyska Ski Resort and the Girdwood Town Square.
Step inside this rustic contemporary chalet and you’ll find a magnificent great room with a grand fireplace, custom kitchen, three bedrooms (two of which are perfect for stargazing and the Northern Lights), and two bathrooms. Outside, you can warm up in the luxurious hot tub after a long day of skiing.
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Seen in: Alaska, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Alaska
