Finding a romantic outdoor getaway has never been so easy. The world is literally at your fingertips. Airbnb not only offers a wide range of camping and glamping accommodations, they now catalog customizable Airbnb experiences as well. There are a huge range of adventures from swimming with sea lions and seals to outdoor cooking lessons to guided fishing trips.
50 Campfires decided to make a survey of what’s out there for outdoors lovers in the Airbnb experiences world. What we found is pretty mind blowing – and this barely scratches the surface.
Check out this list of easily accessible and affordable opportunities for outdoors lovers that we’re betting you didn’t even know existed.
Joshua Tree Homesteader Cabin: Joshua Tree, California
The restored cabin, featured in New York Times ‘T’ Travel Magazine and more was constructed in 1955 and still has its original green paint. It’s just a 15-minute drive to Joshua Tree National Park. When you’re settled it, it feels remote, but your just a few minutes away from downtown Joshua Tree. The renovated interior has a cookware-outfitted kitchen and ding area. There’s an outhouse with a dry toilet and a roofless shower a few yards from the cabin. Will accommodate up to three guests, but with just one bedroom and one bed.
Joshua Tree, CA
Cost: $114/night
Learn more about staying at Airbnb’s Joshua Tree Homesteader Cabin here.
Begin your experience in Geneva, just 35 miles west of Chicago. Kayak down the Fox River for three miles taking in the lush landscape, wildlife, and historical sites along the banks. At Fayban Woods, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on vintage quilts under the spreading, old growth oak trees. Then you’ll board retro style bikes for a leisurely ride on a winding forest trail and end the experience at the shopping district on 3rd street in Geneva. The kayak, bike, and picnic lunch are all included, and the trip will be based on the weather conditions any given day.
Geneva, IL
Cost: $65/person
Learn more about Airbnb experience Paddling & Peddling the Fox River Trail here.
Savor the peace and quiet. Celebrate nature. Located at 2,000 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains this 30-foot diameter yurt will accommodate up to six guests in four beds with one bathroom. Includes a full-equipped kitchen, deep tub, heating and AC, shared hot tub and seasonal saltwater pool. A 10-minute hike gets you to the Shenandoah National Park. Or you can check out the trails on the 58 acres of the Cair Paravel Farmstead on which the yurt is built. Cair Paravel is a sustainable farm that seeks to apply the principles of permaculture and biodynamic agriculture with the goal to maintain a minimal footprint upon the earth.
Standardsville, VA
Cost: $150/night
Learn more about this Airbnb Private Yurt destination and experience here.
Join host Ryan, the co-founder of Free Animal Doctor, a non-profit animal welfare organization. You’ll set off from West Hollywood and hike up Runyon Canyon to Mulholland Drive with new friends – a jovial pack of rescue dogs. Along with exercising and socializing these canines, you’ll help take photos to publicize their cases. Along the way, there will be great views and, who knows, perhaps even a celebrity sighting. Note that your payment for this experience is a donation to the animal welfare non-profit helping to pay for the care of the very dogs you’ll be walking.
Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $35/person (all proceeds donated to the rescue dog shelter)
Learn more about Airbnb experience hiking with shelter dogs in Runyon Canyon here.
The silver Airstream travel trailer is an icon of American travel. Have you ever dreamed of hooking one up and hitting the road? That’s exactly what this experience is, but without the expense or hassles of owning your own trailer – or having to fight traffic. Instead you show up at Jennifer and Gregory’s place not too far from Austin, Texas and they’ll hand over the keys to the Dixie Daisy. This restored Airstream trailer, permanently moored on their Back 40 is suitable for two adults with one bed and one bath.
Wimberly, TX
Cost: $130/night
Learn more about staying in Airbnb’s Texas Hill Country restored Airstream here.
Stand Up Paddleboard to the iconic Coronado Bridge for a photo op and a cheers underneath it. You will be accompanied by expert paddle boarder and founder of Coronado’s first and finest paddle board enterprise (SupCoronado), Vicki. We will all then hop in a Mercedes sprinter for a brewery tour of San Diego’s tastiest independent breweries, those off the beaten path, hand picked to have the best beer in town by seasoned brewery tour operator Breanna, founder of San Diego’s first and best Brewery tour operation, BrewerytoursSandDiego.
San Diego, CA
Cost: $90/person
Learn more about Airbnb experience SUP Coronado, Then Brewery Tour in San Diego, right here.
Wolf Encounter: Anacortes, Washington
Meet one of the largest wolf packs in the Pacific Northwest. About an hour and a half north of Seattle, the Predators of the Heart wildlife refuge is nestled in 10 forested acres. Director Dave will introduce you to our mission and history with wolves. You’ll then meet their wolf ambassadors, Max and Kakoa, will lead the guided tour of the refuge trails. You’ll also see cougars, foxes, and more of the wolf pack. This is the chance to touch, photograph, and even howl with wolves in this once-in-a-lifetime setting. They provide water and beverages and a picnic area with a campfire.[/two_third_last]
Anacortes, WA
Cost: $150/person (profits go to refuge)
Restored 1966 Decamp Breadbox Camper Travel Trailer is a comforting place to unwind, be it a campground or private property. The owner will deliver and pick up in Virginia Beach area locations and clean it for an additional fee. Can even be a “spare room” for visitors if you live in the area. Sleeps up to three guests in two beds. Comes with an adorable original stove, microwave, 3-1 breakfast station, mini-waffle maker, all kitchen essentials, bedding essentials, TV with cable connects, record player with Bluetooth, outdoor set-up, cooler, and lots of hidden gems.
Virginia Beach, VA
Cost: $80/night
Learn more about Airbnb’s accommodations in The Bunny Box here.
Your host Alex is a chef and avid outdoorsman. You’ll meet at the Chit Chat Café on the Pacifica Pier where he’ll fill you in on crabbing and grab the bait you’ll need. He’ll take you through everything you need to know to catch your own crabs to prepare a delicious repast that’s true San Francisco meal. Chances are good, you’ll also encounter other coastal wildlife during the experience.
Pacifica, CA
Cost: $45/person
Learn more about Airbnb experience The Art of Crabbing here.
Very spacious houseboat with vaulted 12′ ceiling in the main cabin (living room). Sleeps 3 comfortably. Lots of room to move around with a queen size bed in the Captain’s Quarters (Bedroom) and a twin bed in the living room that’s a day bed. The boat is located downtown in a PRIVATE slip at Seabreeze Marina. This accommodation is for people looking for peace and tranquility in a unique and beautiful houseboat. The setting of the marina is quiet and secluded. In your private slip, you’ll have a stunning view of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge.
Charleston, SC
Cost: $179/night
Learn more about the Airbnb experience of living like a pirate in Charleston, here.
Hike a 5.1 mile look through ancient redwoods visiting three historic logging sites along the way. Midway, your guide will call “time out” and share the basics of setting up a hammock camp for a leisurely hang time to relax, play cards, or take a creekside nap. You’ll learn how a hammock can be your go to solution for portable seating and shelter in the backcountry wilderness or on a college campus. Hammocks are provided and available for purchase at a 15% discount. Trail snacks are also included.
Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
Cost: $55/person
Learn more about Airbnb experience of hiking and hammocking among the California redwoods here.
Want to learn more about winter hammock camping? Check out 50 Campfires feature and buyer’s guide.