Best Airbnbs near Boston: Where to book this spring

Two story luxury treehouse | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Two story luxury treehouse | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

With the weather calling for a well-deserved road trip, you might be on the hunt for some exciting places to stay. Luckily, New England is full of some of the coolest, most adventurous, and most scenic homes to rent through Airbnb. Whether you want to go away for a few days or spend a few weeks on the road, we have what you need.

Check out our list of the best places to lay your head within driving distance of Boston, all perfect landing spots for your big and responsible escape. Be sure to read all of the houses’ COVID-19 protocols before arriving and, as always, don’t forget your trusty mask.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Marblehead, MA
8 guests, $321 per night
Distance from Boston: 35 minutes
This ultimate New England-style abode sports a massive deck overlooking a scenic pond filled with comfy rocking chairs for your daily dose of daydreaming followed by post-dinner al fresco entertainment. It’s also just a five-minute walk to the neighborhood’s rocky beach if you want to watch the waves.
Nearby activities: Choose from seafood joints like The Barnacle Restaurant, Maddie’s Sail Loftor Tavern with three codfish if you’re in the mood for lobster rolls (hint: you are). There is also Castle Rock Park for a leisurely ride after lunch.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Dunbarton, NH
4 people, $202 per night
Distance from Boston: ~1 hour
Perched 30 feet in the air at the top of a winding, suspended path, this treehouse was not built for the faint-hearted. But if you’re up for it (get it?), the property makes for a memorable stay and quite a travelogue. You’ll need to pack a few basics like sleeping bags and blankets, but surprisingly the place has WiFi.
Nearby activities: As of May 15, you can book a bike-rail ride at Panoramic Railriders in nearby Concord. And after your cruise, treat yourself to a well-deserved craft beer or three at Concord Craft Brewing Company or Lithermans Limited Brewery.

Marblehead, MA
4 people, $175 per night
Distance from Boston: 35 minutes
Although it’s referred to as a “tiny house”, this home away from home in Marblehead offers plenty of space for lounging and relaxing. Steps from the Port of Salem and just one mile from downtown Salem, you’ll have plenty to choose from if you decide to venture out for a coffee, a quick bite, or a stroll through town.
Nearby activities: Take a slowly rotating cone at Melt ice cream before joining the port for a walk. You can also view the history Salem Witch Museum or pack a picnic to enjoy Town of Salem.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Port of Yarmouth, Massachusetts
7 guests, $364 per night
Distance from Boston: ~1 hour
Nothing says a New England weekend getaway like a trip to Cape Cod. If you’re looking for sweeping water views, enjoy a front row seat on the inviting patio of this Yarmouth Port cottage. The decoration is also quite perfect, so you might spend more time inside than expected.
Nearby activities: Book a tee time at Kingway Golf or make a historic dinner reservation Old Yarmouth Inna famous institution since 1696.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Sanbornton, New Hampshire
4 people, $257 per night
Distance from Boston: 1.5 hours
Standing twelve feet in the air, this secluded New Hampshire treehouse checks all the unique stay boxes. With a stunning interior layout and a fire pit to enjoy those clear nights, this outdoor oasis is a haven for stylish stargazers.
Nearby activities: Start your day off right with a stack of pancakes from Heritage Farm Creperie. And if you want to get out of the woods to do some window shopping, the Tangier Outlets aren’t too far either.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Newbury, NH
4 people, $378 per night
Distance from Boston: 1h30
For those looking for aerial views, this two-story treehouse is conveniently located near Lake Sunapee and just a five-minute drive from Mount Sunapee. It is important to also mention the medieval-inspired interior, which is not only immaculate but perfectly designed for wine evenings at home.
Nearby activities: Head toward Mount Sunapee State Park for an afternoon hike or explore the trails and gardens at The hills. Beware, if you go to The Fells you are free to enjoy the property, but you will have to wait until after Memorial Day to enter the famous John Hay Estate.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Conway, New Hampshire
5 guests, $218 per night
Distance from Boston: ~2 hours
Located in Echo Lake State Park, you won’t have to travel far, if at all, to adventure on your weekend in the White Mountains. The interior of the cabin, a beautifully decorated space with immaculate decor, is equipped with all necessary amenities. There is also a spacious patio for when the festivities move outside. An additional bonus? The place is dog friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home.
Nearby activities: It’s only a ten minute drive to downtown North Conway where you can stop Zeb’s General Store for an old fashioned candy bag and knock White Birch Books to choose a weekend reading. The legendary LL Bean Output isn’t too far off either, if you’re looking to up your gear game.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Lee, MA
2 people, $250 per night
Distance from Boston: ~2 hours
You’ve heard of a tiny house, but have you ever heard of a tiny tower? This whimsical hideaway nestled in the Berkshires offers incredible views of the surrounding expanse. Grab a cup of coffee and admire the property’s soothing lily pond, visible from the tower’s huge multi-paned windows. The upstairs canopy bed is another magical feature that will make you feel like you are far, far away.
Nearby activities: Take a walk in the Berkshire Botanical Gardengo to Lee Premium Outletsor spend an evening at Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar in the nearby town of Lenox.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Bowdoinham, Maine
6 people, $173 per night
Distance from Boston: ~2 hours
For something serene, this two-bedroom cabin in the small town of Bowdoinham offers panoramic views of the area’s natural wealth. With windows overlooking the bay, you’ll constantly be reminded why you chose to book this unique stay over another option.
Nearby activities: Stop at Bath Farmers Market Saturday morning for fresh produce and local delicacies or cross the Androscoggin Swing Bridge at Topsham, one of the few remaining active pedestrian suspension bridges in the United States.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Jamaica, Vermont
5 guests, $118 per night
Distance from Boston: ~3 hours
Yet another tiny house to make on our list, Vermont’s Apple Blossom Cottage has all the personality. With exterior accents of chartreuse and pink giving way to a tie-dye pattern inside, this cute little home is ideal for those looking for a memorable vacation. The house is also a short drive from Mount Stratton, a favorite among New England sportsmen. And just in case you want to take another look, you can check out a quick video tour before booking.
Nearby activities: Have a classic breakfast at the Townshend Dam Restaurant and be sure to save room for dinner at honey piewhich offers burgers, sandwiches and mouth-watering ice cream at great prices.

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Jillian Hammel is a contributor for Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter and instagram.

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