Those longs months of winter, especially when having to shovel the sidewalks and scrape icy windshields day after day, can cause anyone to crave sunshine and warm temperatures. If you’d like to break up those chilly grey days by enjoying brilliant blue skies and pleasant weather where you can get outdoors in comfort, you’ve got many options to choose from. These rentals all provide the perfect base, from sunny Florida to California’s spectacular coast, the desert and beyond.
5-Star Oceanfront Home - Maui, Hawaii
A fabulous Hawaii vacation rental, this one-bedroom condo on Maui is truly oceanfront, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing just below the lanai. It sleeps up to four, with one bedroom that has a queen-size bed and a living room with a queen-sized sofa bed. Sip your morning coffee while watching the sun rise over Mount Haleakala and enjoy unobstructed views of Maalaea Bay, Molokini crater crescent, and Kihei. The space is fully air-conditioned and includes cable television and access to swimming with an ocean view in a large heated pool.
Beachfront Getaway in Siesta Key - Siesta Key, Florida
This beachfront retreat will put you just steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. It even comes with beach gear like a cooler, beach chairs, and an umbrella. You’ll have a private beachfront seating area with a cabana, lounge chairs, and picnic tables, along with BBQ grills and a heated swimming pool. Inside, there’s a modern kitchen and two flat-screen TVs with cable, one in the living room and another in the bedroom. Access to a washer/dryer is included too.
Luxury Hilltop Retreat in the City - San Diego, California
San Diego is famous for its year-round mild climate with abundant sunshine and this home is ideal for enjoying it. In fact, it was featured on the Travel Channel as one of the city’s top rentals. Located in the upscale Mission Hills neighborhood it includes a private balcony and Jacuzzi along with floor-to-ceiling windows in the kitchen, dining room, and master suite for dazzling views of the bay from many vantage points. It also comes with beach gear for enjoying the famously gorgeous stretches of sand, a 60″ HDTV with over 200 premium channels, Netflix, Amazon, and dozens of other streaming options.
Tiny Terlingua - Terlingua Ghost Town, Texas
Located in the ghost town of Terlingua between Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, not far from the Mexican border in west Texas, you’ll not only enjoy abundant sunshine but opportunities for hiking desert and mountain trails by staying in this tiny home. With little light pollution and clear skies, the stargazing is incredible too. It sits on five acres with opportunities for enjoying campfires under the stars and includes a kitchenette, upstairs loft bedroom, and a separate bathhouse, along with a wrap-round porch that provides shade to the house and the outdoor living space, although a/c and heating are included too.
Custom Built Home with Hot Tub and Deck for Stargazing - Moab, Utah
While it can get chilly in Moab, snow is fairly rare other than the occasional dusting on the spectacular red rock formations, and sunny skies are the norm. In fact, winter can be one of the best times to enjoy recreational activities in the area without having to worry about suffering from heatstroke. This gorgeous custom-built home is perfect situated for enjoying it, just minutes from Arches National Park. Take advantage of the wealth of trails for hiking and mountain biking during the day, and then come back and relax in the hot tub while marveling at the endless twinkling stars above.
Dome in the Desert - Joshua Tree, California
Winter is the perfect time for a trip to Joshua Tree National Park too, with miles and miles of hiking trails that lead to everything from remarkable rock formations to oasis’ with waterfalls, along with all sorts of bizarre plant life and trees like its namesake Joshua tree. One of the most unique Airbnbs in the U.S., this bohemian dome makes a great base with stunning mountain views during the day and dazzling night skies after dark. It includes antique books and games, a natural wood-burning stove and space heaters for chilly evenings, although days are typically quite comfortable, ranging from the low 60s to low 70s. You’ll have a full kitchen and Wi-Fi too.
Tucson Poet's Studio - Tucson, Arizona
Tucson offers gloriously sunny weather with temperatures from the mid-60s to mid-70s during the heart of winter, and the Poet’s Studio providing a peaceful escape for two for taking advantage of it. It sits on a private, walled one-third acre lot with a pool, courtyard, working studio and original 1940s mud adobe home. Enjoy dips in the pool with mountain views, along with a well-appointed kitchenette and a walk-in spa shower. It includes air conditioning and heating, Wi-Fi, iHome radio for your iPhone, a wireless-capable flat-screen TV with Direct-TV, and a Cuisinart gas BBQ. There are plenty of grocery stores nearby for picking up ingredients to make your own meals along with restaurants for dining out.
Serene Zen Haven - Sedona, Arizona
Serene Zen Haven offers just that, total zen in a tranquil setting complete with breathtaking red rock views from the outdoor patio and from inside too. Sedona is renowned for its frequent bright blue skies with temperatures typically in the 60s during the wintertime, ideal for hiking, golfing, 4X4 adventures and more. It comes with all the modern comforts and special extras, including a grill for cooking out, a well-stocked kitchen, two flat-screen TVs with DVRs, movie channels and a movie library, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer. In one of the two bedrooms, you’ll have a Jacuzzi tub for soaking after a long day out on the trails.
Beach Casa at Cerritos Beach with Pool and Hot Tubs - El Cerritos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Sunshine and pretty much perfect temperatures right around 80 degrees are guaranteed with a trip to southern Baja, and this Beach Casa is just a short drive from Cabo while providing a more tranquil, less-crowded experience. It’s just a 7-minute walk to the sand, surfing and swimming, with beach gear like beach chairs, an umbrella and boogie board all included. You’ll also have access to a pool and two hot tubs, along with a rooftop patio for sipping margaritas with an ocean and sunset view. There’s also an outdoor kitchen and Smart TV with Netflix.
On the Beach, 1 Hour South of San Diego - La Mission, Baja California, Mexico
If you don’t want to stray too far from the border, this Airbnb is just an hour south of San Diego between Rosarito and Ensenada. A spacious one-bedroom apartment for up to six, it provides direct private beach access along with breathtaking ocean and sunset views. It comes with a rooftop terrace and patio with panoramic views of the Pacific along with a wealth of amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, satellite TV with a DVD player and a BBQ grill.
Luxurious Paradise - Las Vegas, Nevada
Winter is ideal for a trip to Vegas too – outdoor adventures can be enjoyed with just a short drive and you’ll have access to all the fun on the famous Strip too with a stay at this luxurious five-bedroom home that’s only minutes away. Or, just stay here, relax and recharge as it comes with an outdoor pool and six-person spa, a putting green, outdoor kitchen, sauna, Foosball table, custom pool table, and much more.
Go Hiking from a Cave Creek Horse Ranch - Cave Creek, Arizona
Located just outside of Phoenix, the Cave Creek Horse Ranch is surrounded by a mountainous desert landscape and home to friendly horses you’ll definitely want to get to know. Look forward to watching wildlife, napping in the hammock, grilling out and alfresco dining along with both sunrise and sunset views.
