Michigan is a stunning area of the United States, with beautiful islands, sandy beaches, and ultra blue water. Michigan boasts a diverse landscape and a wide variety of attractions, which range from rugged trails and scenic routes to the beautiful shores of the Great Lakes The winter brings thick coats of white snow, perfect for those who love to do a little bit of downhill skiing, snowboarding or even snowman building. Spring in Michigan brings blooming flowers and fun festivals, while a Michigan summer ushers in pleasant weather with lots of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. No matter what time of year, it’s worth taking time to visit each versatile region of Michigan.
From charming destinations like Mackinac Island to hidden gems like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks, there’s a lot to explore in the Great Lake State. One of the best ways to enjoy its endless outdoor adventures is by booking a vacation rental. We’ve gathered a list of the most scenic, accommodating, noteworthy VRBOs, with many offering family-, couples- and pet-friendly conveniences. All things considered, we think these are the best VRBOs in the Great Lake State.
Clam Lake Cottage with Torch Lake Access - Bellaire
Water-loving families looking for a fun weekend getaway should book a stay at this two-bedroom cottage on Clam Lake. Set between Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire on the Elk River Chain of Lakes, it’s an ideal retreat for boating and water sports. One of the biggest highlights of the Vrbo rental is the deck above the boathouse, which overlooks the lake. It’s a perfect spot for outdoor meals, watching the boats, and taking in sunset views. You’ll also find a large living room, fully equipped kitchen, and fireplace. A dockside bar and restaurant and adjacent public beach on Torch Lake are a 10-minute walk or boat ride from the cottage.
Enjoy Northern Michigan - Bellaire
It’s hard to resist the charm of this beautiful A-frame cabin, set amongst a backdrop of a tranquil wooded setting. Just minutes away from Lake Bellaire, Torch Lake, and Clam Lake, you’ll find everything you need for a cabin getaway. Perfect for couples’ getaways, it boasts a washer/dryer, central AC, heat, and a gas fireplace. Outside, there’s a spacious deck with furniture and a gas grill for taking in the nature views as well as a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Within a 5-minute walk, you can reach the dock, where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or watching passing boats.
Historical Cottage, 2 Blocks from Kids Corner and South Beach - South Haven
Aside from its picture-perfect exterior with a white picket fence and adorable yellow door, this beautiful three-bedroom Vrbo has a timeless charm. It was one of the original cottages on Monroe St in South Haven but has been recently renovated to include top-notch designs include a modern kitchen and new AC. The large master king bedroom has a fireplace, while the cottage is well-stocked for families with bikes, books, games, and toys. Other perks include a gas grill, fire pit, and large yard for entertaining.
Modern Retreat with Amazing Lake Views & Fire Pit - Michiana
With a futuristic exterior design, this five-bedroom property can accommodate a whopping 16 guests. That means you can bring the entire family to this luxurious rental, which features incredible views of the lake and is a short walk to beach access. Swim in Lake Michigan or stroll the beach, then make dinner in the large fully equipped kitchen and eat it on the screened-in porch overlooking the lake. At night, you can savor the sunset views over the lake from the rooftop deck and swap stories around the oversized backyard fire pit. There’s also a basement family room with retro video games, ping pong, and board games.
Dog-Friendly Cottage with Screened-In Porch - Saugatuck
Located just one mile from downtown Saugatuck, this charming two-bedroom Vrbo rental is surrounded by greenery. Along with a peaceful wooded setting that feels like a secluded cabin in the forest, you’ll be treated to simple comforts such as a screened-in porch, outdoor fire pit, and indoor fireplace. When you’re ready to explore, downtown Saugatuck features shops, galleries, and restaurants, while Saugatuck Dunes State Park is less than five miles away. You can even bring your four-legged best friend along with you to this cottage.
Treehouse on the River - Au Train
Feel like a kid again while staying in this fun treehouse-looking rental. You’ll find beautiful nature views from every window of this two-bedroom property, as well as a staircase that leads to the water. Open the windows and let in the breeze in, or fire up the grill and enjoy dinner on the deck. Inside you’ll find cozy living space for up to five guests. You’re spoiled for choice with activities nearby, from kayaking adventures down the river to snowmobile trails and easy access to Lake Superior, waterfalls, and Pictured Rocks.
Charming Beachfront Studio Cottage - South Haven
Escape to the beach at this adorable studio cottage. Sitting on Lake Michigan’s Magnificent Mile, you’ll have access to the beautiful beachfront with only a slope to the shore. Walk to town for shopping, dining, and entertainment, then head to the shoreline with your float toys for hours of fun in the sun. You can hang out on the common area large deck and savor the spectacular views or hang out on your private patio with the gas grill. Afterward, retreat to the cottage to enjoy its stylish interior that features everything you need for a beach getaway.
Beautiful Log Home with Eight Person Hot Tub on the Baldwin River - Baldwin
Enjoy some of Michigan’s most beautiful landscapes from this two-bedroom log home. You can spend your days fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, or trail riding, then retreat to this luxe getaway and recharge before another day of adventure. You can cuddle up by the cozy fire or enjoy a soak in the spa. When it comes time for sleeping, you’ll find a king-size bed in the loft, a queen bed on the main floor, twin bunks downstairs, and a pull-out sleeper sofa, with enough room for up to eight guests comfortably. However, the cabin’s biggest perk is the large outdoor deck, which is equipped with comfy seating and a gas grill.
Lake Michigan Beachfront Luxury Home - Cross Village, Harbor Springs
The closest property to the water, this luxurious beachfront home offers a spacious open layout for up to 10 guests. There is no bluff, stairs, or long walks to the shore, as you can step right off your deck onto the dunes and sandy beach. Inside the shingle-style home, you’ll find spectacular views from every room, including panoramic sunsets and vistas of the islands, lighthouses, and ships passing in the distance. Modern amenities include a gourmet kitchen, a stone fireplace, and unique architectural features such as 10-foot-high ceilings, as well as an HD entertainment system and professionally decorated interior.
Inhabit A Hobbit House - Charlevoix
Quite possibly the most unique vacation rental in all of Michigan, this whimsical hobbit house overlooks Lake Michigan. If you’re sick of the cookie-cutter hotel rooms, stay at this one-of-kind house to enjoy the magical stone cottage in Charlevoix. You can enjoy the sandy beach, lighthouse, and beautiful sunsets just outside your door, while it’s just a two-block stroll to the quaint village for shopping, dining, and a marina. It’s got everything you need, including luxurious cotton bed linens, firewood, free Wi-Fi, two flat-screen TVs, and an endless supply of hot water. Best of all, it boasts impressive views of Lake Michigan.
Lakefront Vacationing at Its Best, Pontoon Rental & Hot Tub - Twin Lake
Lakefront living at its best, this three-bedroom vacation rental has it all, including a hot tub, sandy beach, and pontoon boat. The lake dips gradually, so kids can easily play in the shallow end, while the outdoor fire pit is the perfect spot to gaze up at the night sky. Inside, the two-floor home features a great room, dining area, and gas fireplace, while the recently renovated kitchen has everything for mealtime. The lower level is just as nice, features a walk-out basement, second gas fireplace, home theater, and foosball table. Active travelers will enjoy fishing on the dock and kayaking, while the hot tub and wrap-around deck with Adirondack chairs invite you to unwind and relax.
Beautiful Spacious Lakefront Home - Camden
Offering stunning sunset views over the main bay of Lake Diane, this four-bedroom Vrbo is a luxurious family-friendly retreat. In addition to a spacious deck, it has remote-controlled awnings for shade and four outdoor sitting areas. Sit around the bonfire and share stories, or take in the panoramic views from the inside wall of lake-side windows. You can also take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen, comfy sofas, large flat-screen TV, and game room, which has pool, ping pong, and a flat-screen TV. Also, the shallow shoreline is an inviting spot for swimming or fishing right off the dock.
4-Bedroom Home, Downtown Location - Frankenmuth
You’ll be just a 5-minute walk from downtown at this four-bedroom property in Frankenmuth. The beautifully restored American home was built in 1916 and features a mix of original features and modern amenities. In addition to a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and upstairs and downstairs living rooms, there’s a rec room where kids can play games and challenge each other with a round of ping pong. Best of all, it’s only 1/2 block from Maine Street. After a day of exploring, retreat to the home and grill out on the back patio or sit on the large front porch and watch horse carriages go by.
Cozy 3-Bedroom Cabin - Fairview
Nature lovers will love this A-frame cottage, which offers a beautiful tranquil setting on 30 acres of meadows and woodland. In addition to scenic trails, you can observe local wildlife roaming the grounds such as deer, wild turkey, and birds. The three-bedroom property is just two miles from Fairview and not far from Mio, where you’ll find restaurants and stores to purchase food. Inside the rental, there’s a TV with Roku and Netflix, as well as Wi-Fi and a wood-burning fireplace. There’s also a fire pit outdoors, swing, and grill on the large deck for cookouts.
Perfect for Two - Little Hideaway in the Woods - Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert
One of the most popular Vrbo rentals in Michigan, this cozy cottage for two is simply adorable. Nestled on a one-acre wooded property on the northern end of Harbor County in Sawyer, the cabin is about a four-block walk from the beach. In addition to 100-year-old trees surrounding the house, you’ll find charming architectural details that date back to the 1920s like original pine floors. Modern amenities are included too, such as a private hot tub, backyard, and screened porch, while indoors there are cozy living spaces for two.
Chalet for All Seasons - Boyne Falls
Exposed wooden beam ceilings, a huge fireplace and outdoor fire pit — no wonder this rental is an all-season favorite. Come to ski Michigan powder in the winter or enjoy the picturesque summers of beach days and green foliage. The cabin is well suited for families, with lots of cool places the kids would love to sleep and chill out in.
Long Lake Escape: Beautiful Sunset Views - Traverse City
We could talk about the view from one of the windows in this house and it would probably be enough to convince travelers to book! This amazing A-shaped opening brings loads of light into the living room, while also revealing unbelievable views of Long Lake. With four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this lake house can sleep up to 10 guests. During the day, explore the lake on kayaks from the dock within a few steps from the house. In the evening, get the fireplace going and watch a sunset from the couch, or grab a blanket and curl up to watch a movie on the large projector screen TV.
Boyne Mountain Disciples Village Ski-In/Ski-Out Luxury Escape - Boyne Falls
Welcome to northern Michigan, where a memorable family ski getaway awaits. Walk right out your door to skiing terrain, or just choose to stay by the fireplace in the breathtaking living area. Massive windows set against the large dining table make you feel like you are amongst the trees. Log furniture and other woodsy accents are the cherry on top. This home offers a true ski in/ski out location with direct access to the Disciples Chair lift, while the Village of Boyne is just about 10 minutes away.
Harbor Springs Family Home with Access to Clubhouse - Harbor Springs
Modest yet elegant, this rental is completely worthy of your summer vacation. A large kitchen makes prepping meals effortless, and guests can enjoy a lovely deck with dining set to enjoy all of that good food in great surroundings. Bonus – there is a sauna and a community pool that is partially indoors and outdoors. So it’s kind of like a spa getaway at the same time.
