Is Austin still weird? There’s only one way to find out.
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Head south to Texas and dive into city life via eclectic tours, chow down at local eateries, and grab a drink at its top live music venues. Along the way, you’ll meet locals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who make Austin what it is.
As with other ‘quirky’ spots like Portland, Oregon, and Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll find a blend of truly innovative thinkers and movers alongside more traditional fare. In short, how weird Austin is depends on how adventurous you’re willing to get on your trip.
If you want to dip a toe into the city’s weirder waters, I recommend shacking up at Austin Airbnbs that showcase its quirky, independent style. Whether you want spa-caliber retreats or casual cottages, these are some of the best properties up for rent.
Austin Airbnbs with the right amount of quirkiness
SoundHaus
Looking for luxe Austin Airbnbs with room for a group? This swagged-out rental has five bedrooms that can sleep up to fourteen guests. Despite its capacity, you’ll feel like you’re in a boutique resort. The backyard has a pool, sauna, hot tub, fire pit, and projector for movie nights. Inside, you’ll find OTT features like a vinyl collection and turntables that showcase some of Austin’s top musical artists.
Cozy Austin Cottage
If you’re looking for a cozy stay instead of a resort-style getaway, check out the coziest cottage in Austin. This one-bedroom tiny home is like a cottage-core masterpiece. Even the greenery outside adds to the whimsical illusion—you’ve got your very own oasis. It’s also located in the North Loop neighborhood, one of the most sought-after spots for both locals and visitors.
The DOME House
Don’t just go weird in Austin—go to its most whimsical, oddball heights at the famous DOME House. This is a four-bedroom behemoth located on Lake Austin, just outside the hustle and bustle of town. You’ve got kayaks, paddleboards, and more on a private lakefront dock, along with a fire pit and dining area. But the real magic is the handcrafted architecture. This is a seriously beautiful, imaginative, and highly livable structure that will have you gawking from dusk to dawn.
SoLa Charm
This is a sweet and simple three-bedroom home that sleeps up to six. It’s not the weirdest Airbnb in Austin, but it definitely has quirky features. There are two arcade games to play, along with a large backyard with cornhole, a pool, and an Austin-themed mural. The hosts are also highly rated for their responsiveness, making this a good rental for those who have had bad luck with Airbnb and want a little extra reassurance from savvy hosts.
The Iconic Bloomhouse
If you’ve heard of Austin’s famous DOME House, you probably know about the Iconic Bloomhouse, too. It’s another architectural standout, this one located in West Lake Hills. It’s a 1970s sculptural home that has flowing organic walls, a lack of hard angles, and a bright-white coating that brings to mind Santorini. You’re guaranteed to forget that you’re in Texas at this rental. It’s a one-bedroom that can sleep four, but it’s perfect for couples who want a whimsical getaway.
Spacious, Modern Home
This simple two-bedroom offers a peek into Austin’s mid-century modern design history. There are modernist features throughout, along with plenty of natural light. It’s located in the walkable, desirable Hyde Park area and has a rooftop deck with skyline views. Along with the cozy beds, recent guests have shouted out the responsive, kind host.
Modern Farmhouse Studio
Welcome to one of Austin’s top artisanal, handcrafted homes, made of cedar and stone features. The studio fluidly blends Austin’s Western identity with its love of modernist design. Think: cozy, colorful, and perfect for couples who appreciate the finer things in life. As a perk, this studio is also located next to Mabel Davis Park, which has a seasonal pool.
Farmhouse at SoCo
This two-bedroom farmhouse has enough room for a group of eight. One bedroom has two queens, while the second has single beds. It’s in a prime location in the walkable SoCo area, which stands for South of Congress Street. You’ve got a backyard that you’ll share with the property’s second Airbnb unit. It’s great for anyone who wants to stay amongst locals as they explore Austin.
Austin Vibes
This three-bedroom designer home comes with a pool in the backyard and enough space to sleep a group of fourteen. It’s ideal for large groups, especially those who enjoy hanging out under a cabana poolside. The backyard also has a BBQ grill setup. Inside, you’ll find a fully refurbished home with modern, comfortable features. The true Austin essence here is in the home’s setup, geared toward fun hangout sessions.
Pink Paradise
From bachelorette parties to birthday trips, this townhouse is perfectly pink, Instagrammable, and full of whimsy. The home has five bedrooms that can sleep more than 16 guests, in case you want to pack in a full house. The private pool and backyard are perfect for hot summer stays. However, the real magic is the decked-out interior—every room has a photo op for your group to enjoy.
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