Getting away from it all doesn’t always mean leaving the country, or even leaving the state you’re in. This is especially true in Florida, a state that’s already a vacation destination, and one that sees many millions of visitors every year. Many come for the Attractions in Kissimmee, namely, Disney, Universal and Sea World. Others come for Miami’s bright lights and nightlife. For those looking for a unique experience, discovering a unique AirBNB in Florida could be the perfect choice. Still others come for the beaches or the islands scattered throughout the Sunshine State.
Those experiences and resorts are easily found on the web, and often don’t make for a casual getaway in some unique place. Here are five spots in Florida we’ve found recently that are unique and perhaps off the beaten path just a bit:
The Danville Treehouse — Geneva (near Orlando)
Perched 15 feet above the ground amidst oak and magnolia trees, this three-story treehouse is the brainchild of inventor Dan Shaw. It features a repurposed residential elevator, a jet-engine cowling hot tub, steel fire-tower stairs, queen-size Murphy bed, kitchenette, and full bath. Extras include a tiki bar, firepit, and trails across the 30-acre private property.
Guests love its creative design and serene nature escape. Prices range from $150 to $230 per night, depending on season and availability. Additional fees may also apply. Check the AirBNB listing for more specific information.
AirBNB link
Photo: AirBNB
To The Choppa! — Brooksville
For an airy experience, why not spend the night in a decommissioned military Chinook helicopter converted into a cozy guesthouse offers two bedrooms, four beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom?
The cockpit serves as a bedroom, with a balcony on the loading ramp. Retaining original metal paneling and circular windows, the interior boasts epoxy countertops. Outdoor amenities include hiking trails, game corners, and an outdoor dining area. Travelers praise the novelty and comfort: “Every detail was thought out… an experience of a lifetime!”
Photo: AirBNB
Airbnb lists the rate at $600/night as of July 27, 2025, but lower rates may be available depending on the season.
The Prince Road Container Home – St. Augustine
After Hurricane Irma destroyed the house that stood here prior to the storm, the owner, a former art gallery owner, decided to replace the old home with a unique home made of intermodal shipping containers. Built to last, the container are a popular choice for unconventional homebuilding, often with spectacular results. The Prince Road Container Home is such a place.
Photo: AirBNB
This art-filled container home melds mid-century design with modern tech. Inside, guests find a working 1950s jukebox, a chef’s kitchen with a commercial espresso machine, a retro restaurant booth, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a deck. The four-bedroom, two-bath layout also includes funky art pieces and eclectic décor, making it one of Florida’s most visually compelling rentals.
The nightly rate is approximately $500/night, per the Airbnb listing as of July 27, 2025.
Floating Cottage on St. Johns River — Sanford
Experience life on the water in this charming floating cottage located in one of central Florida’s prettiest towns.. With cathedral ceilings, stained-glass windows, loft bedroom, gourmet kitchen, outdoor grill, and river views, it offers both tranquility and convenience. Guests can kayak or boat directly from the dock, and wildlife abounds on the water. A truly immersive riverside stay and a pleasant place for a weekend stay.
Photo: AirBNB
The floating cottage is listed at $150/night, based on Airbnb data as of July 27, 2025.
The Grand Tiki – Key West
Photo: AirBNB
The 2021 Grand Tiki luxury model was designed and built with many improvements in quality from previous tiki barges, including an artistic roof design, tempered peak windows, hardwood deck and flooring, an automatic-start generator charging system, 50″ LED TV and Blu-ray player hidden in the footboard of the custom oak bed. Being a vessel, it also has a 30 gallon per day fresh water tank, electric mini refrigerator, plus underwater and exterior soffit lighting.
As with the original, the Grand also includes 2 inflatable paddleboards, 2 sets of snorkel gear, integrated swim ladder, a double hammock, mobile hotspot Wi-Fi (for browsing, not streaming video), air conditioning and heat, in-room shower, Keurig coffee maker and supplies, macerating toilet, 2.5 gallon electric hot water tank and of course all USCG required safety equipment.
Current prices were around $700/night on the AirBNB website.
Buyer Beware
When renting an Airbnb, especially a unique or offbeat listing, it’s smart to take a few key precautions to protect your time, money, and safety.
Read the listings carefully, and pay attention to the house rules and what’s actually included. If you’re planning to catch up on your work email, for example, it’s a great idea to ensure you will have broadband Internet service.
Read the reviews for the spot as well, and keep an eye out for any negative reviews. If there are a bunch of negative reviews, that’s a red flag that should make you reconsider.
Look for Cleaning fees, Service fees and Local occupancy taxes that will be added on the final price. Those rates can be rather exorbitant for some listings, and that can significantly raise the overall price of the accommodations. Knowing before you go will keep you from getting an expensive surprise down the line.
The bottom line is to be prudent and to do your homework prior to your trip.
