The 21 Best Airbnbs in New England for a Dreamy Fall Vacation

Curated and vetted for an idyllic getaway

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Best Airbnbs in New England for Fall: Collage of fall Airbnb properties
Airbnb

New England and fall are like apple doughnuts and cider—they just go together. If you’ve been looking for a retreat to watch the leaves turn, curl up with a good book or just pause from city life for a beat, these vacation rentals should be at the top of your list. This roundup of the very best Airbnbs in New England includes coastal experiences in Maine (with lots of lobster, of course), spooky themed stays in Salem, quirky treehouses in Connecticut and more. Read on and get ready to book.

How I Chose the Best New England Airbnbs

There’s a lot to consider when scouting the perfect rental. A pretty picture is captivating but not always accurate. To ensure the stays on this list are worth your money, I examined guest reviews, amenities, fees, location and thoughtful extras. Here are the best options for your next New England fall vacation.

  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: from $392/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: kayaks available, beach access, private sauna, laundry, A/C and heating, private yard and deck
  • Why I Recommend It: private but convenient Cape Cod location, views of pond and wildlife, sun-filled space

Cape Cod is a must if you’re traveling to New England—and dare I say it's even better in the autumn, when you can skip the summer crowds and feel like you have the whole island to yourself? This cottage in Dennis is perfect for a relaxing, private getaway that’s still close to plenty of restaurants and beaches. The property features a private deck and even a sauna, plus you’ll have access to a pond and kayaks. One recent guest called it a “gem of a find," adding, "It was the perfect place to unwind for a few days with just a short drive to nearby beaches."

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $186/night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: indoor fireplace, shared backyard, fire pit, outdoor kitchen
  • Why I Recommend It: nature-lovers paradise, wood-burning stove, off the grid

Have you ever wanted to be escorted to a cottage in the woods by a friendly wolf? Meet your perfect stay. Your home is a cozy cabin set in the middle of a working farm overrun with gardens, horses, goats, chickens and the aforementioned friendly wolf (worry not, he's just a dog named Wolf). Guests are welcome to forage from the gardens and enjoy fresh eggs every day (your hosts are available to assist with foraging). For a small fee, freshly chopped wood is provided for your stove when things get chilly. The cottage also lacks cell service and has “slow and finicky internet,” but I’m listing this as a plus for those who want to truly unplug and tap into their inner Snow White. Plus, just look at that price!

  • Sleeps: 6
  • Price: from $374/ night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: children’s books and toys, complimentary breakfast, kitchenette, themed rooms, A/C, heating
  • Why I Recommend It: Harry Potter-inspired decor, historic home, close to downtown, parking space included

Described by one reviewer as a “quiet French Quarter on the East Coast,” this apartment gets major points for its location near downtown Salem, spacious accommodations and overall spookiness (definitely the fun kind). You’ll be within a five- to ten-minute walk from Salem’s major attractions, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and nightlife. Light breakfast is provided throughout your stay, as are eco-friendly toiletries. Your hosts also receive top marks from reviewers; they’re quick to respond to questions and love to dish out insider tips so you can experience the magic of Salem like a local.

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $232/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: children’s gear and toys, shared backyard, fire pit, WiFi, indoor fireplace, A/C, heating
  • Why I Recommend It: kid-friendly, access to farm grounds, great stargazing

Treehouses will always have whimsical appeal, and this one is no different. Kids will love that it’s nestled on a bustling farm with tons of friendly animals you can meet and feed. Your lofty abode comes with children’s books, games and a big fire pit perfect for making s’mores. As for mom and dad, enjoy day trips to nearby vineyards, breweries, antique shops and a drive-in movie theater. And when the sun sets, make a pillow fort on the patio or gather ‘round the fire pit to take in the stars.

  • Sleeps: 3
  • Price: from $505/night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: fire pit, hot tub, private deck, access to the property’s grills, tennis courts, pool, sauna, gym, private pond and kayaks
  • Why I Recommend It: pet-friendly, historic schoolhouse built in 1866, Maine Homes Small Space Design Award Winner, on a resort-like retreat location in a forest

This historic schoolhouse is set on an expansive, resort-like private property that has *so* much to do. There’s a private pond with kayaks to take out on the water, plus tennis courts, a gym, sauna and pool. At the home, there’s a private deck and hot tub perfect for soaking in the forest views any time of year. Not to mention, the stay won the Maine Homes Small Space Design Award for its charming, vintage-inspired interiors.

  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: from $570/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: hot tub, private backyard, WiFi, BBQ grill
  • Why I Recommend It: beautiful views, glamping vibes, hot tub, romantic getaway

If your travel style leans toward what I’ll affectionately call bougie, then book a rez at this tiny home ASAP. Plopped high in Vermont’s beautiful Green Mountains among miles of forest overlooking a lake, the walls are made of reflective glass designed to make you feel fully immersed in your natural surroundings. Your host spared no expense on the finer details—unwind with a hot tub, heated floors, rain shower, Cozy Earth bedding and an aromatherapy diffuser. Venture out of your abode for breathtaking hikes, paddle boarding or kayaking at the lake, biking and more. Last but not least, this host understands the absolute joy of a well thought-out welcome gift. Expect chocolates, wine and cozy socks upon arrival.

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $438/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: indoor fireplace, backyard, WiFi, record player and sound system, BBQ grill
  • Why I Recommend It: quirky architecture, eco-friendly, luxe interior

Inspired by a dream, this treehouse was hand-built with eco-friendly materials by your hosts and the local community in the shape of a fox head. It’s a remarkable stay for adults and families alike (though the hosts don’t recommend super young children because of the home’s design). Climb up to one of the ears (aka the loft) to relax with a cup of tea or head outside to hike one of the property’s many trails. And don’t forget to end your day with a soak in the gorgeous bathtub.

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $244/night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: children’s books and toys, lake access, kayak, fire pit, WiFi, exercise equipment
  • Why I Recommend It: glamping, rural location, alpacas

Welcome to The Dome, a lovely glamping experience where you can become one with nature and still enjoy the pleasures of running water and a flushable toilet. Your dome is located on an alpaca farm that’s adjacent to a lake, making this a fantastic option for kiddos. Kayaks are available for use, and when you’re done playing in the water, you’re welcome to feed and pet the alpacas (so soft!). The real sell of this quiet tent-with-benefits, though, is the star gazing. Wait until the sun sets and watch the sky come alive.

  • Sleeps: 5
  • Price: from $263/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: shared beach access, TV, WiFi, games, A/C, heating
  • Why I Recommend It: private dock, great location, award-winning oysters

This home is a small-but-mighty Rhode Island gem. You’ve got all the comforts of home stocked into a small, but well-organized space. A private dock takes you directly to a gorgeous pond and you’re within walking distance of several fantastic beaches. And the pièce de résistance? The home is a few steps from an award-winning oyster bar where you can slurp the afternoon away with a glass of Sauvy B.

  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: from $319/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: WiFi, A/C, private patio, hot tub, private backyard, movie projector
  • Why I Recommend It: cedar hot tub, romantic getaway, top-notch hosts

This is the kind of Airbnb you rent with the intention of never leaving the house. Your sun-drenched home comes with a gorgeous cedar hot tub on the patio, a wood-burning stove, record player with stocked record collection and a movie projector. Your hosts are also on call to assist with any supply requests, hiking recs and more. Add that dreamy forest backdrop and you may never leave.

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $361/night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: private yard, children’s toys and gear, WiFi, washer and dryer, TV, A/C
  • Why I Recommend It: fantastic location, stocked with essentials, secluded outdoor space

Beautiful landscaping gives this home the illusion of remoteness without being totally secluded. The location is your biggest prize here, as it’s a short drive from downtown, the beach and other cool New England cities like Salem and Boston. If you come during the colder months of fall, you’ll love exploring downtown Rockport, which one reviewer said, “looks like it should be in a Hallmark movie.”

In fact, PureWow’s SEO Editor, Marissa Wu, can attest to this: “I remember exploring the Rockport and Gloucester area with my dad when I was in school in Massachusetts, and the region is unbeatable when it comes to fall foliage. The leaves are incredibly vibrant, and the salty ocean air really cuts as the weather transitions,” she reports, adding that “the coastal area is really known for its rich port/fishing history.” (Seafood lovers, take note!)

  • Sleeps: 10
  • Price: from $485/night
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Amenities: WiFi, TV, game console, sound system, pool, private backyard, washer/dryer
  • Why I Recommend It: numerous amenities, pool, good for groups

This thoughtfully designed house in Westhampton has a perfect five-star rating, and it’s not hard to see why. The list of amenities is practically endless, and happy guests report that the place is well stocked with everything you could ever need. (By all accounts, the beds and furnishings are very comfortable, too.) Bottom line: If you’re looking for a home that can accommodate a group, this one checks all the boxes.

  • Sleeps: 6
  • Price: from $684/night
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Amenities: WiFi, hot tub, TV, fireplace, children’s gear, private backyard, fire pit
  • Why I Recommend It: incredible views, luxe interior, hot tub

If you’ve been looking for an Airbnb that will finally get the fall trip out of the group chat, this is it. This cabin is perched on top of a beautiful mountain with a massive wrap-around deck equipped with a porch swing, fire pit and hot tub. It’s located near some of the best outdoor adventuring you can find, with miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails, and it’s about a 30-minute drive from hot spots like Dartmouth, Woodstock, and Quechee Gorge.

  • Sleeps: 10
  • Price: from $492/night
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Amenities: hot tub, sauna, game room, laundry, A/C and heating, fireplace, private yard, patio
  • Why I Recommend It: pet-friendly, Airbnb Luxe badge, good for groups, great location close to breweries, restaurants and mountains, pet-friendly

This chalet in Stowe is designated as a luxe stay for a reason. It’s incredibly spacious, with room for up to ten guests, and it has tons of amenities, including a sauna, hot tub and game room. It’s also situated on a mountain road, which is sure to be stunning no matter the season, and it’s conveniently close to a shuttle that will take you up the mountain, along with plenty of local restaurants and breweries. One recent guest said it was “one of the best places we have stayed in. The house is incredible, beautifully decorated, and spotless…We instantly felt at home.”

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $571/night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: private backyard, fire pit, kayak, boat slip, WiFi, TV, indoor fireplace
  • Why I Recommend It: pet-friendly, birdwatching, eco-friendly, private dock

This home is the definition of salt-of-the-earth luxury.  If you’re into fishing, grab one of the provided fishing poles, walk down to your private dock and hook yourself a trout. Enjoy some of the best birdwatching and nature-viewing around, or take a kayak out for a quick paddle. The solar-powered home also comes with a projector for movie nights, a well-stocked kitchen and all the comforts of a high-end hotel room—only elevated among the trees.

  • Sleeps: 6
  • Price: from $442/night
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Amenities: sauna, hot tub, TV, WiFi, sound system, washer/dryer, indoor fireplace, patio
  • Why I Recommend It: sauna, hot tub, great location

Four words: sauna. and. hot. tub. Get hygge AF in this modern-meets-woodsy cabin that’s just a short drive away from fall must-dos, like apple and pumpkin picking, artisanal cheese shopping, antiquing, hiking and horse riding. Your host is also especially helpful if you should need anything. Reviewers give her top marks for her excellent local recommendations.

  • Sleeps: 2
  • Price: from $402/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities:  easy beach access, skylights, garden access, A/C and heating, private entrance, street parking
  • Why I Recommend It: pet-friendly, steps from secluded beaches and parks, sun-filled space, near-perfect ratings, pedestrian- and dog-friendly town

If you’re looking for a New England stay in a walkable area, this Norwalk cottage is ideal. The listing mentions the town is both pedestrian- and dog-friendly, and the cottage itself is just a few minutes’ walk from two secluded beaches and multiple parks. It’s also stunning and sun-filled, thanks to the installed skylights, and has earned near-perfect reviews from guests. One wrote: “Amazing location, steps from quintessential New England beach and town; beautiful cottage to stay in, cannot say enough great things.”

  • Sleeps: 8
  • Price: from $772/night
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Amenities: game room, hot tub, fire pit, backyard, washer/dryer, TV, WiFi, sound system, children’s books and toys
  • Why I Recommend It: family-friendly, luxury amenities, elevated design

“A couple of years ago, for a friend’s wedding, our group booked two Airbnbs. Mine was…fine. But the other place, The Quonset in Tiverton, was straight out of a design magazine. There was a gorgeous welcome basket featuring local treats and goodies, plush robes and effortlessly chic décor. And the crazy part was that it cost the same as our so-so rental just down the road! If I ever go back, that's where I'm staying,” said former PureWow Executive Editor Alexia Dellner. And she’s not the only one singing the praises of this very highly rated gem. Indeed, all the reviews highlight the incredible attention to detail and extra special effort the host puts into providing guests a stay that’s “absolute magic.”

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $431/night
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: WiFi, TV, indoor fireplace, hot tub, private backyard, kayak, BBQ grill
  • Why I Recommend It: waterfront, lake views, seasonal amenities

Expect gorgeous lake views and a perfectly peaceful setting at this charming New Hampshire retreat. The expansive, sun-drenched deck is the perfect place to lounge and watch the wildlife, and the well-appointed interior of the home is just as comfortable, with every amenity under the sun and lake views from every room. "We had a fantastic trip and loved every moment," gushed one recent visitor. "The views of the lake are spectacular. I am going to miss morning breakfast outside looking for the loons and eagle."

  • Sleeps: 4
  • Price: from $236/night
  • Bedrooms: 1
  • Amenities: WiFi, TV, elevator, washer/dryer
  • Why I Recommend It: historic building, central location, unique stay

I haven't stayed at the Arcade Loft personally, but Providence is my favorite New England city to visit and next time I do, I’m definitely booking this rental. The loft is located inside the oldest indoor mall in America, which happens to be in the heart of Providence (i.e., within walking distance of all the main attractions). The interior is tastefully decorated in a way that maximizes the small space, and all the basic amenities are covered—just keep in mind that this place has a kitchenette only, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of cooking, this won’t work for you.

  • Sleeps: 6
  • Price: from $1,026/night (note: long-term stays are required during the off-season)
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Amenities: beach access, TV, WiFi, fully-stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, indoor fireplace, children’s books and toys, private parking
  • Why I Recommend It: beachfront, ocean views, close proximity to local attractions, numerous amenities

Located on Peak’s Island, just three miles from downtown Portland, this cottage boasts spectacular ocean views and a prime location, whether you want to lounge on the beach (it’s literally right outside!) or explore the city. Most notably, the glowing 5-star reviews consistently remark on how beautiful and impressively well-equipped the space is, so you will have no trouble making yourself right at home. In fact, the hardest part might be leaving.


 Ashley Sepanski

Freelance Writer

Ashley Sepanski is a freelance writer covering health, wellness and travel. She’s an ACE-certified fitness instructor and holds a master’s in Publishing and Digital Media from New York University. Her work has been published in Greatist, Oprah.com, Healthline and other media outlets.

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Emma Singer

Contributing Editor

  • Has 5+ years of experience writing family, travel and wellness content for PureWow
  • Previously worked as a copy editor, proofreader and research assistant for two prominent authors
  • Studied Sociology, Political Science and Philosophy in the CUNY Baccalaureate independent study program.

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