Matador Network's Blog, page 42

Buy Now – Exped Down Pillow

Exped Mega Pillow and/or Exped Down Pillow exped camp pillows on top of exped megasleep

Exped Mega Pillow (left) and Exped Down Pillow (right). Photo: Tim Wenger

Made with Responsible Down Standard down and carbon offset through MyClimate, the Exped Down Pillow is like having both your home pillow and a puffy jacket under your head. The pillow is available in two sizes, the Medium being 15 inches wide and the Large being 19 inches wide. Both inflate quickly via Exped’s pump and deflate just as fast to store in the included carrying bag. Like the mats discussed above, this pillow can be adjusted for firmness on the fly by adding or relieving air. I sleep so comfortably with this pillow and have relived myself of the neck pains that used to plague my post-camping days.

My wife isn’t much for down pillows so I got her the Exped Mega Pillow. She’s found it equally comfortable and at long last ditched the raggedy old (normal bed) pillow she’s kept in our camp setup for years. According to her experience, she appreciated the extra headroom in a pillow that, unlike most camp pillows, isn’t too firm and conforms to her head.

– Tim Wenger, transactional content editor

Price: $64.95

Buy Now – Exped Mega Pillow

Luxury camping gear for cooking and loungingMSR Switch Stove

Photo: Tim Wenger

Photo: MSR

Maybe it’s the chilly temperatures, or the sounds of nature beckoning you to a relaxing session in the camp chair. Whatever the reason, waiting for that first cup of coffee at the campsite seems to take forever. MSR cuts that back significantly with the release of its Switch Stove, which boils 14 liters of water in under two minutes. That means you can be enjoying a pour-over in about three. Its boil canister is rounded on the bottom, which more evenly distributes the heat across the pot, allowing the water to boil faster than flat-bottomed canisters.

In addition to its rapid boiling, the Switch Stove’s signature innovation is that it allows you to sauté, simmer, or cook with your own cookware, rather than a specific piece designed only for this stove. The stove, stand, and canister pack up nice and tight into the lid and base, so it won’t take up much room in your pack. I’ve never found a camp stove that is more efficient or easier to bring along on camping and easier backpacking trips. – Tim Wenger, transactional content editor

Price: $139.95

Crazy Creek AirLounger man sitting in crazy creek airlounger in mountains

Photo: Crazy Creek

Thinking back on all the backpacking trips I’ve taken where I ended up sitting on a fallen tree or a rock while eating and lounging makes me surprised it took me so long to get a backpacking chair. Though, since I waited, I went all in and got a Crazy Creek AirLounger and it’s been a game changer.

The chair arrived at my house rolled up in a four-inch diameter, I actually mistook it for a mat and thought the brand had shipped me the wrong product — it packs up much more compact than I’d thought. After unrolling it (and realizing that it was me that was mistaken), it took me about 20 seconds to set the chair up. It’s super comfy and easy to set anywhere. It inflates promptly, the straps on the sides fasten in place and can be tightened or loosened depending on whether you want a reclined or upright sit.

The chair is made of 8mm high-density cored closed-cell foam and covered with 210D C-Zero DWR coated ripstop nylon to keep it dry on damp ground. The Hex 2.0 chair is also great for outdoor events like live music or picnicking by a river. I’m not much of an angler, but can envision it being great for fishing as well. Here’s a handy hack — store it in an unused cup holder on the site of your pack and hook it to the pack by attaching a carabiner to the pack and the chair’s straps. That way, you can carry it without putting it in your pack while not having to worry about it falling from its perch. – Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Price: $124.95

Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger composite of satechi car charger and charing smartphone

Photo: Katie Gavin

When you live out of a camper van for weeks at a time, small tech upgrades can completely change your experience. I’ve gone through a couple of cheap wireless chargers over the years, but they either lost grip over time or only charged if you angled the phone just right.

I picked up the Satechi Qi2 after testing the brand’s passport cover with Find My integration (read my full review here). Installing it in the van was straightforward—just clipped it into the dash vent, plugged it in, and that was it. It instantly delivered MagSafe charging that held firm, even on bumpy forest roads. It charges faster than anything else I’ve tried, and it actually looks good while doing it.

If you’ve cycled through a couple of underperforming chargers, like I have, this one’s worth the upgrade. Especially if you’re not traveling with a backup power bank (or have multiple devices to charge), having something that works reliably while you’re driving means you’ll actually arrive with a full battery. It’s one less thing to think about when you’re setting up camp or packing out. And it stays put—even when you’re crawling down uneven terrain—so you’re not constantly fishing your phone off the floor when you go off road. Katie Gavin – Editor

Price: $59.99

Buy Now – Projector and Power Base Combo

Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro Portable Outdoor Movie Projector movie showing on xgimi mogo projector

Photo: James Gavin

I’ll be honest—when my husband and I first started looking into portable projectors, it felt a little indulgent. Like, do we really need a big-screen setup when we’re camping in the van? Turns out, this projector is now our favorite bit of kit.

We used to balance a laptop on a duffel bag or squint at a shared phone screen from across the van, which worked okay, but it wasn’t exactly relaxing. Projecting onto the inside of the van with the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro changed everything. It’s like watching a 65-inch TV at home. It connects to Wi-Fi or your phone’s hotspot which worked fine even with weak signal.

The best thing about it is that you don’t need a screen—just a blank surface like the side of your tent or van. The auto-focus and screen alignment features mean you don’t have to mess around trying to get a level image, even when projecting onto a textured backdrop. It’s also weather resistant, with a design that protects the lens and internal components from light drizzel and dust. It’s true luxury camping gear that can go anywhere.

The built-in Google TV interface makes it easy to stream from Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and pretty much any other app you’d want on the road. We watched the new season of The Last of Us last weekend in the woods, which—note to self—maybe wasn’t the best choice given the setting. But dang, it looked good. Crisp HD and surprisingly bright even when the ambient light wasn’t totally gone yet.

The audio is exceptional for something this compact. We didn’t need an external speaker and felt totally immersed just using the built-in sound. It also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and has ambient lighting, which adds a nice vibe when you’re winding down for the night. You can also pair it with wireless headphones, which is great if, like us, one goes to sleep early and the other stays up late watching anime.

If you’re thinking about it and will use it camping, definitely go for the projector and power base combo ($479.75). If you can shell out $450, it’s not that much more expensive. With the base, we got just over two hours of battery life —enough for a full-length movie without needing to plug in. If you want to charge, you’ll need a bank capable of at least 65W, such as the Bluetti AC180, which would power the projector through a serious binge session (as well as charging your other devices).

I wouldn’t have guessed that a projector would end up on our essentials list, but here we are. If you’ve got kids, it’s a guaranteed hit. If you are the kid, it makes even a modest camp setup feel like an outdoor theater. Just don’t forget to pack the popcorn. Katie Gavin – Editor

Price: $449.99-$499.99

Buy Now – Projector

Buy Now – Generator

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Published on April 24, 2025 18:10

New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay Is a ‘Great Wine Capital.’ These Wineries Prove It.

From the airplane window, I can see where the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean meets New Zealand’s east coast, and a gentle lip of white surf kisses dark sand. Just inland are brine-anointed vines, and farther back, the land grows craggy. There in the distance is Te Mata Peak, the “sleeping giant” standing sentinel over the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island.

Soon, Napier comes into view. Docked cruise ships are full of tourists eager to explore the city at the heart of Hawke’s Bay’s wine country and the “Art Deco Capital of the World.” In 1931, Napier was devastated by an earthquake. When the architects rebuilding the city looked to the outside world for inspiration, they saw Art Deco, and everything was rebuilt in that style.

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

Beyond its architecture, Napier lies on a plain whose five shifting rivers have deposited rich alluvial silt, which merges with volcanic rock from ancient eruptions to create the abundantly productive soil that makes Hawke’s Bay New Zealand’s “fruit bowl,” as it’s often called. Pit fruit dominates, but this region is best known for another crop: grapes. The signature grapes here are used for chardonnay and syrah, but 38 varietals are grown in the compact region.

Hawke’s Bay’s unique geography creates a variety of diverse microclimates, and with 25 different soil types present throughout the growing areas, winemakers have room to experiment. Although Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second largest winegrowing region, its focus is on vineyards of exceptional quality — surely part of the reason that it became one of only 12 Great Wine Capitals of the World in 2023 and why four of its wineries were named regional (and one global) winners for their wines, culinary programs, landscapes, restaurants, sustainability practices, or cultural experiences in this year’s Best of Wine Tourism (BOWT) awards.

Where to experience Hawke’s Bay’s award-winning wine tourism

For immersive innovation: Smith & Sheth hawkes-bay-wine-region

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

After a quick tour of Napier, my host Rachel from Hawke’s Bay Tourism takes me to the Smith & Sheth Oenothèque (a French word referring to a wine cellar and lounge in this instance) — Regional Winner of this year’s Wine Tourism Services award. Throughout my stay in Hawke’s Bay, I hear Steve Smith spoken of as a visionary, and I soon understand why. Aside from his own projects, Smith played an essential role in establishing the illustrious Craggy Range winery (more on this later), making him a founding father for this region’s wine scene as it exists today.

Smith’s partnership with Brian Sheth quickly earned their venture respect, yet the co-merchants call themselves “first-generation wine drinkers.” Perhaps this explains the casual, welcoming environment they’ve cultivated for tastings.

Tastings start with a chat in the wine bar, which is designed to be a meeting place for friends and family or a casual space for functions. Down to earth is the description that comes to mind — not only for the relaxed atmosphere but also for the obvious emphasis on preservation of the region’s precious and fragile terroir.

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

After a tasting paired with local nibbles from the neighboring, seasonally focused restaurant Malo, I visited Smith & Sheth’s Heretaunga Wine Studio, a Regional Winner in its own right for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences. The goal here is to bring consumers into the vineyard, despite the urban environment.

All five senses are instantly engaged upon entry — soft light and muted colours, the smell of wood and wine, the sound of a Māori welcome, the feeling of cool leather as we settle in — and then the main attraction: a huge digital monitor that’s seamlessly integrated into the wall. Its impressive dimensions force the eye to scan constantly as scenes from wine production in the region flow across the screen, accompanied by goosebump-inducing music and text. Every detail is carefully considered to create an incredibly immersive experience.

Smith & Sheth: 4 Te Aute Road, 2 the Courtyard Village, Exchange, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand

For superior sustainability: Church Road hawkes-bay-wine-region

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

At 10:30 AM on the second day of my trip to Hawke’s Bay, I’m about to enjoy the earliest wine-tasting of my life. My hosts are unfazed — apparently, this is just another day in the tourism business here in Hawke’s Bay.

Our first stop today is Church Road. With 125 years of history at the site, this respected winery has a well-established reputation, and it was bound to appear on any BOWT list. When we arrive, the sun is shining, and my hosts are preparing for Jazz in the Park, one of the frequent events the winery holds in addition to tastings and tours.

I’m treated to the Icons Tasting Tour, which takes customers through the Tom collection. These wines pay homage to the founder, Tom McDonald, and allow the winemaker’s creativity to come to the forefront. Our guide, Mitch, talks me through how geography and geology combine to create different flavors. Church Road has a highly selective process that yields innovative wine, but it’s something else that was recognized during this year’s BOWT awards: sustainability.

Photo: Sinean Callery

Sustainability is mandated for winegrowers in New Zealand — meaning all the wineries in the region meet high standards for sustainable production — but Church Road has stepped things up a notch to become this year’s Regional Winner for Sustainable Wine Tourism. Its innovations are simple but effective. For example, the information material is presented on an iPad instead of paper.

The presentation includes a Tiaki Promise — a “commitment to care for New Zealand” from a Māori word loosely meaning “conserve and protect” — and a section on responsible hosting, helping guests be aware of their alcohol consumption. The winery’s approach proves that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make a real and valuable move towards more sustainable tourism practices.

Church Road: 150 Church Road, Taradale, Napier 4112, New Zealand

For entertaining overnights: Black Barn hawkes-bay-wine-region

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

Lunch is at Black Barn Vineyards, whose rustic board and batten style is both striking and perfectly suited to this region. By this time, I’ve already come to associate Black Barn with beautiful architecture and a high standard of hospitality.

I’m staying at Euchre Stables, one of the winery’s 17 retreats that secured it the Regional Winner award for Accommodation. These beautiful retreats are scattered throughout Black Barn’s growing areas and beyond. They vary in size from one to eight bedrooms, making them perfect for everything from a romantic getaway to a corporate team-building retreat.

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

The two-bedroom house where I’m staying sits beside the Tukituki River, set among vines as many of the retreats are. It features both wide-open spaces to host and cosy nooks to relax. My hosts have thought of everything to make me feel comfortable — local and organic produce for breakfast, luxurious toiletries scented with lavender sourced from the locality. A clear map shows me a hidden walking trail right by the river where I go to watch the mist rise from the river in the morning sunlight.

The folks at Black Barn have a refreshingly casual approach to wine tourism, which makes wine feel accessible to a wide range of consumers. As an example, tastings here can be done in flights: a sampling tray is provided with notes, allowing the customer to decide how independent or interactive they’d like their experience to be.

At Black Barn’s Bistro, Rachel and I order sweet seared carrots, an umami explosion of mushroom and roasted aubergine, and garlicky scampi with spaghetti. Everything is delicious, and I’m not surprised to hear that the restaurant only narrowly missed out on the BOWT award for Culinary Experiences.

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

The focus at Black Barn is on providing a full cultural experience, which is part of the reason that it was also named Regional Winner for Art and Culture. Aside from excellent wine and food, functions take center stage. After lunch, we stroll to the amphitheater-shaped venue site just up the road, and Rachel reminisces about the concerts she’s enjoyed here. With space for 2,000 people and wide-ranging views over the surrounding vineyards, the space has hosted both local talent and international names such as The Proclaimers and Bryan Adams.

Black Barn Vineyards: 34 Black Barn Road, Havelock Hills, Havelock North 4294, New Zealand

For perfect pairings: Craggy Range hawkes-bay-wine-region

Photo: Hawke’s Bay Tourism

It’s immediately obvious why Craggy Range chosen as the Regional Winner in Architecture and Landscape at this year’s BOWT awards. The building is best described as a modern chateau, with a barrel-shaped fermentation room highlighting its main focus. The building is nestled among vines, looking out to the peaks from which it takes its name. Being so beautifully situated may seem like a stroke of luck, but local lore says that Steve Smith stood at the peak of Te Mata and picked this exact spot back in the founding days of Craggy Range.

The light is fading fast and painting the clouds pinkish as we walk around the compact but abundantly productive gardens that Jennifer Lyons, a protegee of Master Chef winner Nadia Lim, tends. Lyons prefaces the menu, detailing the current harvest and gardening tasks being done. Here again, the dedication to the local environment is clear: “Our gardens work in harmony with the land — enhancing crop yields, preserving soil fertility, and maintaining balanced rotations.”

Photo: Sinean Callery

We don’t have time to enjoy the ultimate food and wine tour, which lasts four hours, but I’m excited for dinner. Craggy Range was also named this year’s Global Winner for Culinary Experiences. The menu is creative, seasonal, and as local as can be. What it can’t or doesn’t produce itself, it carefully sources from locals.

We hear that Johnny’s figs, which feature heavily on the menu on the evening we visit, are the best in the world. After tasting them, I’m inclined to agree. Casey, the head chef, spoils us with a few surprises in addition to the slow-cooked pāua (the Māori name for a few species of sea snails), roasted quail’s breast, and local snapper, naturally served with a salad fresh from the gardens we’d just visited.

Craggy Range: 253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4230, New Zealand

Getting to and around Hawke’s Bay

Photo: Sinean Callery

The best way to explore this region is by bike. Hawke’s Bay is criss-crossed with cycling paths, making it easy to visit the various growing areas and cycle from cellar door to cellar door. Hawke’s Bay is also part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, a 236-mile trail that takes you through 80 percent of New Zealand’s wine production in five days of cycling. With a bike from the award-winning tour operator Tākaro Trails, I got to whizz along between vines and fiery-leaved trees, experiencing the abundance of the harvest season in Hawke’s Bay.

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Published on April 24, 2025 14:30

Autonomous Uber Rides Are Coming to LA, and They’re in VW’s Iconic All-Electric ID. Buzz

Your Uber rides could soon be in the modern, electric version of one of the world’s most iconic vans — sans driver. Uber partnered with Volkswagen Group of America’s autonomous mobility arm, Volkswagen ADMT, to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the United States. Starting in Los Angeles in 2026, you can hail a ride from Volkswagen’s all-electric, autonomous ID. Buzz on Uber, with plans for nationwide expansion over the next decade.

The collaboration reflects a shared ambition: to make autonomous ride-hailing a scalable, commercial reality.

“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility,” Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, said in a press release. Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi called the deal a “significant milestone” in advancing autonomous transport solutions.

At the center of the project is the ID. Buzz AD, a long-wheelbase, fully electric reimagining of the iconic Microbus. Outfitted with Volkswagen’s autonomous driving technology, the vehicle seats at least seven passengers, making it purpose-built for ride-hailing.

Testing of the ID. Buzz AD is expected to begin in late 2025. Initially, human safety operators will be present in all vehicles. A transition to fully driverless service is anticipated by 2027, contingent on approvals from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Utilities Commission.

Volkswagen and Uber intend to expand the fleet to “thousands” of vehicles across multiple US markets by 2035.

Uber’s partnership with Volkswagen is the latest in a series of strategic AV collaborations. The company is actively working with over 14 autonomous mobility providers and has already launched robotaxi pilots with Waymo in Phoenix and other cities, including LA. Self-driving cars are already proving their value in making it easier for tourists to explore cities.

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Published on April 24, 2025 09:42

The Cheapest, and Most Expensive, Airline in Every State

Finding the most affordable domestic flight in the United States can be hard. There are a seemingly endless number of constantly changing variables, from timing, to airline, to where you’re departing and arriving. Tips about the best time to buy domestic flights are easy to find, as is information about the cheapest airports (on average) to fly out of. A new data analysis from CashNetUSA took things a step further by comparing each major airline’s price per mile by state.

According to the study, average domestic flight prices dropped 8 percent in the year leading up to September 2024, signaling the end of the so-called “revenge travel effect.” Staffing shortages, adjusted flight schedules, and more worked alongside high travel demand to raise the average prices of domestic flights. That seems to be leveling out.

The most expensive airlines for domestic flights in every state

most expensive airlines by state for domestic flights usa

Infographic: CashNetUSA

The cheapest airlines for domestic flights in every state

cheapest airlines by state for domestic flights usa

Infographic: CashNetUSA

Unsurprisingly, budget airlines fill the list of the most affordable airlines across the country — assuming you avoid the add-on fees, of course. The amount that an airline services a region and where airline hubs are located are also important factors.

CashNetUSA came to its conclusions using a list of the officially designated hub airports in America according to the Federal Aviation Administration. (Delaware is left off as it doesn’t have a hub airport.) Flight route combinations from each airport to all other airports was used to calculate the distance for the per-mile cost. Then, they went to Tripadvisor for a sample of one-way flights for one adult in economy up to November 2024. Along with the listing, the company also created an interactive tool for travelers to search the data themselves.

It’s not perfect, of course. Some airports have a longer list of longer-haul or more expensive flights by nature, while others have a large number of short connecting flights. Add to that the pricing volatility and pull-back that airlines have put in place since the start of the Trump Administration. Still, this analysis is one more tool to help you find the best deal on your next trip.

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Published on April 24, 2025 08:55

April 23, 2025

The 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the US, According to Big Data

Travelers looking for an affordable beach town to visit this year should head to Texas, according to a new extensive analysis from Beach.com, a global database for beach vacation planning and inspiration.

The “Cheap Beach Vacations in the US for 2025” report analyzed millions of pieces of data, from flight records to vacation rental costs to walkability scores, to find the most affordable beach towns in the US. And travelers can use the numbers to plan a cheap-ish beach weekend no matter where they live, as the analysis accounts for differences in factors like seasonality and where visitors are flying from.

The top spot for the most affordable beach town getaway for two went to Pasadena, Texas, sitting southeast of Houston near Galveston Bay. The city “doesn’t score high for walkability or everyday expenses,” writes the report, but makes up for it by having the most affordable flights, hotel, and vacation rental costs of the 100 cities analyzed in the report.

Here are the other beaches that took the top spots, based on the total costs of a weekend for two people, including round-trip flights, lodging, dining, and activities, accounting for seasonality. Also taken into consideration is the walkability score of a destination, because what good is being near the beach if you can’t go for a walk in the sand?

The most affordable small town beach destinations

Photo: Mark Taylor Cunningham/Shutterstock

For a classic beach weekend, you’ll probably want to head to a small town where you can stroll along a boardwalk, grab ice cream from a decades-old ice cream shop, and rent vacation rentals stocked with beach chairs and pickleball sets. If that’s your vibe, these are the most affordable beach towns to visit this year, according to data.

5. Elizabeth, New JerseyAffordability score: 87 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $2,057Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $2,159

Elizabeth is close to the Jersey Shore, and visitors can take advantage of Elizabeth’s lively downtown area while still being close to boardwalks, beach towns, and Atlantic surf, all just a short drive away.

4. Providence, Rhode IslandAffordability score: 88 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,784Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,977

Barrington Beach is a popular place to spend a day just 20 minutes or so from Providence, but you’ll have access to lots of beaches on Narragansett Beach. Just note that the beach season is shorter than it is in, say, Florida, so you’ll want to plan your trip between June and September, but ideally in July or August.

3. Berkeley, CaliforniaAffordability score: 89 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,895Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,800

Berkeley, California, may not be known for traditional beach lounging, but waterfront parks along the bay, like the Berkeley Marina and César Chávez Park, are a perfect place for scenic walks and breezy picnics — plus views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Hialeah, FloridaAffordability score: 92 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,905Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,883

While Hialeah itself isn’t on the water, sitting just inland from Miami, it’s offers a quick drive to world-class beaches like Miami Beach and Haulover Park at a fraction of the cost of staying in Miami.

1. Pasadena, TexasAffordability score: 95 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,549Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,680

Pasedena isn’t on the Gulf of Mexico, but it’s just a short drive from coastal spots like Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte and Galveston Island. Plus, the proximity to Houston — a major hub for United Airlines — helps keep airfare prices low year-round. Just check the weather forecast if you visit during hurricane season.

The most affordable big city beach destinations

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Want a mix of easy beach access without sacrificing culture, restaurants, and chic hotels? A bigger city beach getaway may be a better pick, especially if you’re visiting outside of the traditional beach season.

5. Newark, New JerseyAffordability score: 78 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $2,141Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,839

Newark is usually thought of as a slightly more affordable place to stay near New York City, but like Elizabeth, it’s fairly close to the Jersey Shore. The closet beach is about 45 minutes away, and you can spend the day at the beach, then have dinner at one of the best restaurants in all of New York City.

4. Long Beach, CaliforniaAffordability score: 78 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,920Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,839

If you’re looking to soak up LA vibes but don’t want to pay LA prices, Long Beach could be the place to go. You’ll have access to sand and sun at Alamitos Beach, plus walkable bike paths leading to the area’s laid-back, surf-inspired downtown.

3. Oakland, CaliforniaAffordability score: 79 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,863Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,894

If you love the idea of spending a beach weekend near San Francisco but don’t want to be in the artsy enclave of Berkeley, you can stay in Oakland without breaking the bank.

2. Houston, TexasAffordability score: 83 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,749Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,734

For convenience to the Gulf of Mexico’s beaches but a little more in terms of nightlife and culture, Houston may be the best beach destination for you. The closest beach is Sylvan Beach, known for more than 30 acres and regularly small waves ideal for swimming.

1. Baltimore, MarylandAffordability score: 86 of 100Total weekend cost (hotel): $1,817Total weekend cost (vacation rental): $1,890

Baltimore is on the Chesapeake Bay, so expect waterfront parks and harbor views. That said, sandy shores like Sandy Point State Park and Ocean City are within day-trip distance. Baltimore is a great choice for beachgoers who want to combine a day in the city with a day at the beach, especially as Washington, DC, is just a quick drive away, too. Note that swimming in the Inner Harbor isn’t recommended.

The Beach.com methodology checks out

Spoiler: Honolulu, Hawaii, was one of the most expensive beach towns analyzed in the report. Photo: Iv-olga/Shutterstock

Often, websites will hired third-party companies to run “surveys.” But they’re often not very scientifically accurate, and done just to drive website clicks, not to actually provide useful information. But the recent Beach.com analysis of affordable beach towns is different, as it shared extensive information about its methodology and data collection.

It was more thorough than most, analyzing various factors for the 100 largest US cities within 25 miles of a coastal or lakeside beach. It then adjusted for factors like size and availability of hotels to create an “affordability index,” taking into account peak seasonal pricing. It looked at factors like dining costs, everyday expenses (like groceries, car rentals, and public transit), average round-trip airfare for two, hotel rates for a weekend, vacation rental rates for a weekend, and how easy it is to walk to the beach. Factors were assigned a weight out of 100, with airfare — the most expensive category — counting for a quarter of the final affordability index score.

Dining and the cost of everyday expenses were pulled from fact-checked sources at the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the US Travel Association. Flight costs were pulled from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ Airline Origin and Destination Survey for the last three quarters of 2024, then aggregated from all connecting cities to account for wherever someone might be flying from.

For hotels, the Beach.com team gathered average price estimates for two-, three-, and four-star hotels from every city using Google, checking rates from different seasons. They then took the “midpoint of the cheapest and most expensive nightly rate across all hotel star ratings for each city per quarter” to use in the analysis. Data was analyzed similarly for vacation rentals, with 900 rentals per city surveyed and averaged to find a weekend rate. Only complete rentals (a.k.a. private homes, not room shares) were analyzed.

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Published on April 23, 2025 19:36

Norwegian’s Newest Ship Levels Up Luxury, Amenities, and Cuisine

I am the designated vacation planner in my family. We love to travel – and planning can get quite hectic. Cruises offer a refreshing break from the constant Googling of dinner options or coordinating trains and planes to get to our next destination. Following my first cruise experience in the Mediterranean last October, I recently joined the inaugural sailing of the Norwegian Aqua for my inaugural Caribbean cruise. After easily persuading my friend to come with me, we indulged in a glorious 3-day girls’ weekend aboard Norwegian’s newest ship. Our days were filled with poolside lounging, sipping the cocktail of the day, and sampling delicious offerings at various complimentary eateries — or getting thoroughly pampered in the spa. Evenings found us enjoying dessert and drinks between shows and dips in the hot tub. The Oceanwalk quickly became one of my favorite parts of the ship, offering both endless-ocean views and ultimate lounge goals for deep talks and infinity pool swims.

Aqua, the latest addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class and the very first in its Prima Plus Class, offers more of, well, just about everything. It’s massive. Larger than its other Prima class ships (the Prima and Viva), this vessel contains more deck space, more lounge chairs than any other Norwegian ship, more restaurants and food offerings.

Norwegian’s Aqua – five years in the making spa room overlooking bay windows on norwegian aqua

Photo courtesy Norwegian

After five years of dreaming and planning, the Aqua was completed in 2025 by Fincantieri, an Italian ship-making company, at its shipyard in Marghera. With an overall length of 1,056 feet, she can hold 3,571 guests within 1,659 staterooms. She’s the fifth-largest Norwegian cruise ship in its fleet of 20 vessels. Although not the biggest in terms of size, the intention was to bring a more luxurious feel, making it feel larger through ample space on every floor.

With the brand’s luxury “ship within a ship” concept, The Haven, Norwegian’s goal was to make Aqua feel like you’re part of that luxury cruise experience. The ship boasts Norwegian cruise line’s most spacious staterooms, more restaurant options, a bigger and better spa, 17 percent larger patio areas, 11 percent larger bathrooms than other Norwegian ships, better Wi-Fi with Starlink, more venues on top decks for relaxing, and a bigger pool.

Also unique to Aqua is a male Godparent, Eric Stonestreet – from the popular show Modern Family – became the 4th male godparent in cruise ship history. “It’s the ultimate elevated vacation,” Eric explained during the ship’s christening ceremony. The goal, he noted, was to give customers “more of what they love.”

You’ll never find yourself bored, aboard pool overlooking ocean onboard norwegian aqua

Photo: Lauren Bailey Madden

I’m pretty sure the entire top deck heard me scream after I was launched faster than I had anticipated on the SlideCoaster. Running 600 feet long, it’s the only roller coaster/water slide on a ship. And it’s not the only waterslide on board. There’s also The Drop, which literally drops you from ten stories high as the floor beneath you opens.

Outside of waterslides, there are five swimming pools (two being infinity pools), nine jacuzzi hot tubs, and small wading pools scattered between cushioned bed loungers on either side of the ship on Ocean Boulevard. In between lounging poolside and riding the SlideCoaster, grab a putter for some minigolf (with this course being 12 holes and 2.5 times larger than the Norwegian Prima and Viva class ships) or snag a paddle and a partner for some pickleball. You can play some hoops on the interactive LED glow court or head to the gaming zone for bowling and arcade classics.

At night, Norwegian encourages guests to head to the theater for A+ entertainment, from the newest addition as an ode to Prince, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, or their bigger (and better) rendition of the most popular show ever, Elements: The World Expanded. You can find comedy, game shows, and a Rumors rock show, too.

And of course, save some time for the spa area. Outside of the lounge spaces, this was a highlight of my trip. After a glorious deep-tissue massage, I alternated between the larger jacuzzi and the cooler pool. With four different types of thermal rooms (steam, salt, charcoal, and clay), an ice room to cool down, and thunderstorm experiential showers, I hopped between rooms to soak up all the health benefits—and enjoy a break from my phone (no phones allowed). After a final cool down in the ice room, I relaxed in the aptly named Relaxation Room, sinking into thalassotherapy heated chairs and gazing out through floor-to-ceiling windows at the ocean views.

Room options and The Haven – Aqua’s private ‘ship within a ship’ aerial of norwegian aqua at port in big city

Photo courtesy Norwegian

The luxury “ship within a ship” – available only to those who pay to be there – has its own pool, hot tub, restaurant, and bar, so technically, you never have to leave. The Haven offers a more deluxe experience, where you can enjoy the amenities throughout the ship, and then retreat to a peaceful and more private areas. With only 123 suites within and 24-hour dedicated butler service, it’s the perfect place for pampering. In this area, you’ll also get priority boarding and disembarking, including port days for tenders, plus priority access to specialty dining and entertainment. “Treat yourself” takes on a whole new meaning in The Haven. Prices for state rooms in The Haven are based on availability and time of the year, but currently, prices range from $4,578 to $8,678 per person for a seven-day cruise in the Caribbean. Day passes are also available for cruisers who don’t buy access to The Haven for their entire trip.

For the rest of us plebeians, the most affordable room starts at $1,388 for a seven-day cruise in the Caribbean to $3,578 for a suite with a balcony. And all kids sail for free (when staying in the same room). My friend and I had a balcony room with an extremely comfortable bed (very important) and a lot of closet space (even more important) with luggage storage underneath the bed.

Eleven dining options, so you’ll never go hungry (or wait in long lines) dessert on table aboard norwegian aqua

Photo: Lauren Bailey Madden

There are six delicious complimentary eating areas (one inside The Haven), and eight specialty dining restaurants ranging from Mexican to Italian to Norwegian’s first ever Thai restaurant, the Sukhothai. Norwegian’s “More at Sea” package has also been enhanced this year across ships with two goals – offering more perks and making the package easier to understand. It costs $30 a day, and you get access to three meals, including specialty restaurants (with appetizers and desserts at each meal), unlimited open bar with premium spirits included (Grey Goose and Patron – hello!), Wi-Fi by Starlink, and a $50 credit at every port for offshore activities.

The Indulge dining area included multiple different menus, from a vegetarian selection to heavy-on-the-meat BBQ plates. It quickly became my favorite area to dine, with its outdoor patio seating and an iPad at each table so you can order anything you want. With food delivered directly to you, there’s no standing in lines at buffets or waiting for a waiter to take your order. We ate at Indulge multiple times a day for quick lunches, post-pool snacks, and dinners (with the Indian food menu being my favorite – I loved the handmade naan). If you are magically still powering through your New Year’s resolution to eat better, you can accomplish that here, but you’d miss out on some amazing dishes and desserts (including a soft-serve ice cream machine).

Private island vibes great stirrup cay beach

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

The Aqua currently has 11 different voyage itineraries ranging from two days to seven, all based in the Caribbean. If you’re in the mood for a private island, select an itinerary that includes a port stop at Great Stirrup Cay (GSC), Norwegian’s own private island, where you can snorkel, lounge in private cabanas, paddleboard, zipline, and swim with pigs.

Access to Great Stirrup Cay, alongside the Aqua’s innovative cruise experience, makes the ship a beautiful addition to Norwegian’s fleet, thoughtfully crafted to allow travelers to customize their trips to best fit their vacation needs, from endless family fun to a rejuvenating vacation to get away from it all. Cruises are turning out to be my favorite place to be when insomnia hits. Exploring the ship at 3 AM just hits different, and as a woman traveler, this isn’t always possible with on-land destinations. But on a ship? With open water, me, the moon, a stunning array of stars, and virtually no other humans around, I could soak up all the Aqua had to offer, all to myself. As moody blue skies turned to soft pastel pinks, I found myself sprawled on a lounge couch, catching up on my latest read, and dreaming about what the day had in store aboard the Aqua.

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Published on April 23, 2025 12:24

The 9 Most Stunning Eco-Hotels in Scandinavia

In Scandinavia, sustainability is part of daily life. Nature is something to respect, protect, and live in balance with. This is especially clear in the region’s hotels, where sustainability shapes the design, energy use, and operations.

Take, for example, the striking luxury hotel Arctic Bath in Swedish Lapland. The hotel used local materials during construction, and relies on regional solar, wind, and hydro power to minimize its footprint. When I reached out to the team behind the property, they explained via email that their sustainability ethos is built around what they call “the act of caring”: a simple, clear articulation of Sweden’s broader approach to responsible living.

Many of Scandinavia’s eco-hotels — from treetop cabins in Norway to a jungle-like hotel in Copenhagen — share the view that sustainability is essential. These hotels are located in forests, hillsides, and river regions across Scandinavia and are built with the local environment in mind.

If you’re planning a visit to the region, these are some of the most thoughtful and visually striking eco-hotels worth knowing about.

We hope you love the hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Denmark | Norway | Sweden

Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden in Copenhagen

Photos: Manon les Suites

Manon Les Suites, located near Copenhagen’s lakes, runs entirely on renewable energy and emphasizes sustainable design. sets the bar high for the eco-hotel scene in Denmark with its leafy, resort-style interiors and commitment to operating entirely on 100 percent renewable energy. The adults-only hotel appeals to guests who want a comfortable, design-forward, eco-conscious stay in the city.

Manon Les Suites is part of the Guldsmeden Hotels group, which has prioritized sustainability since its founding in 1999. The property centers around a striking indoor pool atrium in the inner courtyard of the square-shaped hotel. This plant-filled space sets the tone for the rest of the property, where Balinese-inspired furniture, soft lighting, and natural materials create a serene, earthy ambiance. Chapung, the rooftop restaurant, serves Asian-fusion dishes made with organic, ethically sourced ingredients.

Storfjord Hotel in Skodje

Photo: Eric Elliot/62°NORD/Storfjord Hotel

Photo: Marøyog Klouda/Storfjord Hotel

Photo: The Ingalls/62°NORD/Storfjord Hotel

Storfjord Hotel sits on a secluded, pine-covered hillside in Norway’s Sunnmøre region. This Relais & Châteaux property, part of the 62ºNORD collection, is located at the gateway to some of western Norway’s most dramatic landscapes.

Hand-built in the traditional laftehytte style — a Norwegian method where hand-hewn logs are stacked and interlocked at the corners without nails or screws — this 30-room retreat overlooks Storfjorden fjord, with sweeping views of the Sunnmøre Alps. The interiors embrace Scandi cabincore, pairing bold Nordic patterns with crackling fireplaces and cozy sheepskin throws.

Storfjord is a certified green hotel that supports local partnerships. The hotel sources ingredients from nearby farms, sends leftover bread to feed livestock, and donates used candle wax to local schools that repurpose it into biomass fuel. The hotel grows herbs in an on-site greenhouse and procures honey from its own beehives, which is then used by the hotel’s kitchen in soups, sauces, and pastries and you’ll find it on the breakfast buffet or in jars in the lobby shop. Even the in-house ale, Storfjordbrygg, is brewed on-site with ingredients foraged or grown in the surrounding region.

Woodnest in Odda

Photo: Sindre Ellingsen/Woodnest

Photo: Susanne Petterson/Woodnest

Photo: Håkon Settemsdal/Woodnest

Woodnest is a set of minimalist treehouse cabins overlooking Hardanger Fjord in western Norway. Designed by local architects and built in partnership with a nearby couple, each cabin is anchored to a single living tree, with curved timber walls and panoramic windows that open up to the glacial landscape.

Each of the four cabins — two Originals and two Mountaintops — sleeps two and has underfloor heating, a compact kitchenette, a private bathroom, and fjord-facing armchairs. At 15 square meters, the cabins are compact but feel open due to the glass walls and wood interiors. The climb to reach them is steep, and crampons are provided in the winter.

Sustainability guides both the construction and guest experience. The cabins use local materials, strong insulation, and are designed to minimize environmental impact. There’s no front desk or excess frills. Guests bring their own food, move at a slower pace, and are encouraged to leave no trace.

Six Senses Svart in Svartisen National Park

Photo: Svart Hotel

Six Senses Svart’s original 2024 open date has been pushed, but when it finally opens for bookings, it promises to be worth the wait. The hotel is set to be the world’s first energy-positive property, located near the Svartisen glacier in Norway’s Arctic Circle. The 94-room hotel is designed to generate more energy than it uses, including for construction and daily operations, through solar power. An energy-neutral boat shuttle will provide transport to and from the hotel.

The circular building is elevated above Holandsfjorden to reduce the environmental impact on the land while providing full views of the landscape. Planned amenities include a zero-waste restaurant, a sustainability-focused Earth Lab, and wellness spaces using Nordic regenerative treatments.

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Hobo in Stockholm

Photo: Booking

Hobo Hotel is located on Brunkebergstorg Square, part of Stockholm’s Urban Escape project. It’s close to Kulturhuset, bars, and galleries. The 201-room hotel includes regular DJ sets, design events, and a restaurant that sources herbs from its in-house aquaponic system.

Sustainability is built into the hotel’s design. Furniture is durable and reusable, leftover soap is repurposed with the charity Ren Strek, and the kitchen reduces food waste through storage systems and composting. Rooms include peg walls with items like umbrellas and backpacks for guests to borrow, reducing the need to buy new items. Artwork throughout the hotel is by local emerging artists, supporting Stockholm’s creative community. Add to that eco-certified cleaning products, energy-efficient operations, and interiors crafted from reclaimed materials, and you have one of Sweden’s most playful sustainable hotels.

Yggdrasil Igloo Skåne in Höör

Photo: Yggdrasiligloo

Yggdrasil Igloo is a set of off-grid water cabins located on a lake in Skåne, Sweden, about an hour from Malmö. It feels both earthy and futuristic.

The small number of cabins are spaced out for privacy and built in a minimalist Scandinavian style, sitting just above the lake. Guests reach the cabins by paddleboard or rowboat in summer and by walking across the ice in winter. Each hut features floor-to-ceiling windows, a private wood-fired sauna, and a skylight above the bed for stargazing.

The retreat operates off-grid with minimal environmental impact. Solar power provides energy, dry toilets replace traditional plumbing, and fresh drinking water is filtered directly from the lake. All cleaning products are biodegradable, and guests are encouraged to tread lightly. Meals come in picnic baskets with organic, local ingredients, and drinking water is provided in reusable glass bottles.

Arctic Bath in Harads

Photo: Arctic Bath

Photo: Sami Laitinen/Arctic Bath

Photo: Daniel Holmgren/Arctic Bath

Photo: Arctic Bath

Arctic Bath is part design icon, part five-star wilderness retreat in Sweden’s far north. The circular, timber-clad spa is built directly on the Lule River, and floats in summer while being frozen into the ice in winter. The spa structure is topped with a dramatic cluster of stacked pine trunks. Inside, the interiors use wood, reindeer hides, and stone floors for a warmer contrast.

The 12 cabins are divided between land and water. Floating river suites feature sloped skylights angled toward the aurora and private decks for summer swims. The larger land cabins offer split levels, spiral staircases, deep soaking tubs, and green rooftops that bloom with wildflowers in spring.

The hotel was built using low-impact methods. Its restaurant offers Sámi-influenced five-course meals made with local ingredients, served in a glass-walled dining room. The entire hotel runs on renewable energy. It supports its home village of 500 through local hiring and partnerships.

Treehotel in Harads

Photo: Treehotel

Within the boreal forests of Swedish Lapland, the Treehotel in Harads opened its elevated rooms in 2010 to offer guests the chance to sleep among the pines in structures that resemble art installations more than hotel suites.

Each room was designed by a Scandinavian architect. Options include the Mirrorcube, a glass-walled cabin; the Bird’s Nest, covered in branches; and the UFO, a suspended pod. The 7th Room — designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, known for the Oslo Opera House and the 9/11 Memorial Pavilion in New York — floats 30 feet above the ground and features panoramic windows and a netted terrace for stargazing or spotting the northern lights. Biosphere, by Bjarke Ingels Group, is wrapped in 350 birdhouses to support local bird populations and immerse guests in the sounds of the forest.

Check-in takes place at Britta’s Pensionat, a 1930s-style guesthouse that serves home-cooked meals. Guests then walk through the forest to reach their treeroom. Rooms are built on stilts with eco-friendly materials and include incinerating toilets and low-flow sinks. Power comes from local hydroelectric sources, and activities focus on low-impact options like hiking and snowshoeing.

Salt & Sill in Klädesholmen

Photo: Booking

Salt & Sill is Sweden’s first floating hotel, located off Klädesholmen Island on the west coast. It was built on water when the island quite literally ran out of space. The hotel has 23 rooms with large windows overlooking the Bohuslän archipelago. Some rooms have ladders from private swim docks for direct sea access, and one suite includes a rooftop hot tub. A floating sauna catamaran with a wood-fired hot tub offers views of the nearby islands.

Salt & Sill uses a marine energy system that heats and cools the building using seawater, reducing energy use. Rainwater is filtered on the roof, and food waste is composted or turned into biogas. The structure supports marine life, with repurposed construction materials forming an artificial reef beneath the pontoons.

The restaurant focuses on local seafood — especially herring, which has been a staple on Klädesholmen for centuries. The sillplankan (a board with six types of pickled herring) is a must-try, as are the daily seafood specials made from locally caught fish and produce sourced from nearby farms.

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Published on April 23, 2025 07:49

Movie Scripts, Sheets of Cash, and a Rattlesnake: The Weirdest Items Found in Luggage in 2024

According to the most recent data reported to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, about two million pieces of luggage per year are lost or delayed by airlines. Though that number seems large, it actually only represents about 0.6 percent of bags, making the chances still quite high that your luggage arrives when and where it’s supposed to.

However, of those 0.6 percent of bags, something strange happens to a small fraction of them: they go unclaimed. No one reports them missing, they have no contact information on them, and airlines have no records of where they were supposed to be. That could happen because travelers forgot about them, or perhaps thought they were irretrievably lost, or may not know there are options for trying to track down their checked bags. Other concerns, like language barriers or bureaucratic frustrations, may also cause travelers to give up on their bags.

Whatever the reason, one person’s loss is another person’s gain. Many unclaimed bags end up at a store in Alabama called the Unclaimed Baggage Center. It’s the only place in the US authorized to open and sell the contents of lost bags.

Photo: Lucian Coman/Shutterstock

This year, the store released its second annual report of the items people left behind, and the results are even weirder than last year. In 2023, lost luggage contained items like live snakes, movie props, an ancient Greek coin, and even a custom wooden box containing items related to the practice of Voodoo.

But in 2024, the value of items left behind was more than $140,000, including a $39,000 diamond ring, a $5,000 pair of Levi’s jeans, a $7,100 handmade flute, and a $1,700 dog carrier. While this year’s list of weird items left behind fortunately didn’t include any live animals, it did include a chicken foot, tons of designer swag, a Roman solider’s helmet, and a sheet of uncut US currency (which it turns out you can actually buy from the US Mint). The rest of the list included:

A sad LARPer (Live Action Role Play-er) must have turned up to play with nothing to wear. Photo: TheLiftCreativeServices/Shutterstock

Freeze-dried chicken footAdidas x Balenciaga pantashoes track pants (pants with shoes attached)Movie script from The Goonies3D-printed modular fiddleSquash blossom necklaceTurkish ceremonial wedding headdressToilet seatTeeth bedazzling kitGlass eyeFull sheet of uncut $2 billsChia petMedieval LARPing suit of armorSanta on a log with a pumpkinWeird BarbieLetter signed by Eleanor Roosevelt, dated 1944Preserved rattlesnake in whiskeyAntique French book on performing exorcismsTibetan singing bowlDom Pérignon show helmetSilicon butt padsCuckoo clockAsian spirit lock necklaces from the 1920s1941 newspaper clipping of the attack on Pearl HarborPack of authentic Prada crayonsSteel Roman solider helmetWidow’s mitePiece of forditeGoat tying dummySix-string portable pocket guitarFull face respirator from NBC Network NewsAntique stereoscope slide viewerSilicon bellyHandmade wooden masksHawaiian shark tooth weaponGlow-in-the-dark drumsticksNam man prai thai amuletEthiopian begena (instrument)Toilet brush shaped like a cherryAntique magician top hatAntique mustache curler

The report also noted other interesting trends for 2024, such as a higher-than average amount of political hats, t-shirts, and totes — perhaps not surprising in the US during a contentious election year. Also seen frequently in 2024 were items made popular on TikTok, like Stanley water bottles and packing cubes, plus wellness products like hydration powders. It also noted that women’s underwear was found far more often than mens, and that the most commonly left behind pair of jeans were wide-leg women’s jeans in size 10. However, if you’re in the market for footwear, guys have the advantage, with size 11 men’s Nike sneakers being the most commonly left behind pair of kicks.

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Published on April 23, 2025 03:00

April 22, 2025

Camera Roll: Finding the Best of Alaska’s Northern Lights Aboard the Aurora Winter Train

As a photographer, I’ve always dreamed of capturing Alaska and the northern lights. When I heard about the Aurora Winter Train and the many ways it connects travelers to remote parts of Alaska in the cold winter months, it seemed too good to be true. From September to May, The Aurora Winter Train, operated by the state-owned Alaska Railroad, is a seasonal gateway that allows both locals and tourists to explore the winter highlights of The Last Frontier. It’s more than just a stunning train journey as well, with spectacular associated experiences like a scenic flight around Mount Denali and seeing the northern lights from the most privileged, unobstructed vantage points.

I arrived in Alaska at the end of March with the primary goal of experiencing and photographing the aurora borealis. However, after a few days traversing the state’s unique landscapes and experiencing winter in a completely different form, I realized my trip was about much more than just the northern lights.

All photos by the author.

First Stop: The Matanuska Glacier

Before boarding The Aurora Winter Train, I went on a day tour of the Matanuska Glacier. Departing from Anchorage, I joined a guided excursion with Greatland Adventures that brought me close to this colossal ice structure. Stretching 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, the Matanuska Glacier is not only the largest glacier accessible by road in North America, it’s a dynamic natural force, changing with every season and every passing moment.

The glacier's distinctive deep blue color and sheer magnitude are evident in this candid group shot.

Visiting Alaska during the winter months means fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.

Left: One of the tour's most thrilling moments was crossing through these deep glacier crevices. Right: A close-up view of rock being crushed by advancing ice. Geology in action.

Our guide Bill explains the unique ice formations scattered around the glacier.

It's impressive how quiet it gets out here. On the walk back to the tour van, the only sound was the crackling of ice beneath my feet.

Aboard The Aurora. First Stop: Talkeetna

I departed Anchorage aboard the Aurora Winter Train on a Tuesday morning. The three-hour ride took me to Talkeetna, a historic town with a mining past that has evolved into the basecamp for climbers heading to Mount Denali. During the journey, I tried reindeer sausage for the first time as part of a delicious breakfast and admired the views through the train’s large windows. We arrived in Talkeetna exactly on time.

The Aurora Train before departing from the Anchorage Depot.

The cars were busy but far from packed, giving passengers plenty of space to spread out at their leisure.

A quick glimpse of the Chugach Mountains while waiting for some coffee in the diner car.

It was hard to keep the camera down with this kind of landscapes constantly rolling by the window.

The Talkeetna Depot. Quieter than its Anchorage counterpart and the first place where I began to truly feel Alaska's remoteness.

At first glance, Talkeetna looked like an isolated speck in an endless expanse of snow. Its frozen streets and sparse population hinted at solitude. However, it didn’t take long for the town’s true spirit to emerge. I was met at the train depot by Sarah Birdsall, owner of Talkeetna Cottages and local author specializing in Talkeetna’s haunted history. She picked me up, along with a few other train travelers, all of us surprised by the lack of Uber or taxi services. I experienced frontier hospitality first-hand while we were driving around town delivering the group of new arrivals to their respective Airbnbs. The people who live here know each other, share stories, and rely on one another in ways that city life rarely allows.

Left: My cozy Talkeetna cottage. One more reason to visit Alaska in winter is that you can have places like this all to yourself. Right: Main Street, Talkeetna. This is how the entire town looked during my visit.

After settling in, I hopped on a flightseeing tour with Flyk2. Minutes after boarding a small bush plane — and I was lucky enough to snag the copilot seat — I found myself soaring above the peaks and glaciers of Denali National Park. The views became more impressive as we neared Mount Denali, and I even forgot about my camera for a while — a weird occurrence since I came to Alaska in large part for the opportunity to photograph all that I saw. But the best part was yet to come. Weather conditions were favorable and we managed to land on a glacier in the middle of the mountains. The following 20 minutes were the quickest — and most exhilarating — of my life as I explored the pristine snowfield high above the peaks, where all perspective was lost and there was no other sound than my boots against the snow.

K2 Aviation's de Havilland DHC-2 Turbo Beaver, moments after our pilot Chad touched down on a glacier among Denali's most impressive peaks.

You know the view is breathtaking when even the pilot seems lost in the lanscape.

A couple views from the copilot seat.

This is one of the four designated landing strips near Denali where bush planes can land to access the park's most remote areas.

Alaska just keeps outdoing itself with postcards of overwhelming beauty.

My first encounter with the northern lights

Back in town, I walked to the Talkeetna Riverfront Park to scout for a good location to photograph the aurora later that night. The frozen Talkeetna River and the park cabins made excellent backdrops. I went to bed early and set some alarms to wake me in the middle of the night. I downloaded several apps and monitored various weather pages for data I couldn’t quite decipher — but as far as I could tell everything was looking favorable. Now it was a waiting game.

I finally decided to go out at about 3 in the morning. I layered up as best as I could, set my camera to what I imagined were the ideal settings for aurora photography, mounted it on my tripod, and headed out. The Talkeetna streetlights surrounded me, but even under that glare I was able to spot what looked like fast-moving clouds overhead. That could be them, I thought.

I made my way to the river, expecting to encounter at least another photographer or some people from the train. Instead, the town was completely empty, and soon I left the streetlights far behind. My eyes adjusted to the darkness as I reached the riverfront, and I began to see the aurora clearly for the first time, suddenly picking up intensity and crossing the sky above me. I was soon surrounded by the northern lights, alone in the middle of the night with just the sound of distant crackling ice to mark the silence.

My favorite image of the night. And a reminder that for any kind of nighttime photography, it's essential to scout a good location during daylight.

This was the first photo I took that night. I pointed my camera straight up as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, still trying to make sense of what I was seeing.

The northern lights and the frozen Talkeetna River.

As clouds moved in and my hands started resenting the cold, I took one last photo, with Mount Denali faintly visible in the background. This is a night I'll never forget.

A snowshoe tour and a better understanding of Alaska

I spent the next day in Talkeetna. After a lazy morning and a great breakfast at Conscious Coffee, I joined a guided snowshoe tour with Alaska Nature Guides. It was just me and my guide, Bernard, and he quickly tuned into my interests. Soon, we were talking almost exclusively about the local flora and fauna and how everything transforms with the seasons.

In that moment, I realized that my preconceptions of winter in Alaska were shifting. I had always imagined it as remote, wild, and cold, but what I encountered was a wilderness that pulsed with life. Animal tracks crisscrossed the snowy landscapes everywhere I turned and signs of vegetation were everywhere to be found, ready to reemerge after the long winter months.

As we stopped for a cup of hot chocolate and homemade cookies by the river, Bernard mentioned that he owned a cottage high in the mountains north of Talkeetna. When I asked him what he found so attractive about such remoteness, he explained that it was precisely that isolation that called to him. To people like Bernard, the sparse human interactions in these remote areas make the few that exist feel all the more profound, and the resulting community bonds are deeply rooted. In his words, cities are the loneliest places one can be.

We followed the Talkeetna River shoreline for a few miles. Bernard has a sharp survivalist instinct and an interesting story for every plant and snow track we passed.

And he showed me life can appear in the most unexpected places. Here we ran into a bright green algae bloom that stood-out against the otherwise monochromatic landscape.

From Talkeetna to Fairbanks: The final stretch of the Aurora Winter Train

I boarded the train at the same time I was dropped off two days earlier. The remaining eight-hour journey to Fairbanks traverses the snow-capped peaks of the Alaska Range toward the inner part of the state (the Interior, as locals call it). Although eight hours might sound long, the combination of comfortable seating, the ever-changing landscape streaming past the windows, and the regular trips to the dining car for lunch and dinner made the ride feel like a breeze.

This easy pace was enhanced by the constant chatter over the PA system from the Alaska Railroad team. Their interesting remarks about the surrounding landscape, historical bits about the railroad, and timely wildlife spotlights added an extra layer of depth to the journey and made the entire experience feel more engaging.

The arrival of the Aurora Winter to Talkeetna. Probably the busiest moment this small town sees during the winter months.

The trip up the Alaska Range is always picturesque. I snapped this picture as I was heading to the diner car.

The Aurora's café and diner cars feature the largest windows, letting you enjoy the views without missing a meal.

Rugged peaks give way to frozen rivers and rolling hills as the train pushes deeper into Interior Alaska.

Fairbanks and beyond

I had a short stay in Fairbanks before I left the next morning for Chena Hot Springs, a mountain resort famous for its thermal outdoor lake and its prime aurora viewing opportunities. Before hitting the road, I enjoyed a delicious smoked salmon crepe at The Crepery and learned a great deal about the natural and cultural history of the Interior at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, a must-visit spot for anyone in Fairbanks.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. I wish I had more time to spend here, learning about the history and culture of Interior Alaska.

Just outside the center you can find the Interior Alaska Antler Arch. A piece of contemporay art that also pays tribute to the region's wildlife and the deep connection between people and nature.

At Chena Hot Springs, I spent an entire day in full indulgence. The outdoor thermal lake is the highlight of this secluded mountain resort, and I couldn’t resist going into the pools immediately after checking-in. Although going outdoors in Alaska in the winter while wearing nothing more than a bathing suit can be a little intimidating at first, the hot water quickly made me forget that the temperature outside was a chilly 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The resort offers plenty of activities you can mix in with your thermal soaking sessions: geothermal tours, dog sled rides, an ice museum experience, a cozy restaurant, and aurora viewing tours.

The outdoor thermal lake at Chena Hot Springs is adults-only —and absolutely worth the $30 I spent on an almost-disposable swimsuit. Yes, I forgot to pack one for my Alaska winter trip.

There's a second lake at Chena, but unless you've got fur or feathers, you're not getting in.

I stopped by the ice museum, where the Aurora Ice Bar serves appletinis in cocktail glasses made entirely of ice.

The first section of the museum showcases the craftsmanship behind the surrounding ice sculptures. This guy was busy carving glasses for the tour that was just arriving.

That night at Chena Hot Springs was my second chance to see the northern lights. The resort features a designated dark room where guests can wait in comfortable seclusion until the aurora begins its display. Just after midnight, as the lights started to appear, about 50 people moved between the room and the surrounding areas, all eagerly anticipating the spectacle. Initially, there was only a soft green glow near the horizon, but soon the aurora picked up strength and striking green and purple stripes began dancing swiftly above the mountains. Impressive as it was, I’ll always prefer that first night I saw the lights by myself in Talkeetna.

Without complete darkness, the faint green glow you see here is not visible to the naked eye. That's part of why this scene feels quiet and solitary. But...

As soon as the real show began, everyone left the comfort of the aurora viewing room. I have to say, the intensity of the lights this time was much stronger than during my previous experience.

Even with all the chaos around me, I managed to capture this shot of the lights at full intensity.

On my last day in Alaska, I visited Borealis Basecamp, located on 100 acres of boreal forest. Here, you can stay in luxury geodesic igloos with transparent roofs specially designed to watch the aurora from the comfort of your bed.

The lodge is packed with activities, from dog-sledding and snowmobile adventures to helicopter tours and even the opportunity to meet local reindeer. The property is also home to Latitude 65, where I enjoyed the best food of my trip, courtesy of chef George Easter. He curates the menu with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and innovative takes on Alaskan dishes. Even though I didn’t get to spend the night in one of the igloos, visiting Borealis Basecamp was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip.

These are the aurora-viewing luxury igloos at Borealis Basecamp. The staff of the hotel lets you know when the lights shows up at night.

Both the restaurant and the activity center are located inside giant yurts with impressive views of the surrounding boreal forest.

I paid a visit to the local reindeer at Borealis Basecamp. This guy had just lost his antlers a few days earlier and was still figuring out new ways to beg for extra snacks.

These good boys took me for a fun ride around the property. They're part of Dave Turner's dogsledding team, Racing Chaos.

As the sun sets on the horizon, the lights inside the igloos begin to glow. With clear skies tonight, there's a good chance the people inside are in for an incredible show.

Alaska can feel like a hard to reach place for many travelers. The massive state has no shortage of conditions to contend with once there as well. Yet planning my trip with the Aurora Winter Train and Alaska Railroad Winter Packages made everything comfortable and easy while never losing that essential sense of adventure and remoteness.

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Published on April 22, 2025 12:36

The 17 Dreamiest Island Airbnbs Off the Coast of Florida

Florida has more islands than you might think — thousands of keys, barrier islands, and tucked-away inlets stretch along its coastline — and while big-name destinations like Key West and Sanibel often steal the spotlight, the state is dotted with smaller, quieter islands that are just as inviting. From the pastel cottages of Anna Maria to the driftwood-strewn shores of Cedar Key, these are islands where the days move more slowly, the roads are narrow, and the beaches stretch for miles.

Some are close enough to make a last-minute weekend escape from cities like Miami, Tampa, or Orlando. Others, like North Captiva or Little Gasparilla, require a boat ride and a break from cell service. But whether you’re after Gulf views, sea turtle sightings, or a private dock to fish from at sunset, these islands offer a version of Florida that feels refreshingly out of step with the rest of the state.

I’ve rounded up some of Florida’s dreamiest Airbnbs scattered across the islands — from overwater bungalows in Key Largo to old Florida cottages that have been lovingly restored. Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just yourself, there’s a place here that will make you want to unpack, unplug, and stay a little longer.

We hope you love the island Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Amelia Island

Photo: Madison Y Photo / Shutterstock

Amelia Island lies at Florida’s northeastern edge, just below the Georgia border. It’s part of the Sea Islands chain, and while you’ll find the usual coastal rentals and golf carts, you won’t find the typical spring break chaos here. The island’s main town, Fernandina Beach, has a walkable historic district with late-1800s architecture, dive bars, and a few spots to grab fresh shrimp straight off the boat. Beyond town, you’ll find residential neighborhoods, state parks, and quiet stretches of beach. Amelia is laid-back, welcoming, and close enough to Jacksonville to make a last-minute weekend feel like a proper escape.

Private beachfront lighthouse seconds from the shoreline

Photo: Airbnb

If you’d like to be close to Fernandina Beach, check out this lighthouse Airbnb. Built in the 1980s by wooden-boat builders as a tribute to New England lighthouses, the three-bedroom home is perched on stilts, with parking for four cars underneath and private beach access through the dunes. It’s been featured in Dwell Magazine and on HBO’s Beach Cottage Chronicles, and it’s a well-known landmark on the island. The home has an open layout, a large dining table that seats eight, and a fully stocked kitchen. Outside, there’s a wrap-around deck with ocean views and a stash of essentials, including boogie boards and sandcastle tools.

Another great find near Fernandina is this three-bedroom family home ($650 per night) with an outdoor swimming pool. It also comes with extras like a golf cart and bikes for exploring the island, plus a private yard with a pool, firepit, grill, and spa.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $670 per night

Anna Maria Island

Photo: UA-Visions / Shutterstock

Before you even cross the causeway, Anna Maria Island feels like a retreat. No high-rises or sprawling resorts — just pastel beach cottages, quiet neighborhoods, and the sound of palm fronds rattling in the breeze a few blocks from the Gulf. Situated along Florida’s Gulf Coast, this barrier island is just under an hour from Tampa and about two from Orlando, with the closest airport — Sarasota-Bradenton — around 30 minutes away. Most visitors stay in rented homes or apartments, a setup that keeps the vibe low-key and local. You’ll find plenty of small businesses, a strong focus on wildlife conservation, and island-wide resistance to overdevelopment. Just know that on long weekends or during high season, the narrow roads can back up quickly — your best bet is to park the car and soak it all in on foot or bike.

Updated old Florida cottage with beach access

Photo: Airbnb

This stunning rental, known as “The Surof House,” sits just across from the Gulf of Mexico, with wide-open water views and beach access only steps from the door. The house has two king bedrooms and a loft with three single beds — reachable only by ladder — which might not be ideal for younger kids or older adults. Inside, the space is bright and colorful, with large windows and an open layout that connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Outside, a wrap-around deck faces the Gulf, and there’s also an enclosed outdoor shower and a collection of seaside staples like chairs, umbrellas, and toys. The location is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants along Bridge Street, but still feels tucked away enough to unplug. The home is a modern reimagining of a 1915 beach cottage that once stood on the site, blending understated coastal style with updated finishes and fresh architecture.

Another option for groups is this four-bedroom house ($895 per night), located right on the water at the north end of Anna Maria Island, just a short walk from the city pier and Pine Avenue. Three of the bedrooms have king beds, the fourth has a queen, and there’s a pull-out sofa on the enclosed porch facing the sand. Inside, the house is bright and open, with a mix of updated appliances and vintage decor — like a pine dining table surrounded by old nautical chairs and a wall of mounted fish. The living room and porch both look out over the water, where you can spot boats, jet skis, and occasionally dolphins or manatees. Kayaks and paddleboards are provided, along with bikes for exploring the area, and there’s plenty of space outside to relax.

Seven guests, three beds
Price: $533 per night

Captiva Island

View of colorful vacation cottages in Captiva, an island next to Sanibel in Lee County, Florida

Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock

Captiva Island lies off Florida’s southwest coast, connected to the mainland by the Sanibel Causeway and a small bridge from Sanibel Island. It’s about a three-hour drive from Tampa and just under two from Fort Myers, which is home to the nearest airport. The island is small, with narrow roads, a handful of local restaurants, and a blend of weathered beach cottages and breezy vacation rentals beneath palms. Even with the occasional group of day-trippers, the island rarely feels crowded. Shelling is a daily ritual here, sunsets are gorgeous, and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins playing just offshore or pelicans gliding low over the water. Captiva was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in 2022, and while some rebuilding is still in progress, much of the island has reopened and still feels like the same quiet escape.

Bright, family-friendly condo bear the beach in Captiva’s South Seas Area

Photo: Airbnb

This two-bedroom condo is set within the South Seas area on Captiva Island, just a short walk from the sand and the restaurants and shops in Captiva Village. It’s privately owned and separate from the resort, so while you won’t get resort perks, you’ll trade that for a little more peace and a lot more space to yourself. The property is drenched in light, with coastal art, updated furnishings, and a screened-in lanai that looks out toward the Gulf. It sleeps up to six with a king bed, two twins, and a sleeper sofa, making it a fit for small families or a couple who wants extra room to spread out.

If you’re traveling with a bigger crew, check out this four-bedroom home ($760 per night). Located on North Captiva Island — accessible only by boat or small plane — it sits seconds from the beach and is designed for easygoing living. The interior is cheerful and airy, with a spacious kitchen, casual dining area, and a screened-in wraparound porch perfect for catching the breeze. Outside, there’s a private pool, outdoor bar, grill, and everything from cornhole to paddleball ready to go. The rooftop lookout deck offers sweeping Gulf-to-Bay views, and the property includes a golf cart, bikes, and access to a shared dock. With room for up to ten guests and features like a kids’ loft with games and bunk beds, it’s ideal for multigenerational getaways or two families traveling together.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $536 per night

Cedar Key

Photo: JRP Studio / Shutterstock

Time feels slower in Cedar Key. It’s the kind of place where cell service cuts out, but nobody seems to mind. This small island community on Florida’s Gulf Coast is about an hour southwest of Gainesville and two from Tampa. The town is tiny, and that’s exactly the appeal for those who keep coming back. Cedar Key has a long history tied to fishing, clamming, and weathering storms. There’s a main street with a handful of shops and restaurants, and the rest of the island is mostly old homes, stilted rentals, and boat docks. People come here to fish, kayak, watch birds, or simply sit by the water and let the day slip by.

Spacious Cedar Key home with a rooftop deck and water views

Photo: Airbnb

This three-story house is right by the water’s edge and set up perfectly for groups. It has three bedrooms, including a private top-floor master suite, plus a Murphy bed and an oversized couch to accommodate extra guests. The interior is light-filled and vibrant, with a recently updated kitchen and new furniture throughout. There are several indoor gathering spaces, and outside you’ll find a rooftop deck, a gas firepit, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a paddle in one of the house’s kayaks. It’s family-friendly, with gear like a high chair and pack-and-play, and there’s plenty of room for everyone to unwind without feeling on top of each other. Located in a quiet part of Cedar Key, surrounded by water and woods, the home has the feel of an old-school Florida getaway that’s been thoughtfully modernized.

Just down the road, this newer stilted home ($228 per night) offers panoramic Gulf views and a clean, modern design. The interior is open and bright, with high ceilings, large windows, and multiple decks that catch both sunrise and sunset. It’s a great fit for families or mixed groups, with bunk-style beds for kids or extra guests and plenty of space to gather without feeling crowded.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $379 per night

Hutchinson Island

Photo: FloridaStock / Shutterstock

There’s no boardwalk, no flashy resort strip, and no rush to be anywhere on Hutchinson Island — and that’s exactly the draw. About 40 minutes north of West Palm Beach and a little over two hours from Orlando, this long, slender barrier island stretches for 23 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Sleepy neighborhoods, public beach access points, and a scattering of low-rise condos line the coast. You’ll likely see more more herons on the island than hotels. On weekends, the water fills with boats, kayaks, and jet skis, especially near the Fort Pierce and St. Lucie inlets, where fishing is a favorite pastime. In summer, sea turtles nest along the sand, and birders scan the mangroves for egrets and spoonbills. There’s no real town center and not much nightlife to speak of — just sand, sky, and the feeling of being somewhere slightly out of step with the rest of Florida.

Side-by-side beach houses with room for the whole crew

Photo: Airbnb

Just south of Fort Pierce, this side-by-side pair of beachfront homes sits on a peaceful stretch of Hutchinson Island, with 100 feet of private shoreline and a shared dock on the Indian River. It’s an ideal setup for big groups — multi-generational families, retreats, or friend getaways — with two decked out houses that offer plenty of space. There’s room to cook, work, relax, and gather, all within earshot of the waves.

For something smaller and more relaxed, there’s a nearby studio ($225 per night) that’s ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for a unhurried stay with easy access to the ocean. It’s located on the second floor and offers views of both the ocean and the pool. Inside, there are two beds, a pullout couch, and a compact layout that’s simple but efficient. Beach basics are provided, and there’s a bar and restaurant downstairs if you’d rather skip cooking.

15 guests, 17 bedrooms
Price: $5,080 per night

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Gasparilla Island

Photo: Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock

Gasparilla Island sits between Sarasota and Fort Myers, but feels a world apart. The small town of Boca Grande is the island’s heart, where low-rise buildings, historic homes, and a handful of local restaurants line the main street. While Gasparilla has paved roads and modern amenities, nearby Little Gasparilla Island is even more off-grid: no motorized transport, no stores, and no way in or out except by boat. If you’re planning a stay there, you’ll need to bring your own groceries and arrange for a water taxi. Both islands are ideal for those content with long coastal walks, afternoon fishing, and chilled evenings on the porch.

Beachside Boca Grande Club rental with pool access and walkable location

Photo: Airbnb

Part of the private Boca Grande Club on the north end of Gasparilla Island, this stunning rental offers access to uncrowded beaches and breezy Gulf views. It’s just a short walk to the sand, with tropical landscaping providing privacy even though the club’s pool and on-site dining are close by. Inside, the space is bright and comfortable, with relaxed beach décor, a modern kitchen, and plenty of room to settle in after a day outdoors. During your stay, you’ll have temporary access to the club and you’ll also be within easy reach of local shops and restaurants, all set along a stretch of town that hasn’t changed much in decades.

If you’d prefer to stay on Little Gasparilla Island, this two-bedroom cottage ($250 per night) is a great pick for couples or small groups after a more peaceful base. Surrounded by sandy paths, stilted homes, and a nearly empty stretches, the place feels secluded without being remote. The cottage has been recently updated and features a screened porch, a full kitchen, and an outdoor shower — best used after dark, under the stars.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $666 per night

Key Largo

Photo: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

Just an hour south of Miami, Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys — and the shift in scenery is immediate. It’s best known for its diving and snorkeling, thanks to the coral reefs just offshore and the underwater trails at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first of its kind in the US. The island leans outdoorsy, with boat tours, kayaking routes, and nature parks offering plenty to explore. On land, it’s all about seafood shacks and the occasional bar that still feels like the ’70s never left. It’s also a gateway to Everglades National Park, with tours and eco-adventures just across the bridge. Whether you’re a South Florida local on a weekend escape or road-tripping the full stretch to Key West, Key Largo is well worth the stop.

Elegant overwater bungalow just off the coast

Photo: Airbnb

For something a little different, this floating bungalow offers a low-key alternative to the typical island rental. Anchored off the coast and accessible only by boat, it’s best suited for couples or solo travelers looking for space, solitude, and time offline. Inside, it’s simple but cozy: a king bed, a compact kitchenette, and glass doors that open onto a private deck with uninterrupted water views. A captain ferries you in and shows you around, then you’re left to spend your days however you like — whether that means reading on the deck, snorkeling nearby, or simply looking out over the water.

Back on land, this classic Key Largo three-bedroom house ($950 per night) sits on one of the last large waterfront lots in the Upper Keys, with its own dock, boat ramp, and a wide stretch of private shoreline. The home blends older Keys architecture — think coral rock walls — with a focus on outdoor living, including a massive screened patio and hammocks strung near the water.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $932 per night

Key West

Photo: Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock

Key West sits at the very end of the Overseas Highway, about a four-hour drive from Miami — depending on traffic and how often you stop to take in the views. It’s the southernmost point in the continental US, closer to Havana than to the mainland, and that geography shows up in the island’s cultural mix, food scene, and overall feel. Duval Street is where most of the action is — bars, restaurants, art galleries, and the usual tourist stops — but walk a few blocks in either direction and things start to quiet down. Inland, you’ve got pockets like Bahama Village and the Historic Seaport for local food and history, while the shoreline offers everything from snorkeling trips to sunset sails, most of which can be booked on a whim. For a small island, it packs in a lot without asking you to do much more than show up and go with the flow.

Secluded Key West stay with a private pool, steps from the art scene

Photo: Airbnb

If you’d like something private and relaxed without being remote, this two-bedroom cottage off Havana Lane hits the mark. Set behind a gate in a peaceful Old Town neighborhood, the house wraps around a pool and garden that feels more like a hidden compound than a backyard. Inside, it leans rustic, with Dade County pine walls, cathedral ceilings, and retro appliances that give the space character. It’s best for couples or close friends traveling together who want to spend their days drifting between the pool, neighborhood galleries, and local haunts, with the option to bike over to Duval Street when things pick up at night.

For more ideas on where to stay in Key West, check out Matador‘s full list of the best Airbnbs in Key West

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,117 per night

Santa Rosa Island

Aerial view brilliantly white sandy shore with crystal-clear turquoise water and gorgeous shade of blue waves along miles of untouched beaches Santa Rosa, Walton County, Florida

Photo: Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock

Santa Rosa Island stretches along Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast, about 15 minutes from Fort Walton Beach and easily reached by car from Pensacola or Destin. It’s one of the more family-friendly islands in the state, with calm, shallow waters and long stretches of protected shoreline within Gulf Islands National Seashore. A paved trail runs much of the island’s length, with stops like the Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail — a self-guided route with info points on sea turtles, native plants, and how the island’s sugar-white sand came to be. With a few casual seafood spots, some small historic sites, and plenty of open shoreline, Santa Rosa makes for an easy weekend trip — especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking for a quieter stretch of coast.

Five-bedroom Navarre Beach house with Gulf views and easy trail access

Photo: Airbnb

Navarre Beach sits near the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island, in a stretch of shoreline known for its quiet neighborhoods and wide-open sand. This five-bedroom house is set right on the Gulf, with a wide balcony facing the water and plenty of space for a group. Inside, the layout is simple and functional with an open kitchen, a big table for shared meals or board games, and a living area that looks out over the dunes. It’s an ideal rental for large families or multiple households traveling together, especially if the plan is to spend most of the time outside grilling, swimming, or walking the nearby trail that runs along the water. The house is close to places like the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center and the fishing pier, but the real draw is the space, the view, and a stretch of sand that somehow stays quiet, even when everything else is full.

Just down the beach, this three-bedroom cottage ($679 per night) offers direct access to the sand and views of the Gulf from nearly every room. An outdoor shower, firepit, and shaded picnic area make it easy to stay outside all day, whether you’re grilling, rinsing off, or just catching the breeze. It’s a solid option for smaller families or groups who want a more low-key setup with the same front-row access to the shoreline.

13 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $859 per night

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