Travel is an inherent part of the life of a surfer. But whether strike mission or family vacay, you’re going to need a roof over your head at the end of the day. The beauty of Airbnb is it offers the promise of staying in a unique setup you might not be accustomed to. When that cool, unique place also offers the promise of waves? Well, that’s a win win. After an exhaustive search, and without further ado, here are 10 of the best Airbnb’s for surfers:
1. Tropical Treehouse in Fern Forest, HI ($200/night)
Not quite oceanfront, you’ll have to drive a bit to get to the waves of the Big Island. Still, this treehouse looks pretty serene. Imagine getting a couple of fun waves by day and relaxing to the natural sounds of the rainforest by night. Sign me up!
A mini-escape from the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, yet close enough to get in a couple waves at First Point. Whether you get those waves to yourself is another matter. Photo: Airbnb
2. Malibu Safari Tent in Malibu, CA ($140/night)
The canyons just above one of the world’s most famous (and indeed, most crowded) point breaks are funny. They’re secluded, quiet, and may give you the illusion that the urban sprawl and gridlock characteristic of the city of Angels isn’t just a stones throw down the hill. This is the perfect place for those willing to brave the traffic of First Point for a few hours, and then retreat to a more secluded zone when enough is enough.
Just think. When the draw bridge is out, you could just paddle across the moat to get to your room. Photo: Airbnb
3. Irish Castle in Galway, Ireland ($146/night)
Want to stay in a castle? I’ll say that again. Want to stay in a CASTLE? Ireland is an interesting location for a surf trip, sure. It can be cold and less than inviting, but there are plenty of areas that are undiscovered. The Emerald Isle, after all, doesn’t get its name from the rolling green hills, but the green kegging barrels on offer. Promise. Who cares that the waves may be a ways away, when you’re staying in a castle!
Get the barrel of your life and catch a sunset from here? Life goal complete. Photo: Airbnb
4. Cliffside House at Bingin Beach, Bali ($152/night)
Bali is by no means off the beaten path in terms of surf tourism. For good reason. The Bukit Peninsula that jets out from the southern tip of the island is home to world famous breaks from Keramas to Uluwatu to Padang Padang. This particular spot is right between Dreamland and Padang Padang, right on the cliff overlooking the water.
Look! Up in the trees! It’s… your next vacation! Photo: Airbnb
5. Cornish “Tree Sparrow House” in Cornwall, UK ($126/night)
A short drive from what might be one of Cornwall’s best waves, Porthleven, this rad little house is perched in an Ash Tree, and offers ocean views.
How’s that for a coffee/surf check spot? Photo: Airbnb
6. House with a View in Praia do Félix, Brazil ($298/night)
A home made of glass and wood that sits on a hillside with incredible vistas of the beaches of the São Paulo region below. According to one review, the beach is just a 10-15 minute walk away!
Word is Steinbeck wrote Sea of Cortez when he owned this place in the ’40s. Photo: Airbnb
7. John Steinbeck’s Writing Studio in Pacific Grove, CA ($185/night)
Ok. Pacific Grove isn’t exactly known for waves. But there are a handful of spots worth checking out in the immediate vicinity, and if you prefer something a little more well known, Santa Cruz is a short drive north. And staying in a famous author’s home by itself is a pretty awesome experience. Getting some waves, no matter how meager, would just be a bonus.
Look just beyond the tree limbs and you can see Sunset absolutely macking. Photo: Airbnb
8. Sunset Beach Temple Treehouse in Haleiwa, HI ($229/night)
Yup. Another treehouse. But this one is located along the Seven Mile Miracle. You can literally check the waves at Sunset from in the tree. This ain’t your typical house on the North Shore.
Stay in an igloo, surf, and stare at the stars in Chile. Photo: Airbnb
9. ElquiDomos Astronomic Hotel in Paiguano, Chile ($196/night)
Fair warning. This one’s a 1.5 hour mission to the coast. The reason I included it, though, is because it looks so cool. The hotel is located in the southern portion of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world. Because the desert is so dry, it makes for incredible star gazing. In fact, the star on the Chilean flag is said to reflect just that. Not only would a stay in these domes be rad, it’s also likely you’ll see more stars dot the sky than you’ve ever seen before. You’ll feel small, and forget all about that long drive to get a few waves.
Up for an Australian cabin in the woods? Photo: Airbnb
10. Forest Cabin in Goonengerry, NSW, Australia ($118/night)
30 minutes from the beaches of Byron Bay is this awesome little Balinese-style timber cabin in the forest. It’s quaint, peaceful, and (apparently) far enough off the grid that you won’t get cell service. But there is Wi-fi.
Stay in any rad Airbnb’s on your last surf trip? Tell us about it in the comments section!
