Kate RyanLet’s face it. Between working our day jobs, chasing down our dreams and drinking our vegetables, most of Angelenos don’t have the time to plan exotic getaways. Honestly, the only time I’ve willingly gone to LAX’s international terminal was for a protest. Luckily, the 405 makes whatever side you’re not on feel like a foreign country, providing endless opportunities to scratch that wanderlust itch without having to update your passport. But why stay at a lackluster hotel when you could live in someone else’s shoes (read: tiki hut) for a night or two? From safari tents to treehouses and vintage trailers galore, L.A. boasts some of the most creative vacation rentals around. Here are the top 12 quirkiest places to book for your next staycation.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
12. Axl Rose’s Rock & Roll Cabin
We all come to L.A. fantasizing about becoming a famous rock star, but how many of us actually get the chance to live like one? According to the listing, Axl Rose lived in this eclectic cabin during Guns N’ Roses’ heyday. With a wood-burning fireplace, Pinterest-worthy rustic charm and room to sleep five guests, this place could be the perfect weekend spot for music hopefuls.
Hollywood Hills, average $375 per night, VRBO.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
11. Beachy Tree House
Not such a big fan of the great outdoors but always dreamed of having your own treehouse? Welcome to adulthood, where sometimes you can have everything you want. Thanks to this bohemian Venice treehouse, you can enjoy the Sandlot vibes without sacrificing proximity to the beach — not to mention Westside nightlife. There’s also a hammock in the middle of the room should you have one too many margaritas to make it up to the loft bed.
Venice, average $145 per night, airbnb.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
10. Culver City Meets Marrakesh
Forget the 15-hour plane ride and equally grueling journey through customs. Nestled in the hillsides of Culver City is a Moroccan oasis waiting to fulfill your wildest staycation dreams — or host a wedding party or film shoot. With enough room to accommodate a couple hundred guests, you might want to gather a crew to split the cost, because all that jewel-toned glitz and glam doesn’t come cheap.
Culver City, average $3,000 per night, VRBO.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
9. Malibu Glamping
Continuing on our tour of Africa/L.A., revamp your life and your Instagram with the ultimate glamping experience. In Malibu, camping means hanging your outfits in vintage trunks and drinking whiskey out of crystal decanters. Once you’re settled in, overlook Malibu’s rolling hills from your bed and embrace the quiet now that you’re miles away from migraine-inducing traffic. While it might be a challenge, you’re best off leaving your devices at home since the “safari chic” tent is a Wi-Fi–free — aka stress-free — zone.
Malibu, average $140 per night, airbnb.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
8. Beachside Tiki Hut
If you’ve ever wanted to spend a night in your favorite tiki bar and spend your hangover on the beach, this is the place for you. Between the grass-thatched walls, built-in bar, multiple twin beds and optional baby crib, you could bring your bachelorette party one year and your new family the next. I’m pretty sure you can only drink out of massive flaming punch bowls while staying at this place, though, which is more than fine by me.
Venice, average $159 per night, VRBO.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
7. It’s a Trailer … in a Loft
In this trailer-meets-loft setup, you’ll enjoy all the quirks and coziness of sleeping in a retro trailer without having to endure any campsite bathroom horror shows. When you’ve tired of exploring the 6,000-square-foot loft space, venture outside into DTLA’s historic Arts District. Of course, there’s also an indoor rope swing, because no L.A. loft would be complete without one.
DTLA, average $78 per night, airbnb.com.
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Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
6. Tiny Modern Guesthouse
If you’re like me and have dreamed of living in someone’s perfectly landscaped backyard, now’s your chance. With sleek, modern fixtures, white subway tiles in the bathroom and an expert use of space, this tiny house looks as if it was ripped straight from an HGTV show. Of course, the house itself is more of an accessory to the giant pool and hot tub situation.
Del Rey, average $109 per night, airbnb.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
5. Urban Cabin
First we had a treehouse and now it’s time to check another childhood fantasy off our list: sleeping in a tiny cabin. What this cabin lacks in space it makes up for with charm, woodsy decor and a tiny fireplace — things you wouldn’t expect to find in your average urban tiny house. Just a short drive from both shopping and hiking trails, this spot might come in handy the next time you want to escape the city … without actually having to leave the city.
Pico Rivera, average $49 per night, airbnb.com.
4. Hollywood Hills Luxury Airstream
Only in Hollywood will a trailer set you back more than $200 a night. There is good reason, though, since you probably won’t find a listing with comparable 360-degree views of the Hollywood Hills for that price. Redesigned to be ultra-comfortable and take your Insta game to another level, this retooled Airstream opens up to a huge deck that overlooks the surrounding hills. Prepare for major La La Land vibes once the sun sets.
Hollywood Hills, average $230 per night, airbnb.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
3. Marina del Rey Wet Dream
Don’t get too excited, this listing is just a three-bed, two-bath, 60-foot yacht named Wet Dream that comes with HBO and a captain included. For the relatively low price of $2,500, you can spend the night above the fishes and jump directly from breakfast into the open sea. Really, though, who could resist the chance to tell your friends you spent the weekend inside a nautical wet dream?
Marina del Rey, average $2,500 per night, VRBO.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
2. Never Leave the Club
Here’s one way to keep the party going past 2 a.m. in L.A.: Just rent the place out. While this space comes complete with a 1,300-square-foot dance floor, a 50-spot private parking lot and strobe lights, there are also more practical amenities, such as an ironing board and a coffee maker. Sure, you could film your nuanced Broad City pilot here, but there’s no reason you couldn’t book it for the ultimate girls’ night out, too.
Gardena, average $1,199 per night, VRBO.com.
Credit: Courtesy the homeowner
1. A Unicorn’s Dream in Topanga
Rainbow-haired friends, rejoice. Tucked away in the mountains of Topanga State Park is a mystical enclave bursting at the seams with color. Whether you’re cooking up unicorn food in the kaleidoscopic kitchen, lounging on the galactic bed or spending a serene moment in the tropical backyard, you’ll be awash in energizing hues. Clearly, Topanga is where the magic happens.
Topanga, average $250 per night, VRBO.com.
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