Before fall fully erupts with its characteristic busy schedule circling around school, work and holidays, take a deep breath and escape to a place with views of the water — a setting proven to boost health and happiness. You’ll want a home away from home, perhaps with a shabby-chic vibe heavy on the natural environment to free you to do your job — you know, that of simply sitting in your Adirondack chair with a cocktail while savoring the blues of the water, the crimson of sunset and the wind washing your face.
Although some aren’t fans of camping, renting a storied Airstream trailer — one of the era’s hottest choices for getaways — has a magical appeal all its own. It’s hard to resist the siren song of these silver-bullet vintage beauties.
Coast to coast, we’ve got you covered in great locations with some stellar choices, which are modernized and well-stocked to pamper yet allow you to experience an authentic escape into nature. Better start packing … because we’re going glamping! Check out these getaways by state.
Oregon
Nesika Beach
At this refurbished Airstream dubbed The Cape in Silver Cypress Resort on the bluff overlooking Nesika Beach, your last view before bed and first when wakening will be the Pacific Ocean. It’s definitely Oscar-worthy for the home-with-a-view category, so if your ideal getaway is gazing at the ocean with a book and coffee, you’ve landed well. Perfect for experiencing the crash of ocean waves, sunrise and sunset, this idyllically positioned Airstream-for-two has a romantic outdoor shower and ocean-facing hot tub that everyone is raving about. Note: If The Cape is taken don’t worry, this lovely boutique resort has another Airstream home to check out — The Pearl.
California
Half Moon Bay
For a dreamy time away, you won’t regret booking Deano and Kristi’s luxurious 2020 Airstream Sunset perched atop a coastal cliff with sweeping 180-degree views over the Pacific Ocean. This gorgeous camper-for-two guarantees you have everything you need for a glammed up private retreat — including TV to binge on your favorite shows and Wi-Fi to share jaw-drawing photos on your Instagram — without robbing you of the serenity of your surroundings. With both heating and air-conditioning, you’ll sleep like a baby. Then you’ll get more than your 10,000-step quota during the day from exploring the trails on the 9-acre property before returning to cuddle around the firepit. If you’re hankering for time with your BFF and her partner, bring them along because Sunset has an Airstream sister named Sunrise located close but not-too-close — to protect privacy yet allow for bonding time depending on your mood. It’s a definite win-win for all.
Navarre Beach, Santa Rosa County
Take the kids and the dog to this five-star-rated waterfront Airstream located on the Emerald Coast at the Santa Rosa Waterfront RV Resort. This plush amenity-rich rental sits about 100 feet from the sugar-white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The hosts, veterans in the hospitality business, have 500-thread-count sheets on the bed and complimentary wine and cheese in the fridge. So clearly, you won’t be roughing it. Something I’m also a fan of are the paddleboards and kayaks they make available for guests wishing to explore on the water, and the cool firepit available to enjoy evenings. There’s a community pool to keep things interesting, and your four-legged family members will enjoy a dog park and dog beach. It’s going to be hard to leave this comfy retro destination — promise!
Grayson Creek, Blue Ridge Mountains
Escape to this woodsy Airstream-for-two nestled by a babbling brook at Golden Valley Getaways in the mountains just an hour from Asheville. The serene setting provides you an opportunity to truly unplug, as there’s no Wi-Fi and just spotty satellite coverage at best. Besides having a full bath in the trailer, there’s an outdoor shower for two — sure to be a memorable experience. You’ll find a welcome gift of homemade bread, butter and jam when you arrive to add to whatever food you’ve brought with you. Dogs are permitted on a case-by-case basis; just ask!
Louisa
This retro 1965 Airstream, which sleeps three, enjoyed a makeover and is feeling fancy with all types of upgrades. Tucked in the woods near the town of Louisa, it’s within steps of your own small private beach and dock on the lake. The patio offers views of the water and is illuminated with strings of bewitching fairy lights. This doubles the charm of each evening. Love this location for hikes through the woods, quiet morning kayaking and recreational fishing (catch-and-release only). Psst: Animal lovers should reach out to the host family to visit with their farm animals — from free-range chickens to lambs to a sweet cow.
