When it comes to planning a dream getaway, few things compare to the allure of a sunny vacation. Thankfully, our beloved country, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, offers countless options for those seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. We love enjoying the pristine beaches of Hawaii as well as the desert charm of Arizona. Trust us, finding the ideal sunny vacation rental can transform an ordinary trip into an unforgettable experience. That’s why, today, we want to show you some of the best US sunny vacation rentals on Travelocity, each promising not only ample sunshine but also unique amenities and breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking to bask in the coastal breeze or enjoy a luxurious retreat in the desert, these rentals are sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your next sunny escape.
Kohala Coast Vacation Rental by OUTRIGGER, Waikoloa, Hawaii
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Best for Beachgoers. The first option on this list is the Kohala Coast Vacation Rental by OUTRIGGER. Among all of the units, we chose the Palm Villa, which is a spacious 2-bedroom condo that felt more like home. It was the most ideal option for our group, with two bathrooms and a huge living area for movie nights as well as a lovely lanai. It was a lovely spot for us to enjoy our morning coffee under the Hawaiian sun. Talk about the perfect summer vacation! But the best part was definitely having access to all the resort amenities. We spent most of our spare time soaking up the sun by the sparkling swimming pool.
The location was fantastic, too. We were just a short drive from stunning beaches like Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Mauna Kea Beach. After all, how can you call it a sunny vacation without a day on the beach? Those perfect stretches of white sand and crystal-clear water were exactly what we pictured for our Hawaiian vacation. And of course, no trip to the Big Island would be complete without trying to spot some manta rays. Manta Ray Point was a must-visit for us, and while we didn’t see any manta rays on our specific trip, the experience of snorkeling in that beautiful spot was unforgettable.
Looking for more Hawaii accommodations? Take a look at our favorite beach houses in Maui and beach hotels in Oahu!
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Pocono Mountain Villa, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
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Best Value for Money. Want to stay in a villa? Enter the Pocono Mountain Villa, one of the best places for a sunny getaway. When we were looking for our accommodation, this villa seemed to tick all the boxes for a relaxing stay. Set in East Stroudsburg, part of the Exploria Resorts, it promised a blend of nature and amenities. When we arrived, we were relieved to find out they had free private parking – a huge plus after a long drive. We were eager to cool down and headed straight for the outdoor pool.
We kid you not – this villa is fantastic. Stepping inside, we were met with a comfortable living room, which was our go-to spot to unwind. The fireplace made everything feel cozier. We also loved the fully-equipped kitchen. This meant we could enjoy home-cooked meals during our stay. Plus, having a separate bedroom and bathroom offered the perfect balance between togetherness and privacy. Though our villa only had one bedroom, it was more than enough for us.
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Happily Ever After, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Most Romantic. If you’re searching for one of the most romantic US sunny vacation rentals on Travelocity, check out Happily Ever After. Right from the entrance, the atmosphere was magical. The living room was spacious and inviting, with a fireplace that crackled merrily and picture windows showcasing the stunning mountain views. You can spend your time curled up on the couch, enjoying the scenery and your lover’s company. The upstairs game room loft was also a fun surprise. We loved playing pool together, and the private deck with its stunning views was the perfect spot to take a break and reconnect with nature.
The master suite was exceptional. The king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable, and the gas fireplace added a touch of extra romance. We loved soaking in the jetted tub with its own fireplace, and the separate shower was a convenient bonus. Best of all, Happily Ever After has its own picnic area, making it one of the best options for your romantic summer vacation.
If you want more alternatives, check out these most romantic hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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Vista Retreat Vacation Home, Phoenix, Arizona
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Most Comfortable. Among all the Travelocity summer vacation rentals in the US, the Vista Retreat Vacation Home is among the best-rated options. Nestled in a beautiful community, it seems like the perfect home base for exploring. We loved having green space, hiking trails, and mountain scenery right at our doorstep. Plus, with easy access to the freeway, day trips to Scottsdale, Peoria, or even Lake Pleasant sound like a breeze. One of the highlights of this vacation home is the amenities. We loved to relax by the pool under the sun, with those gorgeous mountain views in the background. For those who love staying active, there are walking and biking paths throughout the community, too.
Even the inside of Vista Retreat is inviting. Brand new furnishings and stylish decor – it seems like they’ve put a lot of thought into creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. With 3 bedrooms and a total space of 1,871 sq ft, this home can easily accommodate a group of 8. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or even a work trip this vacation home could fit the bill well.
By the way, here are the best family hotels and gay-friendly hotels in Phoenix!
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Elkhorn Lodge, Avon, Colorado
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Best for Families. Our stay at Elkhorn Lodge was nothing but awesome. This modern lodge is perfectly situated for ski trips. Skiing is right out the door and you can easily return back for a soak in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes. However, if you want a sunny vacation, this is a great choice, too! There are so many outdoor activities to do around the condo. For instance, the Walking Mountains Science Center is only 3 miles away. When we were there, we were amazed by the natural beauty. Kids will definitely love exploring the area and even join the summer camp.
Our condo at Elkhorn Lodge felt like a home away from home. It was tastefully furnished and included a fireplace, a washer and dryer, and a full kitchen with a dining area. The Wi-Fi was complimentary too, which was a big plus for us. If you’re looking for a little extra space, you’ll be happy to know some of the units even have balconies or patios, and the larger ones boast whirlpool tubs in the oversized bathrooms. Talk about luxury! Want more? You’ll also find two relaxing outdoor hot tubs and a fitness center. Have fun relaxing under the sun!
“With its great amenities, comfort, and location, not spending your sunny vacation here would be a shame.”
WOW Travel
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Scoot by Avantstay, Austin, Texas
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Best Amenities. We were looking for a place that offered the comfort of a home with the perks of a hotel, and Scoot by Avantstay definitely delivered! This high-rise condo building had everything we needed for a fun and relaxing stay in Austin. Our condo was set in an impressive building with 33 stories and 248 modern units. We had a ton of amazing amenities that made our stay truly enjoyable. We loved starting our mornings with some yoga poses in the dedicated room and getting a quick workout in on the Peloton bikes. Your furry friend won’t be left out either, with a special dog park on the 10th floor. Enjoy the sun together!
When we wanted to unwind, the rooftop pool and lounge were the perfect spots. We enjoyed cooling off with cocktails while taking in the beautiful city views. But Scoot wasn’t just about the shared spaces. Our condo had a fully equipped kitchen, so we could whip up some home-cooked meals whenever we wanted. Also, nothing could beat a relaxing bubble bath and a good night’s sleep in the comfy beds.
For more recommendations, here are our exclusive lists of the best hotel pools in Austin and the best spa hotels in Austin.
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Our Verdict!
Each of the summer vacation rentals in the US on Travelocity has its own unique charm. To help you pick the most suitable option, we’ve carefully categorized them according to the criteria below, so take a look!
- Best Amenities: Scoot by Avantstay, Austin, Texas
- Best for Families: Elkhorn Lodge, Avon, Colorado
- Most Comfortable: Vista Retreat Vacation Home, Phoenix, Arizona
- Most Romantic: Happily Ever After, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Best Value for Money: Pocono Mountain Villa, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- Best for Beachgoers: Kohala Coast Vacation Rental by OUTRIGGER, Waikoloa, Hawaii
Where to Stay for a Sunny Vacation in the US
Our country has tons of amazing destinations for that perfect sunny vacation. However, to make things easier, we want to highlight only a few based on our list above. First, let’s start with Hawaii. There’s nothing much to explain about this amazing tropical paradise. It boasts sunshine nearly year-round, making it a perfect sunny getaway. Also, you’ll have endless opportunities to visit the beaches.
Then, there’s Arizona. Places like Phoenix and Tucson experience very little rain and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal option for you. Many people go to Arizona for its exciting outdoor adventures and laid-back lifestyle.
We also recommend Texas. Home to Houston and Dallas, many travelers go here because of the subtropical climate. And if you decide to visit Texas, you shouldn’t miss its number one attraction, which is the San Antonio River Walk!
Another destination for the perfect summer vacation is Colorado. It has the perfect blend of mountains, valleys, and sun. We love visiting this state to connect with the outdoors and simply enjoy the stunning scenery. The food and people here are great as well.
Next is Tennessee. This place is a must-visit if you’re into live entertainment and world-class music. It also has plenty of family-friendly attractions. Then, there’s Pennsylvania. Summer in Pennsylvania is always exciting. The weather is always sunny, so you can visit the scenic parks and visit the historical sites.
How do you enjoy summer vacation?
There are so many ways to enjoy summer vacation, but we think you should balance relaxation with exploration! That said, there’s no better way to do that than relaxing in a new sunny destination you’ve never been to before!
Why traveling in summer is better?
Summer’s warm weather allows for light packing and opens up a wider range of activities, from swimming to hiking, making it a great time to explore new places. Plus, with longer days, you have more daylight hours to make the most of your adventures.
How do you pack for a summer trip?
Focus on breathable clothing for hot weather – think flowy dresses, shorts, and lightweight shirts. Pack versatile pieces you can mix and match to create multiple outfits. Don’t forget essentials like swimwear, sunglasses, and a hat!
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Travelocity.