10 Pa. vacation rentals that you have to see to believe

Whether you want to stay in a caboose, a hilltop castle, a giant shoe, or among farm animals, you won’t have to leave the state to find unique and interesting vacation rentals this summer.

A summer vacation with the family can feel way more like a summer adventure depending on where you stay. Crashing for the night at a dome or a castle just feels more, well, adventurous than resting for the evening at a cookie cutter hotel or lakeside cabin.

The good thing is, you don’t have to go far to find a unique vacation rental. Using Vrbo or Airbnb, you’ll find there are plenty of out of the ordinary options right here in Pennsylvania.

So get a little adventurous this summer, and consider one of these truly unique Pennsylvania vacation rental properties.

Caboose, Shade Gap

Not only does this three-bedroom caboose located between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh offer you the chance to sleep in an old train, you won’t have to travel far to ride one. The historic East Broad Top Railroad, the oldest narrow-gauge railroad east of the Rocky Mountains that’s still running, is only a 10-minute drive away. 

The Carlisle Castle, Carlisle

Built in 1939, the Carlisle Castle allows your family to enjoy a majestic getaway right here in the commonwealth. Commonly known as the Gingerbread Man house in homage to the owner who meticulously renovated it, this rental features a pool, fountains, patios, two ponds, and sleeps seven.

Dome house, Pittsburgh

The owners of this two-bedroom dome are up front about what guests should expect: “If you are expecting luxury and/or our dome isn’t in an area you want to stay in, then please do all parties involved a favor and don’t book with us… But if you’re looking to stay in a unique and sometimes quirky home that is within the city limits but feels more secluded, our dome may be perfect for you!” Fair enough. The dome was built in 1969 by Pittsburgh native Joseph Yacoboni, who received a US Patent in 1975 for the construction method, and was featured in the October 2014 issue of Pittsburgh Magazine.

Farm sanctuary cabin, Greentown

This four-bedroom cabin in the Poconos sits on a 35-acre farm that is home to Skymeadow Farm Sanctuary, so you’ll be staying among cows, pigs, geese, goats, and other furry farm animal friends. Guests can schedule walking tours to meet the animals, and all rental proceeds go toward helping the animals live their best lives at the sanctuary. As for nearby attractions, the cabin is a 20-minute drive to Lake Wallenpaupack.

Glamping tent, Stoystown

Sure, you can pitch a tent in your backyard. But why do that when you can glamp in this tent that sleeps five, and is located on a 365-acre farm offering mountain views? While stylish, this tent, which is about a 30 minute drive from Johnstown, is probably best-suited for an outdoorsy family (read: there’s no wi-fi).

Haines Shoe House, York

Originally built in 1950 by a shoe retailer to promote his business, the three-bedroom Haines Shoe House was refurbished in 2022 and offers a variety of amenities both old and new. Your family can relax in the hot tub, chat around the fire pit, and listen to classic vinyl records, all while sleeping a giant shoe.

The Haines Shoe House in York is available as a vacation rental on Vrbo. (Photo: Beth Lennon)

Indoor getaway, Penbrook

This nine-bedroom spot is a quirky, retro rental located in a former bank that was renovated into living space. Spend your time playing old-school board games, foosball, darts, or play one of the many musical instruments on the premises. This getaway takes you back to the age when people spent quality time together instead of staring at their phones.

Majestic hilltop castle, Beach Lake

This 30,000-square-foot, modern-day castle sleeps up to 60 guests (don’t worry: there’s 26 bathrooms), making it an ideal spot for a family reunion, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or any other kind of large-scale summer gathering. It has three custom outdoor pools, a full-size indoor basketball court, a 72-seat movie theater, an arcade, two bowling alleys, an indoor mini-golf course, and much more.

Poconos chalet, Albrightsville

Looking for a Swiss-style chalet in the Poconos with a tree deck playground and hot tub that can sleep up to eight guests? This is your spot. You’ll be so ensconced in nature that deer will often swing by in the morning and evening to say hello. And did we mention it also features a barrel sauna and hot steam room? 

Thaddeus Stevens’ Log Home, Gettysburg

Built in 1790, Thaddeus Stevens’ Log Home maintains its historic character with original wood floors, walls, and beams while also boasting many modern conveniences. The three-bedroom log home sits adjacent to where the Confederates occupied West Middle Street during the Battle of Gettysburg. This is a great spot for both lounging and learning about U.S. history.