Airbnb is known for offering the chance to stay in some of the world's most incredible accommodation, from remote cabins to sleek penthouses. But the site also helps connect travellers and locals with incredible bookable experiences in their chosen destination. Here we've narrowed down the best Airbnb experiences in the US to ensure that your trip is even more memorable.
Although Utah's Zion National Park is a top spot for tourists, you'll escape the crowds on this four-hour experience that includes private access to gorgeous slot canyons and even rappelling in some of them. Supervised by a licensed team of guides, the trip offers a real Indiana Jones-style adventure and showcases some of the more secret Zion spots. Prices start from around $159 (£133) per person.
Spend a night deep within the legendary Joshua Tree National Park, away from any light pollution, gazing at stars and listening to fascinating stories about how our ancestors used the night sky. Using military grade night vision goggles, your hosts Molli and Tony will show you thousands of stars no longer visible to the naked eye. Bring your sense of wonder and who knows – you may get lucky and see a UFO. Prices start from around $158 (£133) per person.
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Thrift like a pro with your host Erin as she leads you through the labyrinth of aisles and stalls at Pasadena's Rose Bowl Flea Market, the largest of its kind in LA with around 2,500 vendors. Whether you’re looking for quality vintage clothing, antiques or a unique souvenir of your visit, Erin will guide you to the right section and help you get a great deal. It’s a fabulous insight into the lives – and unwanted possessions – of Angelenos. Prices start at $65 (£54) per person and include entry to the market.
See the wild side of Alaska with this incredible day trip from Anchorage, discovering scenic views, hiking on a glacier and more. The day starts with an early morning train journey on board the Coastal Classic train to Spencer, where you'll then enjoy a kayak tour on Spencer Lake and a trek on the glacier. After you've got up close and personal with the striking blue ice, take another scenic train ride to Grandview, through the Placer River Gorge and back to Anchorage. Prices start from around $438 (£364) per person.
Join Chris and Chip, two professional hiking guides, on a brilliant two-hour hike that takes in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. You can pick between a moderate or difficult route and enjoy the unique surroundings as the two guides recount the area's history, tell stories of the old granite mines from the Gold Rush and point out wild desert flowers that only grow on particular hidden slopes. Prices start from around $38 (£32) per person.
The best way to explore San Diego's rugged coastline is by kayak. Previous experience isn't required as you'll do a little paddle tutorial before heading out into the Marine Protected Area in La Jolla Bay. If conditions are safe, you'll kayak into the stunning Emerald Cave and you might spot seals, sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins. Prices start from around $36 (£30) per person.
Your host Robert makes maple syrup the artisanal way, in a tiny sugar shack tucked away in rural Vermont. You’ll venture into the nearby woods to help him tap his grove of maple trees. Then, after tasting syrups of different grades, you’ll learn how to grade and bottle maple syrup yourself. The experience ends with ‘Sugar on Snow’ – hot maple syrup, poured onto ice and then rolled on a stick like a lollipop, a real Vermonter treat. Prices start from around $45 (£38) per person.
The Hoover Dam is one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements and there is no better way to appreciate it than kayaking in its shadow. After launching from the dam, you’ll paddle your way along the still waters of the Colorado River, through Black Canyon and on to hot springs, cascading waterfalls and a deserted sandy beach where you’ll enjoy lunch. Along the way your host, Zoltan, will point out historic landmarks and desert wildlife, otherwise hard to spot. Prices start from $199 (£166) per person, excluding the $30 (£25) National Park Service fee.
It's no secret that Miami has a very rich Cuban culture and many aspects of life, including food, have been influenced by Cubans. This leisurely walk in Little Havana shines a spotlight on Cuban traditions, history and flavours in Miami. You'll visit small family-run eateries and gorge on Cubano sandwiches, picadillo empanadas and mojitos and admire Cuban art. Prices start from around $69 (£58) per person (food and drink included).
Enjoy a two-hour nature ramble near Charlottesville, in the company of adorable llamas. As you walk the farm's trails, winding through pastures and woodland, you'll learn more about the friendly animals and what it takes to care for them. You'll also have the opportunity to glimpse inside the farm and see how the fibre from a llama coat is prepared and used. Prices start from around $65 (£54) per person.
This two-hour stroll takes guests around the historic streets and squares of Savannah. Focusing on history, architecture and culture, the tour is a great way of getting to know the city's historic district and can be tailored to your own interests. Prices start from around $33 (£28) per person.
On this snorkelling adventure, hosted near the town of Kailua Kona on Hawaii's Big Island, you'll swim with schools of tropical fish after searching for a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. You'll learn about the unique sea environment and the creatures you see along the way. It's worth noting that all Airbnb animal experiences must follow guidelines created by World Animal Protection and are hosted by industry professionals, like biologists and conservationists. Prices start from around $115 (£96) per person.
Visit the real-world locations from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton as you explore the streets of Philadelphia with super-fan and registered architect, Reid. Alexander Hamilton spent a good deal of time in the city and Reid will walk you through his life and times here, as well as that of the other Founding Fathers. This is a walking tour with a soundtrack – you’ll be listening to songs from the musical as you walk – so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and your singing voice. Prices start from $45 (£38) per person.
Life in Miami revolves around the water, so what better way to immerse yourself in the city’s glittering glamour than on a jet ski tour of the city, its islands and celebrity mansions? First up is a 20-minute boat tour alongside the stunning mansions of Star Island to the jet ski dock, where you’ll jump aboard your WaveRunner. Then, you get a full hour exploring Miami’s waterways. Full throttle or a leisurely cruise – the choice is yours. Prices start at around $145 (£123) per person.
Hosted by Ginny, an experienced horse owner and breeder, this tour takes in the incredible wild roaming horses of Kentucky in their natural habitat. From Jackson, you'll ascend into the Appalachian Mountains in tour guide vehicles along a beautiful winding road. There'll be opportunities to stop and take photos of the horses along the way. A portion of the tour fees go towards caring for injured or malnourished horses, who are cared for at the farm and then rewilded. Prices start from around $50 (£42) per person.
Let your pedal assist electric bike do all the hard work as you explore Santa Barbara on California’s stunning Pacific coast. Your host, Sergio, has been biking in Santa Barbara for over thirty years and has designed this tour to show you breath-taking views, hidden gems and local hotspots only accessible by bike. He’s a font of local knowledge too – ask him about everything from local gossip to the best eats in town. Prices start from $95 (£79) per person.
See Baltimore's prettiest side as you hop on board a sailboat and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the water. As the day draws to a close, you'll be treated to a symphony of colours over Fort McHenry and the city as well as some wine, cheese and crackers on the deck. Prices start from around $125 (£104) per person (food and drink included).
Boston is brimming with incredible history and its buildings and streets definitely have a story or two to tell. This comprehensive two-hour tour takes in sights such as the historic Custom House Tower, the Old City Hall and the famous streets of Beacon Hill (pictured). Although you'll follow parts of the city's famous Freedom Trail of Independence-era landmarks, you'll also deviate off the trail, with a 'surprise local treat' included. Prices start from around $49 (£41) per person.
The hometown of one of the most influential business owners and investors in America, Omaha is closely tied with the Buffett family. The two-hour tour takes in all the locations significant to Warren and the rest of the Buffett family, like the grocery store founded by his great grandfather in 1869 as well as his current office. It's a brilliant insight into the man dubbed the Oracle of Omaha. Prices start from around $60 (£50) per person.
Explore Las Vegas without breaking a sweat as you explore the best street art – and street food – Sin City has to offer. Hosted by Matt and Sabrina, you’ll scoot your way through the city’s most iconic sights as well as secret places only the locals know. Bright, brash and bursting with flavour, this is a foodie tour with a difference. You can even opt for a free tattoo, if you’re brave enough. Prices start from $25 (£21) per person.
Are you fascinated by the mafia history of New York City? Then join this three-hour tour masterminded by retired NYPD detective Dennis, who was born and raised in Little Italy. You'll visit real-life locations associated with New York's top mafia families, including the former headquarters of the Gambino family, where you'll hear plenty of stories and taste some of the most famous food in the area. Prices start from around $96 (£80) per person (food included).
If you've always been keen to create your own handcrafted item, this freestyle weaving class in Santa Fe is for you. First, choose a pattern and colour combination, then learn the basics of weaving as the host Dayna guides you. You'll get to keep the piece you've created too. Prices start from around $150 (£125) per person.
With countless delis in the city, sandwiches and New York go together like a horse and carriage. This unique tour goes beyond just tasting food and explores what a sandwich really is by tasting three different interpretations. Along the way, host Ben will discuss the history of sandwiches, the people who make them and share the history of the East Village as well. Prices start from around $65 (£54) per person (food included).
Get away from the crowds and enjoy the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains on a four-hour hike near Asheville in western North Carolina. Depending on your experience and hiking ability, the trek will be up to five miles (8km) long. Hosted by licensed guide Greg, the hike will lead you to a secluded mountaintop, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Prices start from around $74 (£62) per person.
Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit as your host, Leyah, guides you through a sacred sound bath and heart chakra tea ceremony in the heart of California’s ethereal Yucca Valley. Leyah calls upon the techniques she learned from sages, shamans and healers from all over the world to lead you to a place of relaxation, reflection and healing. Breath in the sights, sounds and smells of this truly magical corner of the US and discover the true, inner you. Prices start from $55 (£46) per person.
We all know that iconic scene from Rocky when Sylvester Stallone's character ascends the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some of us have even dreamed of recreating it. This four-mile (6.4km) run weaves through the Italian market streets of Philly, just like in the film, passes by some of the city's most important buildings and attractions and finishes at the top of the famous steps. Prices start from around $28 (£24) per person.
Hosted at the Liberty Hill Farm near Rochester, this dairy farm tour gives guests a real taste of what working life is like here. Times of the tour coincide with daily tasks like milking cows and feeding calves, and you can even give it a go yourself. When you leave, you'll have a full understanding of how milk makes it from the cow to the jug. The farm donates all proceeds from tours to the non-profit Liberty Hill Center for Agricultural Education, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of local agriculture. Prices start from around $20 (£17) per person.
Feel heated steel move under the blows of the hammer as you create an artisanal knife in a blacksmith barn deep in rural Oregon. Under the watchful eye of your host, Dusty Rose, you’ll heat and hammer your piece of steel into a high-quality blade that will last a lifetime. The whole process takes around eight or nine hours. It’s hot, sweaty and a lot of hard work, but the sense of achievement is immense. Prices start from $395 (£329) per person.
Experience the tranquillity of life on the beautiful waters of Puget Sound aboard this beautiful classic yacht. Your captain is Ben, a Coast Guard licensed captain. Your course to Bainbridge Island is dotted with islands, distant volcanos, the city skyline and abundant wildlife. If you’re lucky you’ll even spot whales. And, if you ask, Ben will let you take the wheel. You’ll return to Seattle with the breeze in your hair and a smile on your face. Prices start from $395 (£329) for a group.
Described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience by many recent guests, this epic Colorado adventure is only for the brave. Led by Dustin, an experienced and accredited mountain guide, the day starts by hiking and climbing to the cliff camp. After building and settling into the cliff-side tent, it's time for dinner, incredible views and sleeping suspended in the air. The next morning, visitors rappel down and return back to life on the ground. Prices start from around $940 (£781) per person (food included).
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