10 Best AirBNBs in Tampa

Are you looking for the best AirBNB in Tampa for an exceptional vacation experience? You aren’t alone. According to RVnGo, sixty million Americans stayed in vacation rentals in 2022.

A vacation rental is an attractive alternative to hotels or resorts for many families. However, the unique nature of many vacation rentals appeals to couples and solo travelers who want to stay in a place with more character, a place that’s photogenic and adds to the entire vacation vibe.

Wander Florida is fully reader-supported. For that reason, this article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This revenue helps keep Wander Florida free and updated. I only recommend products or services that I would use myself. Read the full disclosure here.

As a resident of the Tampa Bay area (and a real estate professional), I know many of the best AirBNBs in Tampa. These properties are the most unique and offer amenities and the opportunity to experience something more than in a hotel.

Don’t have time to read the whole list right now? These are my three favorite AirBNBs in Tampa!

1. A Yellow Bungalow

If the bright and sunny exterior doesn’t wow you, perhaps the well-appointed interior will. Granite counters, white shaker cabinets, plank flooring, and comfortable furnishings extend a welcome, homey feeling to all who enter through the bright red door. The historic bungalow has been reconfigured into two one-bedroom units which share a back patio and front porch. Whether you’ve come to town for a night or a few days, the Yellow Bungalow definitely hits all the right tones for a vacation rental in Tampa.

2. Glamping 1940’s Style

One of the most unique AirBNBs in Tampa! This original 1940s camper drips with charm. Transport yourself to a simpler time in this beautiful setting complete with covered deck and full outdoor bathroom. Inside, the camper is meticulously decorated and maintained. Located just minutes from downtown, this is the perfect place to base your Tampa getaway, especially if your plans include the best of Tampa’s waterfront attractions. Grab an Uber to Armature Works and then use the water taxi to get around Tampa.

3. 2 Waterfront Houses

This fabulous property in the Town & Country neighborhood in Tampa hosts two homes on one property and can sleep up to 28 people. It’s the perfect spot for your camp, bachelor party, company retreat, or family reunion. One house sits right on Rocky Creek which provides direct access to Upper Tampa Bay. The other home is a duplex close to the entrance of the property. Staying at this property comes with lots of games, too! The property has a swimspa, hot tub, miniature golf course, foosball, kayaks, and canoes. With a canoe launch right on Rocky Creek, guests can enjoy paddling the creek and Tampa Bay.

4. Mansion on the River

The Mansion on the River is a Mediterranean-style villa on the Hillsborough with enough room to sleep 18. One of the most spectacular AirBNBs in Tampa, it features more than acre of land with a pool and spa, dock on the river, and large rooms designed for gatherings. The property is perfect for corporate gatherings, wedding groups, or family reunions. Enjoy everything Tampa has to offer. Or stay entertained at the villa with a pool table. poker room, jumbo scrabble board, fire pit and more. A memorable getaway awaits any family who takes advantage of this unique property!

5. Tiny House Oasis

The Cozy AF Tiny-House Oasis has been awarded the “Unique Stay” by AirBNB. The little cottage once traveled the world as a storage container though now it’s a rustic bungalow that welcomes guests to experience this oasis. This tiny studio features a rooftop patio, and access to the entire backyard which includes koi pond, hot tub, kayaks, fire pit, and a bunny yard. In the heart of Ybor, guests in this tiny house are close to everything Tampa offers. Bonus: this one is pet-friendly!

Find the Perfect Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental!

6. Private Guest House

Davis Islands. Iykyk. Davis Islands is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Tampa. This private guest house sits behind one of the island’s beautiful homes, close to downtown Tampa. At the south end of the island, a dog beach and waterfront park entice people to relax and enjoy the views. This vacation rental in Tampa is walking or biking distance to so much, including Riverwalk, Davis Island restaurants, and a short drive to Busch Gardens, the cruise port, and Amalie Arena.

7. Surf’s Up Cottage

Adorable inside and out, the Surf’s Up Cottage offers a beach vibe yet is close to everything in Tampa. Once a garage, this cottage draws guests in with sleeping space for four, a kitchenette, and use of the entire back yard, including the cottage’s own outdoor patio space. When out and about town, consider renting bicycles to explore further or take advantage of Tampa’s famous pirate taxi and TECO streetcars. And if bringing your dog with you is a must, the Surf’s Up Cottage is one of many pet-friendly AirBNBs in Tampa!

8. Heights Cottage

This wood-clad tiny house in Seminole Heights has it all! A comfortable interior with just the right amenities. A fire pit outside to enjoy on those cooler winter months. And great access to all the restaurants and shops which give the Heights its incredible vibe. From the monthly market (one of the best farmer’s markets in Tampa) to top Tampa restaurants like Ichicoro Ramen and Xtreme Tacos, the Heights provides an old cozy feel with a bit of hipster thrown in. Award-winning ZooTampa at Lowry Park is also just a few minutes away.

9. Hyde Park Tree House

The Hyde Park Tree House gives guests a tropical vibe in the treetops (though it’s not actually a tree house!). Built in the 1920s, this cozy vacation rental in Tampa is located in Historic Hyde Park and is just blocks away from shopping and dining at Hyde Park Village. Take a walk on nearby Bayshore Boulevard or head to downtown Tampa just a couple miles away.

10. Waterfront Villa

When you need a lot room, you need a massive vacation villa like this waterfront villa in Tampa. This stunning 4-acre property on the Hillsborough River features two fully remodeled homes, a dock for fishing, a large outdoor kitchen, pool table, basketball court, jacuzzi, fire pit, and so much more. Just minutes from downtown Tampa, USF, ZooTampa, and a short drive to the area beaches which include some of the best beaches in the country. This AirBNB in Tampa ticks all the boxes for vacation memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you come to Tampa for a family vacation, a business trip, a solo adventure, or with a large group, opting for an AirBNB in Tampa gives you so many advantages that a hotel can’t. As vacation rentals continue to rise in popularity, we’re sure to see even more truly unique properties to rent. And even more properties with great amenities or reasons to forego the traditional hotel.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. And if you’re looking for a great community for sharing travel tips, discounts, secret spots, and hidden gems, go join my Facebook group, Florida Travel Tips & Secret Spots.

Travel Resources:

These are the places I first go when planning or booking travel. They ARE affiliate links so if you use one I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) and (bonus!) it’ll help me keep running this site. Visit my travel resources page to see all of the services and gear I recommend.

Flights: We always check flight prices and information on Way Away first.

Hotels: We use Expedia to compare and book hotels. We also love Booking.com for boutique hotels and B&Bs.

Vacation Rentals: For vacation rentals and other non-traditional lodging options, VRBO is our go-to.

Tours & Tickets: We use Viator for private tours and unique experiences.

Rental Cars: Though we prefer to experience a city through its public transportation, there are times when a rental car is needed and in those instances, we use Discover Cars.

Travel Insurance: No one wants to need it, but it’s great to have when you do. VisitorsCoverage is our go-to provider.