With abundant fresh air and bucolic scenery, it's easy to see the appeal of a farm stay vacation. You'll enjoy remote, secluded accommodations alongside a first-hand glimpse of your food source. Farm stays make for a great family vacation, though don't count it out for couples, as it can be surprisingly romantic.
Hosting farmers are also a welcoming bunch, happy to introduce guests to the daily rhythms of farm life. Though you're not required to work, it's a golden opportunity to gather just-laid eggs and pluck ripe tomatoes off the vine. Even if you don't feel like toiling in the soil, eating sun-dappled blueberries and sipping fresh milk are luscious treats that few can resist.
Find farm stays everywhere from a high-end hotel with an apiary in Carmel Valley, California to Airbnbs on farms nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, and even on Hawaii's lush Big Island. From renovated barns to quirkier digs like a refurbished grain bin on a llama farm in Texas, these stays offer an experiential way to get back to nature, and the land as you explore the field-to-fork connection.
Browse all the best farm stays below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
Here are the best farm stay vacations in the US, sorted by price from low to high:
Airbnb studio on a hobby farm in Nebraska
Book this Airbnb on a 44-acre farm
This pastoral hobby farm has been owned by the same family for generations and makes it easy to view wildlife, walk the grounds, gather eggs, and visit with the cows. It's only five minutes from North Platte, which is home to the Golden Spike Tower, an observation tower with a view of Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, the world's largest rail yard, where 10,000 rail cars are sorted and sent on to their destinations each day.
This newly renovated east-facing studio with a private entrance offers a terrific view of the morning sunrise. It's efficiently compact, clean, and simple, with a small kitchen area stocked with basics, a bunk bed for the kids, and a Queen-size bed with a memory foam mattress. There's no couch though the two padded chairs are well positioned for watching the large television. There's also a separate bathroom that is surprisingly roomy.
The covered patio has a grill, potted plants, and comfortable outdoor furniture. There's a fire pit for evening entertainment. If you're traveling with children, don't miss the tank house that has been converted into a whimsical three-story playhouse.
Airbnb farmhouse in Kentucky
Book this sweet farmhouse on Airbnb
This renovated farmhouse is situated on a small vegetable farm and native plant nursery. It's a genuine farm experience just 25 minutes from Louisville, home to the Urban Bourbon Trail, where thirsty travelers can visit iconic distilleries and learn the secrets of bourbon production. Louisville's Kentucky Derby is run at Churchhill Downs Racetrack each May, though visitors may explore the history of this famed equestrian event at the Kentucky Derby Museum all year.
Overnight farm guests are invited to mingle with the resident sheep and chickens and to explore the beds of crisp vegetables and numerous onsite greenhouses, bursting with native flora.
The farmhouse has 2 bedrooms, each with a double bed complete with antique quilts, an ample kitchen stocked with free-range eggs from the farm's own flock, and a modern bathroom. There's a screened-in porch and a back deck that overlooks the pristine woods, excellent for bird watching or just soaking in the silence.
Secluded Airbnb cottage on a farm in Vermont
Book this Vermont farm cottage on Airbnb
Meadow Cottage is perched on a grassy knoll down the road from the main farmstead, so it enjoys privacy amid a 400-acre organic dairy and grass-fed beef farm. Mingle with 100 cows and heifers and towering maples and wild apple trees sprinkled throughout. The hosts also sell their farm-raised organic beef for a very fair price.
This pastoral setting of meadows, forests, and covered bridges is very near Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch, two of Vermont's favorite downhill ski areas. The cottage sits next to a spring-fed pond for a refreshing summertime swim, or use the fishing rods and try your luck at catching bass.
Inside, dappled sunlight streams in from the many windows, and the living area has wood floors, a bucket chair, and a futon next to the kitchen. A steep wooden ladder leads to the sleeping loft, where a royal blue bedspread covers the Queen-size bed. Little touches, such as decorative carvings on the main loft beam and Adirondack chairs by the pond display attention to detail and guest comfort.
Modern Airbnb home on a blueberry farm in Florida
Book this Florida cottage on Airbnb
Lakeland is a semi-rural part of Florida with a rich cattle ranch and citrus farm history that's only a 40-minute drive to Orlando's theme parks. This cattle ranch and blueberry farm with a private lake for fishing offers serenity that may surprise visitors who associate central Florida with the crowds of Disney World.
Walk up the exterior staircase of this quintessential red barn and enter airy digs with a cherry-red couch and matching loveseat and perky checkerboard tiled floors. The fully-equipped kitchen has a white farmhouse dining table and the King bed is outfitted with bedding from Pottery Barn. There is also air conditioning and two big porches for watching the sun go down.
During blueberry season, the host will let you pick the sweet fruit until your fingertips turn blue.
Airbnb apartment with a sauna on a solar-powered farm in New York
Book this New York apartment on Airbnb
This two-level apartment sits on a small organic farm in the Hudson Valley, two hours from New York City. Pick vegetables, pop into the cute farm store, or admire the animals, including a herd of Jersey cows and Dwarf Nigerian goats. The farmstead is in a hilly section of Columbia County, so serious cyclists may enjoy pedaling both on and off the property.
The apartment is furnished with midcentury solid wood pieces, such as rocking chairs and end tables that add simple character. The ground floor is where you'll find the spacious mudroom and the infrared sauna.
Upstairs is the living room with an L-shaped pullout sofa and a fully-equipped kitchen with a view of the spring-fed swimming pond and kitchen garden. The larger bedroom has a King-size bed while the smaller bedroom has a double bed and both have comfortable bedding and pale yellow walls with pretty white trimmed windows. The bathroom has a deep tub shower combo with dual showerheads surrounded by subway tiles.
The farm is only minutes from Art Omi, a fabulous outdoor sculpture park with dozens of large-scale contemporary works and site-specific installations dispersed over 120 rambling acres of forests, ponds, and glades.
1962 Airstream on a ranch in California
Book this California Airstream on Airbnb
This small ranch is located in a semi-rural section of southern California, an hour drive from SoCal's famed surfing beaches, where the scenery is straight out of a Beach Boys' song.
The ranch is home to a Noah's Ark of animals, including Nigerian dwarf milking goats, miniature horses, llamas, and chickens. In winter, there's a sweet smell of orange blossoms perfuming the air, courtesy of the surrounding citrus groves. The host is happy to let guests interact with the animals, help milk the goats, or observe him make cheese.
The Airstream sits in a fenced-in yard with both a full-size and twin bed, indoor and outdoor hot showers, a kitchen with a compact fridge, and a television. Funky touches include vintage throw pillows and fluffy area rugs, and just outside, you'll find a picnic table, BBQ, outdoor fire pit, and a game of cornhole toss.
Airbnb loft on an eco-farm in Hawaii
Book this Hawaii loft on Airbnb
Stay on an earth-conscious permaculture farm on Hawaii's Big Island walking distance from a volcanic black sand beach. A variety of produce is grown here, and guests are welcome to eat as much they'd like. A flock of chickens lay fresh eggs for your breakfast while a thriving beehive produces honey to sweeten your Kona coffee.
This garden-entry, contemporary loft has high beamed ceilings, sunny yellow walls, and tall windows that flood the loft with tropical sunlight. With a large covered lanai complete with a dining table, day bed, sofa, and chairs, it epitomizes the open-air island lifestyle that defines Hawaii.
The indoor living space features a gourmet kitchen stocked with the farm's own produce and a bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower with a door leading straight to the outdoor shower. The sleeping loft has a King-size bed, and a private sauna, yoga mats, two bikes, and snorkel gear are bonuses.
Airbnb studio above a farm store in Washington
Book this Washington studio on Airbnb
This five-acre, family-run goat farm is home to over 100 goats and guests are invited to watch the milking and feeding process and even help bottle-feed baby goats.
This cozy studio loft is upstairs from the farm store, where a variety of products made from fresh goat milk are sold. Appropriately called The Nest, it's furnished in a low-key style that includes a sectional couch adorned with decorative pillows and throws made from natural fibers, an assortment of candles, and fresh-scented cedar wood floors. The small kitchen has a toaster oven and stovetop but no full-size oven. There's a composting toilet and a shower, though the oversized tub on the private porch overlooking an apple orchard offers plenty of room and scenery while you soak.
Mount Rainier National Park is 40 minutes away; the host worked at the park for several decades and is happy to give insider tips.
Crow's Nest tiny house on Airbnb in Maine
Watch the cattle graze when you stay at this rustic Airbnb
Durham is located near Maine's shopping mecca in Freeport, so you may enjoy watching the pigs play one minute and be purchasing a flannel shirt at iconic L.L. Bean the next. Portland, with its delectable dining options, is only 30 minutes away.
This compact house is on a 70-acre working livestock farm amid acres of unblemished pastures and pinewoods. There's a Queen-size bed in the sleeping loft and a cozy daybed on the main level. A shower and composting toilet are simple yet fully functional and the kitchen has electric burners should you purchase the farm's own meat to cook for dinner. The kitchen is also stocked with homemade granola, milk, and other morning essentials.
Hayloft on a lavender farm in Massachusetts
Book this hayloft in Massachusetts on Airbnb
Enjoy a stay on a lavender and horse farm that was once a ski lodge. Pick lavender, feed the goats, chickens, and pigs, or arrange to saddle up and go for a ride on one of the resident horses. The farm is adjacent to conservation land of forest and fields, with a myriad of hikes to choose from.
This second-floor hayloft is in a beautiful stone barn with views of Mount Wachusett. The open living and kitchen area is simple and modern, while a dainty sitting room features a white sofa and gauzy white curtains leading to the Juliet balcony. In the bedroom, a chandelier dangles over the Queen-size wood poster bed that is made up with bedding in a sweet floral pattern and the high ceilings give it an airy feel.
Behind the barn is a furnished patio with views of the mountains, lavender fields, and pastures.
Silo house on a llama farm in Texas
Book this Texas farm on Airbnb
Troy is a speck of a town in Central Texas, approximately 25 minutes from Waco, a city known for the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and the Dr. Pepper Museum.
On this 10-acre llama farm, the social animals live in herds and have wool that is very soft to the touch. Guests are given grain to feed them, and there are also assorted goats, chickens, and cows as well.
You'll sleep in a private home that's a refurbished former grain bin. The open-concept floor plan provides an upstairs sleeping loft, a full bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Additionally, there's a foldout couch downstairs. Bring your rod and bait and catch fish in the stocked pond and then cook your fresh catch on the charcoal grill or inside in the compact kitchen.
Guesthouse on a seven-acre horse farm in Wisconsin
Book this Wisconsin guesthouse on Airbnb
This updated guest house on Stone Ridge Farm is surrounded by groomed trails and pastures where horses graze with flower beds dotting the walkways. The farm enjoys a rural flavor yet it's only 25 minutes from Milwaukee where you can visit the Harley-Davidson Museum and explore the venerable beer scene.
The stone-and-wood exterior and shingled roof look homey while the first floor has a living room, kitchen, and half-bath. Post-and-beam ceilings, barn doors, wood floors, and a gas fireplace add country comforts.
Upstairs is a large bedroom with a Queen bed, a sitting area, and a table for two. There's a second bedroom with an additional Queen bed and both have original wood floors, wood paneling, and overhead lighting.
The chicken coop is where laying hens produce the eggs for your breakfast and the patio is furnished with plenty of seating and a grill. Stroll the property and peek inside the tiny Amish-built chapel and marvel over the meticulous craftsmanship.
Airbnb cottage on a farm in Pennsylvania
Book this Lancaster cottage on Airbnb
The Amish, or Pennsylvania Dutch, have been farming the land around Lancaster for hundreds of years. They adhere to a yesteryear lifestyle that eschews modern conveniences and visitors will see them riding in traditional horse-drawn buggies and wearing simple bonnets or broad-brimmed hats. Lancaster is also home to the oldest ongoing market in the country, a treat for culinary travelers who'd like to sample local dishes such as scrapple and shoo-fly pie.
Inglewood Cottage is located on a centuries-old, 20-acre farm in the heart of Amish Country. You'll share the outdoor space with Angus beef cows, goats, and rabbits and guests are invited to wander the serene woodlands, forest glades, and fields of wildflowers.
This snug cottage has a Queen-size bed, bunk beds, and a floor mattress for kids. There's a deck off the kitchen and a campfire circle with Adirondack chairs and plenty of firewood, and high-speed Internet and Netflix brings the overnight experience into the 21st century.
A family farm inn in New York
Book a room at Hull-O-Farms
Bring the kids and learn what it's like to live on a farm in upstate New York's Catskill Mountains. Agriculture has been the backbone of this rural region for centuries, so it's a fitting place to experience a back-to-nature vacation.
Hull-O-Farms is a 300-acre, 7th generation family farm still owned and operated by the Hull family. Cows, several heritage breeds of pigs, turkeys, goats, ducks, and horses all call Hull-O Farms home.
The current owners have been hosting guests for over 25 years. Open in all seasons, farmers Frank and Shari let guests help milk the cows, collect eggs, and feed baby animals. In haying season, hitch a ride on the tractor or learn to toss bales of hay. The farm is only 15 minutes from Windham Mountain for skiing and snowtubing in winter and mountain biking in summer.
Guests may reserve a private house, each with full kitchens and a complimentary breakfast basket loaded with delectable goodies including Shari's special pancake mix and fresh eggs from the farm's own chickens. Television and Wi-Fi will keep the family entertained.
Congress Hall and Beach Plum Farm in New Jersey
Book Congress Hall Hotel
Cape May is a resort town at the tip of southern New Jersey with miles of Atlantic beach, a promenade for strolling, and one of the largest collections of 19th century framed buildings in the country.
Congress Hall is a Grande Dame hotel that has been providing hospitality for over 200 years. Rooms blend modern amenities with old-world luxury, and the hotel also operates the 62-acre Beach Plum Farm, nestled in protected wetlands just a short distance away. The robust beds of produce supply the hotel's kitchen with pesticide-free spinach and stalks of tender asparagus. Tomatoes are synonymous with this corner of New Jersey and each summer, the ripe fruit is picked, jarred, and used to make a red sauce that is served at the hotel's restaurant.
For a full-on immersion in agricultural rhythms, stay at one of the farm's five adorable cottages. The fridge will be stocked with a bounty of just-picked local produce; one taste and you'll understand why New Jersey is nicknamed the Garden State.
Read our full review for Congress Hall
Los Poblanos historic inn & organic farm in New Mexico
Book Los Poblanos
Los Poblanos is a Southwestern retreat nestled in 25 acres of fragrant lavender fields. The historic inn features expansive outdoor space for guests to meander in the lavender fields and along footpaths that snake between towering cottonwood trees with sitting nooks facing the Sandia Mountains.
The 50 upscale guest rooms have organic bedding and lavender-infused bath products. Kiva fireplaces, hand-carved beams, and New Mexican artwork give a sense of place. Additional amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, an award-winning restaurant, and a working organic farm. Native Zuni blue corn and Navajo pumpkins provide a tangible link to New Mexico's agricultural legacy and guests may participate in farm tours and hands-on classes for a deeper agritourism immersion.
Farmhouse with a furnished silo in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains
Book this Virginia farmhouse on Airbnb
Rapidan is a former mill town set alongside its namesake river. It has maintained a rural flavor despite being only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Built in conjunction with a leading sustainable architecture firm, this visionary home is situated on the apex of a 33-acre grass-fed cattle farm. Scottish Highland cattle graze in the pasture, while lush vegetable patches, towering oak trees, and Blue Ridge sunsets offer a way to unplug and connect with the natural world.
The light-filled house has a state-of-the-art kitchen, a great room with a working fireplace, a sprawling deck with a pergola for shade, and views of the Twin Mountains. The furnished silo has a separate entrance with its own bedroom, bathroom, and mini-kitchen. There's no Wi-Fi, though there's cell phone service.
Carmel Valley Ranch in California
Book Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is located in Monterey County, the epicenter of California's fertile growing region. It's a high-end resort surrounded by vineyards and is just a short drive from the area's gorgeous Pacific beaches.
A herd of spunky Swiss nanny goats live on this ranch, supplying the milk that the resort's in-house cheesemaker, Charlie Cascio, uses to make his creamy cheeses. Charlie is happy to chat with guests about the artisanal cheese making process and encourages everyone to greet his beloved goats. Drop by the chicken coop that provides just-laid eggs before heading over to the buzzing apiary, home to over 250,000 Italian honeybees. The ranch's beekeeping program lets guests of all ages suit up in protective gear and learn about the connection between plants and pollinators. Guests may sample the honey, which is also available for purchase.
Rooms are all suites, so expect plenty of space and amenities such as outdoor soaking tubs, fireplaces, and decks. A Pete Dye-designed golf course, spa and wellness center, tennis courts, and saltwater swimming pools offer a range of activities. The resort caters to families with a splash zone water park and a huge swimming pool and also welcomes pets.
Blackberry Farm all-inclusive resort in Tennessee
Book Blackberry Farm
In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, elegant Blackberry Farm is situated on a scenic swath of land that has been farmed according to traditional agricultural practices for centuries. The acres of rolling pasture overflow with heirloom vegetables, assorted livestock, and a windfall of namesake wild blackberries in summer.
There's an air of exclusivity and plenty of privacy at this 4,200-acre resort. The blend of a working farm combined with a sophisticated hotel has earned a devoted following of guests who crave a back-to-nature holiday without skimping on pampering.
Guest rooms, suites, and cottages are brimming with amenities such as fine linens and plush bathrobes. It's an expensive getaway, though room rates do include three meals daily. Much of the seasonal produce grown on the farm is served at the property's James Beard Award-winning restaurant.
The resort's Farmstead Field School provides a hands-on, immersive program for guests who want to dig in the dirt including farm tours, tastings, and seasonal cooking demos.
The Gray Barn at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in New York
Book Gray Barn at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is an idyllic 150-acre Hudson Valley farm that is home to hundreds of chickens, goats, turkeys, and cows. The animals have been rescued, some from backyard butchers, others from factory farms, to live out their lives in harmony as they graze in the open pasture.
Overnight visitors stay in one of five modern rooms, each with a bathroom and private terrace. The large and airy common space has a full kitchen, living area, and dining room. The deck overlooks the goat pasture. Guests may cook their own meals as long as they follow the farm's vegan principles. A visit is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of an animal-free diet.
Currently, Gray Barn is being rented only as a full buyout. The house sleeps 10 and is available for $2,500 for a rental period of four nights and includes a private tour of the Sanctuary.
FAQ: Farm stays
How does a farm stay work?
If you're looking for an immersion in the natural world, staying on a working farm offers the opportunity to dive into rural living. The hosts are happy to let guests perform farm tasks such as picking apples, milking cows, and caring for animals. You are equally welcome to just kick back and relax. It's your choice, no pressure.
The hotels and Airbnbs we listed present hands-on ways to dig into the agrarian lifestyle. Some have farm tours and cooking demos using products raised on-premise.
The throwback pace of farm life is particularly appealing to families or city dwellers looking to escape urban stress. Older kids can enjoy the outdoor environment with a healthy dose of freedom and independence and children are exposed to fresh fruit, veggies, and eggs.
But just because you're staying on a farm doesn't mean you'll need to spend all of your time in overalls watching the cows graze. Some farms are near major cities and attractions, so guests may use them as a base for wider explorations.
When should I book a farm stay?
Spring, summer, and fall harvest are generally the busiest and best times to experience the ebb and flow of daily life on a working farm. There are exceptions, such as the farm Airbnb we listed in Hawaii, which offers a rich experience year-round. The Airbnb on a blueberry farm in Florida is a fine winter respite for anyone who lives in a cold climate, though spring is prime time for picking berries.
All the hotels we listed offer guests an array of non-farm related amenities including swimming pools and spa treatments for when farm life is slower-paced. C
What should I look for in an Airbnb or hotel?
We selected properties with favorable recent guest reviews and those that participate in enhanced cleaning program. Many Airbnbs are hosted by highly-rated Superhosts, and come with expansive views, private patios, fireplaces, and amenities that fit in with the rustic environment.
The hotels we selected have all garnered excellent reviews on user-generated sites such as Trip Advisor and offer enhanced cleaning protocols.
How much does it cost to stay on a farm?
Airbnb farm vacations tend to offer good value and may be found around the country at a variety of price points. Book a studio on a family-run hobby farm in Nebraska from $95 per night or an adorable cottage on a dairy farm in Vermont from $107 nightly.
Opting for a farm in a hotel setting will likely cost a bit more, as is the case with a splurge-worthy getaway to posh Blackberry Farm, a luxury resort in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains.
How do I book a farm stay on Airbnb?
Search for farms by ticking the "Farm Stay" box in the "Unique Stays" menu under Airbnb search filters. For more information on how to book an Airbnb, click here.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb or hotel?
The vaccine rollout is underway, but safety is still on the minds of travelers. Experts consider renting an Airbnb to be one of the safer options, as you'll stay in a private accommodation without encountering others.
However, all the hotels we listed have COVID-19 safety precautions in place with enhanced protocols such as requiring masks, frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and amended housekeeping services.
Of course, the physical layout of a farm offers plenty of space for social distancing. Nevertheless, we recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations' safety guidelines, and to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and maintain social distancing.
You may also want to read up on travel safety, and expert advice on Airbnb and hotel safety to decide which type of stay is right for you.
More unique getaways
- The most remote vacation rentals in the US
- The Airbnb beach houses in the US
- Remote, secluded desert homes on Airbnb
- The most romantic vacation rentals
- Coolest Airbnbs in the US
- Best Airstream trailer rentals
- Best tree house rentals
- Best camper van rentals
- Best RV rentals