Travel Southeast 8 Secluded Southern Stays Where the Views Don't Get Any Better By Marisa Spyker Marisa Spyker Marisa Spyker is the Senior Writer at Southern Living, where she enjoys dabbling in stories throughout the magazine, from gorgeous home features to profiles of the South's creatives. Prior to joining the team in 2019, Marisa was an editor at Coastal Living, coastalliving.com, and Luxe Interiors + Design. Her career spans nearly 15 years, much of which has been spent staring at photos of pretty homes and gleaning inspiration for her next beach vacation.While born and raised in South Florida and a proud University of Florida alum (Go Gators!), she currently lives with her husband and two daughters in Santa Cruz, California. She can often be found schooling West Coasters on the joys of Southern charm and Key Lime Pie. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on August 23, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb When shopping for a vacation rental, most of us have a list of would-be-nice qualities we look for in a place. And if you're planning a getaway to escape the hustle of your daily routine, nothing clears the mind like being immersed in nature and waking up to a stunning view. Whether it's a couples trip, a multigenerational vacation, or a weekend away with friends, a ridiculously good setting makes even a quick break extra special. (Okay, that and a fully stocked wet bar.) Thankfully, the South is brimming with breathtaking panoramas, from the vivid turquoise waters of Florida to the picturesque peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And there are more than enough dreamy pads you can rent to enjoy those spectacular views from the comfort of your (temporary) home. Here are eight we're eyeing for our next getaway. 01 of 08 Upscale Blue Ridge Cabin: Maggie Valley, North Carolina Courtesy of Airbnb We think we've found the perfect perch for evening book time, morning meditation, afternoon cocktails or… basically anything else. This three-bedroom cabin sports cozy wood interiors and wraparound decks for taking in those endlessly green vistas. Rent it: $168 per night; airbnb.com 02 of 08 Tahiti-Style Bungalow: Crescent City, Florida Courtesy of Vrbo So you can't fly to the South Pacific for vacay this year (bummer, right!?). But you can sleep in an overwater bungalow with 360-degree water views. This cottage is perched at the end of a 250-foot-long dock in the middle of Florida's Crescent Lake (just west of Daytona Beach). If you're an angler, the two-bedroom home is even more appealing: According to the listing, freshwater fishing (especially for large-mouth bass) is good almost year-round. Rent it: $400 per night; vrbo.com 03 of 08 Mountain Sanctuary: Vesuvius, Virginia Courtesy Millpond Photography/AIRBNB "Perched up high on nearly 60 acres, you are sure to get fresh air and the rest you are searching for," says the listing for this rebuilt two-bedroom 1800s cabin. Take in views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the porch swing, or enjoy the cozy charm of the timbered rooms and stone fireplace. Rent it: $350 per night; airbnb.com 04 of 08 Work and Play in the Smokies: Tallassee, Tennessee Courtesy of Airbnb Just because you're going off the grid doesn't mean you need to completely disconnect. This secluded cabin in the middle of the Smoky Mountains is equipped with high-speed WiFi so you can WFH from paradise. More creature comforts include central air, a dishwasher, and Netflix. And the best part? When the clock strikes five, the mountaintop hot tub with drop-dead gorgeous views awaits. Rent it: $138 per night; airbnb.com 05 of 08 Eagle's Nest: Bryson City, North Carolina Courtesy of Airbnb Feel like you're soaring above the clouds in this private cabin perched on 12 acres of picturesque landscape. While the stellar views of Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the ultimate show stealers, the interiors of this two-bedroom escape aren't too shabby either: Built and designed by local artists, the home features handmade furniture, one-of-a-kind artwork, and an updated, modern kitchen and bath. Rent it: $283 per night; vrbo.com 06 of 08 Charming Lakefront Cottage: Gainesville, Georgia Courtesy of Airbnb Experience the unmatched serenity of lakefront living in this eight-sleeper cottage perched on Georgia's Lake Lanier. When you're not kicking back on the covered dock, steal away to the home's two enclosed sunrooms, where you can dine, lounge, or play ping pong while savoring those precious lake views. If you're looking for more fun on the water, you can rent a boat, jet skis, or a paddleboard nearby. Rent it: $328 per night; airbnb.com 07 of 08 Private Island Retreat: Crescent Island, Florida If you really value privacy, you might want to look at this splurge-worthy rental, where water separates you from everyone else, and there's plenty of room for extended family. Located on a four-acre private island in Sanibel, Florida, this three level, four-bedroom home boasts a screened-in deck off the living room, a rec room, and a dock with access to the Gulf and the Intracoastal. Rent it: $1,875 per night; airbnb.com 08 of 08 Evening Majesty: Sevierville, Tennessee COURTESY OF JUDY CRAVY/AIRBNB You'll have a hard time deciding exactly where to enjoy your happy hour glass of wine in this four-sleeper cabin, but here are a few great contenders: in the sink-right-in sofas, the on-deck hot tub, or the porch rocking chair. Each spot looks out onto the spectacular Smokies, and with a name like Evening Majesty, you know the sunsets are amazing.. Rent it: $286 per night; airbnb.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit