Netflix's 'Virgin River' Isn't Real—But These 12 Cozy Airbnbs on the Virgin River Are
We all wish we could decamp to a charming small town and make a new life, especially this year—just like in Netflix’s drama Virgin River. While the town in the series is fictional, but it’s not totally made up. The Virgin River is a tributary of the Colorado River and runs through Utah, Nevada and Arizona, including right up along the famous Zion National Park. While it’s not a real California town (like on the show), the series was inspired by the real-life river. If you need a weekend away, why not look for a spot to rental right along the actual Virgin River, whether it’s near Zion or in one of Utah’s cute small towns. Here are 12 Airbnbs to check out if you want to visit the Virgin River.
RELATED: Virgin River’ Mistakes That Are Nearly as Bad as That ‘Game of Thrones’ Starbucks Cup
1. Paradise by Virgin River (Glendale, UT)
Sleeps: 6
Settle in at this rustic but chic two-bedroom house in Glendale, Utah, which is located right on the edge of the Virgin River. It’s got a porch with a hot tub and sauna, so expect total relaxation as you enjoy the scenic views. The house is an easy drive to Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon National Parks for those who want to get farther into the great outdoors, but you don’t need to leave to have a great vacation experience. Note that pets and kids aren’t allowed—this retreat is adults only.
2. Zion View Bed and Breakfast (Toquerville, UT)
Sleeps: 6
Book this secluded guesthouse for a cozy (and budget-friendly) weekend stay. Located close to Zion National Park, the one-bedroom spot is great for those looking for nearby hikes or even skiing. For those who prefer to hang out at home, there’s a solid collection of books, a big TV and beautiful views from the deck.
3. Virgin River Retreat (Glendale, UT)
Sleeps: 9
If a view of the river is what you’re after, look no further than Virgin River Retreat, a two-bedroom cabin located midway between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Imagine unwinding on a deck overlooking the water and BBQ outdoors in the summer months. It has a woodsy vibe, but the kitchen and bathrooms are notably modern, giving you a sense of luxury amongst the trees. The second bedroom has three beds, so bring the whole extended family or make a girls’ weekend out of your trip.
4. Zion Rustic River Retreat (Virgin, UT)
Sleeps: 3
Zion Rustic River Retreat is not a subtle place to stay, but doesn’t that make things more fun? The one-bedroom charmer is a mere 15 minutes from Zion National Park and features its own porch, plus views of the river. The rental is a private suite in a bigger property, but the owners promise privacy so you’ll have lots of peace and quiet. The town of Virgin itself is great to explore, including the nearby trail heads and Kolob Reservoir.
5. Rusty Guest House near Zion National Park (Virgin, UT)
Sleeps: 5
This contemporary custom house is a bucket list rental near Zion, with the possibility to sleep up to five people in a private wing (the owner lives in the main part of the home). It has a kitchen, BBQ, outdoor space and, most importantly, views of the desert and mountains. Bryce, Grand Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Escalante Monument, Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek Reservoir and Zion National Park are all nearby, whether you want to go hiking, mountain biking or just explore Utah’s vast nature.
6. Zion Canyon Bed & Breakfast (Springdale, UT)
Sleeps: 2
Zion Canyon Bed & Breakfast, a charming family-owned spot nearly touching Zion National Park, offers four unique rooms, which are all bookable on Airbnb. There’s a two-course breakfast offered every morning so you’ll be fueled up to explore the park or just relax on one of the B&Bs balconies. Opt for Room Three, known as “Narrows,” which has high-end Southwestern décor and tons of amenities, or splurge on the massive “Master,” which has its own private porch.
7. Glamping Tents at Zion West (Leeds, UT)
Sleeps: 2
Located about 45 minutes from Zion National Park, this glamping tent is the way to go if you want to get closer to nature without giving up your creature comforts. It can be rented in all seasons, which means A/C in the summer and heat in the winter, and there’s even a fridge in the tent. The campsite includes communal bathrooms and showers, as well as a fire pit and BBQ area, and there are tons of places to sit outside with a book (or a beer) and take in the views. For those who don’t want to trek to Zion, Quail Creek State Park and Red Cliffs Recreation Area are both only a few miles away.
8. Cabin in Virgin River (Virgin, UT)
Sleeps: 7
Admire view of the Virgin River and Zion National Park from this secluded cabin, which has a cool and contemporary Western vibe. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, but the most important aspect is the massive porch, where you’ll want to start every day with a coffee and some scenery. The closest town, Hurricane, is 15 miles away, so you’re close enough to shops and restaurants for comfort but also far enough in nature to unwind and get away from it all.
9. Zion Chalet (Rockville, UT)
Sleeps: 16
Having a party or a special event? Consider heading to Rockville to stay in the chic Zion Chalet, a five-bedroom, four-bathroom estate. Found only ten minutes from Zion National Park, the house boasts incredible views of the park from all sides and there’s a lot to do onsite, from a hot tub to a game room. There’s even a home theater, which is perfect for cozy movie nights in (or even repeat viewings of Virgin River on Netflix). The house is also close to lots of hikes, as well as biking trails and ATV trails.
10. Mountain View Home near Zion (Springdale, UT)
Sleeps: 6
Rent a house in Springdale to get close to Zion, which hovers in the distance from all the windows. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is only four miles from Zion National Park – not that you need to go far to find something fun to do. There’s a gourmet kitchen, patio and, most importantly, A/C for those hot summer months. This one is more small town than it is nature, so you can imagine you’ve found yourself living in a quaint spot alongside the fictional Virgin River.
11. Renovated Vintage Trailer (La Verkin, UT)
Sleeps: 3
Bunk up in this renovated 1990 Fleetwood Wilderness trailer, which is parked far enough into the wild to feel off-the-grid (don’t worry, there’s a generator for electricity). It’s not far to Zion National Park and Quail Creek, and it’s the sort of place that’s best for those who like being out in nature. It’s a great place to see the night sky or to take a break from the fast pace of your daily life, and there are three beds, so it’s perfect for a family or group of friends.
12. Zion Cabin Retreat (Springdale, UT)
Sleeps: 6
Head to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, where discerning travelers will find this private cabin, which boasts insane views of Zion National Park. It’s got a stocked kitchen, great porch and everything you could need for a family getaway. The nearby resort is included in the nightly rate, so you can also enjoy tennis, volleyball and swimming, as well as lots of hiking and biking trails. The cabin doesn’t have WiFi or great cell signal, so make this a detox vacation and take a break from email for a few days.
RELATED: Road Trips During Covid: How to Do It, What You Need & Where to Stay Along the Way