Hosts of short-term rental properties tend to overlook backyard spaces. Yet more and more travelers are seeking out unique and inviting outdoor areas to escape, relax, and breathe in some fresh air. For hosts, considering cool and inviting backyard Airbnb ideas is an opportunity. Our blog post will walk you through some actionable Airbnb backyard ideas you can start planning out today. With a little bit of effective marketing and a whole lot of heart, this guide will help you create the backyard oasis of your short-term rental dreams.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Let’s understand your space

Before you start digging, you want to take a mental inventory of your space. First, consider the actual amount of workable space that you have and how you can best use it. Consider the natural features you already have on hand. For example, do you have a lot of trees for natural shade? Or perhaps you have a great view that you can maximize with patio furniture. Speaking of natural features, keep in mind that there are some potential hazards, such as loose gravel, dark areas where you might not see a place you could trip, etc

Safety first

When building an outdoor area, you want to make sure you are considering some key safety items. Consider your climate with your outdoor furniture. Are you in a particularly windy or stormy area? Be sure that whatever furniture you choose won’t tip over in windy conditions. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure you have the area well-lit to minimize tripping hazards and consider child safety measures such as fencing around water features like a pool.

Local regulations and permits

Additionally, some local jurisdictions may require specific permits for amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or other outdoor structures. Always check in with your local government to make sure you’re staying compliant before taking on any new projects or making upgrades.

Creative backyard Airbnb ideas

Now that we’ve covered the knitty-gritty, let’s explore the fun part of actually designing the backyard space of your short-term rental.

1. Outdoor dining area

An outdoor dining area is one of the simplest additions to the backyard. Invest in some string lights, perhaps an outdoor heater, and sturdy outdoor furniture. Depending on the climate, an outdoor fan may be a good touch.

2. Fire pit or fireplace

Nothing beats gathering around the fire, roasting s’mores after a long day exploring (or simply relaxing!). There are a variety of fire pit options available, from big, giant proper outdoor fireplaces to simple moveable outdoor firepits. Have s’mores supplies on hand as a bonus!

3. Eco-friendly additions

Sustainability is a priority for today’s travelers. Consider features like a composting station, solar-powered lighting, or a small herb garden that your guests can use in their cooking.

4. Hot tub or outdoor shower

Adding a hot tub can elevate your property from basic to luxurious. For a smaller-scale option, an outdoor shower is another unique feature perfect for remote and warm-weather destinations.

5. Outdoor games

Another crowd-pleaser is some outdoor games. Maybe it’s cornhole, giant Jenga, or bocce. Whatever it may be, its a fun way to keep people hanging out outside.

6. Lounge area

Create a cozy area with bean bags, hammocks, or weather-resistant outdoor sofas. This setup screams relaxation and will surely win over guests looking to recharge.

7. Unique themes

Make your backyard unforgettable by designing it with a specific theme. For example, a tropical paradise with tiki torches or a rustic vibe with vintage furniture and wildflowers.

8. A pool

Let’s face it: a pool is a crowd-pleaser. Whether in-ground or above-ground, folks love a pool. Have some inflatables, sun chairs, and beach towels on hand.

How to design your backyard for year-round success

The true key to a successful backyard is creating one that works year-round. If your property is in a warmer climate, this is often a little easier. But for those who experience seasons, there is a way to make amenities for both the chillier and hotter months. For example, have an outdoor sauna that is still cozy during the winter months. Consider adding fuzzy blankets and outdoor heaters to the seating area. For summer, have some type of shade. Perhaps that’s pergolas, awnings, large umbrellas, etc. Think “how can I maximize outdoor time for my guests?” when making these decisions.

How to market your backyard

Your backyard may be phenomenal. But that doesn’t matter if you have bad marketing. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure you get eyes on your listing:

• Take great photos. Not a photographer? If listing on Airbnb, hire an affordable photographer from the Airbnb Pro Photography program.
• You need to choose your words wisely when writing your listing description. Get creative and paint a picture, don’t just say “Backyard available.” Think along the lines of “Chill out at our relaxing outdoor oasis with a pool and dining under the stars.”
• Encourage guests to leave positive reviews after check-out. With Host Tools, you can automate reminders to guests to ask them to leave a nice review after check-out.

Pro tip

Managing a short-term rental can feel overwhelming. However, when you integrate your listings with Host Tools, we save you up to 80% of your time. No more tedious day-to-day tasks. Instead, our features like automated messaging, smart lock integration, cleaning management, and more, handle the everyday tasks so you can open up your schedule to working on the big picture.

Final thoughts

A thoughtfully designed backyard can truly elevate your listing and make it stand out to potential guests scrolling for a short-term rental. From curating a dining under the stars experience to a cozy outdoor hot tub, these are the types of experiences that guests love and will keep returning to. Use our guide as a starting point and get creative!

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!