Iowa City vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Iowa City
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
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Popular amenities for Iowa City vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Iowa City
Home in Cedar Rapids
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 43 reviewsCozy 2-Bedroom home on the edge of town.
Cabin in West Branch
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviewsLarge Cabin on a Vineyard with game room/bar
Rental unit in Iowa City
4.75 out of 5 average rating, 40 reviewsSpacious 2 bedroom, near UIHC and kinnick.
Home in Cedar Rapids
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviewsStadium House - Next to Kernels/Roughriders Arena
Farm stay in Amana
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviewsAmana Country Getaway
Rental unit in Marion
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviewsThe Irish Hill - Uptown Marion, Big yard for pets!
Home in North English
5 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviewsCountry Getaway
Home in Kalona
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviewsKalona*Near Hospital and Kinnick*Free WiFi*Garage
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Iowa City
Total rentals
310 properties
Total number of reviews
12K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
180 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
70 properties allow pets
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
150 properties have a dedicated workspace
Wifi availability
300 properties include access to wifi
Your guide to Iowa City
All About Iowa City
A picturesque university town with a meandering river that cuts through the center of town, Iowa City is characterized by red-brick buildings, historic remnants of its past as the state capital, and a renowned love of literature.
Among its literary and cultural attractions are the magnificent three-story Prairie Lights Books & Cafe and the 1915 Englert Theatre, one of Iowa City’s last historic theatres, where you not only go to see a show but also to step back in time to the 1920s. There is even a diner here that dates back to 1935, and its walls are lined with newspaper clippings of all the dignitaries that have visited this bustling university town. Iowa City’s pedestrian-friendly downtown streets are lined with boutiques, mom-and-pop restaurants, and college bars. Just across the Iowa River, you’ll find the Old Capitol Building located on the beautiful University of Iowa campus.
There are plenty of options for outdoor activities around town, including kayaking or paddleboarding on Sand Lake or hiking in the 180-acre Hickory Hill Park, which you reach by crossing through a 19th-century cemetery. If you want to go a bit further afield, the Maquoketa Caves State Park, a 90-minute drive northwest, features the 1,000-foot-tall Dancehall Cave along with several other caverns open to the public.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Iowa City
As a busy college town, Iowa City is full of activities all year round, making any season a great time for an Iowa City vacation rental. The summer days are hot and sunny, yet the humidity is far from oppressive, making the prospect of spending the day on the water at the Coralville Reservoir or exploring one of the nearby hiking trails especially appealing. The city also hosts its Jazz Fest and Taste of Iowa City festivals in the summer. During the fall, the city is buzzing with life as students begin their new academic year, and the beautiful University of Iowa campus is framed in fall foliage. Students rush home for the winter holidays, making this a quiet time to wander the city streets. When the snow falls, head to Sugar Bottom State Park, where you can go cross-country skiing.
Top things to do in Iowa City
The Devonian Fossil Gorge
If you have ever wanted to see the 375 million-year-old fossilized remains of the ocean floor, this is the place to do it. The gorge, located just off the banks of the Iowa River of today, was found almost by accident after a devastating 1993 flood washed away the surrounding earth and limestone. Now, you can find a diverse array of fossils showcasing all the little critters that lived there even before the dinosaurs.
University of Iowa Campus
The picturesque campus of the University of Iowa, founded in 1847, stretches across more than 1,700 acres. Visitors are welcome to wander around the expansive grounds and along the adjacent Iowa River Trail. Within the campus, you will find the Iowa Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History, as well as the Old Capitol Building, which served as the home of Iowa’s first government in the mid-19th century. It is now a museum where you can tour an old Supreme Court chamber.
Coralville Reservoir
Located just a 15-minute drive from Iowa City, this enormous reservoir was originally built for flood control and is now a popular recreation spot. When the weather is nice, you can go swimming, fishing, or boating along this tranquil lake or head into the nearby parkland to go hiking or mountain biking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Iowa City?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 150 vacation rentals in Iowa City featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Iowa City?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Iowa City. Choose from more than 70 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Where should I stay in Iowa City?
Make yourself at home in Iowa City by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 160 vacation rentals in Miller-Orchard, and over 330 vacation rentals in Longfellow.
Are there family-friendly vacation rentals in Iowa City?
Iowa City has more than 180 family-friendly stays. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
How much does it cost to stay in condo rentals in Iowa City?
Experience the best of Iowa City with our condo rentals, starting at about $20 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do apartment rentals in Iowa City have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 60 apartment rentals with wifi in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Iowa City have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 30 house rentals with a bbq area in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do townhouse rentals in Iowa City have air conditioning?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 townhouse rentals with air conditioning in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Iowa City have a gym?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 house rentals with a gym in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Iowa City?
Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 160 homes with air conditioning, over 10 homes with a gym, over 160 homes with wifi, over 30 homes with a bbq area, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.
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