Lawrence, Kansas, is a lively college town located along the Kansas River, known for its rich history, indie music scene, and progressive spirit. Home to the University of Kansas, the city blends academic life with Midwestern friendliness and cultural flair. Vacation rentals in Lawrence range from downtown lofts and student-area apartments to quiet Airbnbs near trails and gardens. Whether you're visiting for a game day, an art crawl, or a peaceful weekend, Lawrence offers something unique in every season.
Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Lawrence
Lawrence offers a blend of open-minded culture and historic character, all rooted in its artistic and academic community. Guests can explore Civil War landmarks, shop local boutiques, or hear live music on Massachusetts Street. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a strong sense of community. It’s an inviting place where ideas and traditions meet.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence / Massachusetts Street
Downtown Lawrence, centered around Massachusetts Street, is the city’s most vibrant area filled with indie shops, restaurants, and music venues. Rentals in Lawrence include modern lofts, cozy apartments, and stylish Airbnbs above cafés or bookstores. Guests can walk to live shows, grab a pint, or browse record stores.
Old West Lawrence
Historic and charming, Old West Lawrence features tree-lined streets, 19th-century architecture, and a peaceful residential vibe. Vacation rentals in Old West Lawrence include heritage homes, well-preserved cottages, and family Airbnbs near local parks. The neighborhood is walkable and close to both downtown and the riverfront.
University of Kansas Campus Area
Near the KU campus, this area is youthful, energetic, and full of student-friendly spots like coffee shops and pizza joints. Rentals include budget apartments, shared homes, and private Airbnbs for families visiting students. Guests can walk to Allen Fieldhouse, the Spencer Museum of Art, and lush campus trails.
East Lawrence / Warehouse Arts District
The East Lawrence neighborhood is creative and eclectic, centered around the Warehouse Arts District with galleries, studios, and cultural events. Airbnbs range from converted industrial spaces to art-filled bungalows with modern flair. The area is walkable, community-focused, and full of surprises.
Barker and Brook Creek Neighborhoods
Located southeast of downtown, Barker and Brook Creek are quiet neighborhoods with green spaces, trails, and an eco-conscious attitude. Guests can rent cozy homes, sustainable Airbnbs, and pet-friendly stays with backyard gardens. The area is close to local bakeries and farmers markets.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Lawrence
Massachusetts Street (Mass Street)
Mass Street is the heart of Lawrence’s downtown, lined with unique shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Visitors can catch a band at The Bottleneck, browse indie bookstores, or sip cocktails at rooftop bars. The area is always lively and full of local flavor.
Spencer Museum of Art
Located on the KU campus, the Spencer Museum of Art features over 45,000 pieces spanning cultures and centuries. Guests can explore rotating exhibitions, student-curated shows, and art talks throughout the year. Admission is free, and the building is sleek and modern.
University of Kansas Natural History Museum
This museum showcases dinosaur fossils, taxidermy exhibits, and Kansas-focused ecological displays in a stunning historic building. Visitors can see the famous Mosasaur skeleton or attend a science workshop. The museum blends research and public education.
Clinton State Park
Just west of the city, Clinton State Park offers hiking, boating, fishing, and panoramic lake views year-round. Guests can rent kayaks, camp in scenic spots, or walk trails through prairie and forest. The park is clean and spacious with lots of amenities.
Watkins Museum of History
Housed in a beautiful 19th-century bank building, the Watkins Museum explores the social and political history of Lawrence and Douglas County. Guests can tour permanent and rotating exhibits covering abolitionism, early commerce, and modern movements. The museum provides thoughtful context to the town’s identity.
South Park
A centrally located green space, South Park hosts public concerts, art fairs, and family picnics beneath tall shade trees. Visitors can stroll its walking paths, visit the historic gazebo, or simply relax in the sunshine. The park is accessible and full of community spirit.
Lawrence Public Library
Modern and vibrant, the Lawrence Public Library features bold architecture, reading nooks, tech centers, and frequent community events. Guests can attend author talks, art displays, and film nights throughout the year. The space encourages creativity and inclusion.
The Lied Center of Kansas
As the city’s major performing arts venue, the Lied Center hosts concerts, plays, and dance performances from national and international artists. Visitors can enjoy Broadway shows, symphonies, and student-led productions. The venue is polished, comfortable, and welcoming.
Where to find a vacation rental near Lawrence
Kansas City, Missouri
Just 45 minutes east, Kansas City is in the document and brims with jazz clubs, mural-covered districts, and smoky barbecue joints. Booking a vacation rental in Kansas City gives you prime access to Union Station, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the bustling Crossroads neighborhood. The city’s energy and flavor add urban depth to a Lawrence retreat.
Topeka, Kansas
About 30 minutes west, Topeka is listed in the document and features the grand Kansas State Capitol, family-friendly museums, and meaningful civil rights landmarks. Staying in a house in Topeka lets guests explore local markets, trails, and historic sites with ease. Topeka’s blend of heritage and hospitality creates a thoughtful companion to Lawrence’s academic spirit.
Manhattan, Kansas
Roughly 90 minutes west, Manhattan is in the document and thrives with college-town vibrance, Konza Prairie hikes, and Aggieville nightlife. A vacation home in Manhattan places you close to campus culture and natural escapes. The city’s scenic bluffs and youthful rhythm pair well with Lawrence’s intellectual charm.
Emporia, Kansas
Just over an hour south, Emporia is featured in the document and celebrated for its literary legacy, rolling Flint Hills, and disc golf courses. Choosing an airbnb in Emporia offers a laid-back stay near bookshops, trails, and coffee spots. Emporia’s small-town calm and cultural undercurrents add balance to your itinerary.
Baldwin City, Kansas
Only 20 minutes south, Baldwin City is not in the document but enchants with Baker University, antique storefronts, and seasonal festivals. Guests who book a house in Baldwin City enjoy Victorian-era charm and easy countryside drives. This quiet, collegiate town brings a slower, scenic pace to complement your time in Lawrence.
Explore bustling cities and cultural landmarks throughout the United States.
Dive into vibrant city life and adventurous urban experiences that the United States has to offer. As Lawrence teems with dynamic arts scenes and historical places like the Watkins Museum of History, consider extending your exploration with Laramie vacation stays, where Western culture blends with the thriving atmosphere of downtown Laramie. Over in the Midwest, an airbnb in Evansville allows you to revel in the storied walkways of the city's riverfront, while vacation rentals in Charleston West Virginia promise an enriching journey through its Appalachian heritage and vibrant marinas.
Lawrence isn't just a place; it's a gateway to America’s storied past and cultural tapestry. Immerse yourself in this narrative by exploring other notable regions. In the Midwest, an airbnb in Green Bay offers a front-row seat to the hometown fervor of the Packers and historic neighborhoods. Meanwhile, places to stay in Staten Island invite you to marvel at New York Harbor's breathtaking views and cultural tapestry. For a blend of historical significance and southern hospitality, North Carolina airbnb provides a canvas of Civil War trails and the Appalachian foothills, fulfilling both vibrant cultural pursuits and serene escapes.
