The waning days of summer in the South mean balmy afternoons, subtle color changes in nature, and the building anticipation of all the fun of fall. Late blooming flowers give us a final show of their colors as the days grow shorter and early evenings glow with their golden light. This is the perfect time for end-of-summer retreats in Alabama to take advantage of all those visuals – and slightly more comfortable weather.

With that in mind, we've rounded up five Alabama Airbnb vacation rentals throughout the state that cover a range of territory and preferences. We bet you'll find one that floats your boat if you're looking for a sweet solo escape, a romantic couple's retreat, or gathering the gang for one last big summer pool party and barbecue.

1. Cedar Brook Farm in Hollywood, Alabama

Planning a large group get-together that spares no luxury? Located in Northeast Alabama, this 135-acre family estate sleeps up to 21 guests with ease. You may want to spend most of your time outdoors around the large pool, sunning areas, fire pit, and covered outdoor kitchen. As you make your way to the indoor spaces, be sure to explore the more than 2,000 square feet of covered porches. And yes, of course there's a hot tub!

Inside, this spacious, handsomely appointed home has five bedrooms. There are two primary suites (one accessible), two junior suites, and a large, third-floor space that sleeps 10. (Hello, multi-family vaca where the kids can have a slumber party upstairs!) You will also have your run of a chef's kitchen and plenty of space to relax on large comfortable furnishings in the living spaces. While this property is very private, you're only five minutes to Lake Guntersville and about 10 minutes to local shops.

2. Luxury Lake Home in Sheffield, Alabama

Escape to sweeping overlooks of Wilson Lake in Northwest Alabama at this spacious, four-bedroom home that accommodates up to eight guests. Watch sunsets and passing boats on the water from one of the four decks, then retreat downstairs to the basement game room to wind down for the evening.

The comfortable interiors bring in a lot of light and nature, with summery scenes and colors playing out in the home's decor. It's an ideal retreat to get away from it all and yet you can easily take your pick of golf, boating, sightseeing, dining and shopping nearby. The home is close to The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals, Colbert Alloys boat ramp, and lively towns including Muscle Shoals and Florence.

3. Treehouse on Lake Martin in Coosa County, Alabama

This colorful and cozy treehouse in East Central Alabama is just right for couples or small families with its quirky, fun decor and lovely wooded lakeside views. Swing in a hammock or sunbathe on the wrap-around patio, fire up the outdoor grill, and take a short, leisurely walk just steps down to the sandy lake beach.

This sweet retreat accommodates up to four guests total, with a king bed and queen bed upstairs and a single sleeper on the first floor. Beside the sunny living room packed with games and bright colors, the first floor also has a full kitchen as well as a bathroom with a modern, marble shower. Your pets are allowed with permission and as long as you keep them downstairs.

4. Shepherd's Retreat in Montevallo, Alabama

Gather four or five of your favorites and head to this pastoral retreat with a fabulous pool in Central Alabama. Located just down the road from Birmingham in Montevallo, this property covers 32 gently rolling acres that include a main house, guest house, live-edge pool, two ponds, and a pasture. The retreat accommodates up to six guests in the main house and three more in the guest house, which is a separate vacation rental property operated by the same hosts. Relax on the porches, chat around the fire pit, listen for the gentle hoot of owls, and watch for hawks soaring across the skies. Later in the evening, watch the stars put on a real show.

Besides wild critters like turkey and deer, you can also visit with the farm's donkeys and sweet sheep, if you like. The property has a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable furnishings indoors and out, making it an ideal spot for larger groups. While quiet and feeling secluded, it's so easy to get to in just a 5-minute drive from Interstate 65.

5. Bayfront Cottage in Daphne, Alabama

While this raised cottage overlooking Mobile Bay may not look very big from the front, it's a full 1,650 square feet of thoughtfully and tastefully decorated spaces. A guest favorite is the screened porch that runs the length of the home on the side facing the bay. It's fully furnished with a bed swing, large dining table, and lounge chairs, just in case that view keeps you outdoors more so than not.

It's not a view you'd want to leave too soon. When you must spend time indoors, the home has everything you need: a well-equipped kitchen, two en-suite bathrooms, and plenty of space to sleep as many as six guests. If you want a closer look at the water (you will), a path leads you just steps to the beach where you can lounge a while in provided chairs. If you're up for some shopping and great food, Fairhope and Mobile aren't far away and have plenty of both.

Feeling inspired yet to squeeze the best memories out of those last hours of sunlight? We hope you'll consider one of these excellent Airbnbs for your end-of-summer retreat in Alabama. Let us know where you go!