Louisville, Kentucky Vacation Rentals
Explore 43 rental homes and villas in Louisville, Kentucky for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Air Condition Homes, Pet-Friendly Homes and Best Affordable Homes. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $63 per night with homes containing as many as 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
Types of vacation rentals in Louisville
Where to stay in Louisville
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Louisville Overview
Immerse yourself in the charm and vibrancy of Louisville, Kentucky, a city that harmoniously blends its rich history with a lively contemporary culture. At the heart of Louisville's fame is the Kentucky Derby, the prestigious horse race that transforms Churchill Downs into a spectacle of fashion and tradition each year. Beyond the thundering hooves and the iconic mint juleps, the Derby epitomizes Louisville's spirited community.
Experience the grandeur of the past as you stroll through Old Louisville, boasting one of the nation's most extensive collections of Victorian homes. These architectural gems set the stage for a neighborhood that whispers tales of yesteryear. Meanwhile, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory swings you into the city's love affair with baseball, offering a glimpse into America's favorite pastime.
Art and performance find a special home in Louisville. The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is a beacon for the arts, showcasing everything from the grace of ballet to the spectacle of Broadway. The 21c Museum Hotel further elevates the city's artistic landscape with its accessible contemporary art installations that invite reflection and conversation.
Nestled along the scenic Ohio River, Louisville's waterfront is a testament to its historical significance as a bustling shipping port. Today, it serves as a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities in the Olmsted-designed parks, where the legacy of the man who crafted Central Park lives on.
For those with a taste for the finer things, Louisville's bourbon heritage is unmatched. Traverse the Urban Bourbon Trail and savor the rich flavors of America's native spirit at local distilleries and bourbon-centric bars. The city's craft beer scene is also on the rise, offering a refreshing complement to the spirited bourbon culture.
Culinary adventurers will delight in Louisville's dining scene, from the legendary Hot Brown sandwich to the latest in farm-to-table innovation. The city's food landscape is as diverse as it is delicious, ensuring every palate is satisfied.
Music pulses through the veins of Louisville, a city that has nurtured talents like My Morning Jacket and remains a stronghold for bluegrass and indie rock. The Muhammad Ali Center stands as a tribute to the city's most famous son, while the Louisville Zoo offers an enchanting escape for wildlife enthusiasts.
For a truly unforgettable Louisville experience, consider the luxury of renting a private home, where you can revel in the comfort and privacy of your own space. Many of these homes are pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can join in the adventure. Select rentals even boast swimming pools, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploration.
Louisville's allure extends to its waterfront, where the Ohio River beckons with its serene beauty. Whether you're watching the sunset over the water or enjoying a riverside picnic, the riverfront is a highlight not to be missed.
In Louisville, every visit is a journey through a tapestry of experiences that cater to sports enthusiasts, history buffs, nature lovers, and gourmands alike. It's a city that invites you to indulge in its unique blend of tradition and modernity, all while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the South.
Cultural Attractions in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky is a vibrant hub of cultural experiences that will cater to your interests in arts, history, and local customs. The city's lively arts scene is a sensory delight, with a plethora of museums, art galleries, and live music venues.
Start your journey at the Speed Art Museum which boasts an impressive collection of approximately 13,000 pieces. These range from European and American art to contemporary works. For an immersive experience in contemporary art, the 21c Museum Hotel merges a boutique hotel with an art museum.
For history buffs, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a must-visit. Here you can delve into the history of baseball and witness how the renowned Louisville Slugger bats are crafted. The Frazier History Museum provides interactive exhibits focusing primarily on regional history.
Live music is thriving in Louisville. Enjoy performances at the Louisville Palace or venture to Fourth Street Live!, an entertainment district packed with bars and clubs hosting regular live music performances.
The city's cultural richness also extends to its culinary scene. While not specifically the birthplace of Bourbon whiskey - that honor goes to Kentucky more broadly - Louisville does have a strong bourbon heritage which you can explore on part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail within the city itself. The Urban Bourbon Trail comprises a network of bars and restaurants that celebrate this heritage.
Experience local customs during events like the annual Kentucky Derby Festival which includes one of America's most prestigious horse races - The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. This event is accompanied by two weeks full of concerts, parades and fireworks.
In essence, every corner turned in Louisville unveils a new piece of history or culture making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts like yourself.
Family friendly activities in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky is indeed an excellent choice for families with children. The city boasts a variety of attractions that are both entertaining and educational.
A visit to Louisville can begin at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, a place where children can delve into the history of baseball and witness the process of bat making. The museum also offers interactive exhibits that give children a chance to try their hand at batting.
Another must-visit is the Kentucky Science Center. This engaging museum promotes learning through interactive play with exhibits spanning health, biology, physics, and technology. It also houses a four-story digital theater showcasing educational films.
The Louisville Zoo is an attraction not to be missed. With over 1,100 animals from around the globe in naturalistic habitats, it's a great opportunity for kids to learn about wildlife. Key attractions include Gorilla Forest, Glacier Run, and the award-winning Islands exhibit.
For outdoor activities, Waterfront Park is ideal. This vast green space along the Ohio River features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths and even a splash park during summer months.
A ride on the Belle of Louisville adds a historic touch to your visit. This iconic steamboat offers scenic cruises along the Ohio River with breathtaking views of downtown Louisville.
As for dining options suitable for kids, Louisville doesn't disappoint either. Known for its Southern cuisine like fried chicken and barbecue dishes, it also has numerous kid-friendly restaurants offering pizza, burgers and ice cream.
In summary, whether your children are animal enthusiasts or aspiring scientists or simply enjoy outdoor play - they will find plenty to keep them engaged in Louisville.
Outdoor activities in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky is a city rich in natural beauty and outdoor activities that cater to your adventurous spirit. Situated on the Ohio River, the city's landscape is relatively flat with some hills in the vicinity, making it an ideal destination for both water and land-based activities.
The Louisville Waterfront Park, which lies along the Ohio River, provides breathtaking views of the water and serves as a wonderful spot for walking, biking, or simply unwinding. The park also organizes various events throughout the year including concerts and festivals.
For those who enjoy hiking, Jefferson Memorial Forest offers approximately 26 miles of trails through challenging terrain. It's also a great place for camping and fishing. The forest houses diverse wildlife and provides educational programs about local flora and fauna.
The Louisville Loop is a comprehensive 100-mile trail system that circles the city. It's ideal for biking or walking while appreciating views of parks, neighborhoods, and historic landmarks.
If you're fond of bird-watching or simply appreciate serene settings, Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve is worth visiting. This urban forest habitat hosts over 150 species of birds throughout the year.
For aquatic activities, consider visiting McNeely Lake Park where you can partake in fishing or boating on its expansive lake.
Lastly, make sure to explore Mammoth Cave National Park which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Louisville. As home to the world's longest known cave system with more than 400 miles explored so far, it presents unique spelunking opportunities as well as hiking trails above ground.
In summary, Louisville offers a variety of outdoor experiences from peaceful nature preserves to adventurous hiking trails that will undoubtedly satisfy your desire for nature exploration.
Weather in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons throughout the year.
The summer months, from June to August, are typically hot and humid with average high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. These months also experience the most rainfall, with frequent thunderstorms contributing to an annual precipitation of around 44 inches.
Winter in Louisville, from December to February, is relatively mild compared to many other U.S. cities. Average high temperatures are in the mid-40s Fahrenheit and lows can drop below freezing. Snowfall is not heavy but does occur occasionally.
Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and less humidity. Springtime, from March to May, sees temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit and is known for its beautiful blooming flowers throughout the city's parks and gardens. Fall, from September to November, offers a delightful display of changing foliage colors along with comfortable temperatures in the same range as spring.
The most popular time for visitors tends to be during spring and fall when weather conditions are most pleasant for outdoor activities such as exploring Louisville's many parks or attending its famous horse races. However, each season offers its own unique charm that contributes to Louisville's appeal as a travel destination.
Transportation in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, is a city that boasts a plethora of transportation choices for travelers. The majority of tourists reach the city via the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, conveniently situated a short distance south of the downtown area. This airport hosts several major airlines, facilitating easy connections to Louisville from different regions of the country.
For those who favor land travel, Louisville can be reached by bus and train as well. Greyhound offers bus services to and from numerous significant cities nationwide. Additionally, Amtrak's Cardinal line has stops in Louisville thrice weekly, providing rail connections to Chicago and New York City.
Upon arrival in Louisville, there are multiple ways to navigate the city. The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) runs an extensive network of bus routes covering most parts of the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also easily accessible.
For individuals who enjoy driving themselves around, car rentals can be found at the airport and throughout the city. It should be noted that finding parking during peak hours in certain downtown areas can be somewhat challenging.
Louisville is also friendly towards cyclists with its LouVelo bike share program which provides over 300 bikes at 35 stations across the city for short-term rental.
Regarding walkability, downtown Louisville is very pedestrian-friendly with attractions like the Muhammad Ali Center, Kentucky Science Center, and Frazier History Museum all within walking distance from each other. However, for visiting attractions located further away like Churchill Downs or Mega Caverns, some form of transportation will be required.
In summary, whether you're flying or traveling by land or looking to explore by bus, car or on foot; Louisville provides a variety of options that cater to every traveler's preferences.