Our Locations in the Mountain Pines of Arizona or the Beaches of Costa Rica
Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals gathers intimate escapes for those drawn to gentle rhythms and quiet beauty in the mountain pines or on the beaches. In Arizona, classic cabins invite slow mornings on wooden porches beneath tall pines. Each Costa Rican retreat is moments from the sands of Jacó and Herradura beaches—places where mornings begin with birdsong and afternoons linger by the sea. From Costa Rica’s lush Herradura gardens or sandy beaches in Jaco, to the tranquil pine forests of Pinetop-Lakeside. Across every property, thoughtful comforts and peaceful gathering spaces set the tone for unhurried days, whether you’re seeking ocean breezes on the beach or the hush of mountain air through the pines.
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Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals brings together tranquil corners of Pinetop, Arizona and the lush coast of Costa Rica, creating a tapestry of settings for those drawn to quiet beauty. Here, classic cabins sit beneath tall pines, and garden cabinas rest near the sea, each place shaped by its landscape and the gentle pace it inspires. Across every retreat, mornings arrive softly—through filtered light in the forest or birdsong by the shore—setting the tone for unhurried, restorative stays.
Thoughtful Support From Booking to Checkout
At Pines & Beaches, every stay is unique to you—tropical gardens in Herradura, vibrant surf and nights in Jaco Beach, or tranquil porches in Pinetop-Lakeside, and gathering spaces designed for ease. Our homes are near the sand or set among tall whispering pines, each one ready for unhurried days and restful nights. Let simple pleasures and attentive details welcome you, wherever you land.
Guest Stories
Travel Guides, Local Tips & Guest Stories
From hiking trails in Pinetop-Lakeside to the best beaches in Costa Rica, we write about the places our guests love and the things worth knowing before you arrive.
From the pine forests of Arizona to Costa Rica’s vibrant shores, our blog gathers stories and guides inspired by the landscapes our homes call home. Here you’ll find thoughtful notes on local trails, quiet beaches, and the gentle rhythms that shape every stay at Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals.
Why the White Mountains Are Worth the Drive from Phoenix or Tucson
By Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals · November 4, 2026
Most Arizonans know the White Mountains exist. Fewer actually go. That's a shame, because the drive from Phoenix is about three and a half hours, Tucson is closer to four, and what you find when you get there feels nothing like the desert you left behind.
Pinetop sits at 7,000 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, surrounded by one of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forests in the country. The air is cooler, the light is different, and the pace slows down in a way that's hard to manufacture anywhere closer to the city.
Every season has a reason to go
Summer is the obvious one. When Phoenix is pushing 110°F, Pinetop is in the low 80s. Locals have known this for decades, which is why the area fills up in July and August. But the shoulder seasons are just as good, and far quieter.
Spring brings wildflowers along the forest trails and good fishing on the lakes before the summer crowds arrive. Fall turns the aspens gold around mid-October. The drive up Highway 260 through the Salt River Canyon alone is worth the trip. Winter brings real snow, sledding at Sunrise Park Resort, and the particular pleasure of a fireplace in a cabin when it's cold outside and you have nowhere to be.
What to do once you're there
The Mogollon Rim runs along the northern edge of the region and has some of the best hiking in the state. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail is flat and easy with long views over the canyon. If you want something more demanding, the Bear Canyon Lake Trail drops into the forest and ends at a quiet lake good for fishing or just sitting.
In town, the Pinetop-Lakeside area has enough restaurants, coffee shops, and small grocery stores to keep you comfortable without feeling like a resort. The White Mountain Nature Center runs guided hikes and wildlife programs if you're traveling with kids.
In winter, Sunrise Park Resort is about 45 minutes east and has three mountains of skiing and snowboarding. It's smaller than a Colorado resort, but the crowds are smaller too, and lift tickets cost a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere.
Where to stay in Pinetop
We have four properties in Pinetop, ranging from a two-bedroom lakeside cottage to a five-bedroom compound that sleeps 14. All of them are in the trees, and all of them are a short drive from the trails, the lakes, and the ski mountain.
Cozy Cottage Lakeside — 2 bed, 2 bath, sleeps 6. Right on the lake, good for a couple or a small family.
Cozy Cub Log Cabin — 2 bed, 1 bath, sleeps 5. A proper log cabin in the trees with a wood-burning fireplace.
Hillside Hangout — 3 bed, 2 bath, sleeps 8. A newer build with a big deck and a fire-pit table that faces the sunset.
Hillside Hangout and Cozy Cottage — 5 bed, 4 bath, sleeps 14. Book both properties together for a large group or a multi-family trip. Weekends in summer and fall book out early. Browse all four on our Pinetop-Lakeside page and check availability before you plan.
White MountainsPinetop-LakesideArizonatravelvacation rentalsoutdoorshikingskiing
By Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals · November 4, 2026