Start Planning Your Summer Vacation at These 9 Waterfront Airbnbs

If you’re looking for a little history to accompany your waterfront stay, look no further than the Cove Point Lighthouse. This rental is the oldest lighthouse in Maryland, dating back to 1828, and the fifth oldest lighthouse to overlook the Chesapeake Bay. While the location is historic, this rental is anything but dated. The Keeper’s House is updated with modern amenities and beautifully sunlit rooms. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing along the bay or reading window-side—this retreat is about relaxation. This rental can house up to 16 guests, making it perfect for families looking to reunite post-COVID.

Why stay by the water when you can stay on the water? This houseboat in Charleston that has been on Tiny House Hunters is perfect for couples or small families who aren’t prone to motion sickness. This small house on the water is, of course, nautical-themed, the ocean blues perfectly matching the surroundings. Not only do you get to enjoy the water, you can use the rental’s bikes to explore the land. The historic center of downtown Charleston is a nice two-mile walk (or ride) away.

And while this rental might not have graced HGTV (yet), that doesn’t mean it is anything less than extraordinary. On the other side of the country, you have this quaint, one-bedroom lakehouse situated on Lake Havasu. While the inside is perfectly comfy, what makes this rental so remarkable is the outdoor space. Head out your door to enjoy an afternoon overlooking the lake from the comfort of your outdoor couch, or take the five steps down to the lake for a quick swim. Additionally, if you’re wanting a little site-seeing, this property is an easy three-mile trip to the famous London Bridge.

While we understand that a yurt might not be for everyone, it is perfect for those wanting something simple, relaxing, and, in the case of this rental, an easy 10-minute walk from the water (where you’ll likely spend most of your time). Overlooking the Devil’s Punchbowl Beach, surfers can enjoy the waves while those who just need a breath of fresh air can sit beachside and whale watch. This home comes equipped with a full kitchen, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Start the morning on the deck with a sweet treat from Cliffside Coffee & Sweets and end the night in that same spot with a glass of wine from the local Flying Dutchman Winery.

When we say waterfront, staying in a train car might not be what comes to mind (but that doesn’t mean this experience should be passed up). For those wanting something a bit more unique this summer, there is no place better than the Sarkisian Ranch. Here, your vacation home is a converted caboose mere steps from the water. Fish and swim on site or venture from your home for nearby hiking.

This cabin, sitting right at the edge of Skagit Bay, is the perfect place to unwind after the year we’ve had. Away from the crowds and far from the vacation cities finally getting back on their feet, this rental is the perfect introduction back into traveling for those who now lean agoraphobic. This stay comes with an outdoor BBQ so you can grill while you watch the sunset over the water, and has views of Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains. And if you find yourself itching for a cup of local coffee or wanting to window shop, the town of La Conner is an easy 10-minute drive away.

If the waters of Florida—reliably warm in the summer—are more your speed, there are few places better than the Pink Seahorse home. While the obvious draw is its location practically on-top of the Atlantic Ocean, the home being an A-frame style with an updated and cool interior is an excellent bonus. Enjoy coffee on the porch as you watch the waves roll in, afternoons spent on the beach, and nights in the living room (maybe healing from a little too much UV) with the windows open and the ocean sounds rushing in. And if you get tired of the beach (is that possible?), this property is a short two miles from the Guana River Preserve, which has opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding, as well as being just a 15-minute drive to historic downtown St. Augustine.

Why choose between water and land when you can have it all? “Luxury Treehouse” reads like an oxymoron, until you see this rental. The balcony from your room among the trees gives you a view you didn’t know was achievable for under a grand a night, and the modern yet charming interior grants you the perfect place to relax after a day in the sun (and did we mention the jacuzzi?). And if after spending a few days among the trees and water you need a moment of downtown life, this stay is only 15 minutes from downtown Kona. 

For those wanting a little more traditional ocean-front day—the one where you grab a beach chair, summer read, and SPF to settle down for a day in the sand and sun—a stay at this charming Airbnb might be just what you need. This one-bedroom apartment is situated right on the water–something often hard to come by in Southern California–and gives guests direct access to the beach. So if sharing the white sands of a Santa Monica beach with a bunch of other beach-goers after a year-plus pandemic isn’t the vibe you’re going for, a stay at this private Malibu apartment and beach might give you the confidence you need to re-enter the world (and soak up some much-needed sun).