Escaping to a beach house is as much part of summer vacations as eating ice cream and watching fireworks. Thanks to Airbnb, other people’s real estate is easily accessible for your summer getaway needs even if you’re not lucky enough to own one (or have a family member with one).
But if you haven’t yet booked your summer 2021 beach getaway, you’ll need to act fast. As vaccination rates rise in the United States, it’s getting more difficult to find vacation rentals in American beach towns with any availability this summer. Thankfully, you can still snag a week in June, a weekend in July, or even the full month of August at these Airbnb beach houses . . . for now.
Backyard Oasis in Montauk
- Location: Montauk, New York
- Sleeps: 6
- Book Now: From $842 per night, airbnb.com
With room for six guests across three bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for families and friends to spread out at this bright, modern house on the northern end of Montauk. Located about a five-minute walk from Culloden Beach and a five-minute drive into town, you’re never far from anything. But the backyard—complete with a pool and deck area—provides an oasis from the rest of the world if you’d like to stay in for a day or two. This spot is best for long-term rentals. There is a minimum 7-night stay for this Airbnb that increases to 14 nights in May and June and 30 nights in July and August.
>> Find more beach houses in Montauk on Airbnb
Interiors at this Newport cottage have recently been remodeled—but we doubt you will spend much time indoors, anyway
Photo courtesy Airbnb
Oceanfront Cottage
- Location: Newport, Oregon
- Sleeps: 2
- Book Now: From $253 per night, airbnb.com
This one-bedroom cottage is set on a quiet beach in Newport, one of the most naturally beautiful stretches of the Oregon Coast. (According to Portland Monthly, the sand at nearby South Beach State Park is “pillow soft.”) Each room has ocean and sunset views, plus a deck facing the water also gets prime sunlight. Inside, you’ll find a walk-in glass and tile shower, open-plan kitchen with soapstone countertops and new appliances, and a dangerously soft queen-sized bed with comforters of varying thickness.
>> Find more Oregon coast Airbnb recommendations from AFAR editors
Poseidon by AvantStay
- Location: Folly Beach, South Carolina
- Sleeps: 12
- Book Now: From $918 per night, airbnb.com
While golfers may head to the exclusive shores of Kiawah Island, Folly Beach is a casual alternative popular with Charleston’s surfing community. With room for a group of 12 to spread out across five bedrooms, this beach house is owned and operated by AvantStay, a relative newcomer to the vacation rental world that custom designs each property for travelers. Located right on the beach, the house features two ocean-facing balconies so you can sip your morning coffee in one of the lower deck’s Adirondack chairs before heading down to the sand. Once the sun goes down, take a soak in the upper deck’s hot tub.
>> Find more Folly Beach, SC beach houses on Airbnb
This one-bedroom Airbnb Plus is just four houses away from the beach.
Courtesy of Airbnb
The Rockaway House
- Location: San Diego, California
- Sleeps: 4
- Book Now: From $192 per night, airbnb.com
Booking a family beach trip to California? This one-bedroom Airbnb Plus is kitted out with a full kitchen, travel crib, high chair, beach gear, and games for all ages—without sacrificing style. Situated just four houses from the boardwalk, this Airbnb is also located within walking distance from the shops and restaurants in the laid-back neighborhood of Mission Beach. If you do need to drive, there is also free parking included right on the premises—a rarity in the neighborhood.
>> Find more San Diego Airbnb recommendations from AFAR editors
You’ll be tempted to move into this Airbnb permanently.
Courtesy of Airbnb
Maui Beach Cottage
- Location: Kihei, Hawaii
- Sleeps: 2
- Book Now: From $461 per night, airbnb.com
Located in the heart of Kihei on Maui’s western coast, this charming one-bedroom Airbnb Plus is just a five-minute drive from the beach and waterfront at Kalama Park as well as shops and restaurants along the main road. The airy space feels like a home away from home with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a memory foam mattress. The highlight, though, is the palm-tree filled backyard with its saltwater hot tub, outdoor shower, and covered lanai.
>> Find more Hawaii Airbnb recommendations from AFAR editors
With room for 14, this Destin beach house has plenty of room for large groups to spread out.
Courtesy of Airbnb
Zula Beach House
- Location: Destin, Florida
- Sleeps: 16
- Book Now: From $550 per night, airbnb.com
One of the most wish-listed coastal properties on Airbnb, this house is a three-minute stroll from the white-sand beaches and emerald green waters of Destin, a family-friendly town on the Florida panhandle. Great for large families or groups of friends traveling together, it can accommodate up to 16 visitors with eight beds across three bedrooms. Between the large front deck and expansive backyard, you’ll have plenty of space to relax outdoors around a firepit or ping-pong table once you return from a day at the beach.
>> Find more beach houses in Destin, FL on Airbnb
Whether you’re going solo or booking a group beach trip, this cottage has two units you can book separately or together.
Courtesy of Airbnb
Splash Landing Getaway
- Location: Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Sleeps: 2
- Book Now: From $249 per night, airbnb.com
A little over an hour’s drive northeast of Boston, this cozy beach house with a full-size kitchen and large deck facing the water is set on a private beach outside the town of Gloucester. With one bedroom, this space is better for couples traveling alone. While this one is booked through August 2021, the hosts rent out another one-bedroom unit in the same cottage with its own private entrance that still has some available dates this summer.
This story was originally published on May 13, 2019; it was updated on May 7, 2021, to include current information.
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