Stay On The Water In These Jaw-Dropping Accommodations Across America

There’s something about being near the water that’s so perfectly peaceful. The tranquility and peace of a beautiful lake, resplendent river, or endless ocean prompts a sense of awe and wonder and calms a busy mind. And whether you’re by the coast or smack in the center of a landlocked state, opportunities to stay on – not simply “by” – the water abound in this beautiful country of ours. So pack a bag and get ready for some soul-soothing rest and relaxation when you stay on the water in the U.S. at these jaw-dropping accommodations.

Oceanfront Accommodations In The U.S.

If there’s one thing we can all likely agree on, it’s that there are few experiences more magical than life on the beach. Dig your toes into the sand and let the sound of ocean waves relax your spirit by lodging at one of these luxurious and beautiful oceanfront homes.

Management / VRBO

• Address: Capistrano Beach, California 92624
• Standout Amenity: Walkout deck that leads right onto the beach

You can almost feel the warmth of this beautiful Oceanfront Home on the Pacific Coast of California. Capistrano Beach is a charming coastal town in Orange County that's worth visiting all on its own, but then with a home like this situated right on the ocean, you'll find it hard to leave. Walk out your living room doors and right onto the beautiful, sandy beach that awaits you.

Management / VRBO

• Address: San Luis, Texas 77554
• Standout Amenity: Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean

This light and airy coastal property is situated overlooking the scenic San Luis Pass on Galveston Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. This Beachfront Home features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean, a wrap-around deck, and plenty of peace and quiet. Soak in the sun on the deck as the waves crash to shore right beneath you and you'll see why this paradisical home captures the hearts of all who stay here.

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Management / VRBO

• Address: Langley, Washington 98260
• Standout Amenity: Large ocean-facing windows and spacious wrap-around deck

The charming Maple Cove Hideaway in Langely is both rustic and refined; it features sweeping views of the ocean from the deck, living room, and bedroom. This newly remodeled cabin's views of Camano Island, Hat Island, and the Cascades will steal your breath away. This is the perfect cozy Washington rental for a couple or small family wanting to explore the picturesque Evergreen State while drinking in the ocean views in their home-away-from-home.

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Lakefront Accommodations In The U.S.

For those who crave a peaceful getaway on the water but would like a taste of mountain living mixed in, these charming vacation rentals offer something to love for everyone. From the Northern Cascades of Washington to the unexpected beauty of Idaho, these lakefront rentals are true charmers.

Ross Lake Resort, 503 Diablo St, Rockport, WA 98283, USA

Ross Lake Resort/Facebook

• Address: Ross Lake Resort, 503 Diablo St, Rockport, WA 98283
• Standout Amenity: Unique floating resort in a remote location in the North Cascades

Ross Lake in Washington is located in the North Cascades, in a region of the state that can only be described as a nature lover’s paradise. That’s where you’ll find Ross Lake Resort, a collection of 12 cabins and three bunkhouses built on log floats not next to but actually on the lake, making for what's quite possibly the dreamiest getaway in the Evergreen State. The resort is located on the west side of Ross Lake, just north of Ross Dam. Since there is no road access, there are two ways to get here: go for a hike, or take a ride on the Diablo Lake Ferry, which meets up with the Ross Lake Resort Truck. This adventure is merely a preview of what's to come: an off-the-grid experience on the water in the wondrous wilds of Washington!

The Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA

The Coeur d'Alene Golf & Spa Resort/Facebook

• Address: The Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
• Standout Amenity: World-class resort that includes a floating golf course

With one look at The Coeur d'Alene Golf & Spa Resort, you'll forget everything you thought you knew about Idaho. The Coeur d'Alene Resort is a stunning, world-class resort in the idyllic North Idaho city of Coeur d'Alene. Best known as the site of the world's only floating golf course, this entire resort is an other-worldly experience. Rooms at the resort are located in three sections: the 17-story Lake Tower rises above downtown Coeur d'Alene on the north shore of beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene; The Park Tower features midsize rooms with views of the lake, city, and mountains; while The North Wing provides bucket-list-level accommodation options on a budget. Combined with the epic vistas, top-tier restaurants, and next-level spa services offered at the resort, you have the makings of a truly extraordinary experience -- in the most unexpected of places.

Shasta Lake, CA 96019, USA

Shunyu Fan/iStock via Getty Images Plus

• Address: Shasta Lake, CA 96019
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious floating houseboat rentals on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is a favorite California house boating haunt where you can rent a vessel like The Empress and motor out to explore the largest manmade lake in the state. Carpeted with tall evergreen trees, the lake's shoreline is mostly steep and mountainous, with many coves and waterfalls to explore, that is when you're not hiking a wilderness trail ashore or tossing out a line to snag one of the lake's prized catches. But with views for days, you might be tempted to stay on board and simply soak it all up (drink in hand, of course); and for that, we wouldn't blame you.

Floating Accommodations In The U.S.

When it comes to the ultimate vacation getaway, it doesn’t get any more legendary than a vacation home that floats on the water! If you’re looking to add a little more adventure to your lodging experience, the following floating rental properties will surely deliver unforgettable memories.

Key West, FL 33040, USA

Management / Airbnb

• Address: Key West, FL 33040
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious glamping retreat on the water

Looking for "floating Airbnbs near me?" We shouldn't play favorites but there is perhaps nothing more bucket-list worthy than this floating slice of paradise in Key West, Florida. You'll need to charter a boat ride to access the one-bedroom, one-bathroom Tiki Suites, which come decked with a hammock, stand-up paddleboards, air conditioning, smart technology, and generator-powered electricity. Amenities aside, the best feature of this bobbing abode is the spectacular surrounding scenery. Where else can you watch dancing dolphins and manatees while eating breakfast?

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Harrison Township, Harrison Twp, MI, USA

Airbnb

• Address: Harrison Township, Michigan
• Standout Amenity: Laundry, grill, a boat slip, and a patio.

Not only is The Boathouse an absolutely stunning accommodation but it's also located on St. Clair and can be accessed either by land or via a 25-minute boat ride. If you have your own boat or rent one, there's a boat slip at this Airbnb for your convenience. This floating home is located within a marina and is a thing of beauty; this bright and airy, perfectly decorated comfortably sleeps up to four and includes numerous in-house amenities and those offered at the marina. This may be one of the best Airbnbs on the water!

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338 Nautical Cir, Kimberling City, MO 65686, USA

Five Star Houseboat Vacations LLC/Facebook

• Address: 338 Nautical Cir Kimberling City, MO 65686
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious 5-star houseboats, some include jacuzzi tubs, wet bars, BBQ grills, and more.

Luxury comes in all forms, and this houseboat on Table Rock Lake is peak luxury. In fact, these floating dwellings are so luxurious and lovely, you'll probably have to book your stay far in advance -- they're that popular. But the extra planning is worth it. Each floating home features between four and seven bedrooms, making it a far cry from your typical cramped-quarter waterfront dwelling. Amenities such as hot tubs, gas grills, fully equipped kitchens, and double decks make this an amazing experience that, when paired with the pristine lakeside scenery, is truly bucket-list worthy.

Ebel's Voyageur Houseboats, 10326 Ash River Trail, Orr, MN 55771, USA

EBELS VOYAGEUR HOUSEBOATS/Facebook

• Address: 10326 Ash River Trail, Orr, MN 55771
• Standout Amenity: Variety of houseboat options from standard to luxury within Voyageurs National Park

Newly designated among the nation's Dark Sky Parks, Northern Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park is a place of extraordinary natural beauty: pristine waters, towering trees, and a world-class house boating experience that feels remote yet well-connected. Near the Canadian border and Boundary Waters, Voyagers sprawls across five natural lakes, without a single road running through. Rent a houseboat with a local outfitter such as Ebel's Voyageur Houseboats and you can spend your days fishing, hiking the lush forests, and swimming in the cool Minnesota waters. Some of the houseboat models from Ebel's boast screened-in porches and wrap-around decks, making for a wholly immersive experience in this epic wilderness.

Erie Canal Adventures, 1125 Marina Pkwy, Macedon, NY 14502, USA

Erie Canal Adventures/Facebook

• Address: 1125 Marina Pkwy, Macedon, NY 14502
• Standout Amenity: Charming Eerie Canal boats include full bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens

It's no exaggeration at all to say that the Erie Canal made New York the powerhouse of business and politics that it is today. It's an American marvel, and a bucket-list must. And there's no better way to experience the canal than, well, from the canal. Today, the canal is used most frequently for recreational, not commercial, boating, and while there are day tours available, we recommend going big and renting a canal boat for the night with Erie Canal Adventures. With private cabins, expansive kitchens, and full bathrooms, you'll float down the commanding canal in the lap of luxury, soaking up incredible natural scenery, architecture, and history along the way.

Unique Accommodations In The U.S.

If you’ve got a craving for a lodging experience that is beyond the ordinary, there are many unique vacation rentals in the U.S. that are well worth exploring. There’s something extraordinary and awe-inspiring about each of these unique waterfront accommodations we’ve discovered across the country.

Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, 10 Basin St, Astoria, OR 97103, USA

Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa/Facebook

• Address: 10 Basin St, Astoria, OR 97103
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious spa services, soaking tub, and sweeping views of the river

There's a reason the #pnwonderland hashtag is a thing: because the Pacific Northwest is, quite literally, a wonderland. And nowhere is this epitomized more than the Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa, an Oregon accommodation located, quite literally, on the commanding Columbia River in Astoria. At the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, guests get to experience Astoria in a wholly immersive and unprecedented way. You see, this hotel is actually located 600 feet into the river, offering guests an unrivaled waterfront experience. Every room boasts beautiful views and a private balcony for a front-row show of the fascinating life of a real working river. Amenities also include soaking tubs and binoculars for relaxing and enjoying these perfect panoramas. What a remarkable place to stay!

Leander, TX 78641, USA

Airbnb

• Address: Leander, TX 78641
• Standout Amenity: 5 spacious bedrooms, a chef's kitchen, and a library on the top floor

If you want to book a stay at a "waterfront Airbnb near me," take a look at this incredible abode. With its commanding perch overlooking Lake Travis, this epic geodesic dome home might be the coolest place to stay in Texas. In true Texas form, everything about this 3,500-square-foot geodome is larger than life, from its five full bedrooms and chef's kitchen to its top-floor library tower that offers 360-degree Hill Country views. Only 30 minutes from Austin, this tranquil getaway makes for an unforgettable adventure where you'll feel as though you're on top of the world.

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Flamingo, FL 33034, USA

Flamingo Everglades/Facebook

• Address: Flamingo, FL 33034
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious glamping-style tents in the Everglades with Florida Bay views

The Florida Everglades is one of the most mesmerizing parts of the entire state -- and country. Comprised of 1.5 million acres of wetland preserves, visitors to the Everglades often get a showcasing of nature that isn’t found anywhere else. With hundreds of animal species throughout, not to mention the various terrains from coastal mangroves to marshes, the Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, and truly a bucket-list must. If you’ve ever wanted to spend the night in the middle of this real-life Garden of Eden, you can. In the heart of the national park, Flamingo Campground is home to a collection of eco-tents right on the marshes, for an immersive Everglades experience that's second to none. Just watch out for wildlife!

The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, 21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA

The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant/Facebook

• Address: 21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
• Standout Amenity: Views of the harbor side of the Kennebunk River, large outdoor decks, fresh baked goods daily

For the ultimate Maine experience, book a stay at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant, an irresistibly charming accommodation in one of the state's most irresistibly charming towns. The hotel, which sits directly on the Kennebunk River and just minutes from the ocean, offers 25 guest rooms in two different buildings. Everything here is light and modern, and each room and common space exudes the rustic and nautical vibes of Maine. Rooms feature bespoke decor from local designers, infusing a bit of whimsy into these well-appointed spaces. Of course, what's outside the rooms is even better than what's inside; the harbor views of Coastal Kennebunkport are nothing short of magical.

For those who love the water, nothing compares to a waterfront getaway. But to actually stay *on* the water? That takes things to the next level entirely for a truly bucket-list-worthy experience.

Which of these best places to stay on the water in the U.S. are you most excited to stay in first? Let us know in the comments below!