These 15 Magnificent Waterfront Destinations Across America Are Perfect For A Getaway
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
If you’re anything like me, you love being by the water. There’s just something about the ocean, the bay, a river, or a lake that soothes the soul. While I live in the desert now, I am surprised to find out how many lakes and rivers exist within driving distance. But every time I see water where I live, I can’t help but desire a waterfront getaway somewhere, anywhere in the U.S. Does that sound like you? Well, here are some of the most remarkable waterfront Airbnbs in the U.S. for your next getaways:
Lakefront Airbnbs
Here’s a fun fact — there are over 3 million lakes within the U.S.! Hard to believe, right? So, it’s quite possible to find incredible vacation rentals that sit on the shores of a lake. Here are a few to consider:
1. Iconic Glass Mansion - Osage Beach, Missouri
Osage Beach, MO, USA
With luxury and views of the Lake of the Ozarks, this iconic home is one of a kind. With its location atop a rocky cliff with a waterfall, there are jaw-dropping views galore. This home has its very own swim dock for easy access to the water. Inside, you'll discover 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, a living room with comfortable furniture and a fireplace for ultimate relaxation, and a fully-stocked gourmet kitchen and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can eat with a view. The Iconic Glass Mansion is absolutely incredible and a place you must stay when at Lake of the Ozarks.
While you're at Osage Beach on the Lake of the Ozarks, rent a pontoon boat and admire views of the Glass Mansion from the water.
While you're at Osage Beach on the Lake of the Ozarks, rent a pontoon boat and admire views of the Glass Mansion from the water.
Advertisement
2. Sunset Hideaway - Mooresville, North Carolina
Advertisement
Mooresville, NC, USA
Located on the shores of Lake Norman is a luxurious cabin with amenities that will enhance your "lake life" experience during your stay. This vacation home boasts 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, a beautiful kitchen, and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy your time at the lake. Not only is there an outdoor dining area with a kitchen, a fireplace, and a BBQ grill for dining al fresco but a boat dock complete with a boat slip if you happen to bring your own watercraft.
Book your stay at the Sunset Hideaway on Airbnb.
Book your stay at the Sunset Hideaway on Airbnb.
3. Modern Lakeside Villa - Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA
This newer abode sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, so just imagine the views you'll have! With over 100 feet of frontage on the lake, you'll enjoy plenty of privacy. Inside the home are 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfect for up to 8 guests to stay here. Outside, you'll find outdoor seating, a fire pit, and a hot tub. There's so much to love about the Modern Lakeside Villa.
4. Spectacular Lake Front Home - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA
With 200 feet of private lakefront plus a gazebo, a jacuzzi, and a private dock, this lake home must be the best place to stay in Coeur d'Alene! The 4,000-square-foot vacation rental features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths and can accommodate over 16 guests. In fact, the large dining area can seat 20 guests! While you'll absolutely love the lake views, the interior of the home is stunning as well. Featured in several architectural publications, the Spectacular Lake Front Home is, indeed, spectacular.
Advertisement
Oceanfront Airbnbs
In my humble opinion, nothing beats the sound of waves crashing on the shore. While the ocean is a powerful body of water, being beside it can really make one calm, and breathing in the salty air is relaxing as well. If you can’t get enough of the beach and ocean life, check out the following oceanfront Airbnbs on the American coasts:
5. Ocean Front Beach Home - San Diego, California
San Diego, CA, USA
Dreaming of California? Well, this Ocean Front Beach Home in San Diego is California dreaming at its finest! You'll have panoramic ocean views whether you're inside or outdoors. While you can go down to the beach, this luxurious property has its own pool and hot tub overlooking the Pacific. The interior of the home is bright and airy with large windows and plenty of natural light. If you've ever desired the ultimate SoCal getaway, this Airbnb near the Pacific Ocean is it!
6. Southern Diversion - Key Largo, Florida
Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Sitting on a full acre, this private gated 5,000-square-foot estate has its own beach, a tiki hut, a pool overlooking the water, and 105 feet of deepwater dockage. Inside the luxury home are 6 bedrooms (just imagine the water views you'll wake up to each morning!), 5 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a large dining room, and so much more. You will want for nothing when staying here.
You can book your stay at the Southern Diversion home on Airbnb.
You can book your stay at the Southern Diversion home on Airbnb.
7. Redfish LOFT - Port Orford, Oregon
Advertisement
Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Located on the south coast of Oregon, the Redfish LOFT is quite a unique place to stay in the unique town of Port Orford. This loft rental sits above the Redfish Restaurant and right next to a gallery, so there are things to do right on-site. Inside, there is one bedroom, a bathroom with a soaking tub, a gas fireplace, a kitchenette, plenty of seating, and a balcony. You'll also be treated to gorgeous views of the Pacific as well as Battle Rock. What could be better?
8. The Lucky Duck - Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Related Stories
Best Places to Stay for The Masters: 12 Augusta Airbnbs Perfect for Golf Fans
12 Airbnbs That Are Available To Rent For The 2024 Kentucky Derby
12 Airbnbs That Are Available To Rent For The 2024 Indianapolis 500
Surfside Beach, SC 29575, USA
I love the beaches of South Carolina and you will too when you stay by the ocean at The Lucky Duck in Surfside Beach. This family-friendly oceanside retreat boasts ocean views, a walkway to the beach, and a covered saltwater pool. There are four bedrooms in this roomy house so grab your family and come for a stay! Everyone will enjoy being in such close proximity to the sand while having access to their very own private pool.
Riverfront Airbnbs
While both the Mississippi and Colorado Rivers are among the best-known in the U.S., there are more than 250,000 other rivers that wind their way through our grand landscapes. If you feel the need to have a riverside getaway, take a look at these spectacular Airbnbs:
9. Little House on the River - North Little Rock, Arkansas
North Little Rock, AR, USA
If you've ever wanted to stay in a houseboat on the Arkansas River, here's your chance -- Welcome to the Little House on the River! While houseboats may evoke a feeling of rustic accommodations, this is anything but rustic. This well-appointed home offers modern furnishings, tasteful decor, and all the amenities you'll need for a comfortable stay. There's no other place quite like this in Arkansas.
Advertisement
10. The Icicle River Lodge - Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
If you've never explored Leavenworth, WA you should plan a getaway here immediately. And I've found the perfect vacation rental for you to stay! The Icicle River Lodge sits at the edge of the Icicle River and provides a serene escape where you can watch wildlife or go for a swim, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or tubing. Inside the 2,200-square-foot home, you'll enjoy the open concept with modern-yet-comfortable furniture, a well-equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and, if you need it, a dedicated workspace. Outside is where you'll have use of a fire pit and a hot tub during your stay.
11. Beaver Creek Cabin - Lake Montezuma, Arizona
Lake Montezuma, AZ 86335, USA
Get a taste of the West with a stay at the 1,250-square-foot Beaver Creek Cabin in Lake Montezuma. This rustic log cabin sits creekside along Wet Beaver Creek which is known for its fishing, swimming, and wildlife. The cabin has two bedrooms and can accommodate up to four guests. In addition, there are two fireplaces for those cooler nights, a fully-equipped kitchen, and board games and playing cards to have some fun. The fun (and relaxation) can continue outside where you'll find corn hole, horseshoes, float tubes, and creekside seating. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?
12. Custom Floating Suite - East Dubuque, Illinois
Advertisement
East Dubuque, IL 61025, USA
With its location on the Mississippi River backwaters, this Custom Floating Suite will become your favorite getaway spot in Illinois. Not only does this cabin float on the water but the jaw-dropping interior has one bedroom, a soaking tub that looks out onto the river, two fireplaces, a kitchenette, and free parking at the marina where it's located. Outside is a deck with your very own private hot tub. It's hard not to fall in love with a place like this!
Bayfront Airbnbs
While the ocean is forever an amazing body of water to spend time beside, so is a bay. With calmer waters, you’ll still have views and the smell of salt in the air. The following are a few bayside Airbnbs you should consider for your next vacation:
13. Mermaid Manor - Galveston, Texas
Galveston, TX, USA
Welcome to Mermaid Manor! This Airbnb in Galveston, Texas is your next home away from home on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. With three bedrooms plus a loft, 12 people can comfortably stay here. Additionally, it's dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged best friend with you. With its beachside location, you'll be steps away from the water where you can go for a swim and just enjoy the beach life.
14. Above the Dunes - Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Wellfleet, MA, USA
Stay Above the Dunes at this bayside beauty in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Here you'll experience a taste of Cape Cod with a private beach along the shores of Wellfleet Harbor. The home offers four bedrooms, is dog-friendly, has a full kitchen, a table where you can dine with a view, a cozy living room, and a deck overlooking the water. I absolutely love Wellfleet and spend my summers here. If you haven't yet been, consider spending time at this Airbnb near Cape Cod Bay.
Advertisement
15. Osprey's Reach - Chester, Maryland
Chester, MD, USA
If you've ever wanted to spend time in an Airbnb near the Chesapeake Bay, here's a gorgeous one on Kent Island on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This is the Osprey's Reach, a fully restored farmhouse with views of the Chesapeake. This is farm and waterfront living at its finest! With three stories, five bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms, up to nine guests can be accommodated. The interior is roomy yet cozy, and there are views from many rooms in the house. Outside is where you'll find a private dock, a pool, and a gorgeous backyard with views that will leave you speechless. This is one of the best ways to enjoy life by the water in Maryland.
So, what do you think of this list of waterfront Airbnbs in the U.S.? What are some of your favorite waterfront locations in the country? Let us know.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.