Skip summer crowds and book one of these 15 Airbnbs across the US in under the radar beach towns
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- The US is full of popular beach locations, but smaller towns have more charm and fewer crowds.
- Places like Bald Head Island and Cayucos are underrated gems often overlooked by many tourists.
- For an uncrowded beach break, we found top-rated Airbnbs in hidden gem beaches to book this summer.
The US has 12,383 miles of coastline, though only a relative few of those strips of sand are well-known to tourists. As vaccinations become more widespread and travelers dream of a summer vacation once more, there's almost nothing more relaxing than a trip to the beach.
As a result, popular beaches in areas like Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, or Los Angeles will likely be flooded with visitors and overbooked for hotels or vacation rentals. However, there are many great under-the-radar beach towns across the U.S. to consider, from Connecticut to Oregon.
And since hotels are fewer in these off-the-beaten-path places, we found top-rated Airbnbs that are close to the beach and offer space to spread out for that long-awaited family trip, friend reunions, or romantic retreat.
We've listed some of the best Airbnbs in America's lesser-known beach towns (at least to those outside the region). On our checklist? Proximity to the beachfront, enhanced cleaning, a minimum rating of 4.7 or higher, and good design. We also wanted to keep things fairly reasonable at under $650 per night, though the more expensive properties are ones a large family or group of (vaccinated!) friends or families could stay in.
Browse all the best Airbnb homes in underrated beach towns here:
- Best Airbnbs in hidden gem beach towns
- FAQ: Airbnb beach homes
- More of the best Airbnbs you can rent
Here are the best underrated beach town Airbnbs in the U.S.
Airbnb
Book this Anacortes, Washington cabin on Airbnb
Anacortes is known as one of Washington's great beaches, but an eight-minute ferry from its shores is this gem on Guemes Island, a real nature retreat in a wooded setting. It has 13 miles of roads, and you can easily use a rented bike to wheel around, and the General Store is a must-stop for supplies and is located in a rambling old house.
This striking modern house blends the design with the outdoors. You can throw open large doors on the side of the house to create a wide passage through to a patio with a picnic table. For guests who love a good shower, the tiled bathroom functions like a wet room using the shower is essentially the entire space.
The bedroom is a light-walled respite with a small balcony off of it and an office has a hideaway double bed. Other details like an indoor wood stove, a pair of bikes and helmets, and good cookware help make this stay stress-free and memorable. And if you want to bring Fido, well-behaved dogs are welcome here.
Large house with a private pool near the beach in Anna Maria Island, FloridaAirbnb
Book this Anna Maria Island, Florida condo on Airbnb
This airy, light house is just one and a half blocks away from the sandy, soft Gulf shores of Anna Maria Island, with plenty of space for families and groups.
The beach is a short four-minute stroll away, and there is also a private heated pool, which makes for a refreshing dip on a hot day or after a long day at the beach. With a border of lush green plants, a stone waterfall, and a swim-up tiki table for pool cocktails, it feels like a tropical resort.
Inside is just as well-appointed with an open floor plan with generous living quarters, as well as a modern, fully stocked kitchen, two entertaining spaces including a covered terrace, and a game room to keep kids occupied. There's a barbecue outside and the bedrooms have configurations including a King bed, a Queen bed, and bunk beds for the kids.
Best of all, you can skip the cost of renting a car with a stay here. Everything nearby is easily accessed by the island trolley.
Cozy cottage in Kailua, Oahu, HawaiiAirbnb
Book this Kailua, Hawaii cabin on Airbnb
Located a 15-minute drive south of Kona International Airport, Kailua is a beach town that ticks all the boxes for an island paradise. Some of Oahu's most beautiful beaches, best restaurants, gorgeous hiking trails, great surfing, and a wetland that draws birdwatchers. While Kailua is not exactly a secret (President Obama vacationed here, as has Beyonce), it's still a more low-key beach town than the high-rise-lined beaches found on other islands.
This cottage channels that sentiment as it's built in the local tradition for a true Hawaiian experience. The house is designed for the climate with a kitchen that opens up onto a covered lanai to create a large indoor-outdoor room, and keep the breezes flowing.
There is also an artfully weathered door that slides open to reveal a bedroom with a high ceiling and (importantly) a fan for air circulation. Surrounding palms and leafy trees help keep the house cool, too, which is good as there is no AC.
The cottage isn't beachfront, but it's just a two-minute walk from the sandy shores, and nearby restaurants, bars, and shops are all walkable too.
Beach home in Jekyll Island, GeorgiaAirbnb
Book this Jekyll Island, Georgia house on Airbnb
Thanks to its protected status, Jekyll Island is a haven for beach-lovers who like their shorelines natural instead of lined with high rises. It's perfect for family getaways, thanks to the plethora of activities available: think hiking in a maritime forest, visiting the U.S. Sea Turtle Center, four award-winning golf courses, and kayaking with dolphins.
With so much to do, having a central base, and a restful place to crash at the end of a busy day, is key. This sea house is a welcoming retreat with a traditional design and modern, geometric motifs that serve as a nod to the nautical setting.
There's a comfortable living room, a sparkling clean kitchen, and for the little ones, a bunk bed with a trundle-style pull-out third bed. The amenities are also very thoughtful, down to bikes, beach toys and bags, and coolers available for guests to use.
While you'll probably want a car (or at least bikes) to explore, this home is a short drive to dining, the historic district, and the beach, which is only 1,000 feet away.
Rustic beach cabin in Bandon, OregonAirbnb
Book this Bandon, Oregon cabin on Airbnb
If you want to dive into the Northwest vibes on your trip to Oregon, Bandon is the perfect place to start (or stay). The southern Oregon city is famous for natural activities, like cycling, hiking, birding, golf, and also happens to be the "Cranberry Capital of Oregon."
This 1934 beach cabin makes for a cozy escape for a couple or small family and overlooks what a breathtaking beach. Inside, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the focal point of the wood-timbered living room, and a dining alcove gazes out to the rocks and sea. In the bedroom and loft, quilts covered beds are stacked with fluffy pillows and wood paneling sets a rustic tone disconnect for a bit.
Despite the cabin's rural location, it's across the street from one of the top-rated restaurants in town.
Quaint cottage in Ogunquit, MaineAirbnb
Book this Ogunquit, Maine cottage on Airbnb
A trip to Maine's coastline can add up to a serious chunk of change, but this adorable cottage with cheery golden shutters and black shingles is one of the more affordable picks in Ogunquit, a place named after the Abenaki tribe's word for "beautiful place by the sea." The description holds up: There's a great cultural scene, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and sandy beaches for sunning.
This cottage is close to beaches and restaurants, and the house is surrounded by lush gardens and a fairy tale brick path. Inside, a bedroom is separated by black-framed glass doors, which open to reveal a beautiful white-quilted bed with pops of sunny yellow and brass. The rest of the house favors a glamorous nautical theme with gold wire barstools against navy counters, black-grouted subway tiles, be-palmed billows, and a gorgeous old low leather chaise.
The balcony has enough space for a two-chair dining table and the verdant woods provide a natural canopy over the surroundings. Finally, the view overlooks a peaceful and gently winding river.
Cozy riverfront retreat in Old Saybrook, ConnecticutAirbnb
Book this Old Saybrook, Connecticut cottage on Airbnb
Old Saybrook is typically overlooked by many East Coasters, who rush by on their way to Cape Cod or the Jersey Shore. But in this idyllic waterfront Airbnb, you'll be right on the water, in this case, the Oyster River, but area beaches and the center of town are all close by.
Inside is a real charmer, with historic interiors decorated in traditional seaside tones with plenty of natural textiles to echo the surroundings. Think rope-framed mirrors, jute rugs, white quilts, relaxed slip covered sofas, and a modern kitchen with a beadboard backsplash.
Plus, if you get a chill coming off the water in the evenings, simply start up the indoor fireplace.
Historic beach cottage in Capitola, CaliforniaAirbnb
Book this Capitola, California cabin on Airbnb
This Airbnb is in the middle of the local village and just 62 steps from the ocean. Although the cottage is full of historic charm (it's more than 110 years old), it has all the comforts you'd want from a modern Airbnb after its 2019 renovation.
Decor is airy and light with serene white bedding, sofas from natural fibers, soft gray curtains, and antique-looking metal bed frames. There are King, bunk, and single beds, plus a sofa couch, as well as a large kitchen, and bathrooms stocked with high-end toiletries. Hosts even provide beach towels, beach chairs, a beach tent, sand pails, and shovels.
While the beach just steps away is tempting enough, everything in town, including shops, restaurants, and bars, are within walking distance.
A designer boathouse in Greenport, New YorkAirbnb
Book this Greenport, New York house on Airbnb
Greenport is in the heart of an pretty stretch of East Coast sand on Long Island's North Fork facing the Long Island Sound. It makes for a great alternative to the Hamptons if you want something a little more chilled-out.
The 19th-century village, where this Airbnb is located, has roots as a whaling port but today boasts great restaurants that heavily feature local food and wine, as well as plenty of peace and quiet (the population is only 2,200).
This shake-shingle Airbnb was built in the late 1890s and was totally renovated resulting in a look that is very clearly the product of an architect and interior decorator's shared vision. The palette is soft and stylish, with warm leather and wood in the living room and ivory, sand, and dove gray in bedrooms. Preserved antique details include original boathouse doors in the kitchen and living room that swing out for a continuous indoor-outdoor space, as well as stunning latticed doorways and windows.
There is also an outdoor shower, a porch swing, a record player and board games, and a brick patio for grilling and outdoor dining.
While you can certainly rent a car, you can also take the Long Island Rail Road as there's a stop close by, and the Hampton Jitney bus also goes to Greenport.
Home with a private pool within walking distance of the beach in Port Aransas, TexasAirbnb
Book this Port Aransas, Texas cabin on Airbnb
The only established town on Mustang Island (named for the wild horses who used to roam it), Port Aransas is a favorite for those who want the beach vibes of Corpus Christi without the crowds. It's a laid-back place where you can have a restaurant cook your own catch of the day, flip-flops are the preferred footwear, and you can choose beaches from around 18 miles of sand.
Rather than staying in a condo block, this gorgeous house will give you a real Texas escape, with a western-meets-seaside aesthetic. The house has a dash of eclecticism too with a wall of straw hats, jute rugs, and carved wooden furniture sourced from around the world. The common areas are gracious and inviting, with a linen slip covered sofa, woven dining chairs, and a kitchen complete with a stainless steel farmhouse sink and white exposed brick. There's a washer and dryer and the kitchen even has Starbucks coffee stocked when you arrive.
The best part however is what's outside. There's a screened-in living area with walls for privacy and shade, as well as a cluster of seating for the Smart TV. There's also a covered patio with a large picnic table, a charcoal grill, and a sound system for barbecue nights. Meanwhile, a pool and set of loungers invites swimmers and sunbathers on hot days, and the outdoor shower is a perfect place to rinse off before and after your dip.
Oceanfront cottage in Cayucos, CaliforniaAirbnb
Book this Cayucos, California cottage on Airbnb
The coastline along Highway 101 is legendary for a reason, and one of the most quintessentially California beach towns along the route is Cayucos. This undersung (for those from elsewhere, anyway) beach town boasts six miles of white sand state beach and a huge range of restaurants to keep stomachs satisfied every night of the trip. Fishing, hiking, surfing, and cycling are all big here, so it's a great spot for active vacationers as well as those who'd prefer to sit back and soak up the surf vibes from shore.
This cottage is the perfect place to ease you into a laidback beach mindset. It has almost a full wall of doors and windows that open out onto the beach and waves beyond, which you can take in from your perch on a comfortable green velvet sectional. There are ship-lapped, high ceilings, as well as cheery touches like floral accents and statement walls. The brick patio outside faces the ocean and has a pair of loungers, Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit for s'mores.
While you likely have a car, you won't need it for popping out for a drink or dinner as the quiet town is walkable from the home.
Waterfront home in Watch Hill, Rhode IslandAirbnb
Book this Watch Hill, Rhode Island condo on Airbnb
Just up the coast from Connecticut's Old Saybrook is Rhode Island's Watch Hill, a small (and well-to-do) coastal village that's flown under the radar of many tourists from outside the region. But it's worth a visit. It's New England in a big way, with huge historic homes, beautiful nature, and crashing waves on beautiful beaches. It's so charming, in fact, that Taylor Swift owns a home in town where she regularly spends her Fourth of July.
But if we can't rent her digs, we'd happily book a stay in this condo, which offers sweeping views of the golden, sandy beach (as well as outlooks onto three states). Located on the third floor, the condo's vaulted ceilings, cheery pastel shades, and cozy bedrooms make for a welcome retreat at the end of a day on the water outside, and large windows and skylights let in plenty of coastal sunlight. But the standout here are the two decks that offer incredible panoramic views.
Floral quilts, striped sofas, and New England imagery feature among the traditional decor and multiple beds help offset the high price tag.
A couple of beaches, as well as local shops, restaurants, art galleries, and the oldest continuously operating carousel in the U.S. are within walking or cycling distance.
Luxury home on Bald Head Island, North CarolinaAirbnb
Book this Bald Head Island, North Carolina on Airbnb
This southernmost North Carolina island truly offers peace and quiet as it's completely car-free. Bald Head Island residents are connected by ferry from the mainland but get around on the island using bicycles, golf carts, or their own two feet. Nature-lovers, consider this an alternative to the Outer Banks.
Ideal for a family reunion or a group gathering, this tranquil, Craftsman-style home is spacious and well-equipped enough for the whole gang. An open floor plan allows for conversation to flow easily between living spaces and screened-in porches. Mahogany, rustic accents, and soaking tubs all come together to make for a beautifully serene aesthetic.
As of publishing, the two lots on either side were undeveloped, meaning no neighbors and the feeling of being surrounded by nature. While it's not on the beach itself, it's only five minutes away by car.
Bald Head Island is also a great place to go if you want to bring your dog as the island is extremely pet friendly, and this Airbnb allows four-legged friends, too. With 10,000 untouched acres of nature still preserved, your pup will have never had such an exciting walk.
FAQ: Airbnb beach homesIs it safe to stay in an Airbnb during COVID-19?
Always check with the latest CDC and WHO guidelines and local rules and regulations for your destination for the latest information, and consider the infection rates of the areas you're traveling to and from. After all, not everyone has been vaccinated, so some areas might still experience outbreaks.
However, the CDC does say travel is safe for fully vaccinated individuals and experts agree that private vacation homes are one of the safest travel options.
What's a good time of year to visit the beach in the U.S.?
That depends on where you want to go. The U.S. has beaches that are visitable in every season across the country.
Tourists head to Hawaii year round, and southern Florida or California for winter escapes, while swimming season gets started later in the near the further north you go (roughly). If you plan to just savor the scenery, you can travel off season for cheaper rates and no crowds, or plan on summer to catch the waves.
How do I find beach homes on Airbnb?
After you start a search based on location and dates, you may then filter for "waterfront" or "beachfront" properties. From there, it's up to you what you prefer in terms of decor or amenities.
Where is the best place to rent a beach house?
That depends on what and where you're looking for. Travel time to your destination, the cost of food and activities on the ground, and the climate could all be factors in your budget.
If you're watching your vacation money, do some research first about where you can afford to stay by filtering for price, then look at how you'd get yourself there (plane? car?) to see how much it would cost to travel. You can also narrow down options based on regional preference and amenities.
Where is the cheapest place to rent a beach house?
There's no hard and fast rule for where it's cheapest to rent a beach house, but generally speaking, the more popular areas tend to be the most expensive during peak or prime summer seasons. You might have better luck renting in Port Aransas than Corpus Christi during spring break, for example.
What makes a beach town underrated?
For us, it means that people from outside the area (or those who don't know it well) might not be familiar with the town. An underrated beach town won't be found on the Jersey Shore, in Cape Cod, Miami, Los Angeles, or other popular destinations.
Instead, they savor a slower pace with less fanfare but still offer activities, dining, or other special attractions to make it a worthwhile destination. Miles of relatively uncrowded sandy beaches also help so you can keep away from the crowds and find your own little stretch of paradise on shore.
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from Business Insider https://ift.tt/3gRn16P
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