Beach vacations are back. This summer, treat yourself to a sweet pad steps from the sand and you’ll be swimming, surfing, or paddling in no time. Better yet, do all that on a budget. We found some of our favorite Airbnbs on beaches from Down East Maine to Southern California that can house your family or friends for under $300 a night.
Oceanside, Oregon
You’re a short walk from the beach with a staggering ocean view from this two-bedroom, (from $242), located in a tiny, cliffside town. The house comes with a wood-burning stove for those chilly nights and a gas barbecue for grilling outside on the warmer ones. There’s a in this duplex that rents for $182—book both if you have a bigger group. Then head out to hit surf breaks and, at low tide, a cave that leads to a secluded beach. The village of Oceanside, a short walk away, doesn’t have much in terms of services, but the clam chowder at is worth a visit, and hiking trails in and State Parks aren’t far, either. The best part: there’s no cell service here.
Cape San Blas, Florida
ճ (from $188) is set on an acre of waterfront property along St. Joseph Bay, a mellow waterway perfect for kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling on the 17-mile-long peninsula of Cape San Blas. This pet-friendly bungalow was extensively renovated after sustaining damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Watch the sunset from the west-facing, wraparound deck, or get cleaned up after a swim in the outdoor shower. The hiking trails and white-sand beaches of , a 1,900-acre wilderness preserve, are a short drive away. Dine on chilled or baked oysters at , or pick up fresh seafood to bring back to your place from the fish market at .
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
A beach on a quiet cove is about 100 yards from this (from $260), which has two bedrooms and a spacious loft. You’ll find bigger beaches in nearby Narragansett Bay or Newport. The hosts, who live on a farm down the road, also rent out a (from $220) out front. If both of those spots are booked already, there’s plenty of availability in this beautifully (from $164), a bit farther from the beach. You’ll find trails in the and fresh oysters and tours of the oyster farm at .
Vashon Island, Washington
This waterfront (from $249) is located on KVI Beach, a private strand with public access on Vashon Island and home to the largest remaining salt marsh in central Puget Sound. This is the place to admire wildlife—the tide pools out front are filled with sea anemones, and the beach is often a resting ground for ospreys and bald eagles. The house, which has been in the host’s family for 100 years, has a charming, old-timey feel, with modern furnishings. Hike the three miles of trails in , or cut your own lavender bunches at .
Oceanside, California
Staying at the beach in Southern California for less than $300 a night isn’t easy. But this sleek, (from $247) in the laid-back town of Oceanside, north of San Diego, checks all the boxes: it’s steps from the water, furnished with cozy, modern decor, and boasts a second-story deck for watching the sunset over the Pacific. Nearby you’ll spot a ton of surf breaks (hit up for lessons) and perhaps follow a session with a visit to the , and Oceanside’s many restaurants and shops are within walking distance. If this property isn’t available, check out the in the same building.
Avon, North Carolina
You won’t mind being in the basement level of a house when you see the prime location of this (from $146) on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. Open your door and you’re on a pristine, quiet beach at , a protected stretch of coastline that’s a nesting ground for sea turtles. Bikes and boogie boards come provided, and if you want to windsurf in Pamlico Sound, , which rents sailboards, kiteboards, and kayaks, is across the street.
Machiasport, Maine
Named the Prowhouse, this (from $290), designed by a poet and sea captain, has the feel of a boat but the trappings of a spacious, comfortable two-bedroom home. The cabin is literally perched on a sheer cliff 100 feet above Howard Cove, amid 50 acres of forest with private trails in a remote corner of Down East Maine. The nearest town, Machiasport, is about 20 minutes away by car. Experienced kayakers can enjoy a paddle in the cove, though swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents. White-sand beaches can be found 15 minutes away at , or head to Jasper Beach, just a few minutes from the property, which is filled with smooth, red volcanic pebbles. Pick up lobsters for dinner or charter a boat at , right up the road.