Right about now, most Americans are looking at their summer calendars to see when they can book a well-deserved vacation at the beach. In fact, new data by Expedia shows that searches for summer getaways have spiked 25 percent compared to last year. If you’ve yet to lock in your week away at a fabulous oceanside location this summer—so you can listen to nothing but the waves crash in front of you as you nestle into the hot sand with a good book and a cold can of something delicious without a care in the world—you better get on it!
Beach vacation rental homes are a popular option if you’re looking to have a super chill and private stay as close to the action as possible. The wide array of options—which range from inexpensive and kitschy houses to unique and luxurious properties—also make vacation rental homes ideal if you have particular needs: aka, you have a big family, you want something pet- or kid-friendly, and/or are working with a set budget.
Vrbo, one of the most popular vacation rental sites, just released its list of the top beach houses for 2023. These bookable properties around the U.S. are “picture-perfect” dwellings just inches away from the sand and range from cute, airy bungalows to modern oceanfront villas. From the photos in the listings, it’s clear that these are some of the most unique and Instragrammable homes Vrbo currently has up for grabs. Keep reading to see the top 5 beach vacation home rentals on Vrbo and get your calendar out so you can reserve one this summer.
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1. The Dome Home, Topsail Island, NC
Vrbo / Beata LorincThis 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom architectural delight, appropriately called the “Dome Home,” sits right on the beach in Topsail Island, North Carolina, and offers Instagram gold with its unique structure. The host describes it as the ideal vacation home for up to 16 guests who are looking for private access to the beach and 180-degree ocean views. From the photo listings, though, it’s clear that the sunrises and sunset will hit different when you’re looking at them through the living room’s hexagonal windows.
In terms of location, Topsail Island is a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville (OAJ) Airport, and nearby the home, you’ll find restaurants, parks, and water-based activities. $988 avg/night
2. The Double Decker, Matunuck, RI
Vrbo / Gregg MadsenIf you’d like to fall asleep by being rocked by the rhythm of real waves right outside your window, this Rhode Island vacation home rental is your dream come true. Sandwiched between South Kingstown Town Beach and East Matunuck State Beach in Matunuck, the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house features two levels of outdoor decks and all the fun beach toys (bikes! Kayaks! Boogie boards! Corn hole!) to play with on your private slice of sand.
Plus, Newport is only 35 minutes away if you’re looking for a night out on the New England town. $833 avg/night
3. The Oceanfront Home, Rockaway Beach, OR
Vrbo / ruum mediaSixteen people can get some quality R&R in this spacious beach house rental right behind the dunes of Rockaway Beach in Oregon.
One recent guest raved, “The views from the main living area and 3 of the bedrooms are breathtaking. The 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths provide ample room for a large group. The kitchen was well stocked with appliances and spices�� You can walk to nearby coffee and food carts as well.” Afterward, cozy up with your crew in front of the living room’s lovely fireplace. $625 avg/night
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4. The Beachfront Hideaway, Crescent Beach, FL
Vrbo / Derrick KelleyFans of ocean-inspired decor will appreciate the newly renovated aesthetic of this sleek Florida rental property on Crescent Beach in Saint Augustine. Book a week-long summer stay here and enjoy a dramatic walk along a wooden walkway to your very own stretch of sand, then retire to one of the four bedrooms when you’ve had your fill of fun in the sun.
Past guests say the downstairs TV is great for entertaining kids and it’s easy to get to restaurants, shopping, and Saint Augustine’s historic district. $475 avg/night
5. The Gone Coastal Home, Port Aransas, TX
Vrbo / Port A Beach House CoPropped up high in the sky like the prize it is, this swanky beach bungalow is perfect for a group of friends who are looking for an island-style getaway here in the states. Settle into your 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 2-porch home away from home in Port Aransas, then walk the boardwalk or drive to get to Beach 1A and wade in the Gulf of Mexico.
One recent guest commented, “We love this house and its location. It’s in a quiet little neighborhood just moments away from the beach. We rent buggies every time we go and this house has lots of parking under the shade of the home, makes it really nice during the summer.” $671 avg/night
Tips for Renting a Vacation Home
antoniodiaz/ShutterstockWhether you're using Vrbo, Airbnb, or some other site to find the perfect beach vacation home rental this summer, it's important to research each property thoroughly—and read the fine print and reviews—before you hit that book button. Many hosts require minimum stays or have restrictions when it comes to pets, children, smoking, partying, and/or cleaning that may not jive with your vibe.
To get the best deals, book early... or really last minute to get a potential discount. Also, consider off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren't summer hotspots—they will likely be cheaper than homes in popular vacation towns.
