From cottages on the sand in Portugal to lavish villas in Bali, these are the best beachfront Airbnbs to book right now
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Maybe a hot take: A beachfront Airbnb is better than a beachfront hotel. The best beachfront Airbnbs offer a level of privacy that hotels just can’t match and, in our experience, beachfront Airbnbs are often more affordable than hotels on the beach.
If you’re planning a beach getaway, check out some of the Airbnb stays below. We’ve scoured the website’s beachfront listings to find some of the best, with options in top destinations from California to Bali to Europe. All come highly-rated, and, with stays starting at just $210 a night, we’ve included picks for a range of travel budgets.
The Best Beachfront Airbnbs in California
Zen Octagon House in Malibu
Starting at: $1,100/night
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more quintessential California Airbnb than this Malibu beach house. The relaxed stay features an octagonal shape and a prime location right across the Pacific Coast Highway from the ocean with unobstructed views. There’s plenty of space for up to 6 guests to hang out (both indoor and outdoor) and three bedrooms.
House in Dana Point
Starting at: $730/night
This beach cottage in Dana Point (just south of LA) is a shockingly good deal. The house is right on the sand and sleep up to eight people (four beds total), but prices start at just $730 a night. That’s less than $100 a night per person to stay on the beach — plus you get a hot tub, lots of outdoor space, and a full kitchen.
House in Sea Ranch
Starting at: $730/night
Another one of the best beachfront Airbnbs in California is this architectural gem north of San Francisco. The magazine-ready 70s modern home sleeps up to four, and sits on a cliff just a few steps from the beach. As you’re relatively far from any major cities, the Sea Ranch community offers almost empty beaches and trails, tons of wildlife, and fantastic star gazing.
The Best Beachfront Airbnbs in Florida
House in Fernandina Beach
Starting at: $449/night
Located right outside Jacksonville, this three-bedroom, six-guest beachfront house is ideal for families or small friend groups. Walk right out onto the sand from the backdoor, and grab the included beach chairs, umbrella, and cooler provided by the host. Or hop on the house’s bikes to explore the island and nearby town.
Houseboat in Key West
Starting at: $450/night
Want a truly unique adventure in Key West? Check out the Crystalmarine Suite. The floating room boasts panoramic views of the water that you won’t find in even the best land-based beach houses (curtains can be drawn for privacy). Even though you’re out at sea, you still also get a well-appointed bathroom and kitchenette.
Cottage in Santa Rosa Beach
Starting at: $975/night
Our pick for the best beachfront Airbnb near Dustin is this quaint little cottage in Santa Rosa Beach. Located right on the beach, next to an access staircase, you get amazing views of the ocean and even an outdoor soaking tub to enjoy them. Inside is a large bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen.
The Best Beachfront Airbnbs in Hawaii
Condo in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Starting at: $375/night
Although hotel prices can be astronomical near Kona, Hawaii, Airbnb prices are actually better than you might expect for a premier destination. This condo, for example, sleeps six guests, is perched right on the water, and starts at just $375 a night.
Home in Kihei, Maui
Starting at: $919/night
In terms of bang for your buck, this oceanfront home in Kihei, Maui is hard to top. The airy home sleeps up to six guests and features a massive backyard that leads right to the sand. Reviewers agree that the beach access is especially impressive, and that the pad comes well-stocked to enjoy the island.
Home in Lahaina, Maui
Starting at: $1,850/night
If you’re seeking a luxurious, secluded way to experience Hawaii, check out this villa in Lahaina, Maui. The spacious home sits on a cove with a private beach just steps away. You get two bedrooms, both with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms, making this perfect for two couples or a small family.
The Best Beachfront Airbnbs in Mexico
Villa in Punta de Mita
Starting at: $630/night
If you know where to look, Mexico has some incredible deals on beachfront Airbnbs — especially large villas for big groups. This beach villa in Punta Mita, for example, sleeps up to 13 guests and boasts amenities on par with a luxury hotel (only you get them to yourself). Besides the beach, the house offers a pool, a game room, daily cleaning service, and even an optional cooking service in the home.
Home in Playa Zapotengo
Starting at: $362/night
20 minutes from Huatulco airport in Oaxaca is this stunningly designed modern home, Casa del Sapo. Every corner of the open-air house is Instagram-worthy, from the cactus-dotted courtyard to the minimal bedrooms to the pool overlooking the ocean. Plus, it’s relatively affordable at less than $400 a night.
Palapa near Tulum
Starting at: $250/night
This palapa-style home outside Tulum is about as secluded as you can get. The breezy house boasts a large property and a private patch of Caribbean beach all to yourself. It’s located in a Natural Reserve, so the nature and water are both extra stunning, and you get two kayaks to explore with.
The Best Beachfront Airbnbs in Bali
Villa In Lovina
Starting at: $714/night
Located at Lovina, one of the best black sand beaches in all of Bali, this luxury beachfront villa is a great way to experience the lush destination. It sleeps up to six, and all areas of the home feature an indoor/outdoor vibe for maximum enjoyment of the tropical climate.
Villa in Amed
Starting at: $210/night
A more affordable beachfront option in Bali is this six-person villa in Amed that starts at just $210 a night. You get a pool, plenty of space to spread out, and great views of the ocean right in the backyard. You’re also right near Mt. Agung for excellent hiking and natural sightseeing.
Villa in Kuta
Starting at: $619/night
Another luxurious option in Indonesia is this villa in Kuta. Situated on a cliff just above the beach (with direct beach access), the villa has dramatic details like two stacked pools, a zen garden, and bold, exciting decor throughout. And, despite its opulence, the villa is fairly affordable if you split it across the eight guest maximum.
The Best Beachfront Airbnbs in Europe
Beach Hut in Costa de Caparica, Portugal
Starting at: $309/night
Portugal has become one of the top beach destinations in Europe, with many charming towns delivering surf, amazing seafood, and fewer tourists than other European beaches. This adorable hut in Costa de Caparica (that surprisingly sleeps six) is a great way to experience the country. It comes extremely highly rated and features a unique position right on the sand, away from other buildings.
Villa in San Vincenzo, Italy
Starting at: $1,454/night
Most Mediterranean villas are on cliffs or across walkways from the beach, which is pretty, but can limit access. Not this one. The grand villa, located in San Vincenzo, sits on a sandy beach and features a beautiful interior complete with a very photogenic basement pool.
Private Island in Malax, Finland
Starting at: $465/night
Northern Europe is often overlooked as a summer destination, but we’re big fans of beaches in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Up in Malax, for example, you can score a full private island for less than $500 a night, complete with multiple structures, a sauna, room for more than 16 guests, and beach all around.
How We Chose the Best Beachfront Airbnbs
Although our staff of product and travel writers are on the road constantly, we didn’t just rely on our own experiences to make this list. After brainstorming some of our favorite locations and beachfront Airbnbs that we’ve been to, we scoured travel blogs and talked to well-traveled friends for tips on the best destinations and specific Airbnb stays. Then, we poured over Airbnb listings, searching for stays by feature (in this case, beachfront) as well as by location, separately. Once we landed on our candidates, we decided on finalists that had above 4/5-star ratings with at least ten reviews (most have around 30-150 reviews). For each destination, we also did our best to include beachfront stays at different price points.
