If you are looking for a summer beach rental or hoping to take advantage of a beach vacation home in the off-season your options are plentiful. There are several destinations within the United States that are known for their idyllic beaches and wide selection of vacation home rentals.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a coastal city on the east coast, renowned for its 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. In addition to the popular pastime of lounging on the beach, there is endless shopping, lots of entertainment, great dining, and plenty of adventure waiting for travelers here.
One of the reasons Myrtle Beach is so popular is the variety of lodging options and its affordability. Unlike some beach destinations that primarily cater to the very wealthy, Myrtle Beach offers something for everyone.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
There is a variety of things to keep you busy in Myrtle Beach round the clock. Some of the most recommended include:
- Golfing with over 100 quality golf courses in the area
- Attending an event as there are countless annual and seasonal events-there are over 600 fine art events alone each year
- Taking in the East Coast views from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, which offers stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean
- Renting watersports equipment like kayaks, banana boats, jet skis
- Getting on the go-kart track, taking a Segway tour, or spending sunset on a sailboat
- Exploring Myrtle Beach's natural beauty like the Conway Riverwalk or Brookgreen Gardens, which has a local zoo as well
Vacation Rentals on the Beach
With 60 miles of beaches, you'll find a large supply of vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach. Please note, some rental companies only allow check in on certain days, typically Saturday, and there is often a minium required stay. Dunes Realty is a specialist in Myrtle Beach vacation home rentals. Their properties run from moderately priced oceanfront homes for a couple to luxurious villas that would be ideal for big family trips.
- Southern Comfort - Garden City Beach Rental: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,100 sq feet, accommodates 11 people; includes Wi-Fi, covered porch and sundeck, outside shower, washer/dryer, charcoal grill, and air conditioning; rates range from $1,700 a week in the fall to $3,910 a week during the summer
- Sea Horse Stables (The Harris House - Surfside Beach Rental): 14 bedrooms, 12 baths, accommodates 36 people; includes Wi-Fi, 3 kitchens, 3 living areas, 3 oceanfront covered porches, elevator, washer/dryer, and pool; rates range from $3,880 for a week in the fall to $7,165 for a week in summer
Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Beach has found its way on a number of "best beaches in the US" lists, including University professor Stephen Leatherman's, known as "Dr. Beach." It also made the #1 pick for TripAdvisor's 2017 Travelers' Choice Top 25 Beaches in the US.
With a $21 million makeover and a number of renovations and restorations, it's no wonder Siesta Beach has earned such high praise. Siesta Key beaches are known for having some of the whitest sand beaches in all of Florida. They are nearly 100% pure quartz crystals, which are very soft and fine, and never get hot on your feet.
What to See on Siesta Key
Siesta Key is near Sarasota and its primary public beach is Siesta Beach. Although the island is only 8 miles long, there is still plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife for those who want something to do. Simply Siesta Key has an interesting and somewhat quirky list of 50 fun and free things to do on the island.
Siesta Key Rentals
Rentals on Siesta Key range from condos to villas and homes. Airbnb has a number of listings, including:
- 4 bedroom home steps from the sand with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, accommodates 10 people; house has Wi-Fi, AC, washer/dryer, and pets allowed; rates typically range from $300 to $500 a night - average is $342
- Siesta Key Pool House is 10 minutes from Siesta Key Beach and 10 minutes from downtown; 3 bedroom, plus office, 2 bathrooms, accommodates 10 people; Wi-Fi, heated pool, and washer/dryer; rates start at $240 a night
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
Coronado is a beach resort located across the bay from downtown San Diego. It's sometimes referred to as Coronado Island, but it's not actually an island as it's connected to the "mainland" by a neck of land called the Silver Strand. Coronado Beach has taken the top spot in several "Best Beaches in America" lists and polls over the years. It's great for romantic getaways or fun-filled beach vacations and the sands actually sparkle here, thanks to mineral mica.
What to Do in Coronado
At only a mile or so between the San Diego Bay side of the peninsula to the ocean, Coronado is easily explored by foot or on a bicycle. The Hotel Del Coronado is probably the most recognizable landmark in the area and dates back to 1888. While tourism helped Coronado get its start, its military presence today is key.
Breakers Beach is one of the best beaches in the area, but it's part of the naval base and therefore not open to the public. If you have military ID (active or retired), you may be able to access some areas of the base, like Fiddlers Cove Marina and Breakers Beach. If not, take a North Island Naval Station tour, play a round of golf, book a romantic gondola ride through the canals, or just relax on Coronado Beach. If you're traveling with four legged friends, don't miss the Coronado Dog Beach just outside the naval base entrance.
Another popular option is to take a day trip into Tijuana as it's less than an hour's drive from Coronado. Be sure to have your passport with you. Park on the US side and walk across the river and into Mexico where you can shop, eat, and explore. If you want to stay within California, head north and visit other nearby famed coastal areas like Orange County's Laguna Beach.
Coronado Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals in Coronado aren't as plentiful as other beach destinations, but there are a number of options right in Coronado. Bring Fido has a number of pet friendly options as well.
- Cozy Cottage: 2 bedroom, 1 bath house in the middle of Coronado, accommodates 4 people; just one block from bus stop and is pet friendly; Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, and smoking allowed; from $250 a night
- Coronado 3 Bed 2 Bath Next to Park: 1,800 sq feet, sleeps 6; half-block to Spreckels Park, cable, Wi-Fi, movie channels and Netflix included, rear deck with umbrella, BBQ; average rate of $240 a night
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is quite popular for Spring Break parties, but it's also an ideal beach vacation destination. It's the only island in Texas and, unlike some other beaches in the state, the water is relatively clear and much cleaner. The widest part of the island is only a half-mile wide, so you're always close to the ocean as well.
Things to Do
Some of the best non-party attractions and things to do here include:
- Laguna Madre Nature Trail: Cross over four acres of marshland on this 1,500-foot boardwalk
- Sea Turtle, Inc. Get up close and personal with turtles and learn about turtle conservation
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark: Enjoy thrilling water rides and an intense surfing machine
- Sandcastle Lessons: Learn from seasoned sand experts, includes all the equipment ann tools you need
- Dolphin Watching: Sail out to greet large pods of dolphins all year round
South Padre Island Rentals
There are several websites dedicated solely to rentals on the island, like Padre Island Rentals and SPI Rentals. Listings include:
- Beach House II 303: 3 bedroom, 3 bath, ocean view, accommodates 6 people; heated pool and jacuzzi at complex, rentals limited to families and adult couples, 1 parking permit; rates start around $250 a night
- 123 E Georgia Ruth: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, accommodates 12 people, 3 story house; pool and hot tub, garage, less than 1/2 block from the beach; rates start at $199 a night in off season, up to $899 a night during Spring Break
Ka'anapali Beach
Located in Lahaina on Maui, this is considered one of Hawaii's best beaches. Coastal Living Magazine readers named it #2 beach in their list of Top 25 Beaches in America. It was primarily a former retreat for Maui's royalty, but today it draws tourists in from all around the world. It was Hawaii's first planned resort and you'll find hotels and condo villages facing the direct beach, along with countless vacation rentals nearby.
What to Do in Ka'anapali Beach
Located on the northwest side of Maui, there are a number of activities and attractions in and around the area. Some of these include:
- Watch the daily cliff divers at Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) at sunset
- Bailey House Museum
- Lahaina walking tour
- Whale watching tours
- Ziplining
- Pools of Oheo
- Old Lahaina Luau
- Whalers Village shopping complex
Rentals Near Ka'anapali Beach
While a majority of the rentals are condominiums and resorts, there are some private beach home rentals as well. One example is:
- Sea Shells Beach House on Ka'anapali: 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms; west facing for sunsets, whale watching opportunities, ocean view, deck, AC, washer, private pool and hot tub, grill, Wi-Fi, and parking for up to 4 cars on property; rates $2,150 - $3,050 a night
Beach Vacation Rental Home Websites
When you're ready to book your beach vacation rental, there are some websites that specialize in vacation rentals for multiple destinations. These include:
- VRBO: Vacation Rental By Owner connects you directly with property owners at your destination
- Vacation Rentals: A part of the HomeAway family of websites with direct booking of vacation homes
- TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals: Find a great place to stay in more than 200 countries around the world
- FlipKey: Filter for rentals and private rooms that are kid-friendly, pet-friendly or located next to the beach
- HomeAway: Boasting the "world's best selection" of vacation rentals with secure payments and confident booking
Choosing Your Vacation Beach Rental
Start by choosing what destination's beach calls to you and figure out what time of year you want to visit. If you have the opportunity to visit during off-peak times, you may get a great deal on your dream beachfront vacation home. Be sure to compare prices and listings, as there are some smaller specialty rental sites that focus on vacation homes in specific destinations, so you get the benefit of local experts and a concentrated pool of listings to choose from. And, be sure to book as far in advance as possible, because these popular beach destinations can fill up, even in non-peak times.
