18 of the best Airbnbs on US islands, including lake homes, beach cottages, and resort-style condos

Sunflower condo on Amelia Island

Book this Florida Airbnb

Amelia Island is located on Florida’s northeastern coast and is famous for its gold-colored sands and charming downtown.

On the Isle of Eight Flags, this cozy home is marked by a colorful sunflower mural on the garage and a bright blue bench. The house is in a quiet neighborhood that is just a short drive or bike ride from the downtown and beach area.

The one-bedroom home is cozy and simple with a King-sized bed, vintage furniture, and a smattering of sunflower decor for added charm. There is a plant-filled entryway with a small writing desk and although there is no kitchen, there is a small kitchenette area with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker.

The home has a large yard, which is shared with the host.

Beach home on Sanibel Island

Book this Florida Airbnb

Near the city of Fort Myers and accessible by bridge, Sanibel Island attracts many vacationers looking to enjoy beautiful beach sunsets and the island’s bayous and nature preserves.

This cheery two-bedroom duplex unit near the beach jas bright decor such as seashell-crusted accent pieces, coral pillows with underwater motifs, and turtle-shaped cut-outs in the blinds. 

The kitchen is small but modern with stainless steel appliances and a tiny breakfast nook, but there is also a dining table and seating area on the screened-in balcony. A nice outdoor shower is lovely for rinsing off sand and salt before turning in. There is also a washer and dryer, so you can maintain that fresh and clean feeling throughout your stay.

Custom forest cottage with a hot tub on Whidbey Island

Book this Washington Airbnb

North of Seattle in the Puget Sound, this rugged island is home to a state park with clifftop ocean views and a handful of charming coastal towns. Amid the forest-clad landscape, this cottage was custom-built and handcrafted for extreme coziness. Sitting on 10 acres of private property, the cottage shares a garden with the host’s main house and is just a five-minute drive from the beach and a 15-minute drive from shops and restaurants.

With a hot tub out front, it’s a great spot for seclusion, especially for book-lovers who will fall in love with the built-in bookshelves that flank the Queen-sized bed with a cozy window nook.

The studio-sized apartment has a small beverage bar with a kettle and a French press, plus a dining table for two. There is also a back deck that overlooks a grassy lawn where deer and owls are often spotted. Guests are welcome to explore the large property and are sometimes invited to pick a few tomatoes from the greenhouse when in season.

Beach apartment with a hot tub on Galveston Island

Book this Texas Airbnb

This bustling Texan island in the Gulf of Mexico is a popular beach spring break spot, connected to the mainland by a bridge.

On the quiet east side of town, this apartment is only two blocks from the beach and a mile away from the Strand, Galveston’s historic dining and shopping district. The home’s interior is sweetly decorated with a white molded wood headboard, matching white linens, beachy wall decor, and dark blue curtains in the bedroom.

Meanwhile, the kitchen is fully furnished with granite countertops and a coffeemaker, plus a small dining table. Past guests also report that the bed is soft and the shower’s water pressure is great.

In the garage, find goodies like a ping pong table and lawn games, and there is also a screened-in patio, hot tub, washer and dryer, and two bicycles for guests to borrow.

Cottage near Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island

Book this Maine Airbnb

Mount Desert Island the largest island off the Maine coast and home to Acadia National Park. There are many nooks and crannies to explore and this particular cottage located off a quiet section of Bar Harbor Road is surrounded by rolling meadows and a view of the Jordan River.

There are many ways to stay warm and cozy, from the wood-burning stove in the living room to the outdoor fire pit. Large windows let in lots of light and a small seating area on the front porch is a nice spot to enjoy a morning coffee or watch the sunset. 

Although it has been designed with couples in mind, there’s enough room to host a group of four. The interior is decorated in farmhouse style with sliding barn doors, natural wood, and black iron trimmings, as well as luxe touches like a leather couch and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. 

In the yard, make use of the barbecue, picnic table, and Adirondack chairs.

Hotel-style condo with water views on Mackinac Island

Book this Michigan Airbnb

In the middle of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island has a large state park, a historic fort, and a whole town where there are no cars, just bicycles and buggies. With such a small population, there is a limited supply of Airbnbs but you’ll find the most contemporary decor and furnishings in this hotel-style condo with a King-sized bed and a private deck with views of the Mackinac Straits. The location is two miles from town, but very close to Sunset Rock and the Stonecliffe Inn, known for its social events and a great restaurant, plus the Grand Hotel’s golf course.

This condo has a private entrance, a full bath, and a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.  The decor is modern with a calming natural color scheme, a tufted headboard, and metallic nightstands with crystal lamps.

The wooden deck has a nice view of the waterline just over the treetops and there is enough room for a small colorful table with two chairs. The room is hotel-style, so seating is limited to the deck and a small seating area below the television and a small indoor dining table for two.

Studio with beach gear on Ocracoke Island

Book this North Carolina Airbnb

Part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this barrier island has miles of pristine beaches, a historic village, and a lighthouse. This home is in a great location, just a half-block from the beach and within walking distance to restaurants and shops in Avon.

Inside is cozy and contemporary with a beachy color scheme, a Queen-sized bed, and a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and small dining table for two.

There’s also a deck that looks out over the yard and there is also a hot tub and grill. Beach chairs and an umbrella are free to borrow.

Seascape condo on Kiawah Island

Book this South Carolina Airbnb

Kiawah Island is a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina near Charleston and a popular destination among golfers. The island is well-known for its resorts, but there are many beautiful vacation homes like this one-bedroom condo in West Beach.

The screened-in porch has a small seating area that overlooks the forest but won’t let any bugs in, which is a must on balmy summer nights. Enjoy complimentary beach gear, which only needs to be carried a short walk away to the sand. 

There is plenty of room to cook in the modern stainless steel kitchen that includes a wine fridge, and vaulted ceilings make the home feel even larger. Funky furniture like the palette-shaped wood coffee table and plush velvet couch adds a nice touch, while the bedroom is minimalistic with white, gray, and pale sea-green colors. 

Charming guest suite on Block Island

Book this Rhode Island Airbnb

Directly south of Rhode Island, Block Island is a quiet summer destination home to bike trails, beaches, historic lighthouses, and a small population. To get around, rent a bicycle or moped.

This one-bedroom suite is in a great location if you’re looking for a bit of seclusion, but still want to be close to town to eat out and explore. It has a private entrance, a small living area, a plush couch, and a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge and coffeemaker. The decor is relaxing with dusty blues and deep grays that complement nautical artwork. You’ll also have access to the outdoor patio with a grill and a dining area and nature trails surround the home.

There is a flat screen TV and a big couch when it’s time to unwind, and the hosts provide two beach chairs and towels for a day on the sand.

Sea haven on Jekyll Island

Book this Jekyll Island, Georgia 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.

Studio apartment with private garden on Fire Island

Book this New York Airbnb

Connected to Long Island by bridge and ferry service, Fire Island is a four-mile-long barrier island with various resort communities, golf courses, as well as Robert Moses State Park. T

his private studio is four houses away from the beach and is a short walk from the ferry dock where you’ll find many shops and restaurants, plus the Whyte Hall Theatre and a grocery store.

There is a private entrance, a kitchen with a microwave and coffeemaker, bar stools, and a basic Full-sized bed framed by colorful green paint. The look is sparse, leaving the focus on the outdoors, best enjoyed on the spacious private deck surrounded by a lush garden with enough room for a grill and an outdoor dining area. Be prepared to disconnect as there is no Wi-Fi.

Woodsy house with incredible views in the San Juan Islands

Book this Washington Airbnb

The San Juan Islands in Washington are home to rocky coastlines and old-growth forests. In the bustling town of Friday Habor, you’ll find this beautiful home covered in wood paneling with unique features like a reading nook (that could double as a child’s bed) built into the living room bookcase. The views surrounding this home are also worth daydreaming about as the custom-built house has a waterfront view of False Bay with 400 surrounding acres of open space. A great outpost for exploration, the hosts provide four kayaks and bikes and a private staircase leads to a deck on the beach.

Inside, the home has an open living space between the kitchen and living room, and is filled with books for those seeking a quiet, literary-minded getaway. Attached to the house is a light-filled sun room with a dining table, another reading nook, and a small deck. The bedroom is small but full of light with long windows on each side and a giant skylight. 

Historic apartment on Martha’s Vineyard

Book this Massachusetts Airbnb

A classic escape off of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is a lovely summer destination known for its charming harbor towns and lighthouses. This apartment is located in one of the most lively towns on the island in a building that has been designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Property. One of two historic apartments from the Civil War era, this two-floor floor unit has a deck with views over downtown, plus a seating area and a grill to enjoy it all.

The space is small, but huge windows let in lots of light and the traditional design includes warm muted colors on the walls and rugs. There are two modestly-sized bedrooms, one with a Queen bed and one with two single beds, however, it’s the location that should lure you to book here. The apartment is within walking distance of the beach, ferry terminal, and Oak Bluff’s dining and shopping center. 

Oceanview condo with pool access on Catalina Island

Book this California Airbnb

Off the coast of Los Angeles in the Channel Islands, Santa Catalina offers seclusion, nature, and a little bit of Hollywood history. You’ll find most things centered in the town of Avalon, where this large condo offers a terrace with a 180-degree view of the coast and an elegant design with minimalistic retro details and classy wood furnishings and accents.

The home has one bedroom, plus a den with a fireplace and designer couch that can be transformed into a queen-sized bed for extra guests.

Bamboo floors and leather furniture add a touch of luxury to the airy home, and double doors open out to the balcony with seating and a breakfast table.

Part of a larger condominium complex, guests also have access to the pool, hot tub, gym, and tennis courts and the hosts offer guests the option of using their golf cart to get around the island.

Coastal designer condo on Nantucket

Book this Massachusetts Airbnb

One of the smaller inhabited islands off of Cape Cod, Nantucket offers a quaint historic town and sandy dunes.

Following a recent renovation, this one-bedroom home shines with highly curated, posh decor by way of lucite side tables, midcentury chairs, pendant lamps, and an overstuffed crisp white couch. There is also a gleaming kitchen, and a covered deck with picnic-style seating and a small grill. The bedroom features maritime-minded pieces like a bedside lamp crafted from thick rope and a mix of white, gray, and slate blue colors.

The location is a short walk to Main Street and the Nantucket Harbor.

Floating Tiki suite in Key West

Book this Key West Airbnb

Designed to be a glamping experience on the water, you get to this one-of-a-kind floating suite via boat or water shuttle.

The provided paddleboards and snorkel gear make it easy to leap off the front deck and hit the surrounding water. Of course, lounging in the hammock or opening the French doors on all sides to take in the water views from the King bed are also worthy options. 

Brazilian hardwood floors complement the thatched-tiki styling and soaring vaulted ceilings give the living space an airy feel — literally since they also serving as the core component to the self-ventilating design that helps keep this suite cool. While there is a bathroom, there’s no true kitchen here. There is a cooler that can keep food cold for up to nine days, but guests need to bring their own ice and supplies.

Lakefront home in Lake Havasu City

Book this Arizona Airbnb

It doesn’t get much closer to the water than this. Lakefront views are available from almost every window in this impressive home that’s actually located on an island within Lake Havasu City. 

Recently remodeled, there is a Queen-size bedroom and additional pull-out sleeper, a sleek bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Though the real draws are outside where an expansive deck is furnished with a large table, plush couch seating, a grill, and outdoor speakers.

From there, private stairs lead directly down to the water with a buoy to tie a boat in front of the home. Dock rentals are also available for a small fee for 24 foot or smaller boats. 

Your very own private island on Hilton Head

Book this Hilton Head Airbnb

This place is a little more expensive than we’d usually go, but how many opportunities do you get to rent your own private island? Old House Cay is in fact made up of three private islands that you’ll have to yourself. They’re accessible only by boat, and the hosts are kind enough to transport you in theirs.

The rental is a beautifully renovated large wooden beach house, with gorgeous reclaimed wood, pillars, exposed beams on high vaulted ceilings, and corrugated iron that comes together to make the place magazine-level photogenic. There are also hardwood floors, wicker furniture, driftwood sculptures, model fish, and even a ship’s figurehead hanging on the wall. It’s fully loaded with home comforts for dining in and entertaining, and with boating or fishing the only real demands on your time, it’s an ideal spot for getting off-grid (though, there is Wi-Fi). Savor the views from the wraparound deck, or hop into the hammock — you’re on island time here.

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