Sure, there are beaches — and, of course, beach houses — all up and down the East and West coasts, but many people in the U.S. are closer to the Gulf Coast and just prefer the laid-back vibe there a little more. If you’ve been yearning for a getaway in Galveston, a break in ‘Bama, or a rest somewhere else along the gulf, here’s a list of stellar vacation rentals that will give you the perfect home base at the end of some long sun-soaked beach days.
Prices and availability are subject to change.Related: Vacation Rentals for Large Groups and Family Reunions
Centrally Located Gulf-Front Paradise
Gulf Shores, Alabama | Sleeps 8
This three-bedroom, two-bath home sports high ceilings in the living area, which also allow for large windows providing waterfront views. In addition to amenities like a large sundeck and open-concept great room, the vacation rental is close to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, The Track — which has go-karts, mini-golf, blaster boats, and more — and the Alabama Gulf State Park & Pier. Related: 50 Amazing Airbnbs and Vrbos Across the Country
Cozy Grand Isle Beach House
Grand Isle, Louisiana | Sleeps 10-12
Just a quick walk from the ocean, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom beach house is a boon for anyone looking to spend a relaxing vacation swimming, fishing, or soaking in the sun. Hold a cookout around the barbecue pit and enjoy meals at the picnic table as the sun goes down, all while taking in views of the beach. A few private, covered parking spaces offer plenty of room to store your car or boat.
Dauphin Island Beach House
Dauphin Island, Alabama | Sleeps 7
You can’t get much more “on the beach” than in this three-bedroom, two-bath house, which is actually built partially in the water. Features here include vaulted ceilings, a wrap-around deck for panoramic views of the gulf and bay, and an open, airy, and beachy feel in comfortable surroundings. Dauphin Island itself has lots to offer, including parks, beaches, birding, nature explorations, and more.
Related: The Prettiest Floating Cabins Around the World
Majestic Beach Resort
Panama City Beach, Florida | Sleeps 12
Ideal for big family vacations, this Panama City Beach condo is stacked with amenities for everyone, including multiple pools, hot tubs, a fitness court, and a movie theater that are all part of the Majestic Beach Resort. With four bedrooms featuring seven beds — plus three full bathrooms — this rental fits a dozen people comfortably. The ocean views aren’t a bad thing to wake up to either.
Almost Heaven Gulf-Front House
Gulf Shores, Alabama | Sleeps 16
If you’ve got a few families you can safely travel with, this open-concept six-bedroom, seven-bath house is a deal. It’s got a large, double-island kitchen perfect for cooking for a crowd, modern and chic furnishings, and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy meals, cocktails, or for taking in the sunset and crashing waves. Other amenities include a TV, Wi-Fi, and a dedicated workspace, and the location is close to local restaurants, shops, and more.
For more great travel guides and vacation tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.Trending on Cheapism
Gulf Shores Cottage
Gulf Shores, Alabama | Sleeps 10
Located a quick walk from a handful of Gulf beaches, this modern, four-bedroom cottage is also just steps away from Lagoon Pass Park, where you can canoe, kayak, fish, and enjoy the water with little ones. At the cottage, an outdoor shower, grill, and private balcony make this home a prime vacation rental.
Two-Bedroom Beachfront Casita
Delray Beach, Florida | Sleeps 4
Delray Beach is known for its downtown area, located directly on the beach, and this rental will give you relatively convenient access to both the sand and surf as well as nightlight, shopping, and more just a few blocks north. Amenities include a pool and hot tub, and this property has two bedrooms, one bath, and furnishings that offer an airy, comfy beachy vibe.
For more great travel guides and vacation tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
South Padre Beachfront Retreat
South Padre Island, Texas | Sleeps 14
You and a group can spread out in this six-bedroom, six-bath oceanfront home with its wall of windows that offer expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico. Located just north of the Mexico border, amenities here include a washer and dryer, cable TV, dedicated workspace, grill, hot tub, and pool.
Sign up for our newsletter
Solare-Bahia Mar Condo
South Padre Island, Texas | Sleeps 8
For something a little smaller and easier on the pocketbook, check out this three-bedroom, three-bath third-floor condo, which features two large balconies with lounge seating that overlook the ocean. Light and airy, the property is located in a gated community that includes a gym, tennis courts, two pools (each with a hot tub), walking trails, a playground, and more.
Tuxedo Flats House
Gulf Shores, Alabama | Sleeps 24
With 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, this colossal home is a veritable beachside fun house. The fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook up a feast, while a wet bar complete with an ice maker and wine refrigerator helps you play bartender. Hang out in a hammock or on lounge chairs by the (heated!) pool, or take a trip to the beach across the street. The house also features a ping pong table — perfect for rousing tournaments that could stretch on into the night.
The Nest Waterfront Cottage
Long Beach, Mississippi| Sleeps 6
This two-bedroom, two-bath house on stilts is located on a corner lot directly across the street from the beach. It has a large, gorgeous deck area that overlooks the gulf, and other amenities include cable TV, a dedicated workspace, an outdoor shower, and some beach gear essentials. The location is just a 5-minute drive away from downtown Long Beach, where guests will find shopping boutiques, restaurants, nightlife, and more.
Mimosa on Mobile Bay
Fairhope, Alabama | Sleeps 6
If you like to have a bit of green yard in addition to beach access, this cheerful home just north of Bon Secour Bay offers three bedrooms and two baths. Amenities include outdoor seating on a wraparound deck, a newly built covered wharf, on-site kayaks, and stellar sunset views.
Kettle House Galveston
Galveston, Texas | Sleeps 6
Located just a couple blocks off the beach near restaurants and Galveston Island State Park, this unique two-bedroom, one-bath house is filled with warm woods, vintage furnishings, and beach-friendly hardwood floors. Amenities include indoor hammocks, outdoor swing chairs, and a massive deck for enjoying the salt-tinged air. Note: With a steep spiral staircase, this house isn’t suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
Related: 25 Coolest Tiny Home RentalsReel Paradise Condo
Rockport, Texas | Sleeps 5
Fish right off your back deck in this super beach, one-story condo with two bedrooms and two baths. With wood ceilings, wood floors, and an open concept layout, this eclectically decorated vacation rental is located on Rockport’s Key Allegro and includes a washer and dryer, room-darkening shades, a TV, board games, and beach gear such as towels, umbrella, and snorkeling gear. There’s also a community pool on the premises, and this property has a boat slip.
Related: The Most Remote VacationRentals Around the World
Poolside Townhouse
Gulf Shores, Alabama | Sleeps 9
This newly updated condo includes two balconies that overlook a pool — just in case you need any convincing to hop into your swimsuit. If the beach is more of your speed, you’re in luck: the three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse is right across the street from public beach access. Free parking is also available.
Bayfront Romantic Casa
Rockport, Texas| Sleeps 2
If you’re looking for a romantic waterfront vacation rental for two, this property north of Corpus Christi is pretty lovely. In addition to a comfortable beachy vibe on the interior, it features a partially covered deck with lounge chairs and dining space, and a small yard. It’s also within quick driving distance to the well-rated Paradise Key Dockside Bar & Grill, Rockport Beach, and other local restaurants and breweries.
Related: Romantic Vacation Rentals Across America
Luxury Coastal Home
Port Aransas, Texas | Sleeps 10
This four-bedroom, five-bath home brings the cozy-meets-beachy vibe home with shiplap walls, jute rugs, hardwood floors, and plenty of windows letting in light. Amenities include plenty of outdoor spaces for enjoying the ocean breezes and dune views. Located in the Sunflower Beach Resort, this property offers access to the resort’s pools, bike and golf cart rentals, and a boardwalk leading directly to the beach.
Blue Oyster Getaway
Port Aransas, Texas | Sleeps 8
Wake up to palm trees and blue skies in Port Aransas, where the Blue Oyster Getaway serves as a home base just a few blocks from the beach. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo features a breakfast island, flat screen TV, and a fully-stocked kitchen, while the community pool is open for anyone who’d rather catch some rays poolside than at the beach. Head to Mustang Island State Park nearby for plenty of bike trails, kayaking, and fishing.
Galveston Beachfront Home
Galveston, Texas | Sleeps 14
In search of a secluded getaway vacation rental? The remodeled Beachfront Rose sits at the end of a quiet neighborhood cul de sac and offers its own private walkway to Indian Beach. The property’s expansive lawn means there’s plenty of room for outdoor games, grilling, and dining, while four bedrooms and 18 beds offers enough room for multiple families to enjoy their vacation together. In the evening, take in the sunset while relaxing on Adirondack chairs on the porch.
Canalfront Bayou Vista Home
Hitchcock, Texas | Sleeps 8
Not every waterfront home has to include a beach, especially if you’re the kind of person that loves the sound of water or ocean air but isn’t a huge fan of sand everywhere. This four-bedroom, two-bath bayou-front home is about 15 minutes from Galveston and includes features such as a washer and dryer, fireplace, lovely patio area, upper deck, indoor bar, and access to the community pool.
Related: Best Vacation Rentals With Indoor Pools
Old Town Beachfront House
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi | Sleeps 14
For a larger group, this four-bedroom, three-bath home — also located directly across the street from a Mississippi Gulf Coast beach — has a more traditional than beachy feel to its decor, but it’s still lovely and has a fantastic location. There’s a large front porch for drinking coffee or cocktails while listening to the nearby crashing waves, or guests can hang out in the backyard, which includes seating, a fire pit, and lots of great ambient lighting. Other amenities include a washer and dryer, TV, and dedicated workspace.
Oceanfront High-Rise Apartment
Gulf Shores, Alabama | Sleeps 6
Located in a high-rise in the heart of Gulf Shores, this 12th-floor unit has two bedrooms, two baths, and an enclosed sunroom/balcony with sliding glass doors for enjoying those gulf breezes while sipping a cup of coffee or a cocktail. Other amenities include a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, community pool, and a boardwalk that leads directly from the complex to the beach.
A-Frame of Mind
Galveston, Texas | Sleeps 16
Situated in Jamaica Beach, a small neighborhood in Galveston, this stunning A-frame offers five bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus plenty of outdoor space to work on your tan. Take a dip in the community pool, then head back to the modern bungalow for a game of ping pong or foosball. A spacious living room and dining room serve as comfy communal areas for your vacation squad.
