A seaside or beach getaway is the fantasy many of us dream of when thinking of a relaxing vacation. And that is perfectly understandable since being surrounded by and immersing ourselves in nature is one of the best ways to unwind and rejuvenate. While renting a lakehouse or cozy cabin can be lovely, may we suggest taking to the water. Like, say, on a yacht or houseboat, which are the new experiential vacation style. And if you don’t have your sea legs, fear not, there are plenty of floating AirBNB adventures that never even leave the marina. Enjoy this curated guide of our faves throughout the US.
Book yourself a front-row seat to ocean life on a marina in Key West in a beautiful historic city close to restaurants and entertainment. This spacious, luxurious 50′ motor yacht is located at Perry Hotel’s resort marina, which offers waterfront swimming pools, a spa, live entertainment, a fitness room, three restaurants, and free shuttle service to downtown Key West.
Sunset On The Water, Austin, Texas
Docked in Austin, Texas, this 45 foot luxury yacht offers views of the city and easy access to restaurants, shopping, and a lake. The owners also welcome fur baby’s, provided they are potty trained and leashed when walking through the marina.
Float in Style
The yacht sleeps 6-8 and in addition to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, there’s also a fully-equipped kitchen with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and Keurig coffee maker. If you want to take dinner outside to enjoy the sunset, there’s also a gas grill available on the dock. Special accommodations can also be made with partner vessels for large parties.
Houseboat on Tennessee River, Knoxville, Tennessee
Relax and enjoy the sway of this renovated 1984 50 foot Jamestowner houseboat located at Volunteer Landing, just hop skip and a jump away from the restaurants of downtown Knoxville. You can also easily access the Knoxville Greenway walking, running, and biking trails behind the marina or take the short walk to Neyland Stadium and Thompson Boling Arena.
Float in Style
The houseboat sleeps five, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. While most everything in the houseboat has been updated, the rustic ceiling beams and steering console offer a nostalgic touch. All guests must be approved, along with pets which incur an additional fee.
Boatel California, Ventura Harbor, California
Make yourself at home in what the hosts describe as a large floating RV permanently docked less than 100 feet from Ventura Harbor Village and the beach. The Boatel California is the perfect setting to enjoy a stunning view of the harbor over a romantic meal on the covered deck.
Float in Style
Can accommodate up to six guests. It has two bedrooms, four beds, 1.5 baths. The salon has a couch, dining table, and galley with a fully stocked kitchen that includes a refrigerator, kitchen sink, microwave, Keurig Coffee Maker, an electric skillet, and more.
Aquatic Dreams Yacht, Wilmington, North Carolina
As its name suggests, this seriously chic 50 foot Italian yacht is what aquatic dreams are made of. Docked in the Port City Marina in Wilmington, North Carolina. The entertainment is also covered thanks to a live band that performs at the marina, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and stargaze.
Float in Style
The yacht sleeps 6 and has two staterooms, two full bathrooms, a family room with a pull-out couch, wet bar, and a full kitchen with all the mod cons including a microwave and Keurig Coffee Maker. If you prefer not to cook, the marina has a grill and bar where you can enjoy food and drinks.
Knotty Buoy Motor Yacht, New Bern, North Carolina
Wake up to the gentle swaying of the motor yacht Knotty Buoy which is docked in the New Bern Grand Marina in New Bern, North Carolina. You’ll be within walking distance to New Bern which is made up of the historic districts including Riverside, and Ghent. You will find homes that were built around the turn of the century, Victorian mansions, and Greek revival homes. In addition to restaurants and shops, there are also art exhibits, museums, self-guided tours, and the birthplace of Pepsi.
Float in Style
The yacht is a cozy one-bedroom with two bathrooms and is outfitted with creature comforts, including a kitchen, desk, and wi-fi. In addition to the bedroom, there is a sofa bed in the living room and a sleeping area with a mattress so that it will sleep four comfortably. Its views of the Neuse and Trent Rivers allow you to enjoy beautiful sunsets, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some marine life.
Mazu, Damariscotta, Maine
If you love Maine, this 42-foot Mazu yacht, parked on the scenic Damariscotta River, which is home to a mix of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, is the place to enjoy all that river life has to offer. Think beautiful views, tranquility, plenty of fishing, kayaking and canoeing. You might also be pleased to know it’s in the midst of the Damariscotta and a two-minute drive to Route 1.
Float in Style
The yacht comfortably sleeps six, with two private staterooms, a sofa bed in the main salon, and a convertible dinette for gathering at dinner. The galley kitchen is open so you will always be a part of the action. It comes with an electric stove, refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker.
Tybee Island Waterfront Getaway, Georgia
Enjoy beautiful Georgia sunsets on this 36 foot waterfront getaway, which is docked 3.5 miles away from the beach and close to the historic downtown area of Savannah. Hang out on the patio of the boat and you might just be in luck and catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming by and pelicans diving for fish.
Float in Style
The boat has one bedroom and one bathroom and capacity is limited to two. It does come equipped with a full-size marine refrigerator, microwave, and 3-burner stove – though you might want to skip the cooking and head to Bubba Gumbo‘s, considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Savannah.
