6 Stunning Waterfront Retreats in Rhode Island Worth Booking This Summer

Warm weather in Rhode Island means an influx of tourists who travel here from all corners of the globe to enjoy what's on our doorstep every day—sandy beaches, ocean views, and some of the best views in the country. When we want some quiet from the buzz of summer, we're fortunate enough to have access to some of the best waterfront retreats in Rhode Island. The hard part is deciding where to book a stay.

From romantic Rhode Island Airbnbs to waterfront cottage getaways, these six stunning vacation rentals are just waiting to be booked this summer. Just imagine relaxing on a private beach or in a kayak on the river, taking in all that classic New England summers have to offer. Plus, each is close to charming small towns with plenty of seafood restaurants, taverns, breweries, and shops. Ready to book your trip? Check out these waterfront stays—one might just call your name.

1. Spacious Lakehouse With Private Beach – Coventry

• Space: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (sleeps 12 guests)
• Price: $1,106/2 nights
• Amenities: Beach access, in-unit washer and dryer, AC/radiant heat, first-aid kit, Wifi, fire pit, outdoor dining area
• Rating: 4.94/5 stars

This quintessential New England home right on Lake Tiogue is a great place to kick off your summer. Not only will you enjoy a spacious backyard space complete with Adirondack chairs and a stone fire pit, but you'll also have direct access to the lake right from the backyard. Bring the whole family to this spacious waterfront retreat, which comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests. Spend evenings watching the sunset over the water and days kayaking or canoeing with boats on the property.

If you're up for exploring, visit the charming Rhode Island town of Coventry, just a few-minute drive away. You'll find delicious eateries like Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks, Olde Theater Restaurant and Lounge, and more along the main path, plus other natural attractions like the George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, home to stunning riverside hiking trails. One of our favorites is the 3.2-mile Paul Cook Memorial Trail.

2. Salt Pond Sunrise Views – Charlestown

• Space: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms (sleeps 7 guests)
• Price: $3,004/3 nights
• Amenities: Sea view, lake view, waterfront, in-building washer and dryer, Ethernet connection, themed room, HDTV, life-size games, children's crib and supplies, AC/radiant heat, indoor wood-burning fireplace, first aid kit, Wifi, private patio or balcony, fire pit, outdoor furniture, hammock, BBQ grill, beach essentials, bikes, kayaks, boat slip, sun loungers, long-term stays allowed
• Rating: 4.74/5 stars

Just a 10-minute walk from Charlestown Beach, this bright and airy vacation home is the epitome of coastal chic. Guests will enjoy a beautiful upgraded interior complete with three comfortable bedrooms, a spacious living area perfect for game and movie night, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a relaxing deck with views of the sparkling pond in the backyard. You'll feel right at home in this family-friendly waterfront cottage, which is close to local attractions like Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge and public beaches.

Start your mornings with coffee and sunrise on the deck, then gear up for kayaking on the pond. Or rent a boat from the local marina and fish for clams in nearby Ninigret Pond. Later, take the home's bikes into town for amazing food and drinks: The host highly recommends Matunuck Oyster Bar for fresh oysters, Dave's Coffee for lattes and pastries, and the Fantastic Umbrella Factory for whimsical souvenirs. Kids will also love visiting the goats and emus on the store's property!

3. The Oceanfront House – Narragansett

• Space: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms (sleeps 8 guests)
• Price: Unknown; Guests must have had three or more previous Airbnb bookings to reserve.
• Amenities: Ocean view, beach access, outdoor shower, washer/dryer, TV, sound system, AC/heating, Wifi, full kitchen, private balcony and patio, outdoor furniture, BBQ grill, beach essentials, sun loungers
• Rating: No reviews yet

While this house is fairly new to Airbnb (there are no reviews yet), it's easy to see why it's made our list of Rhode Island retreats. Live in the lap of luxury at this gorgeous oceanfront New England mansion with views of Narragansett Bay. With more than 3,000 square feet, there's plenty of room for guests to spread out and enjoy a bit of privacy. Dozens of modern amenities dot the home, including an outdoor shower, a full gourmet-style kitchen, and access to the neighborhood's private Kelly Beach. Talk about exclusive!

There's no direct access other than the water from this home's backyard, but a quick five-minute walk will give way to sprawling sand and shore. Staying at this upscale home also means proximity to local attractions, including the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, the 2.1-mile Whale Rock Hiking Trail, and the Point Judith Ferry to Block Island. Travelers looking for an elevated Rhode Island summer should definitely book a getaway here.

4. Coastal Portsmouth Home With Bay Access – Portsmouth

• Space: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (sleeps 6 guests)
• Price: $905/2 nights
• Amenities: Private waterfront beach access, washer/dryer, TV, children's crib, board games, window AC unit, heating, indoor fireplace, first aid kit, Wifi, full kitchen, private patio, outdoor furniture, BBQ gas grill
• Rating: 4.82/5 stars

This adorable waterfront family cottage in Portsmouth is the perfect cozy getaway for a couple or small family. Nestled on the shores of Mt. Hope Bay, the two-bedroom, one-bathroom home boasts its own private beach and backyard that's great for sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. Despite being close to attractions like Newport National Golf Club and downtown Newport, it's a fairly quiet and secluded property—you'll feel like you've entered an enchanted fairytale escape.

Note that this home does not have central air conditioning, only window units, so if you don't prefer the heat of Rhode Island summers, consider booking in spring or September, when temperatures begin to cool down. Of course, you can always dip in the bay for relief from the sunshine.

5. Waterfront Home With Dock – Charlestown

• Space: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (sleeps 4 guests)
• Price: $2,082/4 nights
• Amenities: Waterfront, outdoor shower, washer/dryer, TV, AC/heating, indoor fireplace, portable fans, Wifi, full kitchen, lake access, patio, private backyard, outdoor furniture, fire pit, hammock, BBQ grill, beach essentials, kayak, boat slip, sun loungers, long-term stays allowed
• Rating: 4.96/5 stars

Another cozy pick, this waterfront home in Charlestown offers absolutely sensational views at every turn. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home has all the amenities you need for a weekend getaway in Rhode Island: an outdoor shower and sun loungers on the private patio, a barbecue grill for outdoor dining, kayaks, paddleboards, and a boat slip for adventuring on the water, and an indoor fireplace to warm up on chilly Rhode Island nights.

The best part about this waterfront retreat is its proximity to nearby beaches and local attractions. East Beach and Blue Shutters Town Beach are just minutes away, plus you can drive into town to enjoy Dave's Coffee or The Haversham—a 19th-century tavern. Just keep in mind that only four-night minimum bookings are allowed at this home. It also fills up fast, so it might be better for a late-summer or early-fall trip.

6. Pier on Main – Tiverton

• Space: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (sleeps 6 guests)
• Price: $1,805/2 nights
• Amenities: Waterfront, lake views, outdoor shower, in-unit washer/dryer, TV, sound system, window AC unit, central heating, indoor fireplace, first-aid kit, Wifi, full kitchen, outdoor furniture, BBQ grill, kayak, long-term stays allowed
• Rating: 4.96/5 stars

Last but not least, this rare find in Tiverton, Rhode Island, is one for the books. Pier on Main is a Gambrel-style home with stunning views of the Sakonnet River. In fact, its backyard is the river. The entire house is elevated to accommodate the flowing waters below, and a private 50-foot pier connects the wraparound porch to the water, where you can dock your boat, jet ski, or kayaks.

Everything about this home oozes coastal New England charm. It's bright and light, offering glorious sunrise and sunset views over the water. Six guests can comfortably sleep in the three bedrooms and enjoy features like a chef's kitchen, outdoor grilling area, outdoor shower, private beach, and luxurious stone fireplace. When you're not relaxing at home, you can ride to Stone Bridge or Tiverton Four Corners—a charming, historic shopping area in town. You'll never want to leave this small town in Rhode Island!

Have you stayed in any of these Rhode Island getaway rentals? If not, start planning your trip today, as bookings fill up fast for summertime. For more inspiration, check out these waterfront Airbnbs with pools. They're perfect for spring or fall when the lakes and oceans are a little too chilly to swim in.