15 Unforgettable Waterfront Stays Across America

There's something about being near the water that's so perfectly peaceful. The tranquility and peace of a beautiful lake, resplendent river, or endless ocean prompt a sense of awe and wonder and calm a busy mind. And whether you're by the coast or smack in the center of a landlocked state, opportunities to stay on—not simply"by"—the water abound in this beautiful country of ours.

So pack a bag and get ready for some soul-soothing rest when you stay on the water in the U.S. at these jaw-dropping accommodations. Which of these 15 hotels, homes, and houseboats are you hoping to visit first?

Oceanfront Accommodations in the U.S.

If there's one thing we can all likely agree on, it's that there are few experiences more magical than life on the beach. Dig your toes into the sand and let the sound of ocean waves relax your spirit by lodging at one of these luxurious and beautiful oceanfront homes.

1. Beach Road Oceanfront Retreat - Dana Point, California

• Address: Dana Point, California, 92629
• Standout Amenity: Walkout deck that leads right onto the beach

You can almost feel the warmth of this beautiful Oceanfront Retreat on the Pacific Coast of California. It's near Capistrano Beach, a charming coastal town in Orange County that's worth visiting all on its own. But then, with a home like this situated right on the shores of Poche Beach, you'll find it hard to leave. Walk out your living room doors and onto the beautiful, sandy beach that awaits you.

2. Waterfront Home - Freeport, Texas

• Address: Freeport, Texas 77541
• Standout Amenity: Spacious deck with an outdoor grill

This light and airy coastal property overlooks the scenic San Luis Pass on Treasure Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. This Beachfront Home features spacious rooms and wide windows facing the ocean, a wrap-around deck, and plenty of peace. Soak in the sun on the deck as the waves crash to shore right beneath you, and you'll see why this paradisical home captures the hearts of all who stay here.

3. Home With Beach Access and Yoga Studio - Langley, Washington

• Address: Langley, Washington 98260
• Standout Amenity: A bright sunroom and a personalized yoga studio

The charming Waterfront Home in Langley is both rustic and refined; it features sweeping views of the ocean from the deck, living room, and bright sunroom. This newly remodeled cabin's views of Camano Island, Hat Island, and the Cascades will steal your breath away. This is the perfect cozy Washington rental for a couple or small family wanting to explore the picturesque Evergreen State while drinking in the ocean views in their home-away-from-home. You can even stretch and relax in the home's yoga room.

Lakefront Accommodations in the U.S.

For those who crave a peaceful getaway on the water but would like a taste of mountain living, these charming vacation rentals offer something to love for everyone. From the Northern Cascades of Washington to the unexpected beauty of Idaho, these lakefront rentals are true charmers.

4. Ross Lake Resort - Rockport, Washington

• Address: Ross Lake Resort, 503 Diablo St, Rockport, WA 98283
• Standout Amenity: Unique floating resort in a remote location in the North Cascades

Ross Lake in Washington is located in the North Cascades, in a region of the state that can only be described as a nature lover’s paradise. That’s where you’ll find Ross Lake Resort, a collection of 12 cabins and three bunkhouses built on log floats, not next to but actually on the lake, making for what's quite possibly the dreamiest getaway in the Evergreen State. The resort is located on the west side of Ross Lake, just north of Ross Dam. Since there is no road access, there are two ways to get here: go for a hike or take a ride on the Diablo Lake Ferry, which meets up with the Ross Lake Resort Truck. This adventure is merely a preview of what's to come: an off-the-grid experience on the water in the wondrous wilds of Washington!

5. The Coeur d'Alene Golf & Spa Resort - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

• Address: The Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
• Standout Amenity: World-class resort that includes a floating golf course

The Coeur d'Alene Resort is a stunning, world-class resort in the idyllic North Idaho city of Coeur d'Alene. Best known as the site of the world's only floating golf course, this entire resort is an other-worldly experience. Rooms are located in three sections: the 17-story Lake Tower on the north shore of the lake, Park Tower with midsize rooms and views of the lake, city, and mountains, and the North Wing with bucket-list-level accommodations on a budget. Between the epic vistas, top-tier restaurants, and next-level spa services offered at this resort, you have the makings of an extraordinary getaway.

6. Shasta Lake, California

• Address: Shasta Lake, CA 96019
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious floating houseboat rentals on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is a favorite California house boating haunt where you can rent a vessel like The Empress and motor out to explore the largest manmade lake in the state. Carpeted with tall evergreen trees, the lake's shoreline is mostly steep and mountainous, with many coves and waterfalls to explore, that is, when you're not hiking a wilderness trail ashore or tossing out a line to snag one of the lake's prized catches. But with views for days, you might be tempted to stay on board and simply soak it all up (drink in hand, of course), and for that, we wouldn't blame you.

Floating Accommodations in the U.S.

When it comes to the ultimate vacation getaway, it doesn't get any more legendary than a vacation home that floats on the water. If you're looking to add a little more adventure to your lodging experience, the following floating rental properties will surely deliver unforgettable memories.

7. Tiki Suites - Key West, Florida

• Address: Key West, FL 33040
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious glamping retreat on the water

Looking for floating Airbnbs in Key West? We shouldn't play favorites, but there is perhaps nothing more bucket-list worthy than this floating slice of paradise in Key West, Florida. You'll need to charter a boat ride to access the one-bedroom, one-bathroom Tiki Suites, which come decked with a hammock, stand-up paddleboards, air conditioning, smart technology, and generator-powered electricity. Amenities aside, the best feature of this bobbing abode is the spectacular surrounding scenery. Where else can you watch dancing dolphins and manatees while eating breakfast?

8. The Landing @ Clinton River - Harrison Township, Michigan

• Address: Harrison Township, Michigan
• Standout Amenity: Laundry, grill, a boat slip, and a patio.

Not only is this boathouse a stunning accommodation, but it's also located on St. Clair and can be accessed either by land or via a 25-minute boat ride. If you have your own boat or rent one, there's a boat slip at this Airbnb for your convenience. This floating home is located within a marina and is a thing of beauty—it's bright and airy, perfectly decorated, and comfortably sleeps up to four and includes numerous in-house amenities and those offered at the marina. This may be one of the best Airbnbs on the water!

9. Table Rock Lake Houseboat Rentals - Table Rock Lake, Missouri

• Address: 338 Nautical Cir Kimberling City, MO 65686
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious 5-star houseboats, some include jacuzzi tubs, wet bars, BBQ grills, and more.

Luxury comes in all forms, and this houseboat on Table Rock Lake is a peak luxury vacation rental in Missouri. These floating dwellings are so luxurious and lovely that you'll probably have to book your stay far in advance—they're that popular. But the extra planning is worth it. Each floating home features between four and seven bedrooms, making it a far cry from your typical cramped-quarter waterfront dwelling. Amenities such as hot tubs, gas grills, fully equipped kitchens, and double decks make this an amazing experience that, when paired with the pristine lakeside scenery, is truly bucket-list worthy.

10. Ebel's Voyageur Houseboats - Orr, Minnesota

• Address: 10326 Ash River Trail, Orr, MN 55771
• Standout Amenity: Variety of houseboat options from standard to luxury within Voyageurs National Park

Newly designated among the nation's Dark Sky Parks, Northern Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park is a place of extraordinary natural beauty: pristine waters, towering trees, and a world-class house boating experience that feels remote yet well-connected. Near the Canadian border and Boundary Waters, Voyageurs sprawls across five natural lakes without a single road running through. Rent a houseboat with a local outfitter such as Ebel's Voyageur Houseboats, and you can spend your days fishing, hiking the lush forests, and swimming in the cool Minnesota waters. Some of the houseboat models from Ebel's boast screened-in porches and wrap-around decks, making for a wholly immersive experience in this epic wilderness.

11. Erie Canal Adventures - Macedon, New York

• Address: 1125 Marina Pkwy, Macedon, NY 14502
• Standout Amenity: Charming Eerie Canal boats include full bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens

It's no exaggeration to say that the Erie Canal made New York the powerhouse of business and politics that it is today. It's an American marvel and a New York bucket list must. There's no better way to experience the canal than, well, from the canal. Today, it's used most frequently for recreational boating, not commercial, and while there are day tours available, we recommend going big and renting a canal boat for the night with Erie Canal Adventures. With private cabins, expansive kitchens, and full bathrooms, you'll float down the commanding canal in the lap of luxury, soaking up incredible natural scenery, architecture, and history.

Unique Accommodations in the U.S.

If you've got a craving for a lodging experience that is beyond the ordinary, many unique vacation rentals in the U.S. are well worth exploring. There's something extraordinary and awe-inspiring about each of these unique waterfront accommodations we've discovered nationwide. From truly unique experiences in a dome somewhere (seriously, wait 'til you see it) to old-school hotels and beds and breakfasts, you can't go wrong with an awesome stay at these incredible spots across the country.

12. Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa - Astoria, Oregon

• Address: 10 Basin St, Astoria, OR 97103
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious spa services, soaking tub, and sweeping views of the river

There's a reason the #pnwonderland hashtag is a thing: The Pacific Northwest is, quite literally, a wonderland. And nowhere is this epitomized more than the Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa, an Oregon accommodation located on the commanding Columbia River in Astoria. At this luxury hotel, guests experience Astoria in a wholly immersive and unprecedented way. It's located 600 feet into the river, offering guests an unrivaled waterfront experience. Every room boasts beautiful views and a private balcony for a front-row show of the fascinating life of a real working river. Amenities include soaking tubs and binoculars for relaxing and enjoying these perfect panoramas.

13. Geodome - Lake Travis, Texas

• Address: Leander, TX 78641
• Standout Amenity: Five spacious bedrooms, a chef's kitchen, and a library on the top floor

Book a stay at a waterfront Airbnb near the water—look at this incredible abode! With its commanding perch overlooking Lake Travis, this epic geodesic dome home might be the coolest place to stay in Texas. In true Texas form, everything about this 3,500-square-foot geodome is larger than life, from its five full bedrooms and chef's kitchen to its top-floor library tower that offers 360-degree Hill Country views. Only 30 minutes from Austin, this tranquil getaway makes for an unforgettable adventure where you'll feel like you're on top of the world. It's true what they say: everything is bigger in Texas, including the awesome stays.

14. Flamingo Campground - Everglades National Park, Florida

• Address: Flamingo, FL 33034
• Standout Amenity: Luxurious glamping-style tents in the Everglades with Florida Bay views

The Florida Everglades is one of the most mesmerizing parts of the entire state... and country. Comprised of 1.5 million acres of wetland preserves, visitors to the swamp often witness nature that isn’t found anywhere else. The area is home to hundreds of animal species, diverse terrain like coastal mangroves and marshes, and is considered the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Stay at Flamingo Campground—a collection of upscale eco-tents in the heart of the park—and you'll see why! Kayak, take airboat tours, and more at this picture-perfect home base.

15. The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel - Kennebunkport, Maine

• Address: 21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
• Standout Amenity: Views of the harbor side of the Kennebunk River, large outdoor decks, fresh baked goods daily

For the ultimate Maine experience, book a stay at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant, an irresistibly charming accommodation in one of the state's most beautiful towns. The hotel, which sits directly on the Kennebunk River and is just minutes from the ocean, offers 25 guest rooms in two different buildings. Everything here is light and modern, and each room and common space exudes the rustic and nautical vibes of Maine.

Rooms feature bespoke decor from local designers, infusing a bit of whimsy into these well-appointed spaces. Of course, what's outside the rooms is even better than what's inside; the harbor views of Coastal Kennebunkport are nothing short of magical.

Earn Rewards While You Relax

If you're building out your summer travel calendar, I Prefer Hotel Rewards is worth adding to your loyalty lineup. The program spans 650+ hotels and resorts across four distinct brands, from sustainability-focused retreats and historic castle properties to sleek city-center stays, so there's genuinely something for every type of traveler. Right now, a limited-time summer offer sweetens the deal even further: register and earn a $50 Reward Certificate for each new hotel stay between May 5 and August 31, 2026, stackable up to five stays for a total of $250 in rewards redeemable at 700+ properties worldwide. It's a simple, flexible way to get more out of the travel you're already planning.

For those who love the water, nothing compares to a waterfront getaway. But to actually stay on the water? That takes things to a whole other level of bucket-list-worthy experiences. Which of these waterfront stays are you most excited to visit first?