7 Waterfront Retreats in Washington Perfect for a Summer Escape

Make a splash this summer and plan ahead by booking a vacation home on the water, whether a lake, the Puget Sound, Hood Canal, or a bay. It may not quite be warm enough to jump in the Sound yet, but we can still plan ahead, can't we? Those of us living in the Evergreen State are lucky to have an array of fantastic accommodations for a scenic and relaxing staycation. But being spoiled for options creates a new sort of problem: how does one choose? With easy access to water recreation plus spectacular views, this list of bucket-list-worthy Washington waterfront retreats will make you wish summer would never end.

1. Rustic Lakefront Cabin in Black Diamond, Washington

• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 bathrooms
• Price: $327/night
• Standout amenities: Lake views, lake access, washer/dryer, fire pit, private dock
• Rating: 4.8/5 star rating

Little could top this lakefront cabin in Black Diamond, a small city in the foothills of Mount Rainier. Boasting two bedrooms, a fire pit, and a private dock, it's the ideal launch pad for warm-weather adventures. Ceiling-high windows bring the outside in, framing stunning views of the waterfront even on an overcast day. Wake up in the mornings and take your coffee out on the deck or down to the dock, where you can enjoy the quiet and watch for wildlife, such as beavers, and birds, including eagles, as they start their day with you.

Spend your days lying by the dock, swimming, or kayaking on the lake. Or visit the nearby Black Diamond Open Space of Green River Natural Area to hike and watch wildlife. Then return to the cabin to relax and make s'mores with the family around the fire pit under the stars. Once you stay here, it may become one of your favorite lakefront cabins in Washington.

2. Waterfront Cabin at Lake Wenatchee in Leavenworth, Washington

• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 2.5 bathrooms
• Price: $476/night
• Standout amenities: Lake and mountain views, private beach access, full kitchen, outdoor seating
• Rating: 4.77/5 star rating

Situated along the glittering shore of Lake Wenatchee, Rogue Shores is a stunning lakefront vacation home you may never want to leave once you experience the scenery and awe-inspiring views. The home offers an open-concept floor plan, giving plenty of room to anyone staying here. The primary bedroom has access to the wraparound deck, perfect for taking in views when you first wake up.

Surrounding the home is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Not only will you be close to some of our state's most beloved trails, but you're also guaranteed the best of the mountains without sacrificing an evening relaxing lakeside. Just bring your hiking gear and your sense of adventure.

Rogue Shores is located 23 miles from Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-inspired town in Washington that you must visit. In town, set aside time to enjoy local attractions such as the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Nutcracker Museum, and München Haus.

3. Hood Canal Waterfront A-Frame Retreat in Tahuya, Washington

• Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 7), 2 bathrooms
• Price: $1,010/night
• Standout amenities: Canal and mountain views, bidet, outdoor shower, sound system, spacious deck, fire pit, hot tub, barrel sauna, BBQ grill, kayak, EV Level 2 charger
• Rating: A guest Favorite with a 4.97/5 star rating

With access to the Hood Canal, this Waterfront A-Frame gem in Tahuya, Washington, is the spot to make your summer getaway dreams come true. It's not just on the water but over the water, one of the very few vacation homes with this feature. Families and friend groups alike will find plenty to keep them busy on the property of this unique waterfront stay in Washington.

You'll have plenty of views from both inside and outside the home, but you may want to spend most of your time out on the deck, taking in the spectacular views of the canals from the hot tub or seating area. This home is the ultimate place for one of the best Washington summer getaways, thanks to its waterfront location, hot tub, and barrel sauna! This outstanding A-frame is located an hour from Olympic National Park and nearly two hours from Seattle if you feel like taking a day trip.

4. Mid-Century Waterfront Escape on Whidbey Island in Clinton, Washington

• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 2 bathrooms
• Price: $375/night
• Standout amenities:
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with a 4.99/5 star rating

Tidecrest, a magical mid-century modern retreat in Clinton, is my personal favorite on this list. In a world of white-washed interiors, it's a real treat to stay in a home whose period features aren't just accepted but celebrated. Evening game nights are required fun in the warm front room, where windows look out onto gorgeous Useless Bay, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Peninsula.

This Whidbey Island home, one of my favorite places in the Puget Sound region, sits atop a bluff overlooking Maxwelton Beach and Useless Bay, which is shallow and exposes a tidal flat during low tide, perfect for walking and beachcombing.

5. Romantic Waterfront Cottage in Olympia, Washington

• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 bathroom
• Price: $217/night
• Standout amenities: Beach access, water views, indoor wood-burning fireplace, fire pit, outdoor dining, hammock, kayak
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with a 4.95/5 star rating

Nestled in ten acres of forest overlooking Oyster Bay, this Olympia cottage is cute as a button and perfect for a romantic weekend. Fill your itinerary with beachside strolls, wine at sunset, yoga in a geodesic dome on the property, hiking on one of the nearby trails, kayaking out on the water, or nothing at all. You're sure to return home revitalized and ready for whatever life throws at you.

6. Floating Waterfront Stay in Gig Harbor, Washington

• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5), 1.5 bathrooms
• Price: $417/night
• Standout amenities: Beach access, on the water, WiFi, kitchenette, outdoor furniture and dining, BBQ grill, kayak, beach essentials
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with a 4.93/5 star rating

You can't get closer to the water than by staying on a boat. Built in 1968 right here in the Pacific Northwest, "Lyla" is a chic 53-foot refuge on the water, giving guests the opportunity to detach from their hectic lives while staying close to the amenities of our state's busiest cities. Promising your own "Sleepless in Seattle" experience, this is an excellent option for couples and solo travelers. Dine al fresco out on the deck and get rocked to sleep by the water at night. It's a relaxing getaway waiting just for you. Welcome aboard!

7. Oceanfront A-Frame on the Pacific Coast in Copalis Crossing, Washington

• Size: 1 bedroom(sleeps 6), 1 bathroom
• Price: $645/night
• Standout amenities: Private beach access, ocean views, fire pit, WiFi, full kitchen, bidet, outdoor shower, indoor wood-burning fireplace, outdoor furniture, BBQ grill, private hot tub
• Rating: 4.94/5 star rating

Do you want to wake up less than 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean? Then this picturesque A-frame is set just steps away from the beach with ocean waves crashing on the shore. Offering a heated outdoor shower, a hot tub, and a beautiful, modern interior, guests are romanced by this beachy sanctuary. And the sunsets? They're positively cinematic! You'll want to make this A-frame cabin at the beach one of your next Pacific Northwest waterfront stays.

If you're looking for Washington waterfront Airbnbs, start with the gems on this list. Though everyone's vacation needs differ, each guarantees its own spectacular version of summertime adventure.

Traveling around the PNW? Discover waterfront getaways in the Pacific Northwest that are perfect home bases for your getaway.