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14 Stunning Houseboats in the US You Can Rent on Airbnb

United States Epic Stays
by Katie Scott Aiton Apr 3, 2024

If falling to sleep with the sound of lapping waves or sitting out on a water-side deck with a morning coffee sounds like heaven, consider booking a houseboat on your next vacation. Across the US waterways, there are many floating homes you can rent. Many of these are moored, which means you can’t go sailing, but some offer you the freedom to take the home out onto the water. Choosing an Airbnb houseboat begins with location and ends with what facilities you and your guests need. Here’s a selection of some of the best across the US — these range from romantic and remote floating tiny homes to luxury houseboats moored in top marinas in major cities.

We hope you love the Airbnb houseboat rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

 

Stunning houseboat in Key West, Florida

 

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Photo: Airbnb
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This Superhost-run houseboat is located on the tranquil waters of Key West, Florida. It is ideal for a romantic getaway or a solo trip, offering unparalleled views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also enjoy sunbathing on the private deck, kayaking around the area, or snorkeling in the clear waters. The suite is anchored around 10 minutes from the shore. You are responsible for coordinating and paying for transportation to and from the houseboat. This can be done by bringing your own boat or hiring a local captain for an affordable rate — but the payoff is worth the journey.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $405 per night

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Tugboat on private lake in Louisa, Virginia

 

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This converted tugboat is located on an eight-acre private lake with an island in Louisa, Virginia. There’s a lot to do in the area. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, and biking. There’s also a beach area with a fire pit, where you can grill in the evenings and enjoy the view.

The houseboat has been completely renovated and includes all the modern conveniences you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including a fully stocked kitchen, a king-size bed, a full bathroom, air conditioning, heat, and WiFi.

Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $299 per night

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Tomahawk Island cozy houseboat in Portland, Oregon

 

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This charming little houseboat is docked at the Tomahawk Bay Marina, which offers stunning views of the Columbia River.

The Airbnb has a studio layout with everything you need. There’s a queen-sized bed, a fully equipped kitchenette with a brand new fridge, toaster oven, hot plate, and microwave. There’s also a shower onboard, though it’s important to note that it only stays hot for about 10 minutes. But the best part of the houseboat is the outdoor deck space. It’s the perfect place to kick back and watch the river go by. The marina also has a gated parking lot, an on-site washer and dryer, and a community garden that guests are welcome to use.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $91 per night

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Colorful beachy houseboat on Clearwater Island

 

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Florida has a lot of houseboats. There are more listings there than in any other state on Airbnb, so I’ve been selective. This is one of the best. The custom-built houseboat is moored at the 1000 Palms beachy boutique resort on Clearwater Beach. It offers front-row seats to stunning sunsets, exceptional amenities, and access to the award-winning sugar sands of Clearwater Beach.

The houseboat is impeccably decorated with colorful textiles and beach-chic artwork. It sleeps two and comes with complimentary kayak and paddleboards, beach cruiser bikes, and other handy beach equipment.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $233 per night

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Luxe houseboat with 360 waterfront views in Baltimore, Maryland

 

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Imagine waking up to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The harbor is situated in the heart of the city, so staying here puts you within walking distance of must-see sights. From here, you can easily visit the National Aquarium, catch a baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, or explore the many shops and restaurants lining the Inner Harbor.

The luxury houseboat has been designed to be a home away from shore, perfect for couples or small groups of up to four. The main bedroom features a comfortable queen bed, while the living room has a designer sofa that cleverly converts into another queen-sized sleeping area. It also has an epic rooftop deck where you can soak up the sunshine, relax under the stars, or enjoy the view over Baltimore.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $476 per night

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River houseboat in North Little Rock, Arkansas

 

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In Rockwater Marina in North Little Rock, this 400-square-foot houseboat floats directly on the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River is a special place. Sunrise and sunset here turn the sky vibrant pink, and in the evenings, you can take in Little Rock city’s skyline sparkling across the water. The Rockwater Marina offers access to the beautiful river trails, perfect for a morning jog or an evening stroll, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting waterfowl and other wildlife with the Airbnb’s binoculars.

The houseboat sleeps two guests and has been awarded five stars across the board based on ratings and reviews of guests.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $175 per night

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Rustic lake houseboat in Colfax, Louisiana

 

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This rustic houseboat is located on the quiet and serene Iatt Lake in Colfax. Spreading across 6,580 acres, Iatt Lake is a vast freshwater lake popular for fishing and waterfowling — if that’s your thing. The Airbnb has a simple setup. There’s no running water onboard, but a bathroom is nearby on land. Outside, there’s a nice outdoor seating area and a private back porch. Kayak and paddle boat rentals, including life jackets and paddles, are available for exploring the lake.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $65 per night

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Beautiful handcrafted houseboat in Swansboro, North Carolina

 

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Named the “Slackin Shack,” this handcrafted houseboat is located on the water in the heart of historic downtown Swansboro, North Carolina. It has been fully updated with modern amenities and has two sleeping areas. One area has a queen-sized futon bed, and the other has a twin bed.

Swansboro, also known as the “Friendly City by the Sea,” is a charming town on the North Carolina coast. It borders both the Intracoastal Waterway and the White Oak River. As you might expect from a coastal town, water sports are a major attraction here. You can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and water skiing. After a day on the water, you can walk from your houseboat to many excellent seafood restaurants in downtown like Saltwater Grill and Riverside Steak & Seafood.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $203 per night

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Studio houseboat in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

 

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Photo: Airbnb
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This pet-friendly houseboat Airbnb is a studio unit ideal for a couple or a solo traveler. It has a convenient location just six miles from both Waveland Beach and the historic Old Town area of Bay St. Louis. The studio has a kitchenette for preparing light meals and snacks. There’s also a private yard with a fenced area, perfect if you’d like to bring your pet along. After a day of exploring the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you can unwind by the garden’s fire pit.

Two guests, studio
Price: $114 per night

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Suite in riverboat B&B, Newport, Oregon

 

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If you’re looking for something a little different, you might want to consider a bed-and-breakfast cabin on the Newport Belle, a docked historic sternwheel riverboat in Newport’s South Beach Marine Harbor. Built in 1993, the 97-foot boat is permanently moored in the South Beach Marina. The Newport Belle is an adult-only retreat, perfect for a romantic getaway. The luxurious staterooms are beautifully decorated, and you’ll be treated to complimentary happy hour drinks and snacks and a delicious breakfast included in the nightly rate.

With its convenient location near the Rogue Ales Microbrewery and Lost Creek State Park, the Newport Belle is a great choice for those looking for a memorable stay in Newport.

Two guests, one suite
Price: $269 per night

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Farmhouse in Bremen, Maine with two romantic houseboats

 

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This houseboat Airbnb listing is part of a larger property that includes a farmhouse, cabins, and event facilities. This beautifully restored lakeside retreat is the perfect location for a friend and family get-together or reunion. The camp sits on 40 acres of land bordering Pemaquid Pond, with over 650 metres of lakefront.

The rental price includes all accommodations on the camp, including the moored houseboats. For liability reasons, guests aren’t allowed to operate or move either vessel. So, you can kick back and enjoy the scenery without the worry of navigating the water. They might also come in handy if you’re looking for a place to escape the group and have a little more privacy.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $119 per night

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Tiny houseboat on Silver Lake, New York

 

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This tiny Airbnb houseboat rental is on the shore of Silver Lake in Silver Springs, New York. While the houseboat doesn’t actually float on the water, it is built on a floating platform above the lake. The listing is part of the Silverlaken Estate, an eco-friendly resort. This Airbnb doesn’t have its own bathroom facilities or kitchen, but you will have access to the restrooms and shower housed in the Sauna Cabin, which is located around 50 feet away and the docks shared kitchen, BBQ grills, and campfire.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $142 per night

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Two-bedroom houseboat cottage in Key West, Florida

 

Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb

This stunning solar-powered conch cottage floats on the backcountry waters surrounding Key West, Florida. It’s completely off the grid, but you have amenities like a private deck — perfect for wildlife watching — paddle boards, kayaks, and the opportunity to do some light tackle fishing right off the boat. You can even talk to the host and add eco-tours to your stay. There are two bedrooms, and the loft (with the second bedroom) has a sitting area with 360-degree views. Downstairs, you’ll find the living area, kitchen, and bathroom.

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Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $313 per night

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Couples retreat in Kent Narrows, Maryland

 

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The “Cass-N-Reel” houseboat is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom rental with a fully equipped kitchenette, and a spacious living area. The kitchen has everything you need to whip up dinner, and there’s a covered outdoor sitting area for dining, but if you’d prefer to eat out, there are superb waterfront restaurants serving local crab within walking distance.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $179 per night

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