The US is home to thousands of islands. From well-established populous tropical paradise escapes in Hawai’i to small inlets that are long-beloved vacation spots, there are countless opportunities to break free from the mainland without needing your passport. An island getaway feels like you’re going abroad. These communities often have their own mico-culture where “island time” sets the pace of life, offering a reprieve from the business of home. You’ll find, however, that remote archipelagos, hidden coves, and popular coastal spots packed with fun activities come with a hefty price tag. That’s why opting for an Airbnb is a budget-friendly way to find somewhere special to stay. And these rentals are indeed special. The Airbnbs below, from a dreamy converted lighthouse, beach-fronted cottages to luxe estates, are some of the most beautiful listings in the US. If you’re considering an island escape this year, look no further. These are the best island Airbnbs across the nation.
The 25 Dreamiest Island Airbnbs in the US
We hope you love the island Airbnbs 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.
Catalina Island, California
Newly renovated cottage with harbor views
Take the Californian chilled lifestyle, add a dash of European island vibes, and you get one heck of a combo. That’s Catalina in a nutshell. It reminds me of the South of France or the Amalfi, and with quick one-and-a-half-hour transfers from three ports in South California, it’s a lot easier for West Coasters to get to than Europe. There are two towns on the island, Avalon and Two Harbors. Those wanting to stay in Avalon will need to book in advance. As you might expect, Airbnbs and other holiday rentals are a hot commodity come summer. This newly renovated cottage is beautifully decorated, and when you’re not at the beach club, you can chill in the spacious private outdoor yard and take in the views of the harbor. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the location is spot on. It’s a one-minute walk to the grocery store and three minutes to the harbor and restaurants.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,036 per night
Amelia Island, Florida
Private beachfront lighthouse on Fernandina Beach
The picturesque Amelia Island makes for a great coastal getaway from neighboring cities in Florida. You can drive there from Jacksonville in around 45 minutes, three hours from Orlando, and a road tripable six from Atlanta. Or you can fly into Jacksonville International Airport and scoot over to Amelia in 30 minutes. Where to stay depends if you want to be close to amenities. But with access to shops, eateries, etc., come people. So keep in mind that you’ll not be the only one considering a trip to the island’s pretty white sands. Avoiding resorts and opting for a local stay is a way to get around this. This beachfront lighthouse is just steps from the ocean at Fernandina Beach. The New England-style home has three bedrooms, a wrap-around deck, and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. The host provides boogie boards and a ton of beach gear, so just grab your sunnies, and you’re good to go.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $533 per night
Nautical-themed beachside home
Another option in Fernandina Beach is this charming beachside home. It’s a top-five percent rental on Airbnb and has beautiful views from the second-story deck and an ocean view from the downstairs living spaces. There are four king-sized bedrooms with ensuites, nautical-themed decor throughout, and it is within walking distance of two delicious seafood restaurants that come alive with live music nights.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $595 per night
Key West, Florida
Bright and sunny family home
Key West is an obvious go-to for many, but there’s good reason for that. It being closer to Cuba than the US it feels a world away from the mainland US. Water babies will love the countless water-based activities and experiences; you can get a dose of culture exploring the narrow streets of Bahama Village, eat your body weight in Key Lime pie and seafood, and finish the day with a cold Sloppy Joe’s Island Ale and an epic sunset.
When it comes to where to stay, you’re spoilt for choice. Key West Airbnbs range from luxe mansions with pools to cute beachside cottages. This bright and sunny home has three ensuite bedrooms, an open-concept kitchen and living room, and a well-appointed lanai. It’s located in a family-friendly neighborhood — so no spring breakers — and is within walking distance of a couple of restaurants and Main Beach.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,332 per night
Waterfront home with private pool and dock
If you need more space, check out this waterfront four-bedroom that sleeps 10 guests. There are a few standout draws here. The rental comes with a swimming pool with a lovely poolside area, it has a private dock if you decide to bring or hire a boat, and it’s professionally run. On arrival, you’ll get a personalized itinerary to make the most out of your Key West vacation.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $877 per night
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Beautiful family-friendly home with a pool and bikes included
The Golden Isles of Georgia is one of the best places in the US for a road trip. You can start in Savannah and make your way through to Historic Brunswick and onto St. Simons Island. To escape the crowds, head for Little St. Simons Island on the island’s northern section. Here, you’ll find over 10,000 acres of undeveloped land and seven miles of private beaches.
You may, however, want to stay closer to amenities, so check out this three-bedroom home in the heart of the island. It has a pool, which in summer will be very welcoming, and the rental comes with complimentary bikes for exploring. It’s a quick drive (or pedal) from beaches, golf courses, historic sites, and locally owned coffee shops and restaurants.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $309 per night
Custom-built cottage in the Village
This immaculate custom-built beach cottage is located in the relaxed south end of the Village. It’s situated under a grove of oak trees and is within an easy walk to the beach, pier, and lighthouse. The charming Airbnb sleeps six, perfect for a group of friends or a family.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $598 per night
Big Island, Hawai’i
Hawai’i’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed home
If we’re going to talk islands, we have to include the heavy hitters. Hawai’i is a dream vacation for many, but it’s expensive. There are some mind-blowing hotels and resorts on Big Island, but Airbnb’s are more budget-friendly, and there are some wild options from romantic villas to baller homes for groups.
For something a little different, this home feels like a movie set. It’s the only Frank Lloyd Wright home built in Hawai’i. Architect Wright’s philosophy centered on organic architecture, emphasizing harmony between the building and its environment, and this three-bedroom masterpiece is perched over the Waiaka Stream between the Kohala Coast and the town of Waimea. The residence offers ocean views and a panoramic vista of three Big Island volcanoes — Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai. Despite its serene surroundings, the home is just a 10-minute drive from beautiful white sand beaches, world-class resorts, and premier golf courses along the Kohala Coast.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $850 per night
Modern upcountry home with Mauna Kea views
Situated on a private acre of jungle greenery, this comfortable two-bedroom home is just outside the charming Waimea town but within a five to ten-minute drive from farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and grocery stores. The living areas are open-planned with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of Mauna Kea. There are two bedrooms: a luxe king and a cozy queen.
Two guests, two bedrooms
Price: $364 per night
Kaua’i, Hawai’i
2-bedroom beachfront oasis in Hanalei
The oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i, might seem out of budget for many, but Airbnbs here are quite affordable, especially when you factor in having kitchen facilities, which will dramatically cut down on eating-out expenses.
This beachfront oasis is on Kauai’s north shore and offers unobstructed ocean views. Steps from the sand, you can roll out of bed into the nearby lagoon for a morning swim or snorkel. Kauai’s natural beauty can be admired from every vantage point. It has a breathtaking mountain backdrop, surrounded by jungle foliage and manicured grounds.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,240 per night
Stylish cottage in the Crater, Koloa
For something similar in size but more affordable, check out this stylish two-bedroom cottage inside the ancient Poipu Crater in Koloa. It’s one of 15 split-bungalows on almost eight private acres of land, which looks like depictions of the Garden of Eden. The designer-renovated cottage is a top five percent listing on Airbnb, and being within walking distance from a handful of Poipu’s best beaches, this is one to bookmark.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $569 per night
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Maui, Hawai’i
Farm cottage on a working fruit farm in Hana
Maui has some dreamy Airbnbs right on the beach, and epic stays near the road to Hana if you’re considering a road trip. One of the most beautiful and highly rated Airbnbs in Hana town is the farm cottage at Olamana Organics. For about $355 per night, you get a one-bedroom cottage on farmland on the outskirts of town, immediately surrounded by dense tropical foliage. At this small-scale working organic tropical fruit farm, you will likely see the owners harvesting fruit or flowers and caring for the plants. Guests are encouraged to walk around the five acres and enjoy the land.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $355 per night
O’ahu, Hawai’i
Beach house with breathtaking views of The Chinaman’s Hat
This luxurious beach Airbnb is between O’ahu’s Kualoa Ranch and the Pacific Ocean. The stunning property, recently renovated in the early 2020s, has breathtaking ocean views and a secluded location that provides unmatched tranquility on Oʻahu. The aptly named home also looks out to The Chinaman’s Hat (also known as Mokoli’i), a small, uninhabited volcanic island located off the coast of Kualoa Point, which you can reach by kayak, paddleboard, or even walking during low tide. It’s geared towards catering to one or even two families, with three bedrooms and lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $450 per night
2-bedroom duplex on a white sand beach in Haleʻiwa
This duplex home is on a beautiful white sandy beach in Haleʻiwa, the social and artistic hub of the north shore. This area of the island is a far cry from the buzz of Waikīkī, and that’s exactly what the locals and those who choose to stay here want. The Airbnb has an open-planned living room, kitchen, and dining area. Outside, there’s a grill on the lanai with spectacular views over the water. There’s air-conditioning throughout the house, but you might not need it, considering the calming ocean breeze that filters through the home.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,080 per night
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Modern home in the heart of Acadia
Acadia National Park encompasses much of the sixth largest island in the contiguous US, Mount Desert. Hiking trails wind through dense forests, ascend granite peaks, and traverse rocky coastlines. It’s also home to the highest point on the Atlantic coast north of Florida, Cadillac Mountain. Outside the park, it’s one of the better places in the US for whale watching, and the historic towns of Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor offer a laid-back and slow-paced atmosphere and are great bases for exploring the surrounding landscape.
Designed with soaring ceilings and expansive glass walls, this Airbnb seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living spaces. Located within the heart of Acadia National Park, you can unwind in the spacious living areas or relax on a shaded deck while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. The interior spaces have birch ceilings and original artwork, complemented by the warm tones of Flavor wallpaper from Brooklyn and the elegant Provencal tiles from Ann Sacks. The spacious and open floor plan accommodates up to eight guests comfortably, or 10 if the bunk beds are used for those traveling with kids.
Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $750 per night
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Luxurious beachfront haven in Tisbury
Nearly forty percent of Marth’s Vinyard remains in its natural state, making it the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Airbnb’s are on the higher side price-wise, especially in summer, but grab some friends, split the cost, and Martha’s becomes more than a playground for the East Coast elite. Edgartown, once a thriving center of the whaling industry, retains the architectural grandeur of that era, its elegant homes and cobblestone streets echoing the tales of Melville’s Moby Dick. There are a few rentals in town, but some of my favorites are on the beachfront and in Oak Bluffs.
Sleeping 12, this luxurious beachfront retreat has five elegant bedrooms, a private beach, and a deep-water dock. It’s perfectly set up for multi-generational guests, with lots of space for those who want to relax with a book, prepare family meals, chill at the wet bar, or run riot around the garden and play in the water.
12 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,000 per night
Historic cottage in Oak Bluffs
This three-bedroom is excellent for adults looking for a more grown-up island getaway. The historic home is precious, making this not a suitable rental for those with toddlers and young children. It’s in the East Chop neighborhood of Oak Bluffs, a short walk from the beach and Wesley Park. The wraparound porch has ample seating, hammocks, an outdoor dining area, and a small rear-side deck with a grill and outdoor shower.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $920 per night
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Meticulously renovated 8-bedroom historic home
Nantucket’s reputation for exclusive summer retreats and exorbitant price tags kinda holds up. The island undoubtedly attracts its share of high-rollers, and if you’re in that club, great. But, if you’re working with a modest budget, you can still visit and have a lovely time. Some of the most rewarding activities on the island are free or almost free, and if you get your skates on and book an Airbnb in advance, a quick getaway to Nantucket is absolutely doable.
Many of the Airbnbs found on the island are comparable in price to most mainland listings in terms of size and amenities. It’s worth checking out the Design Category when searching for an Airbnb. Yes, these properties can be a smidge more expensive but they are beautiful. This renovated eight-bedroom falls into that category. The owners have recently finished an extensive historic interior renovation of the 1820s home. It’s situated in Nantucket’s famed Historic District within close walking distance to all attractions in Nantucket Town and beyond.
16+ guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $750 per night
Cottage with water views in Sconset
Located in Sconset, a charming village at the easternmost tip of Nantucket Island, this dreamy beach cottage has stunning ocean views. The fully renovated rental resembles a luxurious hotel suite with light-drenched living areas and a bright, airy kitchen. French doors lead out to the private hedged-in deck with a grill and an outdoor dining table and chairs.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $350 per night
Fire Island, New York
Pyramid-shaped house with cabana poolside bedrooms
Fire Island is a year-round island escape off the southern coast of Long Island. But like many island escapes in the US, accommodation here is absurdly overpriced. So again, if you have a group of adult friends, you might want to gather the troupe and go all in for a larger Airbnb. As you might expect, the rental options are fabulous, but book in advance, especially in the warmer months.
For a luxe getaway look no further than this architectural masterpiece. The main house is in the shape of a pyramid with soaring ceilings and a wall of glass overlooking the dunes that sweep down to the ocean. The swimming pool is surrounded by a stylish deck, two guest cabana bedrooms, and a bathroom.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $900 per night
Top 10 percent Airbnb minutes from the beach
A top ten percent listing, this newly renovated four-bedroom upscale beach house is around five minutes from the harbor and the beach. There’s a week minimum stay, and during the high season, that block runs from Wednesday to Wednesday. If that works for you, you’re in for a treat. There’s a heated pool, outdoor grill, and roof deck with spectacular sunset views over the bay. This Airbnb is a hot commodity, so if you’re looking for a summer rental, reserve soon.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,343 per night
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
4-bedroom Kiawah Island retreat
Kiawah Island, a barrier island off the South Carolina coast, is beloved for its expansive beaches stretching miles. In fact, Beachwalker Park, an area that attracts keen birdwatchers, has been named one of the top 10 best beaches in the US. A relatively short drive (30-45 minutes) from Kiawah Island is Johns Island which has a slower pace of life than it’s neighbor. Although Johns is the largest island in the state, this is where you’ll experience authentic South Carolina’s Lowcountry rhythm. The island is peppered with plantations, historic churches, and charming country stores. You might even want to do both islands in one trip, that is entirely doable.
Back in Kiawah, check out this stunning family home. Located just 200 yards from the beach, this rental has ample space for the whole family, with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. It’s recently been renovated with all new appliances and furnishings. As well as being a stone’s throw from the ocean, it’s close to all of Kiawah’s many amenities, including award-winning golf and tennis, parks and trails, and excellent shopping and dining at Freshfields Village. Glass doors just off the living room open to tiers of decks that overlook the beautiful lagoon waters, and there’s a grilling area for summertime afternoon BBQs.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $478 per night
Three-bedroom villa overlooking Kiawah’s pristine beach
You wouldn’t be wrong to want to stay near the ocean on the island, and for that, check out this three-bedroom villa overlooking Kiawah’s pristine beach. It’s modern, drenched in natural light, and has three bedrooms and a sunny deck where you can watch the South Carolina sunset.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $473 per night
Padre Island, Texas
The ultimate beach house in Port Aransas
Padre Island, also known as North Padre, is surprise, surprise, north of the laid-back South Padre Island near Brownsville, Texas. To complicate this further, I’m adding Mustang Island to the mix and suggest staying in Port Aransas. Mustang Island is accessible by a ferry from the north or a bridge from the top of Padre. The entire region deserves exploration, so base yourself in Port Aransas, bring or hire a vehicle, and allow yourself time to enjoy the miles of sandy beaches and the climate of the tropical southern tip of Texas.
One to bookmark, this is the ultimate beach house. You’ll be set up for success with a stay here as the hosts have thought of everything. Entertainment is sorted with the game room with arcade machines, outdoor games for the yard, and a private heated pool with an outdoor shower. There’s a built-in EV charger, complimentary beach gear, and the rental comes with a six-seater golf cart for zooming around the island.
12 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $750 per night
Orcas Island, Washington
Luxury beachfront estate on Grindstone Harbor
Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands in Washington State, gets its name from the orca whales that frequent the surrounding waters. This is where you want to go if you want to get into nature and off-grid. You can hike Mount Constitution, the highest point in the islands, for views over the Pacific, discover sheltered coves and hidden beaches, or explore the forests that cloak the hillsides where old-growth trees provide sanctuary for local wildlife.
For a place to stay, you’re spoilt for choice if you’re like me and love a cabin, a wood burning fire, and a water view. If you’re with a group though, check out this home on Grindstone Harbor with five wooded acres and private gardens. It has an infinity deck with a hot tub, a fire pit overlooking the water, a chef’s gourmet kitchen, and window seats where you can look out for eagles and ospreys. Or you can do so from the bath tub, which has views over the turquoise waters below.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $445 per night
Vashon Island, Washington
Black cedar forest retreat
Vashon Island, just off the coast of Washington State, is the perfect getaway for travelers seeking solitude. Accessible by ferry from Seattle or Tacoma, the island’s natural beauty and laid-back pace of life make for a restorative, off-the-grid stay. And within its forests, you’ll find The Wolf Den, a cozy, modern tiny cabin perfect for couples or solo adventurers. The cabin is crafted from black cedar with cathedral ceilings that create a surprisingly spacious feel, while large windows frame breathtaking views of the surrounding maple, madrona, and fir trees. Outside, you’ll find an eco-friendly bathing tub, heated by fallen timber collected from the property, where you can relax surrounded by the woodland — now that’s what I call forest bathing. 
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $182 per night