Anyone else just think being near the water, of any kind, is soul-filling?? An oceanside vacation can be difficult with kids (read: ALL the sand)…but always worth it 100% of the time once your set eyes on that view and those waves are crashing over your feet. SO, we’ve done all the researching for you and rounded up 10 of the *most* magical beachfront family vacation rentals for your next vacay.

Here was our criteria: all directly on the beach, all at least 4.7 stars on Airbnb, all guaranteed to be a little slice of heaven annnndddd even better, all around $300/night or less.

Yes, you read that right- a beachfront family vacation that’s actually reasonably affordable.

Check out the list below, and let us know in the comments if you book any of these dreamy stays!

FLORIDA FAMILY VACATION RENTALS

Flagler Beach House – Flagler Beach, FL (from $185/night)

Wake up to a beautiful sunrise each morning and let the waves lull you to sleep at night. This rare, direct oceanfront property is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and sleeps 6, and bonus the master bedroom has a king bed and ensuite bathroom. You will fall in love with the breathtaking views from the large windows overlooking the ocean. Sip your morning coffee and eat your meals on the private deck or just enjoy the warm ocean breeze outside. No need to bring beach chairs, boogie boards or sand toys for the little ones, these are provided too…now that’s a WIN.

Sunset Beach Cottage – Placida, FL (from $300/night)

These views…that sunset. Wow take me there. Spectacular panoramic views of what feels like your own private pristine 7 mile sugar sand beach. 2 master bedrooms with balconies overlooking the beach. There is a restaurant on the island along with a recreation center which offers golf cart and bicycle rentals. And get this – 2 kayaks are provided at the cottage! Access to Palm Island only 3 minutes away, which ensures a relaxing and tropical getaway. Incredible wildlife. This has magical beachfront family vacation written allllllll over it.

Onda Dolce Blue // Beachfront house with Ocean Views – Fort Meyers, FL (from $268/night)

The Onda Dolce Blue Beach house is an oasis of calm, steps from the Gulf, with a private beach, volleyball court and views you can get lost in. If you are looking to relax in comfort, take in the sunset with a cocktail, or grill and dine ‘al fresco’ on your deck, then this is the perfect vacation home. It’s been recently remodeled and fully equipped, you will find everything you need. It is located on a gorgeous plot – the two beach houses share this private beach – in a quieter area of Fort Myers Beach (now you are talking our language)

Private Beachfront Home W/ Stunning Views of Gulf – Englewood, FL (from $300/night)

Let the healing smell of the salt air and the soothing sounds of the ocean help you just relax. Because of all the modern comforts in place, this is the perfect retreat for a short beachfront family vacation or an extended stay. Located on Manasota Key, you have the Gulf of Mexico to your front and Lemon Bay at your back. Simply walk around back and your private beach awaits. Pull out a beach chair, pour your favorite spirit and relax, certainly the most important part of the trip. Time to trade in the ties and heels for flops and bermudas….YES PLEASE.

CALIFORNIA FAMILY VACATION RENTALS

Ocean Front Beach Cottage on the Sand- Newport Beach, CA (from $283/night)

If you’re a small crew looking for a delightful beach adventure full of muddy feet, sandcastles and sunny smiles, this is the place for you. This home is right on the sand in Newport Beach with no boardwalk in front of it. Newport Beach is a coveted vacation location along the Southern California coastline. It, and the surrounding Balboa peninsula, have a huge variety of land and sea-based activities for you and the kids too. Here you are about half-way between greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas, so it’s an ideal location for a few day trips as well as soaking up that family beach rental

Modern Beach Front Bungalow – Oxnard, CA (starting at $317/night)

This direct oceanfront home is nicely renovated and professionally decorated, an upscale beach cottage that is the perfect vacation spot. The master bedroom’s stunning ocean views will start your day off beautifully. And then at night enjoy the uncrowded beaches and walk for miles combing the beach for sea glass and shells. Also to note, this one is big at 4 bedrooms and 3 baths!

*Splurge!* Surfscape Beach House with Private Beach – Bodega Bay, CA (from $495/night)

Alright, no this one is not affordable, but it just felt like it *had* to be included in this list…if you’re up for a splurge vacation that is. This beach house is ideal for the ‘Ultimate Pacific Coast Surf Experience’ because it’s perched atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific (approximately 4 miles north of Bodega Bay). You will have your own private stairs down to a sheltered, secluded beach. I mean really the photos say it all, you’ve got to click through to see this one. Absolutely, tops the list of M-A-G-I-C-A-L beachfront family vacation rentals.

MEXICO FAMILY VACATION RENTALS

Luxury Flat with stunning view & private beach – Las Jarretaderas, Nayarit, Mexico (from $134/night)

This luxury apartment on the beach has a private swimming pool, terrace with barbecue grill and dining room for 6 people. Internet, Bicycles as well as a fully equipped kitchen. The terrance looks pretty much like heaven and I am already dreaming about having a cup of coffee on that porch every morning. Also, waking up in that sun drenched bedroom (totally makes up for the kids waking you up at 7am on vacation thing right?!) just seems unreal.

“Tulum Styled” Villa with beach front San Bruno – Merida, Yucatán, Mexico (from $117/night)

This villa is decorated “Tulum” style with luxury finishes and furniture. Perfect for a quiet oceanfront family vacation! Enjoy the terrace and a small swimming pool to cool off outside the sea. In addition, you can nap in a hammock with a spectacular view from the master bedroom and enjoy the sounds of nature. The property is 5 minutes to the village of “Telchac” where you can find regional food and delights such as fresh seafood, as well as tourist service providers. This is the one if you want an immersive cultural experience as well as a beachfront family vacation rental!

Breathtaking Views on the Beach of Riviera Maya – Chacalal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (from $202/night)

This newly remodeled Luxury condo provides breathtaking views of the beautiful Riviera Maya, & private access to beach area & swimming pools. Simply enjoy a short walk to the marina where you will find restaurants, shopping, dive stores, gym, spa & Dolphin Discovery. Most importantly, the living room and master bedroom have an ocean-view balcony where you can relax, eat, drink and look over the stunning Caribbean sea. You can even snorkel in the famous Great Maya Reef that is a 5 minute swim from your doorstep! SIGN ME UP.

Casa Barra Tortuga Beautiful Beach front House – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico (from $296/night)

Casa Barra Tortuga is a beautiful beach front house located right on one of the most beautiful, secluded beaches near Puerto Escondido. Also, the house is located about 5 km south of the town on a golden sand beach that extends as far as the eye can see. With virtually no commercial development on the beach, you can walk for miles and see only waves, sea turtles, birds and nature. It is close enough to town but with the privacy and tranquility for relaxation and recharging…really what we all are looking for with these beachfront family vacation rentals right?!

https://www.pinterest.com/wayfarenco/tropical-destinations/

PNW FAMILY VACATION RENTALS

Full-view Beachfront with Open Floorplan – Rockaway Beach, Oregon, United States (from $201/night)

This bright cozy family and dog friendly oceanfront home is in the heart of Nadonna Beach. Enjoy unobstructed expansive views while cooking and eating dinner, reading a book by the fire, or playing games in the loft. Just steps from a quiet beach, this is the perfect spot for a family vacation. Furthermore, it’s a 2 bed, 2.5 bath home plus loft can comfortably sleep 8 people and has recently been updated with new paint and new floors. You can step off the deck and walk right onto the beach or watch whales and fishing boats from inside the living room. Also, bonus it’s centrally located between Rockaway Beach (2 miles) and Wheeler/Nehalem/Manzanita (10 miles) where you can visit the cafes and tourist shops.

West Beach Retreat – Oak Harbor, Washington, United States (from $165/night)

Most importantly, this property is right on the beach. And goodness can you imagine those unbelievable sunsets! Wake up to Eagles and Harbor Seals right outside your door. The San Juan Islands to your right, Olympic Mountain range to your left ocean in the middle. Also, charming Coupeville is 10 minutes away. With this beachfront family vacation rental you get to experience Northwest oceanside living at it’s best! (Also, a triple bonus is they offer a 10% discount off the daily rental fee for all current active duty and former military members!)

Walls of Glass Hood Canal Vacation Rental – Union, Washington, United States (from $265/night)

Located at “Hood Canal Resort in Union, WA,” this home is built on the beach and displays stunning views of Hood Canal & the Olympics through floor to ceiling glass (WOW). The home is spacious, comfortable and resort-like with its private hot tub, outdoor furniture and sauna. Also, get this- has heated floors, a gas fireplace, and A/C. It has a shared dock w/ 4 kayaks and 2 paddle boards. There is no other property on Hood Canal that offers the same combination of amazing views, sunsets, comfort, amenities, and proximity to Alderbrook Resort. Lastly, if it couldn’t get any better- it has a private hot tub and sauna (always a big win with our kids).

Beachfront, Ocean View Condo – Neskowin, Oregon, United States (from $189/night)

Rest, relax and rejuvenate in this peaceful 2-floor oceanfront condo with private access to Neskowin Beach. Watch the sunset, crashing surf or migrating whales from the west-facing private deck. Meanwhile, drink your morning coffee or tea from the east deck looking at the Neskowin Hills. Finish your day and cozy up & light a fire in the wood-burning fireplace or take a walk on the beach right outside your door. You can cook a meal in the fully-stocked kitchen or walk to the Café or the Marketplace and Bistro for a meal. What a dreamy beachfront family vacation if you ask me 🙂

Alright folk that’s it! If you’re feeling super adventurous we’ve rounded up a few crazy gorgeous international beachfront family rentals (as low as $89/night!!) on our Airbnb board here. And on that note, make sure you pin our post on traveling international with kids before you go.

How many of these can we actually make it to?! I want to book them ALL.