Renting a vacation home is, by far, one of my favorite things to do. I am an hour away from the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod and have stayed there many times. This summer, we were skipping the vacation home and headed north to the Canadian Rockies. Then COVID hit, and all our summer plans were canceled. We have all been home since March, and a much-needed change of scenery is in order. We rented a beach house in July for two weeks, and I can’t wait!
Over the last few years, I have learned a thing or two about what to look for in a beach house.
Here are seven things to look for when renting a beach house.
I hope these tips have given you some ideas of what to think of when renting your next beach house. If you have any of your own ideas, you would like to share, and please do. I would love to add them to my list. Happy vacationing!
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July 18, 2021A few weeks ago, my best friend and I took off for a girl’…
October 18, 2020
Lori Nielsen | 30th May 19
Great tips! I love the no carpet tip. It doesn’t mix well with sand!
Heather | 30th May 19
No, it does not! Plus, it gets all wet. Yuck!!
Pam | 30th May 19
Excellent tips! I like the addition of a shady place – I always like to spend as much time as possible outside and if it’s really hot, shade is appreciated.
Heather | 30th May 19
It sure is! The sun can wear you down at times.
Tricia Snow | 30th May 19
Great tips! There is nothing better than staying oceanfront! Thank you!
Heather | 30th May 19
I agree. I hope to buy an oceanfront home in NC in the next few years!
Julie Gazdecki | 30th May 19
Great tips!! Some things I would not have thought about.
Heather | 30th May 19
Thank you! I am glad they help.
Lisa | 30th May 19
Great tips! I’m thinking beach house in December in Florida!
amanda | 30th May 19
I used to live on the beach and you have listed some great tips! Love the wisdom about the carpet.
Candy | 30th May 19
These are great tips! We are looking to rent a house in October so we will definitely take your advice.
kmf | 30th May 19
Great advice…and especially love the no carpet tip…I think that’s something that most wouldn’t consider. A little thing but makes a big difference! I love beach vacations so now I’m inspired to check out NC.
Hera | 30th May 19
I enjoy renting a whole house for longer stays. Laundry access and these other tips are a big deal! This looks like a great house and reasonably priced too.
alison netzer | 31st May 19
Such good points when renting a house on the beach, especially the carpet! We actually have a place on the beach in Delaware and the outdoor shower is a saver. I do love NC though.
Liz | 31st May 19
Great tips, especially about being close to town. I always like to make sure I’m close to a grocery store even if town is a bit far, so I can get anything I forgot and snack supplies!
Shirley | 31st May 19
Great tips! I’ll be renting a beach house in July and I’ll be sure to refer back to this article to make the most of the experience!
Vessy Smith | 31st May 19
Fantastic! What a useful post! I am truly amazed at how spot on your tips are, and how I have never really thought about many of these important things…no carpets, outdoor shower…YESSS! Pinning to refer to again later! 🙂
Missy | 31st May 19
These are great. Love tips like “No carpet”. We rent homes and this is great for renting a beach house.
Michele | 3rd Jun 19
These are excellent tips! We own a rental house on Lake Sinclair. One of the first things we did upon purchase was to remove the carpet and install durable hardwood! Our lake lot has a beach area and the sand and water and carpet do not mix! All of these tips are excellent!
Heather | 10th Jun 19
Smart idea! No, soggy carpet makes me cringe.
Kristine | 11th Jun 20
Great tips! We also love to have a walkable or golf cart/bike rideable distance to fun beach town stuff. Great tip about assigning spaces ahead of time, too!
Heather | 16th Jun 20
My Dad bought a golf cart last year for this purpose.
Pam | 11th Jun 20
Excellent tips. The outdoor shower is a great idea – get that sand off before it gets into the house. Plus, kids always think they are cool.
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Kids love them. LOL
Leeanne | 11th Jun 20
Great tips and I absolutely agree with the no carpets. The outdoor shower is a must for me. We put one in at our house since we live on the ocean. It really helps.
Heather | 16th Jun 20
I love an outdoor shower!
Missy | 11th Jun 20
When you rent for a longer period of time, do they offer a discount?
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Some places do. Around here that only happens offseason. Summer is prime time for beach travel and commands a high price.
Stacey Billigsley | 11th Jun 20
Great tips! I’ve never stayed in a beach house, but I would love to. I can relate to the walking to the beach part. The hotel we love in Vilano Beach near St. Augustine is within walking distance to the beach and restaurants. A city shower house is right there, too. I learned about sand when we went to Biloxi and had to drive. I think I still have sand in my car in places, and that trip was several years ago. Ha!
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Once you get sand somewhere, it is so hard to get rid of it. LOL!
Eva Keller | 11th Jun 20
I would love to rent a beach house even for a day. I’ll have to check where the cheapest areas are along the California coast. I’m sure the more rural areas will have some good options.
Heather | 16th Jun 20
I would love to hear if you find anything.
stacy | 11th Jun 20
Figuring out space is key. We usually have the rule that the person who found and booked the house gets to stay in the master bedroom. Haha
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Yes, that is generally my rule too. LOL
Erin | 12th Jun 20
Such fantastic tips!! Thank you. Especially the “no carpet” – makes perfect sense!!
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Thanks!
Sara | 12th Jun 20
I never thought about no carpet, but that definitely makes sense.
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Right, no wet carpet. I hate wet carpet!
Jennifer | 13th Jun 20
Great tips for sharing a place with another family
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Thank you!
Shirley | 13th Jun 20
I love your photos, they really capture the essence the beach. Now, I just need to utilize your tips and rent a beach house!
Heather | 16th Jun 20
It is such a relaxing vacation. I am counting down the days.
Cindy | 14th Jun 20
Great suggestions! I’d love to be planning time at the beach. Always fun and practical to have an outdoor shower.
Heather | 16th Jun 20
Yes, anything to keep the sand out of the house.