The Best, Most Beachy Airbnbs on Cape Cod
Ah, Cape Cod: the land of historic lighthouses, Kennedys, and lobster rolls. Since 2020, there has been a huge influx of year-round residents, and an ever-growing list of excellent bars and restaurants, popular bakeries and breweries, and quality cultural events to appeal to every type of traveler. If you’re thinking of visiting in the busy summer months, you’ll want to start planning early—some regular visitors book their summer homes as early as a year in advance. Here, we’ve found some of the best vacation rentals in Cape Cod, organized geographically from the Upper Cape (towns like Sandwich and Falmouth) to the Outer Cape (like beloved Provincetown). Whether you're traveling with the whole family or visiting on a romantic couple's weekend, there's a home for everyone on this list—and plenty of iconic cedar shake cottages to go around.
Looking for ideas for things to do on the 70-mile-long peninsula during your trip? We have a Cape Cod travel guide that covers where to eat and what to see while you're there, whether you're staying in Bourne or Brewster. Considering staying at a hotel instead? We have intel on those, too.
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
An intimate farm stay for under $200 in Brewster
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, shared bath
Top amenities: An organic farm outside your window
Nearby attractions: Lawn games, drinks, and live entertainment at the nearby Ocean Edge Resort & Golf ClubYes, you’ll have to share a bath at this unique farm stay. But just outside your window is the organic landscape of Halcyon Farm, and the property is located on Brewster’s historic Main Street, with ice cream stands, golf, and beaches in close proximity. The house was built in the late 1840s by a local harness maker Adnah Rogers, but has been newly remodeled with all the creature comforts to make your Cape Cod visit enjoyable–and at under $200 a night, it’s one of the better deals in the area.
A renovated cottage with a private path to Nauset Beach
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Central AC, a private path down to Nauset Beach
Nearby attractions: Community theater at the Academy Playhouse in OrleansLocals know and love Nauset Beach for its chill atmosphere, relative lack of tourists compared to the busier mid-Cape beaches, and close proximity to all the shops and restaurants of central Orleans. This renovated cottage even comes with its own private path down to the beach. With sliding barn doors, an abundance of natural light, a large yard, and a dramatic stone fireplace for those chilly Cape nights, you may never want to leave.
A cottage where you can watch oyster farmers at work in Wellfleet
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Your front door opens to stairs down to the beach
Nearby attractions: A short walk to downtown Wellfleet for oysters and ice creamWelcome to the oyster capital of the Cape–some would even say of the world. If you’re here for Wellfleet’s famous Oyster Fest, this is a great location, but it’s also an ideal spot for quiet mornings any time of year. The water is right outside your front door at this intimate, unpretentious yet clean and light-drenched cabin, where you can watch town locals digging for clams and harvesting oysters from your front stoop.
Hygge-inspired home in West Falmouth
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Bikes and helmets are provided
Nearby attractions: Adjacent to the Shining Sea Bike Path, making downtown Falmouth, Woods Hole, and Old Silver Beach reachable without a carFrom the outside, this three-bedroom with Cape Cod's classic cedar shake siding looks like a traditional home—but step inside and you'll be transported to a Scandinavian wonderland, with light wood and Danish and midcentury-modern furniture throughout. The secluded home is surrounded by trees, but sits just minutes from Chapoquoit Beach. Use the provided bikes to explore the surrounding areas and take trips into nearby Falmouth, one of the peninsula's southernmost towns.
Impeccably designed cedar shake home in Sandwich
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: An outdoor space with ivy-covered pergola, Adirondack chairs, and fire pit
Nearby attractions: Walking distance to Sandwich’s picturesque downtownIf only we could move into this Upper Cape Airbnb full time. The interior design lets the historic home's original beams and antique furnishings shine, giving it a polished but homey feel. With five bedrooms, there's room for everyone to spread out, in addition to the spacious, updated kitchen and two living areas. Be sure to spend time outside too, either in the outdoor shower, sitting beneath the ivy-covered pergola, pond-side in Adirondack chairs, or around the fire pit. If you can pull yourself away, the home is within walking distance of Sandwich's main drag, filled with shops and restaurants, and the local glass museum.
Modern black-and-white cottage in East Sandwich
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: A renovated kitchen and access to a seasonal pool
Nearby attractions: A short drive to a number of beachesThis petite, 480-square-foot two-bedroom manages to fit a lot in without feeling cramped. Inside, you'll find a black-and-white color scheme that fills both of the bedrooms and the open living space, which features a renovated kitchen, dining area, and plush couch. The stand-alone cottage is part of a vacation rental complex, so you'll have access to the seasonal pool if you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you're within a few minutes' drive of a number of beaches, no matter when you visit. Plus, this spot is dog-friendly, with a $25 fee per pet, per night—just be sure to let the hosts know that you're bringing Fido when booking.
Lakefront home on the Upper Cape
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: A private dock on Lawrence Pond
Nearby attractions: Easy access to downtown Hyannis and Mashpee for shopping and restaurantsThis idyllic home near Sandwich sleeps 10 across four bedrooms and has so much room to spread out and so many on-site amenities, you'd be pressed to find a reason to leave. A sandy beach and private dock on Lawrence Pond are just a few steps away; the backyard features an expansive patio with tons of seating, a fire pit area, and a basketball court. Inside, you'll find the aforementioned bedrooms (which includes a bunk room for the kids), a renovated kitchen, and living areas.
Light-filled cedar shake beach house in Barnstable
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: A newly renovated roof deck for epic sunset viewings
Nearby attractions: Sandy Neck Lighthouse is directly across the harborThis light-filled, cedar shake home sits right on Barnstable Harbor, with private beach access just outside the back door. Picture windows offer views of Cape Cod Bay from many of the home's five bedrooms, as well as the kitchen and various living areas. There's a dedicated office should you need to take a few Zoom calls while visiting, as well as an elevated deck, and garage stocked with beach essentials like chairs, toys, and paddleboards. Like many homes in the area, there's a Saturday to Saturday booking requirement during peak summer months.
Modern four-bedroom home with pool and hot tub in Yarmouth
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: Private heated pool and hot tub, spacious kitchen, and dining room with seating for eight
Nearby attractions: Dennis Pond, Bayberry Hills Golf Course, Gray’s Beach and grocery stores all under two miles awayWho needs the beach when you have a backyard this beautiful? Don't worry, the ocean is only about a mile away—but you'll hardly have to leave, thanks to this home's private heated pool (open from late May to late September), hot tub, trampoline, and fire pit. Inside, you'll find the central living room, dining room, and renovated kitchen on the main floor, plus two additional living areas and a wet bar downstairs. Most of the bedrooms, with the exception of the primary bedroom on the main floor, are on the second level.
Elegant, light-filled cottage in Dennis
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Several cozy nooks for reading and naps, as well as a bathroom with a soaking tub
Nearby attractions: The outdoor deck offers gorgeous views over Scargo LakeIt's no wonder this minimal Mid-Cape home made it into the Summer Living section of the Boston Globe a few years ago. Its interior design looks straight out of a magazine, and the two-bedroom is as functional as it is beautiful. The kitchen is great for home chefs, the many couches offer tons of reading nooks, the bathroom has both a spacious shower and a soaking tub, and the outdoor deck offers uninterrupted views of Scargo Lake. (Note, the home is marketed as two bedrooms, but one features a day bed, so it's best suited for a couple or young family of three.)
Three-bedroom home by the beach in Chatham
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Two living rooms so adults and kids can have their own space
Nearby attractions: Numerous hiking and biking trails through Chatham’s conservation landsThis home is filled with natural linens and muted blues, giving it a distinctly beachy feel. It fits the location too, as the walk to the closest beach is just shy of 10 minutes. Inside, you'll find two cozy living rooms, a full, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and three bedrooms—one with a dedicated desk space and another with bunk beds. There's also a spacious backyard for kids to roam around and a wood deck for parents to keep a watchful eye (or enjoy a glass of wine at sunset).
Spacious waterfront home in North Chatham
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Three private neighborhood association beaches
Nearby attractions: Downtown ChathamThe price tag might be high, but a stay at this stunning five-bedroom gives you access to not one, not two, but three private neighborhood association beaches—meaning you won't have to worry about fighting for a spot in the sand. As for the home itself, you'll have tons of seating areas (and workspaces for virtual class or Zoom meetings), and bedrooms with picture windows that look out onto Crows Pond. Rent kayaks to explore the area by water—there's a dock for access just across the street. You'll have to rent for at least a week during the peak summer season, but with a house this beautiful, that won't be hard.
Walkable two-bedroom, two-deck townhouse in Provincetown
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Two private decks and two private parking spaces
Nearby attractions: All of Provincetown’s bars, restaurants, and shops are within walking distanceNot only is this two-bedroom townhouse walkable to Provincetown's best LGBTQ-friendly bars, antique shops, and buzzy restaurants, it has two parking spots—a luxury in the area. There are also two separate decks, one of which is a roof deck with views over the seaside town, perfect for evening cocktails. Filled with art—new and old—from local Provincetown painters and artisans, the home is bright, thanks to its large windows and vaulted ceilings.
Historic 19th-century Provincetown home
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Gorgeous furnishings and curated antiques in the living area and other 1800s touches–but high-powered air conditioners, too
Nearby attractions: West End favorites, like dinner at the Red InnNicknamed “The Groggy Anchor,” this three-bedroom home was built in the early 1800s and restored in a way that keeps its original features in the forefront. It's filled with antique furniture, vintage art, and knickknacks that give it a particular charm. If you're a home chef, the kitchen is a dream, with a stunning navy, antique Glenwood stove and deep farmhouse sink. Working remotely? There's a dedicated office with a vintage desk, deep green leather armchair, and Tiffany-style lamp to improve your Zoom background. Plus, there's a parking space for you to use during your stay and you're just a 10-minute walk from downtown P-town.
