The 12 Best Airbnbs at the Jersey Shore for an Unforgettable Beachside Escape

• Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths; sleeps 6
• Amenities: outdoor shower, beach passes included, Smart Home Assistant, washer/dryer, HDTV
• Best for: families, medium-sized groups
• Rate: from $312/night

Located on a sycamore-lined street just three blocks from the beach in the vibrant shore town of Asbury Park, this well-appointed home has enough space for groups of about four to five people to spread out comfortably. The newly renovated kitchen is gorgeous and stocked with everything you could need, and the two bedrooms are subtly themed to reflect the rich history and culture of the neighborhood (Asbury Park is famous for its music scene). Plus, this home has some high-tech bells and whistles, including a Smart Home Assistant that will answer your every voice command—and even provide neighborhood dining recommendations.

• Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath; sleeps 4
• Amenities: beach access, washer/dryer, HDTV, private patio, central air
• Best for: families, couples
• Rate: from $323/night

This craftsman cottage in the historic town of Ocean Grove has been lovingly restored to provide ample comfort with a warm, Nancy Meyers-esque coastal interior. You’ll enjoy shared beach access and an unbeatable location, just steps away from downtown Ocean Grove and a short walk to Asbury Park. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better vacation rental in the Garden State, but don’t take my word for it; this guest favorite boasts a perfect five-star rating and glowing reviews from its numerous return visitors.

• Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath; sleeps 4
• Amenities: beach access, beach passes, kayaks, bikes, HDTV, private backyard
• Best for: couples, small families
• Rate: from $95/night

This quaint cottage, located directly across from a beautiful park along Shark River, boasts an expansive yard with gorgeous waterfront views. The squeaky clean and very well-equipped interior has rustic charm and just the right amount of space for couples and small families—just be aware that the sleeping spaces are not separated from the open living area by doors, so privacy is limited.

As for the location, the bars and restaurants of Main Street are within walking distance and the beach is just a short drive away.

• Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths; sleeps 10
• Amenities: beach passes, multiple game rooms, laundry room, smart TV, beach cruisers, beach access, private parking, central air
• Best for: large groups
• Rate: from $241/night

This palatial rental in the Belmar neighborhood of New Jersey boasts four spacious bedrooms and two game rooms with a variety of indoor activities, including arcade games, foosball, Skee-ball, darts, video games and more. Numerous rave reviews remark on the wonderful layout of the space, the waterfront views from the master bedroom, and the property’s close proximity to the beach, marina and local restaurants.

• Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath; sleeps 2
• Amenities: beach passes, smart TV with Alexa, beach access, private backyard
• Best for: couples
• Rate: from $121/night

This pristine and cozy cottage in Lake Como has been recently updated and outfitted with every creature comfort you could want for a blissful shoreside stay. There’s a private backyard with beautiful gardens and a patio for relaxing or dining al fresco. Guests will also enjoy easy access to both the lake and the beach.

• Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath; sleeps 7
• Amenities: private backyard with fire pit, beach passes, beach gear, smart TV, private parking, central air
• Best for: families, groups
• Rate: from $142/night

When you think about Seaside Heights, reality TV might be the first thing that comes to mind…but there’s a lot more to this Jersey Shore town than partying. Stay in this luxe and incredibly family-friendly bungalow for easy beach access and every modern comfort under the Jersey sun. The sun-drenched interior is, by all accounts, very well-appointed and the outdoor area is adequately furnished for gathering with friends and family, either under the sun or around the fire pit. Best of all, scores of five-star reviews praise the property for its ideal location, which offers peace and quiet whilst still providing easy access to the beach and the vibrant boardwalk scene.

• Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath; sleeps 4
• Amenities: beach passes, beach access, central air, HDTV, mini gold, shared patio, (paid) washer/dryer in building
• Best for: couples, small families
• Rate: from $118/night

Another dreamy retreat in Seaside Heights—this rental features an airy open floor plan, sleek and modern kitchen and an interior that reviewers say lives up to its description of being “immaculately clean.” Plus, it’s located just a couple blocks from the boardwalk and beach, where dining and entertainment options abound. If you’re looking for a spotless, centrally located stay with modern amenities, this one fits the bill.

• Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths; sleeps 6
• Amenities: beach access, air conditioning, TV, WiFi, outdoor dining area
• Best for: families, medium-sized groups
• Rate: from $304/night

Situated right at the bustling boardwalk of Point Pleasant, this charming beach home boasts panoramic ocean views and a sprawling patio that’s perfect for sunbathing and people watching. Indeed, there are numerous five-star reviews that highlight the prime location and comfort of the rental, like this one, which reads: “The house was so beautiful! Great location- right on the boardwalk. We enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunset right from the living room. From the fuzzy comforters to the selection of channels on the tv, it felt like home away from home. It was clean, beautifully decorated and comfortable. Would definitely love to stay again!”

• Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath; sleeps 5
• Amenities: instruments, foosball, bocce sets, pool table, shared yard with grill and fire pit, mini golf, piano, HDTV, arcade games
• Best for: families, small groups
• Rate: from $213/night

Calling all music enthusiasts: this quirky home in Bradley Beach is decorated with music memorabilia and outfitted with instruments that guests are welcome to play. There’s also a game room with an arcade, foosball and bocce set for the outdoor beach bocce courts. The spacious shared yard features a firepit, grill, pool table and sprawling deck. You won’t have to stray far for entertainment if you stay here.

Oh, and did I mention that you’re also within walking distance of both the beach and the vibrant culinary scene on Main Street? Yep, this place checks all the boxes.

• Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths; sleeps 6
• Amenities: private backyard, in-ground pool, fire pit, laundry room, lake access, central air, HDTV
• Best for: families, medium-sized groups
• Rate: from $216/night

This spacious Spring Lake home is a private oasis with an impressive outdoor area that features a sprawling yard, well-maintained pool and expansive deck for outdoor dining. The interior is stocked with everything you could need for a comfortable stay and, per the reviews, “a layout [that’s] conducive to cooking, eating and hanging out.” The location is a long walk or short bike ride away from both beach and town.

• Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath; sleeps 6
• Amenities: private patio, shared backyard, Smart TV, washer/dryer
• Best for: families, medium-sized groups
• Rate: from $185/night

This escape in Cape May has a beautiful interior with polished hardwood floors, high ceilings, excellent natural light and charming nautical decor. In terms of amenities, you will be wanting for nothing. The outdoor space features a large, shared yard with a generously sized patio, grill and outdoor eating area, and the location is just minutes away from the beach and the top-notch eateries in town.

• Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths; sleeps 4
• Amenities: fire pits, fireplace, hot tub, outdoor shower, bikes, beach access, HDTV, washer/dryer
• Best for: couples, small groups
• Rate: from $160/night

Here, another Cape May gem—this one located just two blocks away from a secluded bay beach. Per the reviews, the home is impressively well-stocked and exceedingly comfortable. One happy guest wrote, “they thought of absolutely everything and put so much effort into perfecting all the small details. The house was beautiful, so clean and had everything you needed. The location was perfect; it was private and such a short drive to everything.”