10 Great Airbnbs in Delaware for a Coastal Getaway

Delaware is a small but delightful beach destination packed with friendly people in seaside towns — so its tax-free shopping and elegant mid-Atlantic charm are just the icing on the cake.

Although it’s America’s second-smallest state, Delaware is an inviting travel destination with an immense array of things to do. This coastal state not only features miles of sandy beaches lined with picturesque boardwalks, but it also lays claim to hardwood forests in the north and outstanding bird watching opportunities in marsy areas. Outside of cities like Dover and Lewes, the state’s top destinations include exciting small towns such as Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean View.

On your next trip along the East Coast, make time for a stay in one of the best airbnbs in Delaware, rounded up below. A nice thing about it being such a small state is that it doesn’t take very long to reach a coast, so a few days at the beach makes a great add-on to a trip to Maryland or southern New Jersey.

1. Tiny House at Good Earth Farm

Why you should stay: A tiny home on an organic farm near Bethany Beach.

Location: Ocean View
Sleeps: 3
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $99/night

The tiny house at Good Earth Farm offers guests an opportunity to experience life on an organic farm where chickens run wild and produce grows in the public garden. During your stay, enjoy farm-to-table meals at the property’s restaurant or pick up local souvenirs at the Good Earth Market. Well-loved Bethany Beach is less than five minutes away, making it easy to play at the beach for a day.

After a day well spent exploring the best of Ocean View, come back to 165 square feet of private space. Though the inside space is small, you’ll get a private patio under the farm’s shady trees perfect for a summer evening cocktail.

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2. The Rodney House

Why you should stay: Sleep in a historical home well loved by Architectural Digest.

Location: Lewes
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $150/night

There are plenty of stately historic homes around the mid-Atlantic, and The Rodney House is your chance to sleep in one. It’s a beautiful old home updated with modern conveniences while still maintaining the original architecture’s vintage touches. The home’s eye-catching wooden shingle exterior, exposed brick walls, and original beams that date back to the 1700s exude an elegant charm.

Other great features include a dedicated workspace and an open kitchen with a big island and dining table for family hangouts. The largest bedroom sweeps the entirety of the third floor and has its own private ensuite bathroom. This house is in a residential neighborhood not far from Cape Henlopen State Park and Lewes Beach.

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3. The Artist Loft

Why you should stay: A fun beach condo with eclectic decor near super LGBTQ-friendly Rehoboth Beach.

Location: Rehoboth Beach
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $119/night

The Artist Loft is a colorful three-story walk-up that features two bedrooms and a screened-in porch with a nice view of the neighborhood. This spacious condo is aptly named, with local art lining the walls — most of which is for sale.

While Delaware is generally pretty liberal as a state and everywhere is LGBTQ-friendly, Rehoboth Beach is known for being especially pro-LGBTQ. So if that’s something you’re looking for during your vacation, this’ll probably be the best of the airbnbs in Delaware on the list. Rehoboth also has a lively boardwalk and a great mix of high-end restaurants and traditional beachside food like waffle fries and popcorn. You can reach the boardwalk in around 10 minutes and great outlet shopping in about the same amount of time.

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4. Thompson House

Why you should stay: A cute beach bungalow steps from one of Delaware’s best birding areas

Location: Rehoboth Beach
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $229/night

The Thompson House is a cozy one-bedroom cottage on a quiet residential block. It features Swedish-inspired decor, white tongue-and-groove walls, and a retro Smeg fridge, all of which pair well with the natural furniture. And the overall aesthetic will make you feel right at home. This rental also comes with complimentary toiletries and robes for a hotel-like experience, as well as two cruiser bikes for anyone interested in a fun ride around town. In terms of airbnbs in Delaware it is a little pricey, but it’s a perfect little getaway for people not as worried about costs.

When the weather is nice, spend your downtime lounging on the well-styled screened-in porch. The property even has an outdoor shower to keep sand out of the house after a day at the beach. And the owners can hook up e-bike rentals in case you want to make the one-mile trek to the beach as easy as possible.

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5. Beachfront Home

Why you should stay: A roomy home for your big crew on Broadkill Beach.

Location: Milton
Sleeps: 12
Minimum stay: 7 nights
Rates from: $400/night

This beachfront home is a spacious family-friendly getaway perfect for large groups planning a trip to the shore. Blues, whites, and neutral tones fill the space to mirror the peaceful ocean landscape outside, and numerous windows line the walls to allow natural light to flow through the house.

Outside, dine al fresco at the picnic table next to what’s technically a public beach, but doesn’t usually have very many people around. The $400 price point looks a little intimidating, but it’s one of the most affordable cost-per-person airbnbs in Delaware if you pack the house.

”What was initially a last minute COVID-panic “let’s get out of the city” trip turned into an amazing, relaxing much needed beach vacation, due to this lovely spot.”

Angela, New York, NY

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6. Vintage Rehoboth Beach House

Why you should stay: Homey 1920’s beach house with a spacious wraparound porch mere feet from the beach.

Location: Rehoboth Beach
Sleeps: 10
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Rates start from: $350/night

If you appreciate classic cabin interiors, this vintage Rehoboth Beach house is an excellent option. Gleaming wooden surfaces fill this home’s interior, which also includes a red-brick fireplace, quaint decor, and retro furniture. This five-bedroom is one of the best airbnbs for large groups in Delaware since no one has to bunk on the couch and the whole crew will be just steps to Silver Lake and Rehoboth Beach.

Its standout features include an expansive screened-in porch with ample seating and a lush outdoor space complete with a picnic table and chairs set around a fire pit. Guests also have access to the garage, filled with various beach and sports equipment available for free use.

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7. Modern Beach House

Why you should stay: A cute and clean four-bedroom house a block from the beach.

Location: Rehoboth Beach
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates start from: $695/night

This modern beach house is a bright and airy home conveniently located between the town center and the beach. In fact, it’s just over a block to the latter, and has a clean, airy, and minimalist finish inside for a laid-back beach vacation. There’s no ignoring the fact that it’s one of the pricier airbnbs in Delaware, but the location can’t be beat.

When you’re not at the beach, spend time lounging on the attached porch enclosed with high-end screen panels to keep bugs out but let fresh air in.

“We had everything we needed inside the house, everything was very clean, and the amenities were fantastic.”

Francesca, California

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8. Prime Hook Beach House

Why you should stay: A seaside stay if you love the beach but want to do more than just swim.

Location: Milford
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 6 nights
Rates start from: $225/night

Crabbing and fishing? Check. Private birdwatching sessions? Check. Sunset beach snuggle for two? Check. This Prime Hook beach house puts guests right near some of the best local attractions in the area, including Prime Hook Beach and the National Wild Life Refuge, both located just around the corner. While you can certainly swim at the beach, it also has a marsh area and lively nature scene, so there are plenty of classic mid-Atlantic beach-related activities to enjoy. It also comes with beach chairs and has an outdoor shower.

From the property’s two balconies and screened-in porch, you’ll have sweeping views of the coast. And three bedrooms ensure everyone has space to spread out.

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9. The Basil Cottage

Why you should stay: A cute cottage at the state’s popular Good Earth Organic Farm.

Location: Ocean View
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates start from: $199/night

The Basil Cottage is a classic East Coast home complete with wooden shingle siding, a lovely covered front porch, and an interior with attractive wood floors. Beautiful vintage and modern furniture fill the space and guests get access to convenient amenities like on-site laundry (a must if you’re wearing a swimsuit every day.)

This two-bedroom is near the tinyhome rental on the same property Good Earth Farm. GEF is a local market, restaurant, bar, and summer concert venue that keeps visitors happily entertained. It’s been an area institution for nearly two decades and offers great locally grown food.

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10. Oceanfront Townhome

oceanfront airbnb delaware — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Make your fellow beach-goers jealous from your private porch steps from the sand.

Location: Bethany Beach
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates start from: $500/night

Fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the Atlantic in this four-bedroom oceanfront townhome. The airbnb is in a private neighborhood and backs up to the neighborhood beach. So while others fight for a place to lay their towel on a Saturday afternoon, you can sprawl out on the hammock on your private porch between swim sessions.

For more to do in the area, be sure to add the Delaware Seaside State Park, Dewey Beach, and the dunes of Fenwick Island State Park to your bucket list. All are just a short drive away.

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