Rhode Island

The 9 Best Rhode Island Airbnbs for a Coastal Retreat

Posted by
D.T. Christensen
October 26, 2020
Updated January 16, 2024

best airbnb rentals in rhode island
Photo: Airbnb

The Ocean State may be the smallest in the union, but its dramatic coasts, rolling lowlands, and historical towns ensure there’s always something to explore.

Rhode Island’s harbors, bays and other waterways add up to 400 miles of coastline — and at least that many vacation rentals. Whether you’re exploring the arts in Providence, cruising the Cliff Walk in Newport, or summering in Narragansett, finding the right Airbnb can make or break your next getaway.

Fortunately, Territory Supply can help: here are 10 of the best Airbnbs in Rhode Island, from bright, coastal cottages to unique historical homes dating back to the state’s earliest days.

Related Read: 12 Best Airbnbs in Maryland for a Great East Coast Getaway

1. The Quonset

The Quonset hut
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A true Cinderella story: a dilapidated World War II shed brought back to life.

  • Location: Tiverton
  • Sleeps: 10
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights
  • Rates from: $408/night

In the 1940’s, the U.S. manufactured and shipped more than 150,000 Quonset huts around the world to serve as easy, lightweight military storage. One of those became The Quonset, a boutique Airbnb that once housed surplus ammunition.

When the creatively gifted Moore family renovated the hut a few years back, they expanded the space to have a multi-use room attached. Now, it’s a 2,600-square-foot rental focused on providing personalized travel experiences, from chef-curated dinners to DIY workshops in the home’s large dining area. The home is beautiful and would work well for small anniversary dinners or even an intimate wedding.

Even if you’re not looking for a customized stay, The Quonset has everything you’d need for a comfortable family gathering, including two living rooms, a game room, plenty of deck and outdoor space, and bikes to ride to the nearby beach.

This place may have started as a mass-produced shelter, but it ended up as one of the most original and unique Airbnbs in Rhode Island.

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Related Read: What to See on a New York to Boston Road Trip Filled With History

2. Indian Lake Retreat

rhode island lake house retreat
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Immaculate lakefront home in a quiet neighborhood north of Narragansett.

  • Location: South Kingstown
  • Sleeps: 8
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights
  • Rates from: $350/night

With more than 230 lakes, the Ocean State’s no slouch in the freshwater department, either — and this lakeshore Airbnb proves it. The colonial-style home features all you could ask for on a lakeside getaway: calm waters, kayaks, a brand new dock, and a peaceful grassy yard to enjoy spend days relaxing in the sun.

The home’s comfortable living spaces offer lake views from nearly every room, and the open kitchen is the perfect place to rendezvous for a morning coffee as you plan your day. Indian Lake offers plenty of recreation, but if you’re in the mood for saltwater, it’s a short drive down to Narragansett Town Beach and other local hangouts.

“We knew when we booked this home that it would be a waterfront retreat, but we did not realize just how serene it would be. The views, the quiet neighborhood, and Shanequa’s hospitality were a perfect combination.”

Victoria, Maynard, MA
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3. Treehouse by the Sea

Treehouse by the sea rhode island
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Chic studio close to town but away from the coastal crowds.

  • Location: South Kingstown
  • Sleeps: 3
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $214/night

The upper level of this 1901 carriage house is a stylish loft surrounded by a canopy of greenery. It’s a short walk into downtown Wakefield, but from the quiet vibe — and neighboring chickens across the street ‚ you’d think it was in a much more rural part of the state.

Any season’s a good time to visit, but a trip in summer includes amenities like vintage bikes you can ride to the beach, and an outdoor shower to freshen up before dinner. A thoughtfully designed living area makes this studio feel surprisingly spacious, and one look through the vintage-meets-Scandanavian–meets-natural home explains why one guest asked for the name of the interior designer.

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Related Read: Top 10 East Coast Vacation Spots You Never Considered (But Should!)

4. Major Thomas Fenner House

Major Thomas Fenner House
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A truly rare historical home with just enough modern updates.

  • Location: Cranston
  • Sleeps: 10
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights
  • Rates from: $205/night

Stay at the Major Thomas Fenner House and you’ll join an elite list of past guests, including — wait for it, Hamilton fans — George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette.

Built in 1677, it’s one of Rhode Island’s oldest standing homes and has seen its share of history over the centuries. Today, it’s one of the best preserved historic stays on Airbnb.

“The word Unique is used a lot to describe homes on Airbnb but Richard’s house is truly one Unique home. Staying in a 17th century colonial house is a deeply moving experience and you feel the history everywhere.”

Jeanne, New York, NY

Airbnb host Richard, an eleventh-generation member of the homes eponymous Fenner family, does a wonderful job of maintaining the home’s historic aspects while providing modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

It’s easy to imagine how the 2,400-square-foot home and three acres of land would have looked in the 17th century, but just as easy to use the home’s current Wi-Fi, four TVs and wireless entry pad. The Fenner House may be a window to the past, but it’s far from an outdated Airbnb experience.

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5. Central Newport Apartment

newport rhode island airbnb apartment
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: An affordable, centrally located rental near effortlessly cool Newport.

  • Location: Newport
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $129/night

Its prime location makes this Newport Airbnb so popular, but it’s host Julie’s finishing touches that make for lasting memories at the remodeled 19th-century home. Julie’s a former travel agent and grew up in the area, so she knows a thing or two about crafting a memorable coastal experience.

The rental’s just north of Newport’s main drag and about a mile from the Cliff Walk. Even the furthest reaches of Newport – Ocean Avenue and Fort Adams State Park — are just a short drive away. Cap your day trips with a grill session on the backyard patio, and when it’s time to wrap things up for the evening, the clawfoot bath awaits for a warm soak before drifting off to sleep

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Related Read: 10 Chill Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts

6. Bohemian Apartment

providence rhode island airbnb apartment
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Artsy Airbnb in one of Providence’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

  • Location: Providence
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $135/night

Rhode Island’s capital is known for its eclectic mix of art, education, food and history — a combo you can fully enjoy from this boho-inspired apartment just west of downtown. Airbnb host Tara transformed the bottom level of her home into a quirky rental, clad with works from local and international artists, bold colorways, and lots of Anthropologie.

Out back, you’ll find a made-by-hand wooden pavilion anchoring a unique yard space. It’s as creatively inspiring as it is relaxing, so don’t be surprised if the idea for your next passion project strikes here. Few places pair the arts and big city hustle with small-town college life the way Providence does, and Tara’s Airbnb is an imaginative reflection of that community.

“Out of all of the places I’ve stayed, Tara’s place is probably my favorite Airbnb. It’s beautifully decorated inside, the outside is a relaxing oasis, and the location is perfect.”

Laura, Milwaukee, WI

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Related Read: 7 Breezy Romantic Getaways in Rhode Island

7. John Potter Farmhouse

John Potter Farmhouse rhode island
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: 18th-century home in a community teeming with American history.

  • Location: Kingstown
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $134/night

Built in 1775, the John Potter House is part of the Kingstown Village Historic District, a collection of historical homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The home’s original structure is largely intact, though the kitchen’s recent and extensive remodel makes it a decidedly 21st-century space.

The home’s thoughtful decor elevates this Airbnb above an average vacation rental, and most guests will enjoy the home’s live plants, seasonal flowers on the exterior window boxes, and design details that meld old and new, like exposed wooden columns.

The farmhouse is across the street from the University of Rhode Island and nearby hiking trails. If you’re a history buff, check out the South County History Center just a few minutes from the front door.

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Related Read: 8 Tranquil Cabin Rentals in Connecticut

8. The Peaceful Puffin

The Peaceful Puffin
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Family-friendly accommodations in Newport’s Fifth Ward.

  • Location: Newport
  • Sleeps: 5
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $125/night

When Irish immigrants began arriving in Newport in the 1800s, many families put down roots in the Fifth Ward, a neighborhood east of Fort Adams where many immigrants worked. Today, it’s a low-key residential area and home to The Peaceful Puffin, one of the most popular and highest-rated Airbnbs in Newport.

The home is incredibly clean and stocked with all the vacation basics. And if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll appreciate the high chair, travel crib, and baby monitor. There’s a lot to explore in the area, including panoramic views of Newport Harbor from nearby King Park. Fort Adams, Ocean Avenue and the Cliff Walk are all within a few minutes of the home.

Check out the Museum of Newport Irish History for info on the area’s history, and if you’re here at the right time in March, you can catch the St. Patrick’s Day parade as it winds down from City Hall.

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9. Lavender Farm Stay

lavendar farm stay rhode island
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Luxurious studio on a private high-end lavender farm.

  • Location: South Kingstown
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $180/night

Lavender Waves Farm’s private luxury suite is right near a field of 4,000 lavender plants, extending outward in a circular pattern from a gazebo at the field’s center. It’s a picturesque spot to spend your mornings and evenings after perusing the farm’s 14 acres or visiting the animals; alpacas, llamas, donkeys, chickens, and peacocks are all waiting for you to come say hello.

Inside, you’ll find a suite designed with materials old and new: wood from a 150-year-old silo pairs with luxury Italian granite surfaces, and the coffee table is made of repurposed 80-year-old wood. It’s a delicate design feat to pull off, the but the Airbnb manages to do it while retaining a humble farmhouse feel.

For a memorable culinary experience, opt for the lavender-inspired dinner crafted by Chef Lauren, who comes directly to your suite with the goods.

“Chef Lauren was amazing and prepared a beautiful 5 course meal all using lavender fresh from the farm. Truly a unique experience that we will never forget.”

Nicole, Bedford, TX

Lavender here blooms from June to September, and the farm offers “cut your own lavender” events during the peak bloom days each year.

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