15 Tiny Beach Bungalows for Your Next Vacation

Situated a hop, skip, and a jump away from a private beach, this miniature bungalow by a bay of Puget Sound squeezes all the comforts of home into the compact confines of a log cabin on wheels. Cook up a storm in the stocked kitchen and pantry, curl up with a book on the plush window seat, or gaze at the stars through the skylight in the sleeping loft. Enveloped by a tranquil garden and sky-high fir trees, you’re sure to enjoy your daily dose of natural beauty no matter which cozy corner of the abode you occupy. Rentals from $90 per night
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Thanks to authentic accents from Asia, when you step into this oceanfront retreat north of San Francisco you feel like you’ve been transported across the Pacific to Japan. Outdoors, guests can take a cooling dip in a traditional Japanese soaking tub tucked into the on-site bathhouse and framed by a lush bamboo forest. The view from the bedroom is no less inviting, offering serene views of nearby Stinson Beach and its meandering trails. Rentals from $170 per night
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If your idea of a dream getaway is falling asleep to the salty smell of the ocean and the dazzling sight of the stars, look no further than this unusual accommodation set on a four-acre ranchette. Converted from a 1930s-era water tower, the little lodge is rife with creature comforts, from its seven-by-seven-foot sitting area to a cozy multi-use alcove that houses a full-size bed. The nearby bathhouse provides access to both indoor and outdoor showers, so you can freshen up before you hit the sand, or rinse away traces of the beach on your way indoors. Rentals from $100 per night.

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Who knew? The best way to beat the heat this summer may be to head to a volcano—specifically, the ancient Puu Kikui volcanic crater that’s home to this beachfront retreat. Dubbed “Lava Rock Hale,” the round lava rock cottage harnesses the sun to power its modern appliances, from the indoor solar-powered fridge to the outdoor solar-heated shower. Beyond the walls of Lava Rock Hale, nearby tide pools, geothermal hot ponds, and the mango-tree-lined Waa Waa Road make the unconventional accommodation a true treat for the senses. Rentals from $84 per night
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Sea lovers and landlubbers alike are welcome to commandeer this waterfront retreat in New England for the weekend. The appropriately named Pirate’s Cove Cabin packs in the amenities, including two hilltop showers and a queen-size bed, all surrounded by decorative swords, ships, flagons, and other thematically apt icons. When you tire of your snug quarters, retire to the deck to enjoy killer views of Cobscook Bay and the quaint town of Eastport. Rentals from $95 per night
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This charming row of pastel-hued retreats at the edge of Chincoteague Bay offers tourists a host of cozy comforts that rival the cute exteriors. A common room furnished with a plush couch makes for an ideal spot for kicking back with friends or family, while a bedroom accented with nautical-inspired decor extends the beauty of the bay into your personal indoor oasis. Rentals from $139 per night
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Not only is Scout’s Cottage lovely, but it’s rife with historical flavor, making it an ideal summer sanctuary for both sun worshippers and antiques buffs. The interior of the 100-year-old beachfront cottage is chock-full of relics from the past, from 1940s-era murals and wooden wall plaques to plastic kitchenware that dates back to the 1960s. Despite the vintage vibe, the tiny home offers ample amenities for the tourists of today, including a barbecue grill and a four-person hot hub, all within a block of the beach. Rentals from $170 per night
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The artful application of warm-toned wood paneling makes setting foot in this rustic three-bedroom beachside retreat soothing and rejuvenating after a day in the Oregon sun. A bustling promenade situated only two blocks from the cottage gives visitors easy access to seaside entertainment. Rentals from $160 per night
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Grace Cottage, a bungalow less than a mile from popular Rehoboth Beach, brings the outdoors in with its calming colors and sea-inspired decor. From the moment you enter the petite property, coral-, seagrass-, and sand-colored walls and ocean-blue furnishings flood the senses with that sense of serenity so many vacationers seek when they weekend at the beach. Rentals from $199 per night
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The best-kept secret on the Big Island isn’t a five-star resort, but rather this offbeat cottage nestled below a towering ficus tree in Kealakekua Bay. Perfect for honeymooners or solo adventurers, the one-bedroom beach shack, located only a short walk from Manini Beach, also packs in a full kitchen with a range and compact refrigerator. Here, sports lovers or outdoor enthusiasts in search of solitude can swim, snorkel, or simply be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore. Rentals from $153 per night.

For fun on the road or at the beach, kick up your feet at this mobile retreat in Malibu. The remodeled 1974 Airstream Overlander trailer offers tons of fun both inside and out. A wood-paneled interior lends a rustic air to the tiny space that offers more than enough room for cooking, dining, and reclining. Step outside and the world is your patio, while an outdoor shower stands at the ready for a refreshing rinse. Perhaps most importantly, this little silver bullet sits within an easy distance of the pristine sands and turquoise waters of Zuma Beach. Rentals from $249 per night
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Surfboards, nautical rope, and a splash of vibrant turquoise paint bring a campy dose of curb appeal to this 1960s-inspired bed-and-breakfast less than a mile from the down-under ocean. When you’re ready to come in out of the waves, relax in the private studio’s lounge chairs, or enjoy a bite of seafood at the trim little table. Rentals from $104 per night
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Converted from an artist’s studio into a quaint one-bedroom vacation home, Madrona Cove Cottage is a true testament to the creative spirit. One-of-a-kind custom windows yield scenic views of Griffin Bay and Merrifield Cove that you can enjoy as you sip your morning coffee, brewed in the cozy kitchen. A short trek takes you to the beach, where you can happily fish and swim until dark. Rentals from $127 per night
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This throwback beach cottage was fully renovated in 2010 yet still fits in quite nicely among the historic homes that earned the city of Cape May the designation of National Historic Landmark. Though the cottage is a tight squeeze on the inside, the generous outdoor living space encourages visitors to relax under the patio umbrella or move out to the lawn to soak up the sun. Rentals from $187 per night.

To reserve your own personal paradise near the ocean, book a weekend of fun at Sand Pebble Cottage, located on a quiet cul-de-sac half a mile from the beach. Behind the clean exterior of the unassuming cabin lies a comfortable den for winding down after day of play. When you’re ready to reconnect with nature, splash in the outdoor shower, or take in the local sights and sounds of nearby Dennis Port from the attached deck. Rentals from $69 per night
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