You’ll Love These Houseboat Vacation Rentals in the U.S.

Last Updated on June 13, 2023

If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation experience, consider staying in one of these houseboat vacation rentals in the U.S. These vacation rentals offer a totally unique experience you won’t find in other accommodation types.

First, these rentals are right on the water, whether it’s a lake, ocean or river. And they are comfortable, stable, and sleep comes easy being lulled by the movement or sounds of the water.

If you’re into aquatic activities, this is just another reason to book your next vacation on a houseboat.

Here are some fun houseboats to check out at some amazing destinations around the U.S.

Home A Wave: Fleming Island, Jacksonville, FL

This lovely floating home sports a large top deck bedroom with 1.5 baths and a sofa bed (for the little ones). There’s also a galley kitchen, and while it doesn’t have an oven, guests can grill on the top deck.

The houseboat is located at the marina, offering stunning sunset views.

Cass-Away Luxury Houseboat: Kent Island, Maryland

Kent Narrows is a picturesque destination on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This luxury houseboat is in an ideal location for enjoying the natural surroundings and fascinating wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay.

The 640-square-foot houseboat with two bedrooms and two baths is fully equipped with a kitchen, living room and offers magnificent views from its rooftop deck.

Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay: Sausalito, CA

Floating directly on a San Francisco Bay lagoon, this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath home that sleeps four also features two sky decks, a front deck and floating dock.

Water toys include a clear-hull kayak, and Hobie stand-up paddle board.  

Water Getaway in Boothbay: Harbor, Maine

This moored houseboat named the Nancy Lou can sleep up to five with three bedrooms and one bath plus a rooftop sundeck. A private forward cabin features a queen bed, and the salon area converts to sleep two, and a settee pulls out for one.

Guests will love hanging out and relaxing in the mooring, exploring the coves in the skiff, and feeling one with nature and the sea.

The rental also includes two paddling kayaks.

“Bonne-Vie at Sea:” Key West, FL

Anchored about three-quarters of a mile from the marina in a picturesque cove, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath houseboat offers stunning wildlife views including manatees and dolphins. Guests will love fishing off the back of the boat and cooking their fish or lobster dinner in the houseboat kitchen.

The houseboat also includes a kayak and paddle boards.

For an extra fee, motorized dinghy options are available to make getting to shore easier.

The Long Island: Bonner County, Sandpoint, Idaho

This 52’ by 14’ houseboat located at Riser Creek Marina offers three staterooms and two hideaway beds and can sleep eight. The boat also contains a kitchen, living room and patio deck.

Guests also have access to kayaks, paddleboards, a motorized boat and jet ski. Kids will love the slide that dumps into the water.

For an added fee, renters can take a four-hour guided cruise on their boat with a certified captain.

Luxury Custom “Big Dog” Houseboat: Bethel Island, CA

Grab a group of friends or family and spend a night or two on this 4-bedroom, 2-bath boat with an outdoor shower and jacuzzi located on California’s San Joaquin River. Price-per-night is based on eight guests.

The houseboat sits at the end of a dock with no neighbors. The rental fee also includes kayaks and paddleboards and there’s a wagon to help bring personal items from your car to the boat. Guests who like to fish can do so from the back of the boat.

Bayou Houseboat Retreat: Lake Charles, Louisiana

This cozy one-bedroom, one-bath houseboat sits on a canal surrounded by 17-acres of private property on the west fork of the Calcasieu River. It can accommodate up to four guests with a queen bed and trundle bed with two twins, a fully-equipped kitchen and living room.

The outdoor area boasts a floating dock to sit or fish from, gas grills and four kayaks for guest use.

This is the chance to really experience the serenity and beauty of the Louisiana Bayou.

The Boathouse on Flint River: Bainbridge, GA

This place is so quaint and charming we want to book it now. Situated on the Flint River connected to Lake Seminole, the 2-bedroom, 2-bath houseboat is an ideal weekend getaway.

The river is known for its long, winding stretches, ideal for water enthusiasts, while Lake Seminole is renowned as one of America’s premier bass fishing locations.

As it’s docked in the marina, guests have access to picnic tables, charcoal grills, boat and trailer parking and a marina store.

Kittery/Portsmouth Harbor Houseboat: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Docked at Badgers Island Marina, this newly built 50’ boat features a queen bed in each of its two bedrooms, along with two full baths. The living room also has a queen pull-out sofa.

The Galley offers dinette seating for four along with a bar-top with two additional seats. A beautiful outside deck allows for picturesque views of the river while dining at a patio table with seating for four.

The marina pier also includes a full-sized grill, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.

Baydream at Seville Harbour: Pensacola, FL

This is one of three fleet properties by this owner on Pensacola Bay in Seville Harbor Marina. Baydream can sleep up to six guests in this one-bedroom (plus loft) one-bath floating getaway.

The fully equipped kitchen features full-size appliances. The living room also has a sleeper sofa.

For those bringing their own watercraft (boat, kayak or jet ski), these can be docked next to the houseboat.

Guests can also take advantage of additional marina amenities which include a “BathMat” laundry area, “The Deck,” a common cooking area, and a fish-cleaning station.