The best Airbnb beach houses in the US

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• With the summer heat and humidity in full swing and many states continuing phased reopenings, some people are cautiously looking for a beachside vacation away from the crowds.
• Private homes, especially those with direct beachfront or private beach access, are a great way to ensure social distancing.
• From a dreamy seaside cottage in Malibu to an off-the-grid New England cabin, we found highly-rated beach homes at a range of price points from $99 to $600 to start.
• Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home

While many US travelers continue to grapple with how to safely and ethically take a vacation during COVID-19, checking in to an Airbnb has emerged as of one of this year's biggest travel trends.

With thousands of options to choose from on the home-sharing site, it should come as no surprise that finding a place with beachfront access has ranked among one of the most searched for filters.

After all, who doesn't want to wake up to the sound of waves crashing right outside their back porch, or take a moonlit stroll along the sand after the sun goes down?

For those who are worried about safety when it comes to booking an Airbnb, according to experts, booking an entire home rental may be one of the safest options for travelers right now. Airbnb has also rolled out new Enhanced Clean protocols, though not all hosts are necessarily taking part in the program.

• The best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore
• The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons
• The best Airbnbs in Cape Cod
• The best Airbnbs in Hilton Head
• The best Airbnbs in Florida

While the urge to get out into the world is strong, especially for those who've been quarantining since early March, it's equally important to note that without a vaccine, there is no guarantee that travel is completely safe. That's why we strongly encourage following guidelines and advice from leading health organizations including the CDC. It's also prudent to stay up to date on the local and state laws before planning a vacation of any kind, along with being proactive when it comes to wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining social distancing no matter where you go.

That said, if a beach vacation is on your mind, from sea to shining blue sea there's no shortage of beautiful beachfront options across the US. We rounded up some of the top-rated Airbnb beach houses in the country using the following criteria:

1. Airbnb listing is for the entire home (no awkward bathroom share situations).
2. All are highly-rated Airbnb listings with a rating of 4.8 or higher.
3. All listings are right on or next to the beach.
4. The homes offer strong value in terms of price, offerings, amenities, and location.

Before you book, keep in mind that Airbnb's COVID-19 cancellation policy does not cover new bookings. You may also want to check multiple vacation rental sites to ensure you're getting the best rate for your dates.