The best Airbnbs in Cape Cod

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• As states begin reopening following lockdowns due to the novel coronavirus, many summer travelers are looking for beach escapes within driving distance.
• For East Coasters, Cape Cod is an appealing coastal getaway just one hour from Boston and four hours from New York.
• Private vacation home rentals such as Airbnb allows vacationers to more easily practice social distancing than at crowded hotels, with new cleaning policies in place at many homes listed.
• We found highly rating listings across the Cape that range from $79 to $500 per night, with many options coming in under $200.
• 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.

As states begin phased reopenings this summer, many travelers are seeking getaways within driving distance to soak up sunshine, feel a cool ocean breeze, and spend some time with their toes in golden sands. For many East Coasters, that makes Cape Cod an appealing destination.

The Cape is just an hour away from Boston and only about a four-hour drive from New York. With over 500 miles of coastline, the Cape offers a wide range of towns to suit travelers' needs.

Those closest to Boston, like Falmouth and Sandwich, offer shorter travel times, which can mean more beach time (and less traffic, a Cape signature in summer). Towns like Dennis, Yarmouth, and Chatham are well-situated in the middle of the Cape to easily access all the area has to offer and are closest to the downtown area of lively Hyannis, where you may catch a ferry to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. Meanwhile, the far tip (or Outer-Cape) is where you'll find the legendary party scene of Provincetown, as well as more secluded areas like Wellfleet and Eastham. While it takes longer to access the Outer-Cape, that's also where you'll find some of the best beaches.

With alluring nature, stunning scenery, and tasty seafood, Cape Cod is also an excellent destination beyond just the busy summer season, too. For fewer crowds and better deals, consider shoulder seasons like fall when the nightly average for an Airbnb home rental is $282. In the summer, that quickly jumps into the $300 to $400 range for a modern, well-located home.

Looking for more East Coast beach getaways?

• The best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore
• The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons
• The best Airbnbs in Connecticut

With safety at the forefront for most travelers right now, it's nice to know that experts consider renting an Airbnb to be one of the safer options. Airbnb homes are mostly private accommodations, which lowers the potential risks associated with crowded hotel spaces, and many offer contactless entry when you arrive.

To better help put you at ease, some Airbnb hosts are also implementing stringent new cleaning measures. Airbnb Enhanced Clean was developed with the assistance of medical and hospitality experts and includes upgraded cleaning standards with a 5-step cleaning process, a room by room checklist, and more. Keep in mind that not all hosts are taking part in the new program, so be sure to check at the top of a listing to see if it's participating.

It's also important to note that without a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, there is no guarantee of safety. We recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations safety guidelines, and to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and maintain social distancing.

Keep in mind before booking any Airbnbs that the company's current COVID-19 cancellation policy doesn't cover new bookings, so if you're unsure about your travel plans you may want to look for a listing with its own flexible policy. It's also worth checking for properties across multiple booking platforms to ensure you're getting the best deal.

We sorted through hundreds of Airbnb listings and carefully selected a range of homes throughout the area based on the following criteria:

1. All listings are in private homes, cottages, or stand-alone apartments (no shared bathrooms or awkward common spaces).
2. All are highly rated having earned an overall score of at least a 4.5 out of 5.
3. Properties offer a range of price points for everyone from solo travelers to multi-gen family groups, and range from $79 to $500 per night to start.
4. All properties have amenities that set them apart, whether it's the impeccable decor, stunning waterfront views, or access to private beaches right out the door.

These are the best Airbnbs in Cape Cod, sorted by price from low to high.