13 Best Airbnbs in New Jersey, From Beach Houses to Historic Estates

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private beach path to kayak launch, year-round hot tub, spa-style bathroom
Best for: Romantic seaside getaway

Cute and quaint meets nautical whimsy at this beachfront home—complete with a white picket fence—dubbed Octopus Cottage in Cape May County’s Lower Township. The original Millman-style building has been updated by a renowned horticulturist bringing garden charm to the space, which can sleep up to four people on one queen bed and one pull-out sofa. Inside, the soothing spa-like bathroom, vintage-inspired kitchen, and cozy 84-inch couch are only one-upped by the outdoor hot tub, firepit, and yard games. And if that’s not enough for an idyllic beach weekend, there are also three kayaks for use with a private beach path leading to a launch site.

Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Top amenities: Enclosed hot tub, outdoor shower, proximity to the beach
Best for: Solo travelers or couples retreat

This laid-back Spring Lake guesthouse doubles as a self-care retreat. The highlight: a private hot tub, seating nook, and TV inside of an enclosed 15-foot-tall plastic dome. A sauna blanket, a yoga mat, and self-care tools can also be requested. Despite the space only being 400 square feet, it contains a full kitchen and bathroom, plus a king bed in the living space and another twin bed in the loft. It’s just eight blocks from the beach and within close proximity to restaurants and shops.

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Porch with rocking chairs, firepit, sun deck
Best for: Family and friends weekend

Here in this north bayside neighborhood, it’s all the charm of Cape May without the crowds. Spend your days relaxing on the front porch rocking chairs, lazing in the backyard around the firepit, or napping in the loungers. When you’re in the mood to take a dip, a private beach is just a short walk away—there’s also a local pool. Inside, the three-bedroom property can sleep up to six in two queen beds and two singles. It also boasts a stone-lined fireplace, an open kitchen, and welcoming beach decor throughout.

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: The west-facing deck for dreamy sunset views
Best for: Water sport lovers

The best of Jersey is wrapped up in this three-bedroom located right on the canal in Toms River. Suitable for up to seven guests (in addition to one bed in each bedroom, there’s a sofa bed in the living room), the relaxed vibe is achieved with a spacious deck, outdoor grill, firepit, and wicker lounge chairs. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for use—or just jump right off the deck into the water for a swim. Then take in the stunning sunsets while playing upscale versions of Jenga, Connect Four, and horseshoes. Plus, you’re within a half-hour drive to enjoy the Jersey Shore beaches, explore the Pine Barrens, or catch a concert in Asbury Park—and about an hour from the thrills of Atlantic City.

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Bluestone back patio, bikes to borrow
Best for: A cozy family getaway 

There’s a certain brand of storybook charm in Lambertville that can only be understood by experiencing it. The border town is a match made in heaven with the equally appealing New Hope, Pennsylvania, located just across a walkable bridge above the Delaware River. This house—which seems to combine traits of both the area’s Victorian homes and federal townhouses—radiates the neighborhood’s energy. It has cozy pumpkin pine floors and a bluestone rear patio. The impeccably furnished two-bedroom, comfortable for up to four guests, is decorated with soothing colors. But its biggest appeal is its prime location, just footsteps from the area’s most famous restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. While everything is walkable, a pair of parking spots and bikes are also available, so you can zip around town any way you like.

Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Ultra-fun game shed, cedar hot tub, charcoal grill, firepit
Best for: Completely disconnecting 

This house has ski-resort status perks and activities, but happens to be in the middle of Jersey’s famed Pine Barrens. This A-frame chalet-style cabin was built by Lokal Hotel, a family-run business with three boutique hotels in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Located less than an hour from Philly and a half hour from Atlantic City, the Lokal Chalet, as it’s known, can house up to eight guests, who can enjoy its cedar hot tub, commercial kitchen, Big Green Egg charcoal grill, firepits, and game shed, which has Ping-Pong, darts, and basketball. While there is high-speed Wi-Fi and grocery stores within 15 minutes, the property does encourage less screen time since it doesn’t have a TV.

Bed & bath: Two bedrooms, two baths
Top amenities: Movie projector, soaking tub
Best for: A rejuvenating escape, animal sightings

This guest cottage on the three-acre property of its Superhosts was once an artists’ studio and before that, a stable house dating back to the 1800s. That history survived the space, seen in its exposed beams and cathedral ceilings. The renovated bathroom is complete with a soaking tub, while the living room has a movie projector and Roku surround system. The open floor plan is accented by large windows, casting in views of its pastoral setting. Pear, apple, maple, and cherry trees grow, and families of ducks, foxes, geese, and deer populate the area. As an added bonus, an electric guitar is available to those craving a jam session. Despite its secluded setting, it’s just 15 minutes to Frenchtown and five minutes to Flemington.

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Fifteen-foot high ceilings and skylight
Best for: Shore lovers from the city

Take one glance inside this one-bedroom apartment with its bold furnishings, and you might guess you’re in a SoHo loft, as the owner describes. But open the door and you’re just blocks from the soft sands of the Jersey coastline, and a short distance away from the area’s most famed eateries and nightlife. The airy space has 15-foot ceilings and a skylight to keep the light flooding in by day. And for nights in, there’s a 110-inch 4K projector, as well as a Nintendo Switch with four controllers. Guests have their own private staircase entrance in the back off the street, as well as access to a tennis court.

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: Beach access, lake and river views, pet-friendly, in-unit laundry
Best for: Quick city escapes

Take a deep breath on the lakeside backyard of this three-bedroom, and it’s hard to believe you’re less than an hour from Manhattan. The still waters of Crystal Lake are paired with lush suburban comforts, and whether you enjoy a glass of wine on the dock or warm up by the firepit, there’s an easygoingness that encourages you to slow down. But if you do choose to wander out, the Oakland location is convenient for restaurants and shopping centers, as well as trails, wineries, and ski sites. One thing you won’t want to miss: the sunrise and sunset views.

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Fully equipped kitchen, central AC, in-unit laundry, shared rooftop access
Best for: Business travelers, commuters

It’s all the conveniences of the Big Apple without any of the hassle. Located in the one-square-mile city of Hoboken, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan (it’s only a 15-minute bus ride to Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street from this building), this surprisingly roomy two-bedroom (one with one bed, another with two singles) has the energy of the city but is infused with thoughtful feng shui design. With a fully equipped kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, and TVs in the living room and master bedroom, it’s the mindset of fast-paced city life but with a neighborhood feel. Guests get shared access to the seventh floor rooftop, and can take hot yoga classes at the studio right downstairs.

Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Top amenities: The private 60-jet hot tub, sauna, and steam room
Best for: Relaxing friends reunions

On the outside, this 1887 home looks like an idyllic country carriage house, but inside, it’s filled with an eclectic style, from multi-color drapes to ornate dressers, not to mention a wealth of amenities: a pool table (that converts into Ping-Pong table), firepit, trampoline, basketball court, a sauna, steam room, and a 60-jet hot tub with seating for six. Renovated in 2000, the owner has long used it as a retreat for her grown kids, family, and friends, and is now sharing it with others as a vacation rental.

Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Top amenities: The two large solariums with water views 
Best for: Fishing and crabbing fans

This five-bedroom is more than just a house—it’s a destination. Sitting right on Cedar Creek in Ocean County’s Berkeley Township, the spacious home can easily sleep 14 guests and is made for those who have sea legs. With a 175-foot bulkhead and deep water lagoon right on the lot, you can go fishing and crabbing right from the property. There are 10 kayaks, two paddleboards, and a paddleboat available for use, as well as plenty of room for you to bring your own boats, Jet Skis, or canoes. The wheelchair-accessible home also has a Viking stove, 60-inch 4K Ultra-HD Smart TV, 10-seat dining room, two-car garage, foosball table, dart boards, and two solariums with views of swans, ducks, and geese floating along the waterway.

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: The Instagram-friendly facade 
Best for: Hygge vibes

Pulling into this property, just about 20 miles from Manhattan, seems like a step back in time. First, you’ll drive up the gravel road past the main house that was built in about 1752 before getting to the circular driveway in front of this carriage house. With antique floors and a courtyard space behind the home, there’s no doubt this three-bedroom is as suitable for a work-from-home change of scenery as it is a weekend escape from the city. It comes as no surprise that it boasts everyone from NFL players to CEOs as former guests.