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Cape Cod Vacation Rentals

Updated: March 17, 2025

Researching Cape Cod vacation rentals? Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone!

Beachfront, in-town, pet-friendly ... the options are nearly endless. And with hundreds (thousands?) of rental properties to choose from, how do you find your perfect home away from home without losing your mind?  

Beachfront Cape Cod cottage with a sandy path to the ocean and a Jeep in the driveway. A classic New England summer rental with coastal charm.Imagine waking up here—coffee in hand, the beach just steps away.

The easiest way to narrow it down? Start with what matters most to you—like beach access, walkability, or whether your pup can tag along.

Good to Know ...

Will this be your first visit to the Cape? If so, you might not realize how big a place Cape Cod really is—15 different towns, each with its own personality and mix of vacation rentals.

Picking the right town for your "home base" is just as important as picking the right rental.

Think of it this way: You might find the cutest little cottage at a great price—but if it’s nowhere near the things you want to do, that’s a problem! 

Not sure which town would work best for you? Check out my guide to the best Cape Cod towns for every vacation style & budget.

Ready to find your perfect rental? Let's get right to it ...

Beachfront Rentals

A “beachfront rental” sounds pretty straightforward, right? Not so fast.

Cape Cod’s beaches are all over the map. Some have waves big enough for surfing and boogie boarding. Others have little to no surf at all, so they're great for toddlers. And some beaches pull a disappearing act at high tide.

So if you’re picturing lazy beach days right outside your door, make sure your rental is on the kind of beach you actually want.

Not sure what to expect? Check out my guide to Cape Cod’s different shorelines.

truro-cottage-1040263.JPGWant to walk out your door and onto the sand?
Have a look at this historic cottage!

👉 Beach homes come in all styles and price ranges. Whether you're looking for a classic Cape Cod cottage or a luxury waterfront estate, you’ll find plenty of options to explore.

Browse for beachfront rentals →

Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Every year, I'm seeing more and more pet-friendly rentals popping up around the Cape.

Some allow just one dog (sorry, multi-pup households), others have size restrictions, and many charge extra fees.

If you’re hoping to walk your dog on the beach, keep in mind that some towns allow dogs on the beach year-round, but most have seasonal restrictions.

swan-pond-cottage.jpgLooking for a home away from home your pup will love, too?
See this dog-friendly, pondside vacation rental!

👉 Want to bring your pup? Make sure the rental (and the town’s beach rules) actually work for you.

Browse other pet-friendly rentals →

In-Town & Walk-to-Town Vacation Rentals

If you love the idea of being able to walk to shops, restaurants, and attractions, you should know that most Cape Cod town centers don’t have a lot of vacation rentals right in the heart of things.

Provincetown is the big exception—you can absolutely find rentals downtown where you can park your car and forget about it for the week. But in most other towns, the "walkable town center" experience usually means renting nearby and driving or using Uber/Lyft to get into the downtown area.

Classic, shingled Cape Cod vacation home. Click the photo to see listing.Just a quick stroll to town.
This darling home could be for you!

👉 If you love the idea of strolling to dinner or grabbing coffee without jumping in the car, an in-town rental is a great option.

Browse for more in-town and walk-to-town rentals →  

Rentals for Large Groups

Traveling with a big group? You’ll want a rental that actually fits everyone comfortably. And that doesn’t mean stuffing ten people into a house with two bathrooms.

Luckily, large rentals are easier to find now than they were a decade ago.

Evening view of beautiful two-home estate. Click the photo to see the listing.Need plenty of space for 18 people?
Have a look at this elegant estate!

👉 Many older homes have been renovated and expanded. And there are more multi-home rental setups (like side-by-side cottages or guest houses) that let everyone stay close. But not too close.

Browse for large-group rentals →

Pool Home Rentals on Cape Cod

Cape Cod may be all about the beach. But sometimes it's pretty nice to just go for a float in your own backyard.

Whether it’s for a lazy afternoon, a kid-friendly splash zone, or a backup plan for windy beach days, a private pool is a solid perk.

That said, pool homes aren’t as common here as they are in, say, Florida.

Outdoor deck and seating area at a pool home vacation rental. Click the photo to see the listing.Looking for a truly unique rental?
Check out this pondside home with an indoor pool!

👉  If a pool is a must-have, you’ll find most of them with larger homes, higher-end rentals, and the occasional tucked-away cottage. If you’re open to a shared pool, some condos and cottage communities have them.

 Browse for pool home rentals →

The Best Town for Your Vacation Home Base

Not sure which town to choose? Have a look at this page:

The best Cape Cod towns for each vacation "style"

 
Save to Pinterest!

Cape Cod vacation rental - ocean view from the master bedroom

 

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Note: The owners/agents of the Cape Cod vacation rentals shown above may change their rental rates, availability, amenities, etc. at any time, without my knowledge. Please be sure to verify all details with the owner/agent before you agree to rent.