Sitting between the Appalachian Mountains and Eastern Seaboard, Virginia is famous for being the area where the English first settled in the States. The Mother of States is also full of lakes, reservoirs, and beaches, making it one of the top waterfront destinations in the country. Some of its breathtaking natural landmarks worth hiking and trekking include the Luray Caverns, Compton Peak, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Feel like cooling off with the kids? Bring them out to Ocean Breeze Water Park, a popular theme park attraction during the summer. Not the outdoorsy type? Consider visiting places that played a huge role in American history, including one of George Washington’s homes, Mount Vernon. In search of a unique stay in the Mother of States? If you want to spend your nights on the water, check out this list of the top houseboats for rent in Virginia, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Quaint and cozy floating abode in Poquoson (from USD 150)
Able to accommodate up to six adult guests, this floating home is tiny and cozy. It’s packed with enough amenities to make you feel as if you live in your own home. A spacious two-level entry deck welcomes you into this charming abode on a boat, and its equally roomy lounge area helps keep you well-rested and accommodated throughout your stay.
Apart from the typical well-appointed bedroom, there is a loft atop of it that has additional sleeping spaces for additional guests. A full bathroom and kitchen are also included en-suite. As it’s docked at a marina - seated within a flourishing houseboat community in Virginia’s village of Poquoson - expect other fun facilities such as the pool within your reach.
Poquoson, Virginia, United States
102.36 km (63.6 mi) from The Poe Museum
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
place was in great shape and was clean when we arrivedboat house was very clean and a great alternative to a hotel stayHost:
the owners are very friendly and helpfulcharlotte was absolutely wonderful very attentive and kindcharlotte and dennis were very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a perfect place to stay
2. Warm vacation houseboat for the family in Arlington (from USD 129)
This floating home for rent in Virginia sets the scene for an unforgettable, all-American seafront adventure. Best suited for spring breaks, summer vacations, or 4th of July celebrations, it houses two comfortable beds, as well as additional bed spaces in the living area. The kitchen is readily fitted with enough appliances and cookware to create stunning meals and snacks on board.
Relax in bliss at the lower-level deck overlooking the river’s waters. If fun’s what you want to bring to your loved ones, climb up the steps to the spacious top deck area, with a sound system, coolers, and more chairs for lounging.
Arlington, Virginia, United States
152.11 km (94.6 mi) from The Poe MuseumSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
house: very comfortable and warmCleanliness:
place was clean and jason was very accommodatingHost:
host was pleasant and helpfulthe host was responsive to questions and available 24/7jason was a great hostthe host is considerate and thoughtfuljason is a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
peaceful location yet close to downtown sight seeinga great and relaxing location to explore dcgreat time and great locationso relaxing and still close to all sights of dcjasons’s place was easy to get to and so close to everything
3. Luxury houseboat for five in Trevilians (from USD 474)
Custom made with parts all the way from Connecticut, this luxury home on a private lake in Trevilians is a small sanctuary hidden among 142 acres (57.5 hectares) of woods. Both pet-friendly and family-friendly, the boat can sleep up to five guests and boasts free wifi, a fully stocked kitchen, one full bathroom, and air conditioning. During their stay, guests are welcome to wade in the lake, hike through the forest, or bike along some trails.
If guests are okay with driving for a day out, there are two vineyards and a golf club nearby.
79.8 km (49.6 mi) from The Poe MuseumAccommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the tugboat is even better than the pictures it is so charming and comfortableCleanliness:
full of thoughtful details super clean and really comfortablethe tugboat was very clean the beds were comfortable and everything you needed they providedRead more reviewsHost:
the hosts/owners are friendly and helpfulashleigh was the best hostthe host ashleigh brought us fresh eggs and was very friendly and accommodatinggreat property and even more amazing ownersshe and her husband mike couldn't have been more helpful charming and supportive
4. GiaMaria in Richmond (from USD 128)
GiaMaria is a completely revamped Chris Craft houseboat fitted with a spacious full bathroom, a quaint galley kitchen with a coffee maker, a stove, and an oven, and a fireplace. Guests can take advantage of the boat’s 46-inch television and free wifi or enjoy some coffee on the upper deck if they don’t feel like hiking, fishing, or working.
Perfect for groups of four, the boat rental in Richmond has a sleeper sofa in the main salon and a queen-sized memory foam bed in the back.
16.54 km (10.3 mi) from The Poe MuseumAccommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
All systems worked but it was so hot that the AC struggledWe opened the curtains and window from the bedroom and enjoyed the fall air and sunrisesLounge chairs on the upper deck would have been niceRon tells you the stories and then read the book and the stories that he just told you came more to lifeRon did everything in his power to help keep our stay comfortable with the cool airCleanliness:
We had a most enjoyable time and are planning another trip soonHost:
Captain Ron was a wonderful host and our son was sad when he leftRon was very attentive and a wealth of information about the areaCaptain Ron welcomed us upon check in with a warm smile and intriguing stories to the point where I felt like I wanted him to be my familyWow let us just say it can beCaptain Blaha was a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
The location is surrounded by natural outdoor beauty and history galoreYou get to get off the gridWe explored the docks and nearby historic battlefieldI made other plans in the Virginia Beach areaThis place would be perfect for wanting some privacy reading or maybe a great author writing one of his/her best books
5. The Jewel of the James in Richmond
Ideal for couples, The Jewel of the James is a pet-friendly houseboat docked on the James River. Since it comes complete with laundry facilities, a private bathroom, temperature control, pocket wifi, and a kitchenette, you only need to bring a few extra clothes for your stay. While guests are welcome to spend their time catching up on their favorite show, they can also take a few steps towards the country park for some fishing, kayaking, or hiking.
On top of that, there’s a lovely waterfront restaurant and bar near the boat where guests can enjoy a romantic dinner on the river.
Richmond, Virginia, United States
1.95 km (1.3 mi) from The Poe MuseumAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view of james river and spacious living roomthe bed was comfortable and roomythis place was awesome the boat was very comfortable with tv and wifiHost:
ronald was very helpful and accommodatingron is a super nice host and is quick to respond to any questionsron is a very friendly and knowledgeable hostronald was such a sweet and caring hostthanks for being an amazing host ronRead more reviewsLocation:
this location is really cutegreat location and valueron’s place is excellent the location is greatthere are also two very good restaurants close bythe location was quiet and made for lovely sunset viewing
Reset and rewind in Virginia
Need a few weeks to reset and rewind? Head over to Virginia’s best lakes and rivers and surround yourself with nature. Take note, the best experiences can be found when you rent a boat anywhere, from Richmond to Virginia Beach. Don’t forget to check out one of the top houseboat rentals in Virginia, USA, for a unique yet fulfilling experience.
Frequently asked questions about the top houseboats for rent in Virginia, USA
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