A beautiful county surrounded by water, you’ll find something for everyone in Essex, Massachusetts! It’s a great place for a quiet vacation, whether for a shorter trip, or a longer stay. You can take river cruises, kayak, explore the various ecologies of the rivers and the bay, or just explore the multiple quiet towns in the area! So what are you waiting for? Be sure to read below about the Airbnb vacation rentals in the area, for your next unique family retreat or an adventure with friends in one of the nicest places on the East Coast!
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 06, 2024.
1. Historic two-bedroom oceanfront apartment in Salem (from USD 151)
This oceanfront apartment with a private entrance is a great option for relaxation! It comes with a recently renovated kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, offering all you could need for a quiet stay with beautiful waterfront views! Be sure to check out the seasonal events that happen in Salem at different points in the year, ranging from the Salem Arts Festival to the Salem International Film Festival!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view from the apartmentthe heated bathroom floors made waking up a bit easier and the backyard was gorgeousthe view from the apartment’s backyard has the same serene picture postcard scenewe definitely took advantage of the picturesque views just a few steps out of our roomthis is a lovely quaint apartment with an incredible viewCleanliness:
it’s clean and quietthe place was clean and roomythe apartment was very clean with an ample supply of towels and toiletriesthis apartment is charming and cleanthe apartment was clean and we'll equippedHost:
dale and john were great hostsdale was a great host offering 1st class hospitalitydale was an excellent hostthe hosts were gracious and we were provided with everything we neededthe hosts are a pleasure to deal with welcoming and thoughtfulRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location right on the waterexcellent location and comfortable surroundingsbeing near the park is wonderfulperfect location in very quiet neighborhoodthe location of this house is close by to all the attractions and restaurants
2. Lovely room in a beautiful house (from USD 83)
This shared room in a house is a perfect fit for two people who just need a simple place to stay! With a mostly private bath, shared living spaces, and a convenient location to the beach as well as the local shopping and dining scene, it’s almost ideal! The one drawback is the space doesn’t include kitchen access, but does have a mini-fridge in the room. The beautiful neighborhood of Manchester-by-the-Sea is chock full of trails, beaches, and is especially known for its yachting harbor and delectable lobster, definitely a great way to spend your days here!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bedroom overlooking the patio was so plush and comfortableeverything from the room to the bed to the beautiful fresh flowers and breakfast/coffee every morning we’re perfectthe room was spacious the bed was exceptionally comfortable and the air was freshthere is always amazing tea and coffee available and the breakfast was a really nice additionshe set a beautiful breakfast table in front of a bay window with a pleasant viewCleanliness:
we found everything clean and extremely comfortablepeaceful clean and homey private roomvery comfortable clean and welcomingthe room was comfortable and cleanher home is exceptionally clean and the shared bathroom space was not an issue at allHost:
page’s home is lovely and she was a great hostshe's delightful to speak with and a super hostpage was an outstanding host and her home is absolutely lovelythe gardens at her home are welcoming places and and she is a most welcoming hostshe was very helpful with local tipsRead more reviewsLocation:
cozy house in a neat locationfantastic stay at page’s placefirst off the location is fantasticbeautiful quiet location wonderful host close to everythingthe neighbourhood is beautiful and just far enough away from the busyness of boston
3. Bright and cheerful cottage in Gloucester (from USD 289)
Planning a large gathering? No problem because you can stay in this Gloucester cottage which fits up to eight people in a magnificent house that’s overlooking a marsh just on the edge of Essex Bay. Surrounded by nature, it means cell phone service is extremely limited, but you’ll be truly immersed in the geography of the Northeast, having plenty of access to both the beach and the woods! You’ll still have WiFi access, and of course, a fully-equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and everything you need for a dream idyllic retreat!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
deck and grill were great for cookouts and kitchen was well equipped for cookingwe especially appreciated air conditioning given the outside temperature and humiditythere is a great view from the living room onto the deck and from the downstairs bedroom toothe rooms were cozy the kitchen had great amenitiesit is quite roomy with plenty of space for people to spread out and get comfortableCleanliness:
everything was very cleanthe house is clean and nicely decoratedexceptionally clean beds were comfortable and plenty of towels providedthe house is very clean and cozyclean comfortable and had everything we neededHost:
the owner is very responsiveour host was vey responsive to all our questionskaren was a great hostthe owners have done a great renovation downstairsthe house was beautiful and the hospitality of the hosts was greatly appreciatedRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location overlooking marsh landsawesome location quiet and beautifulthis location was very comfortable and very well equippednice peaceful location yet easy to get to restaurants and things to doyou are minutes away from many great restaurants and local antique shops
4. "The Barn" across from the Great Salt Marsh (from USD 145)
Dubbed “The Barn,” this Airbnb on the Great Salt Marsh retains all the coziness of a small barn, but with the comfort of any other modern living space. The living space fits up to three people, and dates all the way back to the 1850s, though was renovated just a couple of years ago. It includes a fully-stocked kitchen, outside barbecue, and even an option to host events such as a wedding, with prior notice. And of course, it fits wonderfully as a vacation rental as well, next to the beautiful beaches and rivers, and also Russell Orchards, where you can pick up some delicious pastries!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the fold out couch is comfortable and easy to make upthe bed was super comfortable thoughtful touches everywhere including fresh cut flowersthe wifi and cable tv worked great a must for the teenagersthe wide plank wood floors and decor are extremely charming and the space is very comfortableit boasts a comfortable (& very clean ) setting and was delightfully rustic but with modern amenities (yay dishwasher )Cleanliness:
it was exceptionally clean and maintainedit was very clean with a full kitchen and a great bathroomthe apartment was clean and comfortable and we were lacking nothing we neededthis apartment is very stylish clean and well appointedthe apartment is beautiful and very cleanHost:
overall she was a great hostmarla is a very thoughtful hostmarla was very accommodating and friendlymarla was very communicative accommodating and friendlyinstant response time and very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
very private great location pretty placealso the location is greatcute little studio above a garage work shopgreat location within walking distance to loads of shops and restaurants in essexwe will definitely come back and truly enjoyed this location
5. Private bedroom with full bath (from USD 130)
Just overlooking the Salt Marsh and the Essex River, this private bedroom for two is an ideal escape. It’s in a very central location, close to lots of seafood, museums, castles, and easy access to the beaches and riverbanks as well! You even have your own porch to relax on, as well as access to more amenities on the first floor.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the sitting room and the small deck are terrificloved staying with kathleen in her beautiful home the room with wonderfulvery comfortable canopy bed a nice sitting room and access to a small deckthe space was exactly as described and very comfortablei slept like a rock in the queen bed and had a great showerCleanliness:
clean spacious and comfortable plus great communicationthe inside is clean and comfortablethe room is clean and cheery and is just what you seeeverything was very clean and kathleen made us feel welcome from the minute we metthe room we stayed in on 2nd floor was charming comfortable and very clean ideal for coupleHost:
host was most helpful with advice on area eaterieskathleen was a great hostkathleen was a great hostshe was a warm host and has great recommendations for exploring essexkathleen was a wonderful host she was very friendly and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
the room and location were wonderfulgreat location great price very friendlya+++ i loved the location walking distance to restaurants shops & coffeeshort walk to several nice restaurants and woodman'sthe house is right on main st which makes it great for walking to downtown attractions
6. Private beach home in Gloucester Squish Inn (from USD 228)
Located right on the edge of Essex Bay, this unit features access to a private beach! It’s a perfect getaway for any couple that enjoys their privacy and wants a relaxing stay in the beautiful Northeast region of the United States. It’s equipped with a fridge, microwave, Keurig, and when rented in conjunction with the other Airbnb in the cottage, you’ll have full access to the kitchen and deck as well! There’s no better place that allows you to watch sunrises every day from the comfort of your own home!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities were fantastic from comfortable beach chairs umbrellas to fishing rodsthe cottage is very comfortable and has everything you needthe room was just as described but even more lovely than we imaginedour room was absolutely amazingCleanliness:
very clean and comfortableit was very clean very quaint and well-decoratedtheir place was beautiful and cleansquish inn is impeccably clean cozy and welcomingit was sparkling clean and a perfect location for usHost:
great hosts and great peoplethey are kind and thoughtful hostsgenuinely kind host who wants to make sure you have the perfect stayhosts were attentive and provided nice extra touchesawesome place and awesome hosts amazing beachRead more reviewsLocation:
a great locationfor starters the location is absolutely amazingthe location is wonderful - safe beautiful easy to accessthe location and beach were great we really enjoyed our timea beautiful room a few steps away from a long and quiet private beach
7. One-bedroom apartment (from USD 205)
This cozy space for four is a great location for travelers coming to the area of Essex! Located in a great neighborhood near the water, you’ll be provided with different types of kayaks, as well as a paddle board, and all the other necessities you would need for your beach experience! The area boasts spectacular panoramic views in all weathers and is sure to be a wonderful place to stay when on a visit to New England.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the double bed in the bedroom was very comfortableCleanliness:
the apartment is bright clean and nicely decoratedthe apartment was clean and beautifully decoratedRead more reviewsHost:
martha was a wonderful hostshe was very helpful and sweetmartha was very quick to respond helpful and friendlymartha is a very friendly and great host and was always there if neededmartha was very hospitable and helpful
8. The 1684 David Burnham House
The pictures of this antique house are truly worth a thousand words. Full of intricate architecture and furnishings, this bed and breakfast is a luxury stay right on a lake that will feel like you have your own cottage in the woods. It’s definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Essex.
12.45 km (7.8 mi) from Salem Witch Museum
9. Serene getaway
This large private estate is truly a luxurious getaway for any large group. With stunning and unique views of the Essex River and Crane’s Beach, it’s sure to be a vacation you will never forget. The 45-acre (18.2 hectare) property features lots of paths for pleasant walks, a tennis court, and a private dock for those that want to bring a kayak. And if the large property is a bit too quiet at times, the village, with many restaurants and shops to peruse is just a walk away!
Essex, Massachusetts, United States
14.69 km (9.2 mi) from Salem Witch Museum
10. Suite of rooms with private bath
This private room is in a larger house but has all you could need, with a queen bed and a private bathroom. It’s located just north of Boston, making it convenient to get to the city, but also a great smaller town to explore! Be sure to check out Cranes beach for some of the best ocean views, or tour around the extravagant Cranes Castle! It’s right in the center of Essex, in close proximity to both the ocean and the city.
Essex, Massachusetts, United States
14.9 km (9.3 mi) from Salem Witch MuseumTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi not a problemthere was a super spread for breakfastthe beds were very comfortable (so much so that we overslept ) and the baths were immaculatecomfortable rooms super smooth sheets great amenities sensible interior and details and spotless bathroomthe other is directly on top of the stairs with a single but comfortable bedCleanliness:
the bathroom was clean and beautifully designedit was clean quiet and relaxingthe rooms were clean and the beds were comfortablethe rooms were clean comfortable and privatethe suite was clean cozy comfortable quietHost:
i had a wonderful 3 day stay with barry and sarah who were very kind helpful and gracious hostsour hosts were very welcoming and provided delicious food for breakfastbarry and sara were wonderful hostsbest hosts ever the home was so lovely and charming and barry and sara were wonderfulbarry and sara were great hosts as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
their location is ideal for walking around essexthe location was perfect for everything we wanted to dothe room was wonderful and such a perfect location within walking distance to so muchthe neighborhood is quiet and safehouse and room beautifully decorated and great location on the north shore
Explore nature
You’ll find beautiful views and abundant culture in Essex and the surrounding cities in Massachusetts, and with these options for vacation rentals, you’re sure to have a super comfortable stay, where you can put all your focus on exploring the exquisite nature and food that Essex has to offer!
History
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