What Is the Difference Between Oceanfront and Beachfront on Vrbo?

When you’re scrolling through Vrbo looking for the perfect beach getaway, you’ve probably seen listings labeled both oceanfront and beachfront. They sound the same, right? But they’re not. Mixing them up could mean the difference between waking up to waves crashing under your window - or being a five-minute walk from the sand with a view of the water but no direct access.

Oceanfront means direct, unobstructed access to the ocean

An oceanfront property on Vrbo sits right on the edge of the water, with no buildings, roads, or public walkways between it and the sea. You step out the back door, and you’re on the sand. No stairs. No parking lots. No fences blocking your view. These homes are often built on elevated lots to maximize sightlines and catch ocean breezes. In places like Florida, California, or Hawaii, oceanfront rentals might have private decks that hang over the dunes or glass walls that turn the ocean into your living room backdrop.

Real oceanfront properties are rare. They’re expensive. And they’re usually the first to sell out. If you see a listing that says “oceanfront,” check the photos carefully. Look for a clear path from the house to the shoreline. If the photo shows a road or a boardwalk between the house and the water, it’s not truly oceanfront - even if the description says it is.

Beachfront means you’re close to the beach, but not directly on it

Beachfront is a looser term. It usually means the property is within walking distance - often under 500 feet - of the beach. You might cross a quiet street, walk through a grassy lawn, or pass a community path to get to the sand. These rentals still offer beach access, but they’re not hugging the waterline. In some cases, beachfront homes might have a view of the ocean from their upper floors, but the front yard opens to a neighbor’s house or a parking lot.

Beachfront properties are more common and often more affordable. They’re great if you don’t mind a short walk, want more privacy, or prefer a quieter street. Many families choose beachfront rentals because they offer bigger yards, more bedrooms, or pool access - things that are harder to find in true oceanfront homes due to zoning rules and erosion controls.

Why the confusion? Because there’s no industry standard

Unlike hotels, where “oceanfront” is regulated in some states, Vrbo has no official definition. It’s up to the host to label their property. One host might call their house “oceanfront” because it’s 100 feet from the tide line. Another might use “beachfront” even if they’re 200 feet away with a clear view. You can’t trust the label alone.

That’s why you need to dig deeper. Look at the photos. Zoom in on the map view. Read the description for phrases like “direct beach access,” “no properties between you and the ocean,” or “steps to the sand.” If the listing mentions a community beach access point, that’s a red flag. True oceanfront doesn’t need a path - it’s yours.

What you’re really paying for

Oceanfront rentals cost more - often 30% to 70% higher than beachfront ones in the same area. Why? Because you’re paying for:

• Uninterrupted views - no trees, no buildings, no fences
• Direct, immediate access - no walking, no carrying gear
• Sound - you hear the waves all night
• Light - sunrise and sunset flood your living space

Beachfront rentals still give you the beach experience - just with a trade-off. You might get a larger kitchen, a private pool, or a hot tub. You might even get a quieter street and less wind. For some travelers, that’s worth the extra few minutes to the sand.

How to spot a fake oceanfront listing

Here’s what to watch for:

1. Photos show a road or sidewalk between the house and water - that’s not oceanfront.
2. The description says “near the beach” or “minutes from the shore” - that’s beachfront.
3. Google Street View shows neighbors’ houses between you and the ocean - skip it.
4. The listing mentions “community beach access” - that’s a shared path, not private oceanfront.
5. The price seems too good to be true for “oceanfront” - it probably is.

Pro tip: Use Google Maps in satellite view. Zoom in on the property. If you can see the house and then the ocean with nothing in between, you’ve got a real oceanfront. If there’s a strip of land, a road, or a row of trees - it’s beachfront.

Which one should you choose?

Choose oceanfront if:

• You want to step outside and be on the sand in 10 seconds
• You’re planning sunrise yoga or late-night strolls
• You’re celebrating a special occasion and want the full experience
• You don’t mind paying more for exclusivity

Choose beachfront if:

• You’re traveling with kids or a big group and need more space
• You want a backyard, pool, or outdoor kitchen
• You prefer quieter surroundings and less wind
• You’re on a budget but still want to be close to the beach

There’s no wrong choice - just different priorities. One gives you the ocean as your backyard. The other gives you the beach as your playground. Both are great. Just know what you’re actually getting.

What to ask the host before booking

Don’t rely on the listing alone. Send a quick message:

• “Is there any property, road, or public path between the house and the ocean?”
• “Can you confirm the property has direct, private access to the beach?”
• “Is the beach accessible from the backyard, or do I need to walk through a common area?”
• “Are there any restrictions on walking to the beach at night?”

Hosts who are honest and transparent will answer clearly. If they’re vague or avoid the question, walk away.

Real examples from top beach destinations

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, true oceanfront homes are often on elevated stilts with decks extending over the dunes. Beachfront homes here are usually on the second row, with a grassy buffer and a public walkway.

In Santa Monica, California, oceanfront means you’re on the boardwalk side - no cars, just sand and surf. Beachfront might mean you’re on a quiet street one block back, with a view of the water but a 300-foot walk.

In the Outer Banks, North Carolina, oceanfront rentals are rare and often require special permits. Many “beachfront” homes here are actually on the sound side - meaning they face a calm bay, not the open ocean. Always check the map. The Atlantic Ocean is not the same as a sound or inlet.

Final tip: Always check the map and photos together

Don’t just rely on the listing title. Open Google Maps. Find the exact address. Look at the satellite view. Then compare it to the photos on Vrbo. If the house in the photo looks like it’s right on the water - and the map confirms it - you’ve got oceanfront. If the house is surrounded by other homes or a road - you’ve got beachfront.

The ocean doesn’t lie. The map doesn’t lie. And if you take five minutes to check, neither will the host.