The Best Vacation Cottages to Rent in Florida

A beachfront guesthouse in Cocoa Beach is a great option when you're looking to rent a vacation cottage in Florida | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

Charlie Bush

21 December 2021

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Tourism is the primary economic driver for Florida, and it’s easy to see why. The southeasternmost US state has hundreds of miles of beaches. The coastline stretches along the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Florida is also home to world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. There’s a broad range of cottages to rent in this diverse state, so to help you choose between quirky cottages in the center of Miami, beachfront guesthouses on Cocoa Beach and historic colonial accommodation in Tallahassee, we’ve put together this handy list of the best vacation cottages in Florida – bookable on Culture Trip.

Ah We Wa Premier Cottage in the Grove, for city breaks in historic Coconut Grove

An outdoor patio space with table and chairs, string lights and lush foliage at Ah We Wa Premier Cottage in the Grove in Miami

Courtesy of Ah We Wa Premier Cottage in the Grove / Expedia

The subtropical city of Miami is known for its beach culture and strong Caribbean and Latin-American influences. Ah We Wa Premier Cottage enjoys an enviable position in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. It’s a short drive to many of the most popular attractions in the coastal metropolis – including the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame.

Sun Kissed Cottage, for rejuvenating stays in St. Augustine Beach

Yellow cottage with palms and stone pathway at Sun Kissed Cottage in St. Augustine, Florida

Courtesy of Sun Kissed Cottage / Expedia

St. Augustine Beach is a small city on Anastasia Island. The area is popular with tourists who enjoy its Mexican eateries, ice cream shops, wide Atlantic-facing beaches and Anastasia State Park – a marine protected area. This cottage has three bedrooms, so there’s plenty of room for larger groups or families with children and is particularly convenient for dog owners since it accepts pets, has a small enclosed garden and backs onto Windswept Acres Park.

The New Margaritaville Resort 1 Bedroom Cottage, for theme park lovers near Orlando

Immense curved pool lined with baby-blue lounge chairs framed by modern buildings at the New Margaritaville Resort, Florida

Courtesy of the New Margaritaville Resort 1 Bedroom Cottage / Expedia

Many tourists in Florida are initially motivated to visit the state thanks to the enduring appeal of the Disney and Universal parks. If you are seeking colorful accommodation as close to one of the best Disney resort parks as possible, this cheerful cottage is just a 15-minute drive from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Two verdant palm trees frame the brightly painted porch of this welcoming vacation cottage, epitomizing Florida’s tropical allure.

Patina, Three Bedroom Cottage, for beach lovers in Panama City Beach

Pool area with lounge chairs and wood deck with tables at Patina in Panama City Beach

Courtesy of Patina / Expedia

There are many beach cottages in Florida, but not all come with an outdoor pool, barbecue grills and free parking like Patina does. This three-bedroom cottage in the northwestern part of the state also boasts easy access to the balmy waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If these distractions aren’t enough, the cottage is a mere 15-minute walk to Deer Lake State Park and 20 minutes to Camp Creek Lake.

Rad's Cozy Cottage on Canal, for sun-seekers in Siesta Key Village

Pale blue cottage fronted by sandy area Rad's Cozy Cottage on Canal in Siesta Key, Florida

Courtesy of Rad's Cozy Cottage on Canal / Expedia

Although it’s just a short walk from Siesta Key Beach, this cottage may tempt you to stay in and enjoy its waterfront charm and private pool instead. Whether you prefer to sunbathe by the water or explore nearby Palm Island, this cottage will treat you to a characteristically tropical Florida vacation.

Beach Place Guesthouses, for ocean enthusiasts in Cocoa Beach

Living and dining area with comfy couch, rattan chairs and French doors to backyard at Beach Place Guesthouses in Cocoa Beach

Courtesy of Beach Place Guesthouses / Booking.com

The Sunshine State is famous for its beaches, but it’s rare to find Florida beach cottages so close to the ocean. That makes the Beach Place Guesthouses incredibly special, as they have a range of cottages on a windswept and private stretch of white sand. The place is an island of peace and seclusion in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Cocoa Beach.

Plaza Cottage, for a taste of tropical life in Ormond Beach

Pale aqua home with garage and front lawn of Plaza Cottage vacation rental in Ormond Beach, Florida

Courtesy of Plaza Cottage / Expedia

Living the beach life can seem like nothing more than a fanciful dream for most Americans. But a trip to Plaza Cottage offers a rare glimpse into that coveted lifestyle. Up to six guests can stay in this bright bungalow and can enjoy spending their days wandering along the nearby picturesque beaches, trying out the closest bars and restaurants or taking in the sights at Tom Renick Park.

La Finca Miami by SoFla Vacations, for a historical holiday destination in Miami

Glass dining room table next to sliding doors opening to tiled pool area at La Finca Miami by SoFla Vacations

Courtesy of La Finca Miami by SoFla Vacations / Expedia

Historic buildings that predate Miami’s rise to becoming the prosperous city it is today are few and far between. That makes this former horse ranch and fruit farm a genuine hidden gem for any traveler to the city – La Finca is surrounded by affluence yet has managed to retain its original rustic charm. The grounds are lush all year round, and the pool provides a welcome respite from the sun’s golden rays.

Ball House and Cottages, for peaceful getaways near Tallahassee

Cute white cottages with brick chimneys set amid green lawns and trees at Ball House and Cottages near Tallahassee, Florida

Courtesy of Ball House and Cottages / Expedia

On a quiet estate hidden from the suburbs of Tallahassee by ancient oak trees, these cottages will transport you back to a simpler and quieter time. Nestled within the grounds of Ball House, built in 1865, they are among the most picturesque cottages to rent in Florida. There is plenty to see and do in the state capital, and just down the road is an award-winning golf course.

For more options, discover our guide on the best hotels in Destin and book now on Culture Trip.

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