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15 sweet D.C.-area vacation rentals for $225 a night or less

See your options from the Chesapeake Bay to the hills of West Virginia for when you need to get away

By Andrew Giambrone Updated
A waterfront cottage in Cobb Island, Maryland, with beige siding, a wood deck, and a dock. There is a body of water in the distance.
The Cobb Island, Maryland, cottage
VRBO

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If you’re itching to get out of the District or its immediate vicinity, there are no shortage of comfortable vacation homes within a few hours’ drive. Curbed has identified 10 renting for less than $225 per night: some are beachy, some are woodsy, and others are perched up high. Happy planning!

A white three-story, beachfront cabin surrounded by trees and sand. VRBO

Chesapeake Bay beach house in St. Inigoes, Maryland

Located close to Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, this modern beach house on the western shores of the Chesapeake Bay sleeps four people across two bedrooms. The house is cozy, but boasts a screened-in porch and numerous windows. Two kayaks and two bikes come with the rental, which is about 80 miles from D.C. and is renting for roughly $160 a night.

A living area with a fireplace, armchairs, a rocking chair, and a green and red patterned area rug. There are exposed wooden beams on the ceiling. Airbnb

Renovated farmhouse in Middletown, Maryland

In the environs of Frederick, Maryland, this scenic farmhouse features five bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, with the capacity to host well over a dozen people. There are wooden floors and fireplaces throughout, and the living room includes beamed ceilings. Surrounded by streams and fields, the house is part of the nonprofit Fox Haven organic farm, which is situated along the Catoctin Creek. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a quick drive away. It’s renting for $195 a night.

The view from the deck of a townhome in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, showing hills and trees in the background. VRBO

Townhome with sweeping views in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Speaking of Harpers Ferry, this approximately 1,200-square-foot house in the “upper town” area of the historic town sleeps six people and has three bedrooms. The kitchen has been refurbished and there are two and a half bathrooms. The wide deck offers river and mountain views and the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is within walking distance. Currently: $225 a night.

A green, A-frame cabin in the middle of the woods of Great Cacapon, West Virginia. The cabin is on a hill and is surrounded by trees. There is a staircase leading up to the entrance. Airbnb

Secluded lime-green cabin in Great Cacapon, West Virginia

With room for up to eight guests, this quaint cabin in the leafy hills of West Virginia’s eastern panhandle sits at an elevation of roughly 1,900 feet and provides panoramic views. It features a wood stove and offers year-round seclusion. Hiking and fishing are easy to do nearby. Now renting for $198 a night, the house is about 25 minutes from Berkeley Springs.

The living room of an A-frame cabin in Oak Grove, Virginia. It has a few chairs and a table, and walks out to a wood deck. The walls are painted blue. Airbnb

Vineyard-adjacent A-frame cabin in Oak Grove, Virginia

This A-frame cabin that sleeps up to four people is part of the Ingleside Winery Estate, said to be one of the oldest vineyards in Virginia. The house has a bedroom and an additional sleeping loft, and the living room boasts a fireplace. In the back, there is a deck overlooking a pond and a screened-in front porch. Colonial Beach is about a 15-minute drive away. It could be yours for $175 per night.

A waterfront cottage in Cobb Island, Maryland, with beige siding and a grassy lawn. VRBO

Waterfront cottage with 100-foot pier in Cobb Island, Maryland

Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and the Wicomico Rivers, this waterfront home in southern Charles County, Maryland, has two bedrooms and sleeps four people. The cottage has been updated, and features a sizable eat-in kitchen, plus an enclosed porch with bay views. There is central air conditioning, and the grassy yard connects to a 100-foot pier. Ornithologists will appreciate Cobb Island’s birdlife (including osprey and herons). The cottage is renting for about $200 a night.

A yellow cottage in Rock Hall, Maryland, surrounded by grass. VRBO

Eastern Shore cottage near beach in Rock Hall, Maryland

For $225 a night, this two-bedroom yellow cottage in Rock Hall, an old fishing village off the Chesapeake Bay, in Maryland, is just a block from the beach. The home has hardwood floors throughout and receives copious natural light. The Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge is close by.

A waterfront cottage in Wittman, Maryland, surrounded by tall trees and near a dock. HomeAway

Waterfront cottage with dock in Wittman, Maryland

Also located on the Eastern Shore, near St. Michaels, this tree-shaded cottage sleeps up to four people. It features a west-facing screened-in porch and a side deck off the the dining area. The kitchen is large, and there are French doors in the master bedroom that lead out to the front porch. A private pool is open in the summer. Available for $175 a night.

The view from a wood cabin in Shenandoah National Park, overlooking the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Airbnb

High-altitude home with impressive views in Luray, Virginia

Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet, this country home close to Shenandoah National Park overlooks the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property comes with a huge stone fireplace in the living space, which gets a ton of sunlight through large windows and skylights. There are cathedral ceilings in the “great room,” which connects to two of the home’s three decks, and two grills. The property is now renting for $190 a night.

A yellow cottage in North Beach, Maryland, with a porch. VRBO

Roomy 1937 Chesapeake Bay home in North Beach, Maryland

At almost 1,800 square feet, this three-bedroom home sleeps up to six people and includes a wraparound porch. There are high ceilings, original moldings, and French doors. The kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, which was recently renovated. And the beach is within walking distance while the rear deck provides entertaining space. It’s currently renting for $220 a night.

A two-story blue townhouse in Annapolis, Maryland, with an American flag outside. HomeAway

Bright, blue townhouse in Annapolis, Maryland

Located near the U.S. Naval Academy and the Maryland Statehouse, this two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhouse features hardwood floors throughout and modern finishes. There is a sizable fenced backyard for relaxing and entertaining. Restaurants and shops are in walking distance. Enjoy access to the Annapolis waterfront and nearby beaches for $240 a night.

A cottage with a front porch equipped with patio furniture. VRBO

Spread-out cottage in Colonial Beach, Virginia

Renting for $135 a night, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage near the beach in Virginia comes with a sun room and expansive living spaces. Monroe Bay can bee seen from the home, which has a fire pit and a deck outside. It can sleep up to six adults. There is a washer/dryer and plenty of parking on the premises.

The view from the porch of a waterfront home in Montross, Virginia, showing water, grass, and trees. VRBO

Serene waterfront home in Montross, Virginia

This 3,200-square-foot, four-bedroom home that sleeps up to eight people sits on Nomini Creek. Its features also include a private boat slip, a relaxing deck, and plush furniture. The kitchen is fully equipped and fishing is popular in the area. Currently: around $160 a night.

A one-story wood cabin in Hedgesville, West Virginia, with a wide wood deck out front. Airbnb

Modern woodsy cabin in Hedgesville, West Virginia

For about $130 a night, you can stay at this three-bedroom, two-bathroom wood cabin surrounded by trees in the Appalachian Mountains. The cabin is located at the base of Hedges Mountain and includes over 1,000 square feet of space. It has an open floor plan, a fireplace, and a screened-in porch. The outdoor deck is 400 square feet while the master bathroom features a jet tub. Within driving distance are Sleepy Creek Lake, the Potomac River, and the C&O Canal trail.

A two-story, wood home in Nelson County, Virginia. Airbnb

Comfy, light-filled home in Nelson County, Virginia

In Nelson County, Virginia, a three-bedroom wood home that sleeps up to six people is equipped with tall ceilings, an outdoor deck, and an open kitchen. Vineyards, farms, and hills are in the area. Nearby hiking trails abound. The home is renting for $210 a night.