Oceanfront vs. Beachfront Condos: What’s the Difference?

Finding the Ideal FL Vacation Rental Property

A lot of people actually think that they’re the same, and it’s reinforced by the fact that some vacation rental owners can be vague in describing their properties. But because your holiday may depend a great deal on whether you’ve got exactly the kind of accommodation you need, you may want to know the difference between a beachfront condo and an oceanfront condo. Being aware of what this difference is can help you choose the right kind of vacation home rental for your next seaside holiday.

Beachfront vs Oceanfront Vacation Rentals

Beachfront condos have direct beach access Rustic wood steps leading down onto a sandy beach Beachfront condos for rent are right on the beach—the sand will be under your feet when you take a few steps out of your door. These condo units are may be on the ground floor or first floor, or maybe in a high-rise beachfront condo building. Sometimes they have a patio that directly faces the beach. If the condo unit is on an upper floor, it may have a terrace with a stairway that you can use to get on the beach. With a beachfront condo, you can play on the sand any time you want and can easily walk back.

The pros of renting a beachfront condo

Easy access to the beach is a great thing if all you want from your holiday is to relax under the sun. From your beachfront condo, you only need to step outside to hit the water or run on the sand. You also probably won’t need to rent a beach chair and umbrella because you may have your own right on your patio.

The cons of beachfront condo rentals

While easy beach access is indeed a great thing, you may have to give up a bit of your privacy if you have a lot of neighbors or if people who don’t live in your condo building can use the beach. And if you happen to have livelier groups staying in neighboring condos, you may not always have the peace and quiet you need—though the condo staff or owners will usually make sure that noise levels don’t get out of hand so everyone can have a great vacation.

Great places to find beachfront condos

Finding a condo along the Gulf Coast shouldn’t be a problem. Stretching from the Texas-Mexico border to the tip of Florida, the Gulf’s sandy beaches guarantee warm waters and year-round mild climates, making it the perfect destination for any time of year. Spot dolphins off the coast of Naples Beach, or Bonita Beach in Southwest Florida, or mix surfing and wreck diving with some pirate history along the Florida Panhandle. For family-friendly fun, Treasure Island in Florida provides beaches, nightlife, and nearby theme parks to please everyone.

For those looking for stunning beachfront destinations beyond the Gulf Coast, Ogunquit, Maine, offers a quintessential New England coastal experience, with its pristine sandy beaches, charming seaside village, and scenic coastal walkways. Meanwhile, Bonita Beach, Florida, boasts white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a tropical retreat.

Oceanfront condos have views of the sea

The one thing that sets oceanfront condo rentals apart from beachfront condos is that they don’t necessarily have direct access to the beach. The condo building may stand on a cliffside and have balconies offering sweeping views of the ocean. It may be right on the coastline, but the coastline may be rocky instead of beachy. Or it may be right on the beach but without having direct beach access straight from the door of your condo unit. It’s also possible that the building might be a few blocks away from the beach, despite boasting gorgeous sea views from the window or balcony.

The pros of oceanfront condos

An oceanfront condo rental is certainly something to enjoy, especially if it has views of the sea from almost anywhere you stand within the unit. The view can set the mood for your holiday. And if you want to get away from the hectic concerns of daily life, an oceanfront condo in a secluded area may be ideal. Even if the condo building is on the beach, you can be far removed from the noise of the people frolicking on the sand.

The cons of oceanfront condo rentals

If you want to make the most of your beach holiday by spending as much of your time on the sand and in the water as possible, renting an oceanfront condo may not be as convenient as getting a place right on the beach. And if the condo building is in a secluded area, this might suit some travelers but not others. You may have to walk far or even drive to get to a store or a restaurant if the building doesn’t have one on-site.

Top destinations for oceanfront condos

Finding an oceanfront condo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a breeze. With 23 miles of promenade-lined beachfronts, there are plenty of apartments and condos with ocean views to choose from, and to suit all budgets. The city also boasts world-class restaurants, craft breweries, nightlife, and shopping. For a more sedate experience, try Outer Banks, North Carolina, with its dramatic coastline, sand dunes, and uncrowded beaches, as well as seafood restaurants and historical attractions. For family fun, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers 60-miles of beaches, as well as celebrity-designed golf courses, and an old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park.

Beachfront or oceanfront condos: it’s your choice As mentioned earlier, vacation rental owners can be quite vague in describing whether their property is an oceanfront or a beachfront condo. It’s up to you to determine if the vacation home you’re thinking of renting is really what you need. Whether it’s a beachfront or an oceanfront condo rental may not matter to you as long as it’s by the sea. But if it does, you can check with the property owner or their representative before you make the booking.

Where to Stay when Visiting Fort Myers Beach, FL?

Browse current Fort Myers Beach VRBO Vacation Rentals, Hotel Specials, and Resort Lodging Availabilities below.

SW FL Hotels and VRBO Vacation Rentals Special Rates 

Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor, FL | 833-914-7300
Enjoy a waterfront stay at Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, a newly opened destination with 785 guestrooms, 20 dining concepts, a spa, a golf club and more. Explore the stunning views, activities and events of Florida's most laid-back coast.
Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor Rates and Specials

The Boat House Waterfront Motel - 1180 Edington Place Marco Island, Florida 34145 | 239-642-2400
Welcome to the Boathouse Motel, Gazebo House and Oceanview Condo - Marco Island's best kept secret and your hideaway in southwest Florida. The Boathouse is committed to preserving the charm of "Olde Marco". Enjoy island fun and feel right at home watching the dolphin, casting a line or just relaxing and enjoying the oceanview. Stay a day, a week or a month. Some pet friendly rooms are available. Book Direct for the best rates and specials.
Book Direct at The Boat House Motel - Marco Island, FL

Inn On Fifth, 699 5th Ave S, Naples, FL, 34102
A Top-Rated Naples Florida Eco-certified hotel with a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness center. Pet Friendly. Outdoor Pool. Luxury Rooms and Suites. Located on Fifth Avenue South, next to Ocean Prime Restaurant. Check special rates and room availabilities below.
Inn On Fifth, Naples, FL

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145
A top-rated beachfront resort with 12 on premises restaurants. Situated along three miles of pristine private beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, our hotel on the beach in Marco Island, Florida.
Check current rates and specials

Hilton Grand Vacations ~ Club Regency Marco Island RCI Gold Crown Resort Suites, 500 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145
Spectacular Gulf Sunsets, Beachfront Resort with a spacious two-bedroom villas. Ideal for one week or longer stays. Club Regency is staffed by a team of trained on-site personnel. The resort is professionally managed by Hilton Grand Vacations Company.
Check Current Rates and Specials

Naples Ritz Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples, FL 34109
A beautiful pet-friendly resort with sensational golfing and amenities. 4-star, 5-diamond resort features 2 championship golf courses, 3 award-winning restaurants. With bicycle tours and organized nature walks, this Naples, Florida, golf resort offers visitors a peaceful escape to luxury.
Check Current Rates and Specials

Marriott Crystal Shores Vacation Rentals, 600 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145
Comfortable, beautiful, condo resort, two restaurants, three outdoor pools, on Marco Island beach.
Marriott Crystal Shores Rates and Specials

Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection hotel features free bikes, fitness center, a restaurant and bar. This 4-star hotel offers freeWiFi, a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 24 miles from Fishermen's Village. Highly Recommended.
Luminary Hotel Rates and Specials

Bellasera Hotel, 221 9th Street South, Naples, FL 34102
Bellasera Resort in Naples is located at the gateway to 5th Avenue South, famous for its galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.Guests of Bellasera Resort can enjoy on-site poolside cabanas, a heated outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Concierge services are provided. Suites come with fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, and include a refrigerator, kitchenware, and coffee-making facilities. Highly Recommended. Find special rates below.
Bellasera Hotel, Naples, FL

Margaritaville Beach Resort, 251 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Margaritaville Fort Myers beach is now open and features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a terrace and 4 restaurants. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a business center, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Fins Up! and party on, a wonderful new Fort Myers Beach resort hotel. Check current >room rates and availabilities.
Margaritaville Ft Myers Rates and Specials

Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901
This Fort Myers hotel is only minutes from I-75 as well as many popular area attractions and famous beaches. Only a short distance from the Hampton Inn and Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard, guests can discover a number of shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment options. The Harborside Convention Center, top-rated golf courses and the historic downtown Fort Myers area are also easily accessible. Highly Recommended.
Hampton Inn Suites Hotel Rates and Specials

Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, 101 Harborside Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950
A waterfront hotel, Free Breakfast. 24 hour fitness center. A Pet Friendly Hotel. Free WiFi, 24 Hour Front Desk. Highly Recommended.
Spring Hill Suites Hotel Rates and Specials

Diamond Head Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Recently updated Gulf view suites located on the north and south sides of the building have a beautiful angled view of the Gulf of Mexico. Each 700 sq.ft. suite features new furniture throughout, a living room with a queen-sized sleeper sofa, a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower—plus granite surfaces and tile floors throughout. Managed by Sunstream Hotels and Resorts. Highly Recommended.
DiamondHead Beach Resort Rates and Specials

Bellasera Hotel, 221 9th Street South, Naples, FL 34102
Bellasera Resort in Naples is located at the gateway to 5th Avenue South, famous for its galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.Guests of Bellasera Resort can enjoy on-site poolside cabanas, a heated outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Concierge services are provided. Suites come with fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, and include a refrigerator, kitchenware, and coffee-making facilities. Highly Recommended.
Bellasera Hotel Naples Rates and Specials

Staybridge Suites, 9401 Triangle Blvd., Naples, FL 34113
Staybridge Suites - Naples - Marco Island, is an IHG Hotel. This comfortable hotel is ideal for longer term stays. Staybridge Suites has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a shared lounge and bar in Naples. This 3-star hotel features free WiFi and barbecue facilities. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 8.1 miles from Tin City. Pet Friendly. Check current rates and specials below
Staybridge Suites, Naples, FL

Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Drive, Pelican Bay, Naples, FL 34103
Gulf of Mexico views, 3 outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and free WiFi access. Naples Grande Beach Resort is located on 23 waterfront acres of Florida's Paradise Coast in Naples, Florida. Every accommodation features its own private balcony as well as a flat-screen TV, small refrigerator, and tea and coffee-making facilities. An excellent choice for couples. Check Availabilities below.
Naples Beach Resort, Naples, FL

Shangri-La Springs Resort, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, USA
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs is a historic boutique hotel in Bonita Springs, Florida. Set on over eight acres, it offers a unique experience with an organic restaurant, full-service spa, organic gardens, and event spaces, blending timeless charm with wellness and sustainability.
Shangri-La Springs Resort, Bonita Springs, FL

The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa offers a fantastic beachfront experience with a clean, easily accessible shore and exceptional spa services. The resort’s pool area is a highlight, providing a family-friendly and well-maintained space that receives high marks for its quality. Hilton Dining options are well-regarded, with on-site oceanview restaurant dining offering a diverse selection of food and drinks. Check current specials and availabilities.
Visit Hilton Marco Island, FL

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