Stand out with these 11 beach house amenities

So you’ve invested in a beach house in one of the top beach markets. You decorated your beach house to attract more bookings and stocked it with all the vacation rental essentials. Now, it’s time to take things to the next level—making your home stand out from the competition.

One way to do that is to offer perks that the other beach rentals don’t. “Investing in sought-after amenities could be the very thing that will make guests choose your beach house over another,” says Alex McBride, Vacasa’s Senior Manager of Home Quality and Design.

“Aim to make your guest experience too good to pass up,” Alex adds. Here are 11 amenities that will help your beach home stand out on vacation rental listing sites, plus make your guests’ beach vacations even better.

1. Outdoor shower

Sunscreen, saltwater, and sand—these are just some of the things that can ruin your beach home’s furniture and flooring. And, unfortunately—without a way to wash these things off—guests will inevitably bring these indoors. Outdoor showers give them a way to rinse off after every beach day before these elements can build up and cause damage inside.

2. Outdoor furniture

Breakfast out on the deck, sunset cocktails, beachfront barbecues. Outdoor living and dining spaces can instantly elevate almost any experience at your beach house. Just be sure to buy furniture that can withstand all types of weather and elements like sand, salt, and humidity. Durable materials include teak or POLYWOOD®, and performance fabrics like Sunbrella®.

3. Beach towels

Don’t want guests laying out your white bathroom towels across the wet sand? Provide plenty of colorful beach towels that they can use instead. All-cotton towels are the ideal choice for maximum softness, absorbency, and fluffiness. They can also bring a touch of luxe to a guest’s experience.

4. Portable beach chairs and umbrellas

Let’s face it. Guests aren’t going to pack beach day essentials like these in their luggage. They’re all hoping you’ll provide those items for them. Make it easy for guests to head straight to the beach by providing durable and comfy beach chairs and beach umbrellas. Look for items made with aluminum, which are rust- and salt-resistant.

5. Beach cart or wagon

Even with the shore just mere steps away, carrying everything you need for a beach day can get tiresome. A beach cart or a wheeled wagon will make it a cinch for guests to transport supplies and food back-and-forth from your beach house to the sand. This amenity may also help convince guests to book vacation homes that are a little further from the beach.

6. Outdoor dinnerware and cutlery

Don’t want guests scratching up your silverware and porcelain plates in their beach bags and out on the sand? Make sure they have melamine plates, cups, and cutlery at the ready whenever they want to dine outside. Not only are shatterproof cups and dishes safer for the outdoors, they’re more sustainable (and attractive) than ho hum paper plates and cups.

7. Portable cooler

Warm sodas and melting ice can put a damper on a beach day. Make snacking and drinking effortless for your guests by providing a well-insulated cooler. Look for one with sturdy wheels that can easily roll through dense sand and rocky shores. Don’t forget the ice packs to help keep items at safe temperatures.

8. Boogie boards

Young or old, riding the waves is a beach activity that all ages can enjoy. Also known as body boarding, boogie boarding is a much easier alternative to surfing. Look for ones that are lightweight, yet durable enough to take on crashing waves. Other great features include a leash and fin tethers so your guests don’t lose the boards while conquering the water.

9. Beach games and toys

Offer alternatives to getting in the water. For the children, supply some beach toys and sand castle building supplies. For the adults, think easy-to-transport games, like a frisbee, waterproof playing cards, volleyball, football, and spikeball.

10. Beach cruiser bikes

If your vacation rental sits near a beach boardwalk meant for jogging, strolling, and biking, invest in some beach cruisers for your guests to use. Most cruisers are single speed bikes and are relatively maintenance-free and affordable. When shopping, look for cruisers made of aluminum, since they are resistant to rust—a must for beach destinations. Make sure to provide helmets for each bike as well.

11. Marshmallow roasting sticks

Bonfires on the beach are a must-do for beach-goers. Make it easier and safer for your guests to roast s’mores on the beach by providing reusable and dishwasher-safe roasting sticks.