Vrbo's Top 10 US Destinations for Shoulder Season Savings

Pining for one last summer vacation? According to Vrbo, prices are expected to drop up to 29% for top vacation rental homes during the month of September.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
August 19, 2019

Related To:

Labor Day weekend doesn't have to signal the end of warm-weather vacations. If you're looking to get in one last vacation before fall and save money, September is prime travel time. According to popular vacation rental site, Vrbo, prices for top vacation rental homes are expected to drop up to 29% in coveted beach and lake destinations during September.

Booking during off-peak travel times, also known as the "shoulder season," offers benefits beyond just reduced vacation rental prices. You'll get more bang for your buck (more space for the whole family!) and less crowded beaches. According to Vrbo travel expert Melanie Fish, "owners of Vrbo vacation homes tend to set their nightly rental rates to drop right after Labor Day." This makes booking your trip after the holiday weekend well worth it.

From Eastern beach enclaves to scenic West Coast locales, Vrbo shares the top U.S. destinations for shoulder season savings from coast to coast, based on average nightly rates.

Ranked #1 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Ocean City, N.J. are projected to drop up to 29% per night.

This newly renovated, two-bedroom/two-bathroom home is located in a quaint and quiet neighborhood called Dollhouse Row. It's the perfect weekend getaway for busy couples yet ideal for small families, too. It's one block away from the bay and a few blocks from 15th Street Beach.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #1151287), Starting at $321/night

Ranked #2 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Sunriver, Ore. are projected to drop up to 29% per night.

This Sunriver home is a five-bedroom, lodge-style retreat with a spacious floor plan and room for up to 10 guests. You'll have a private hot tub and foosball and pool tables, plus access to the pools, lazy river and water slides at the nearby recreation center to make your trip even more relaxing.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #866998), Starting at $151/night

Ranked #3 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Ocean City, Md. are projected to drop up to 29% per night.

This canalside home sleeps 10 and comes with a sunroom, furnished patio and a dock for easy trips into the bay. Just a few blocks east, you can walk the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, or you can take a short walk to fun stores and restaurants along the Coastal Highway.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #1322315), Starting at $100/night

Ranked #4 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Cape Cod, Mass. are projected to drop up to 25% per night.

With 1,940 square feet of beautifully remodeled living space and a beach-centric locale, Three Mermaids is the Cape Cod home of your dreams. Whip up delicious family-style meals in the chef's kitchen, then enjoy a post-meal drink around the fire pit. Centrally located, it's ideal for a day trip to Provincetown, the Cape Cod National Seashore, Chatham and Hyannis. Visit Kalmus Beach in 11 miles, or simply walk down the road to Depot Street Beach in minutes.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #1630418), Starting at $250/night

Ranked #5 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Lincoln City, Ore. are projected to drop up to 25% per night.

Located right next to the Olivia Beach neighborhood, this charming cottage is a four-minute walk to Nelscott Beach. The house features a wrap-around porch and an enclosed deck with a hot tub, picnic table and grill. In addition to the private deck, a second fenced area is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends safe and contained.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #426387), Starting at $145/night

Ranked #6 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Myrtle Beach, S.C. are projected to drop up to 24% per night.

This sea-themed cottage comes equipped with a full kitchen with lots of appliances for easy meal preparation. Guests will also have access to the shared community pool right outside, too. Settled in a fantastic location for travelers, the home is set in a quiet neighborhood but still close to plenty of attractions and shops. Plus, it's only a block and a half away from the public beaches.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #1432943), Starting at $95/night

Ranked #7 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in South Padre Island, Texas are projected to drop up to 23% per night.

Perfect for large groups and multi-family trips, the Dolphin Beach House is a true home away from home. The 3,350-square-foot home features seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and sleeps a whopping 21 guests. You'll even have access to a golf cart to trek around the island.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #4738310ha), Starting at $535/night

Ranked #8 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Whitefish, Mont. are projected to drop up to 22% per night.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind place to stay in Whitefish? Look no further. TIME Magazine named this slopeside retreat as one of the World's Greatest Places in 2018. Ponderosa at Snow Bear Chalets is a beautiful, luxury treehouse chalet right on the slope at Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. Snow lovers, this place is for you — ski-in/ski-out is just walking out your front door.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #4249601ha), Starting at $503/night

Ranked #9 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Bar Harbor, Maine are projected to drop up to 22% per night.

Find a bright, airy retreat amid Acadia National Park at this six-bedroom Mount Desert home, a family-friendly escape with a sunny deck and a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll find this home in the small community of Otter Creek, which is bordered on all sides by Acadia's serene landscapes. And downtown Bar Harbor just five miles north for incredible dining and exploring.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #1366954), Starting at $287/night

Ranked #10 for shoulder season savings, vacation rental home rates in Hilton Head, S.C. are projected to drop up to 19% per night.

Less than a five-minute walk from the beach, this coastal home offers plenty of space for lounging and cooking both indoors and out. Ideal for a family of six, you'll have access to tennis, golf and so much more during your stay.

BOOK IT: Vrbo (Property #922258), Starting at $348/night

Next Up

13 Haunted Hotels + Home Rentals You Can Book Right Now

We've rounded up spooky stays to satisfy all your paranormal cravings this Halloween season and beyond.

Couchsurfing

With more than 275,000 current members worldwide, CouchSurfing.com is one of a handful of travel-friendly social-networking groups that aim to fulfill a backpacker's every need.

Man Discovers Mysterious 'Swamp' Under Trap Door In Vacation Rental Home

An English family’s relaxing weekend retreat turns ‘creepy’ after a series of bizarre events.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.