Seashore Drift

Half a block from the sand – close enough that you'll be back from a morning swim before the coffee finishes brewing – this Newport Beach house is as straightforward as a beach holiday should be. The light-filled living space opens onto a patio made for alfresco evenings, with a gas barbecue and a reliable sea breeze doing most of the work. Every bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, and parking is included, which matters more than it sounds in this stretch of the coast. Dogs are welcome, and Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is around six miles away when you fancy a change of pace.

Home truths:
* Guests must be 25 years of age or older to rent this home.
* The house next door is currently undergoing construction, so expect some noise during morning working hours.
* There is no air conditioning here – ceiling fans in the living area and bedrooms are your main source of cooling. If you're visiting during the hotter summer months, pack light clothing and plan to keep windows open in the evenings.
* You're a short walk from the beach and close to nearby restaurants, but a car will come in handy for reaching the golf course, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, and broader shopping and dining options.
* For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here.