18 BEST VRBO & Airbnb Mackinaw City Vacation Rentals

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Michigan, you might wonder if it’s better to stay in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. The many VRBO and Airbnb Mackinaw City vacation rentals available are ideal alternatives to traditional hotels. One of them could be the perfect home away from home for an intimate getaway or family vacation when you’re exploring all of the best things to do in Mackinaw City.

When you choose to stay in Mackinaw City, you have plenty of things to do — learn about the area’s history, visit historic Fort Michilimackinac, explore Michigan lighthouses, enjoy Lake Huron beaches, and hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island. Nature lovers can explore Wilderness State Park just a short drive west of the village too.

In fact, the village is a popular summer destination, with the population rising more than 10 times than its offseason level.  We’ve gathered a list of the best vacation rentals in Mackinaw City and nearby.

Vrbo & Airbnb Rentals in Mackinaw City

First-Floor Apartment Behind Mobility Rental Shop

Hosted by George, this first-floor apartment in Mackinaw City sits behind his mobility scooter and wheelchair rental shop and is within walking distance of the beach, shopping, restaurants, and the ferry docks.

It has one bedroom and one bathroom with a queen bed and a queen sofa bed, so up to four guests can stay comfortably. The living space is fully furnished with an LED TV, and the kitchenette is stocked with a Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, and tableware. There’s even a fire pit and grill in the back.

Upstairs Apartment Near Mackinac Bridge and Ferries

This upstairs studio apartment is also hosted by George and sits above his mobility rental shop. It’s within walking distance of all the same village amenities. The apartment features two beds and one bathroom, so it can accommodate four people. The kitchenette has a small refrigerator, microwave, and tableware. Pets are allowed for an extra daily fee.

Tiffany’s Premier Studio Near Downtown

Just a block from downtown, superhost Terry has a studio apartment with one queen bed and one bathroom to accommodate two guests. With new furnishings and renovated surroundings, the price per night is very reasonable.

Restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and Shepler’s Ferry docks are close by. This property offers self-check-in via a lockbox and has a private courtyard. Note, however, that it’s not suitable for kids.

The Carriage Haus Premier Studio

One of the most aesthetically interesting Airbnb Mackinaw City options is The Carriage Haus because of its tall stained-glass window. Offered by superhost Terry, this premier studio apartment has a queen bed, full sofa bed, new furnishings, and a renovated bathroom. The small kitchen has a stove, full-sized fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.

Although not suitable for infants and children, it’s the perfect vacation rental for couples because it’s only a block from downtown and close to many village amenities.

Huron Breeze Cottage

A third rental from superhost Terry, Huron Breeze Cottage is a historic downtown property within walking distance to all kinds of restaurants, bars, shops, ferry docks, and other attractions. The two bedrooms and one bathroom can accommodate up to six guests.

The entire vacation rental includes three beds, a spacious living room, and full kitchen. It has self-check-in via a lockbox.

Quaint Cottage on Lake Huron: Wapashuwi

From superhost Diane, this quaint two-story cottage rests on Lake Michigan and overlooks the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac. The location is farther from downtown and more expensive per night than the above listings, but it offers a peaceful, quiet living space with updated amenities and front and back porches.

The three bedrooms feature four beds for up to six people, and there are two bathrooms. The kitchen has a stove, full-sized fridge, microwave, and dishwasher, as well as all the tools you need to cook. Keep in mind that the cottage isn’t suitable for infants, though. Self-check-in is available via the lockbox on the lakeside door.

Best Mackinaw City Rentals Near Mackinac Island

Remodeled Home Just South of Mackinaw City

Hosted by Priscilla Ann, this Airbnb Mackinaw City remodeled home is only 2 miles from downtown. Nestled in a residential area, it has driveway parking and quick access to I-75. The three bedrooms and two bathrooms are great for families of up to six people and offer more cozy living space than a traditional hotel room.

There’s a large backyard with plenty of privacy, and the kitchen features full-sized appliances. You can check into the home via the lockbox.

S & K’s Mackinaw House

If you’re traveling with family or other couples and need quite a bit of space, S & K’s Mackinaw House is a three-bedroom, two-bath home located on the outskirts of Mackinaw City. By car, it’s only a few minutes to downtown where you can enjoy many attractions, shopping, and restaurants, or hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island.

Offered by superhost Sarah, there are three beds and a screened-in porch. You’ll have access to the entire house, but instead of using the garage, you’ll have driveway parking. Self-check-in is via a keypad.

Straits of Mackinac Retreat

For a romantic getaway, book the Straits of Mackinac Retreat from Adam. Just 1 mile from downtown, the location is only a few minutes’ drive from village amenities. The downstairs guest suite has one bedroom, two beds, and one bathroom.

Since there’s a private entrance, private parking, and a locked door to the upstairs, you’ll have plenty of privacy. The house is situated on 15 acres with a small front yard, and you can enjoy the fire pit and grill. Additionally, you can check in via the keypad.

Condos at The Shores at Mackinaw

Just 2 miles and less than five minutes to downtown, Bridget has several Mackinaw condo rentals at The Shores at Mackinaw. All of the condos feature self-check-in via a lockbox and allow access to a balcony/patio and the community heated pool. You get to experience views of Lake Huron and Mackinac Bridge too.

1. The 24 Beach & Pool Condo is an entire vacation rental with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The four beds and sleeper sofa can accommodate up to 10 guests. There are a full kitchen and garage access.
2. The 68 Partial Water View is a two-bedroom, two-bath condo. The two beds and sleeper sofa can accommodate six people, and the kitchen has a full-sized fridge. You get access to the enclosed garage.
3. At the 20560 Sweet condo, you get two bedrooms with two beds and a sleeper sofa, as well as two bathrooms. There’s no garage access, though.
4. The fully furnished 50 Tip of the Mitt has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. With three beds, six guests can stay here. The kitchen has a full-sized fridge, and you can use the enclosed garage.

More Top-Rated Vacation Rentals Near Mackinaw City

Mackinaw Memories Cabins

Host Linda has two cabins in Mackinaw Township, each with one bedroom and one bathroom. The cabins have been in her family since the 1970s and have a quaint, old-fashioned atmosphere.

Whether you book Mackinaw Memories or Mackinaw Memories at Cedar Gables, you’ll have access to the entire cabin, grounds, and waterfront. Each nice cabin has a small kitchen with a mini-fridge and microwave, and pets are allowed.

Mackinaw House on Lake Huron

With a location on Lake Huron in Mackinaw Township, The Mackinaw House is the perfect vacation rental for up to eight guests. There are two bathrooms and three bedrooms with a total of six beds. The sunroom is spacious for family gatherings and offers privacy.

In addition to a full kitchen and dining room, the family room has a small kitchenette. Superhost Diane recommends bringing water shoes if you plan to visit the rocky beach. There’s a lockbox for self-check-in.

Beachfront House With Amazing Views

Also on the beach in Mackinaw Township is this spectacular house with views of Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island. Accommodating six people, each of the three bedrooms has a king bed, and there are two full bathrooms.

You can either drive or bike the trail into downtown. Since you have access to the entire vacation rental, you can use the wonderful backyard and beach. The deck has a grill that you can use as well. Superhost Ordel allows parties of up to 10 people with prior permission.

Bay Breeze Cottage on Lake Michigan

The charming Bay Breeze Cottage offered by superhost Diane is located in Wawatam Township, which is just west of Mackinaw City. It rests on Lake Michigan and has its own private beach. You won’t need water shoes because the beach is sandy.

The cottage has two bedrooms and one bathroom, and the kitchen has a full-sized fridge and electric stove. At night, the sky over the lake is perfect for stargazing.

Discover Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island to the Fullest

When you book Mackinaw City vacation rentals through Airbnb or VRBO, you open the door to discovering a variety of things to do in the village. On the other hand, you can arrange for other lodgings, such as Mackinaw City hotels or camping grounds. 

Also, staying in or near Mackinaw City gives you the opportunity to visit historic Mackinac Island and try several of the best Mackinaw City restaurants. If you want to spend your entire vacation there, though, you can find houses to rent and Airbnbs on Mackinac Island instead.