How to Boost Vacation Rental Bookings with Outdoor Amenities

Travelers have endless choices today, so making your vacation rental stand out is increasingly important. Sure, location and square footage matter, but what really makes a vacation unforgettable? Curated spaces that allow guests to reconnect, share experiences, and create lasting memories together. You may already be doing it inside—that big dining table perfect for puzzles and board games, or that supersized sectional where everyone can pile in for movie night—both are thoughtful touches that turn a simple trip into something special. Now it’s time to bring that same energy outdoors with inviting spaces where guests can gather, unwind, and soak up every moment!

Whether your vacation rental is a sprawling beachfront property or a small cottage off the beaten path, there are plenty of opportunities right outside your door to elevate any stay and keep guests coming back. Here’s how to turn your exterior space into a major guest magnet with outdoor amenities!

Outdoor Dining Area

Dining under the open skies is one of the simplest pleasures while on a beach vacation, and Northwest Florida’s mild weather means guests can enjoy it year-round. Consider incorporating a thoughtfully designed outdoor dining area, adding both function and appeal to your vacation rental. A shaded patio with a table and chairs, a BBQ grill for laid-back cookouts, or even a full outdoor kitchen set up are great ways to bring families together for al fresco meals and outdoor celebrations. It’s all about marrying the comforts of home with exceptional experiences guests can share and remember for years to come. 

Keep it guest-ready with durable, weather-resistant furnishings, stock sturdy, non-glass dishware, and don’t forget lighting for those leisurely dinners that stretch well past sunset. Thoughtfully designed outdoor amenities like these can turn potential visitors from browsing to booking and happy guests into five-star reviews! 

Play Spaces for Kids

Adults may be ready to kick back after a day of sandcastles and seashells, but kids usually have other plans. Creating dedicated outdoor play areas helps families make the most of their stay and gives kids the freedom to keep the fun going in a safe environment. Think along the lines of a small playset, a bin of yard games like Frisbee or Kadima (which can double as beach games), or a grassy area for cornhole. If space allows, an outdoor movie set up adds a magical touch under the stars for families with kids of all ages. These are the moments guests remember most, and those thoughtful touches not only boost your vacation rental’s appeal but enrich the experience for travelers of all ages!

Entertainment Areas

Beyond outdoor dining areas and kid-friendly zones, adding dedicated entertainment areas gives your guests even more reasons to stay outside and engaged. Look at the layout of your outdoor space and don’t be afraid to get creative. Could that quiet corner become a hammock hideaway? Is there room for a fire pit where they can toast marshmallows while sharing stories of their beach adventures? A hot tub turns downtime into something special, while an outdoor bar invites them to gather for sunset cocktails or mocktails without ever having to leave the property! It’s all about creating places where people naturally want to gather, kick back, and enjoy each other’s company. (To keep everything running smoothly, be sure to include clear instructions if needed for any grills, fire pits, or hot tubs.)

Places for Pets

Pet owners are traveling more and more often with their four-legged companions and actively seeking vacation rentals that make them feel welcome. In fact, “pet-friendly” is often one of the first filters applied in online searches, quickly narrowing the playing field and creating yet another way to distinguish your property from others.

If you already have a pet-friendly property, you’re probably paying attention to your vacation rental interiors. Selecting scratch and stain-resistant fabrics and machine-washable rugs are great additions, but what can you do to transform those outdoor spaces? How can you make them just as welcoming?

A fenced-in yard offers freedom for pets to roam safely, while small gestures like setting out food and water bowls show guests you’ve thought about their whole family, paws included. Even a shaded corner with a comfy spot to lounge or a cozy bed where they can be near their owners conveys that you care about everyone in the group. Include local tips in your welcome guide, like nearby dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and fun walking routes so Fido can join in all the family adventures. These little details make your property even more appealing to pet owners, helping you tap into a growing market and maximizing your property’s potential!

A Pool

‘Vacation rentals with a pool’ is probably one of the first things travelers type into the search bar, even when planning a beach trip. Why? Because they know that a vacation rental or a resort property with a pool offers hours of entertainment for adults and kids. Ideal for those laid-back days when guests just want to relax near their home away from home, it’s also a great way to let the kids burn off all that extra energy before dinner!

A pool doesn’t have to be large or extravagant to make a significant impact. Even a modest setup can create more opportunities for fun (think sunset sips, reading a book on a float, or a quick dip first thing in the morning). Throw in a heated pool option, and suddenly your vacation home’s appeal extends year-round, giving you more booking potential and stronger overall performance! 

Let Scenic Stays Help

If you’re unsure how to upgrade your vacation rental with outdoor amenities, let Scenic Stays help! With years of experience in Northwest Florida, we know what travelers are searching for and what enhancements deliver real value. Some upgrades may even boost your revenue or lead to more repeat guests and five-star reviews! 

Just reach out to our Business Development team or Owner Relations Manager for personalized guidance. From small touches to standout features, we’ll help turn your property into a guest favorite by enhancing every stage of the guest journey, from the moment they book to the memories they take home! 

Contact us today to learn more!

Inquire about our Property Management services!

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