Vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

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Top guest favorite
Home in Santa Barbara
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 284 reviews

Shoreline Retreat - newly renovated, walk to beach

Shoreline Retreat is your newly renovated Santa Barbara getaway, just a 6-minute walk to the beach. This breathtaking home features a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, an open floor plan, and 9-ft bifold glass doors that disappear in the living room for California indoor/outdoor living. Step outside to a private oasis complete with hot tub, fire pit and beautiful landscaping. Just minutes away from the beach, ocean and walking paths -- this is Santa Barbara beach living at its finest.

Guest favorite
Guest suite in Santa Barbara
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 443 reviews

Mi Casita- a sweet Mesa Suite-walk to beach!

A bright, comfortable studio with high ceilings, and a full sized kitchen which includes a butcher block counter seating area for working or dining. Gas stove, Fiestaware dishes, Revere ware pans, silverware, microwave, coffee maker, hot water kettle, toaster, microwave, blender, and refrigerator. Fully fenced in yard with private gate, patio, and lawn. The secluded Mesa Lane Beach is 2 blocks away, and the Douglas Family Preserve with beautiful bluff views is a 5 minute walk from the house.

Guest favorite
Home in Westside
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Cozy House King Size Bed DownTwn

Enjoy a stylish experience offering one bedroom, one bathroom with King Size Bed and surrounding patios. Private parking space for up to 2 vehicles in our private drive way. Centrally located near Down Town and among many local restaurants, bakeries and breweries. Small pets may be considered. Private front, side and back patios. House offers AC units for cold and hot air to make the ambiance to your desired temperature. We have the Highest WIFI available in the market. Great couples getaway!

Guest favorite
Home in Santa Barbara
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

Dreamy Beach Cottage Spa and Sauna~ Walk to Beach

Newly remodeled Beach Cottage with hot tub just 2 blocks from the sand! This adorable 1 bed/1bath private home boasts incredible outdoor spaces with Spa & Sauna. Located just .2 miles (5 minutes walking distance) from Leadbetter Beach & Shoreline Park. Enjoy the expansive private deck w/ outdoor dining, smart TV's, abundant amenities, & the newly remodeled kitchen. Located just minutes to trails, wine tasting & downtown Santa Barbara. Pet friendly ($125 pet fee). The perfect coastal get-away!

Top guest favorite
Loft in Lower State
5 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

ART + Airbnb in the heart of the FunkZone

Something special is happening here. It's all about creativity, inspiration and fun, with some of the city's most amazing food, wineries, boutiques, and galleries just outside your door. The loft itself, is a living gallery, filled with thoughtfully curated art and design to experience first hand; connecting guests with talented and unique makers of every kind. Only a few blocks away beach aficionados can feel their toes in the sand. This is a magic spot to base any SB adventure.

Guest favorite
Home in Santa Barbara
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews

Private modern oasis near beach

This cozy modern Spanish style studio feels like a 1 bedroom and offers a memory foam queen bed, a memory foam queen pull out couch, a full kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, and a beautiful yard with a private patio dining area. Ideal for a couple but can squeeze in up to 4 if you don't mind tight quarters! Located on Santa Barbara's bustling east side, conveniently close to the 101, it's minutes to everything - the beach, Coast Village Montecito, the Funk Zone, and downtown Santa Barbara!

Guest favorite
Cottage in Santa Barbara
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 383 reviews

Lighthouse Keeper's House, close to the beach

Relax at the Lighthouse Keeper's House. A perfect spot to retreat to in Santa Barbara. Warm and inviting. A 2 minute walk to the steps to pet friendly beach. A studio size bungalow with a full kitchen. Private deck out back and enclosed front yard. Sleeps 1-2 people. Pets okay, unless they're notorious barkers as this is a quiet neighborhood. Please note that there is a $85 pet fee for your pets stay. Many great restaurants, natural grocery store (Lazy Acres) 4 blocks away.

Guest favorite
Tiny home in Carpinteria
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews

Serene Getaway on Organic Ocean View Farm

Welcome to your dream escape in Santa Barbara County! Nestled amidst lush greenery on a sprawling organic avocado & coffee farm, our charming tiny home offers an unmatched blend of tranquility and scenic beauty. Wake up to the soothing sounds of nature and breathe in the fresh, ocean-kissed air. Tiny home has one private bedroom w/ queen size bed, with extra sleeping space that includes a twin size fold out couch and a queen sized air mattress for additional guests.

Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

Cozy Stone Cottage

Our property is a collection of former out-buildings for the Glendessary Manor estate of poet and composer, Robert Cameron Rogers. The Cozy Stone Cottage was originally a pump house for the beautiful water tower which you can see from the front garden. You’ll love its rustic atmosphere and the warm cozy feeling of The Stone Cottage, separate bedroom, small gas fireplace stove, and sweet patio to sit and relax or eat a meal. Come enjoy this wonderful retreat!

Top guest favorite
Home in Santa Barbara
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 340 reviews

The Captain's Cottage on Shoreline Drive

The Captain's Cottage exemplifies the California beach lifestyle at its finest. Tastefully remodeled and situated on its own private grounds, the cottage sits across the street from one of Santa Barbara's best beaches. With a tropical garden setting, modern amenities, and convenient proximity to the beach and Santa Barbara's State Street, a getaway at The Captain's Cottage is the quintessential Santa Barbara beachside experience.

Superhost
Guest suite in Santa Barbara
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

Stay in spacious studio in SB Hills

Forget your worries in this spacious and serene space with great mountain views. In this very large private studio, with a king bed, twin bed, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette (fridge, microwave, toaster oven, and 2-burner electric cooktop). We live on the property (separate area from Airbnb) and can assist with any needs. We're on a quiet mountain road, while easy to get downtown and freeway.

Guest favorite
Home in Santa Barbara
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 1,733 reviews

Private studio in garden setting

Very small rustic studio has relaxing, peaceful vibe. Super comfortable bed for a good nights sleep. Outdoor brick patio with seating, private enclosed shower. In the foothills above SB Mission, 10 minutes from downtown & beach. Safe, quiet neighborhood.

Popular amenities for Santa Barbara vacation rentals

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

  • Total rentals

    1.8K properties

  • Total number of reviews

    108K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    920 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    700 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    250 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    1K properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Santa Barbara

All About Santa Barbara

Palm-studded Santa Barbara sits on a pristine stretch of California coastline, bringing together the area's Spanish influence, laid-back beach vibe, and upscale sensibility. The city is home to breathtaking nature, inspiring arts and culture, and an incredible variety of food and wine. Known for broad sandy beaches, you can sunbathe or enjoy a breathtaking sunset at East Beach — a favorite located east of State Street, Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare for boutique shopping and world-class dining. Head over to Leadbetter Beach for surfing, boogie boarding, and paddle boarding.

Outside town, you’ll find an abundance of vineyards and wineries set in the valleys of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and just off the shore is Channel Islands National Park, where you can kayak through caves, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and hike among wildlife. Sitting at the doorstep of Los Padres National Forest, the nearby Romero Canyon Trailhead offers great opportunities for further hiking or mountain biking. Back in town, history buffs can explore the city’s Spanish heritage at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History or the Santa Barbara Historical Museum before refueling at one of the city’s many dining options, from harbor-side classics, stylish hot spots, and cozy State Street cafes.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Santa Barbara

Those looking for a classic beach vacation will want to come during the summer months, as July and August are when the sun and water are their warmest for swimming and sunbathing. The shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November — are also great times to visit. The weather is still warm, and Santa Barbara vacation home rentals are easier to find. Winters are chilly and wet — December through February sees the most rainfall — but you will be able to enjoy the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in January, along with the buzz of Restaurant Week. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to pack layers as morning and late evening temperatures tend to be cooler.


Top things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Scenic Drive

Hop in your car and explore the riotous colors and classic California scenery of Santa Barbara on this self-guided tour. The Santa Barbara Scenic Drive covers 25 miles of immaculate shoreline beneath the towering Santa Ynez Mountains and through palm-lined roads. The drive itself only takes about one hour, but give yourself half a day to explore the city from Santa Barbara Harbor and marvel at the spectacular mansions in Montecito.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Step back in time for a glimpse into Santa Barbara’s origins when you visit this California mission. The mission now hosts a museum featuring artifacts of the time and early photographs of the area. Explore the mission grounds, spanning 13 acres, on a leisurely self-guided tour. Don’t miss La Huerta, a garden showcasing flora dating back to the mission's early years.

The Funk Zone

It’s all about the art in the Funk Zone. Once a manufacturing hub and industrial area where artists, surfboard makers, and urban winemakers set up shop, the Funk Zone is now home to hip restaurants, boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, and galleries. Walk the 13-block neighborhood and check out the colorful murals adorning the walls. Grab an Urban Wine Trail map and make your way through the area’s wineries before finishing the day with tacos and burritos on one of the neighborhood’s many patios.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Santa Barbara?

    Santa Barbara boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 65°F (18°C) to 70°F (21°C) year-round. Rainfall is most likely in the winter months, from December to March.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Santa Barbara?

    Visitors often explore the historic Santa Barbara Mission, walk the scenic trails of Lotusland, or take a trip to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. A stroll along State Street is another popular activity, with its shops, restaurants, and theaters. Lastly, many enjoy the stunning views from Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wharf in California.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Santa Barbara?

    Santa Barbara has pleasant weather all year round, but summer months, from June to August, are the most popular for visitors. During this time, the city hosts the annual Summer Solstice Parade, a colorful event with floats, costumes, and music. In August, the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a five-day celebration of the city's Hispanic heritage, takes place.

  • What are the best places to stay in Santa Barbara?

    The Downtown area is a popular place to stay with its restaurants, shops, and close proximity to attractions. West Beach, near the waterfront, offers stunning views and easy beach access. The East Side is well-liked for its quiet atmosphere and historic charm, whilst Montecito offers a more upscale, secluded experience.

  • What are the best places to visit in Santa Barbara?

    Popular places to visit include the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Lotusland's lush gardens, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Additional attractions include the Santa Barbara Zoo and the scenic Stearns Wharf.

  • What are some hiking trails in Santa Barbara?

    Visitors can explore the 3.5-mile (5.6 km) Inspiration Point Trail for panoramic views of the city, or the 2-mile (3.2 km) Seven Falls Trail that leads to a series of waterfalls. The 6.5-mile (10.5 km) Cold Spring Trail is another popular route, offering views of waterfalls and woodland scenery.

  • What are some family activities to do in Santa Barbara?

    Families can explore the Santa Barbara Zoo, which has over 500 animals, or visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. For a day of learning and fun, the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, might be a great choice. Lastly, Lotusland, a beautiful 37-acre garden estate, is also worth a visit.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Santa Barbara?

    Popular day trips include a visit to the Channel Islands National Park, a boat ride away, or exploring the beautiful vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley. Another option is a trip to the charming Danish-style town of Solvang, which is about an hour's drive away, and is known for its Scandinavian-style architecture and bakeries.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Santa Barbara?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Santa Barbara. From over 70 condo rentals, over 930 house rentals to over 300 apartment rentals, we've got you covered.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Santa Barbara?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,060 vacation rentals in Santa Barbara featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore