Santa Barbara vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Barbara

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 325 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.

Jan 6 – 13

$149 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 220 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.

Jun 18 – 25

$564 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Santa Barbara

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 192 reviews

Comfy Bed/Private/Patio/Secure/Smoke Free

Located near the beautiful SB Mission and Botanical Gardens, this quiet comfortable Cottage is suited for adult guest due to safety consideration not suitable for infants/children. The Cottage has no common walls with host main house. Queen bed, Black out Shades, Air Conditioning - Heating Kitchenette - Private Patio Quiet and Safe, off Street Parking. Ultra clean Non Smokers and sorry No Pets No cooking except microwave, toaster, coffee maker and hot pot. Please No shoes to be worn inside.

May 31 – Jun 7

$63 per night

Popular amenities for Santa Barbara vacation rentals

Stay near Santa Barbara's top sights

Santa Barbara Zoo169 locals recommend
Stearns Wharf48 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Bowl122 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Harbor90 locals recommend
Shoreline Park65 locals recommend
Paseo Nuevo112 locals recommend

Santa Barbara homes

Superhost

Home in Summerland

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews

"Strand Hus" An Ocean Front California Dream

Jul 15 – 22

$969 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carpinteria

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews

Zen Retreat

Jul 27 – Aug 3

$550 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 206 reviews

Serene & cozy retreat, easy walk to the beach!

Oct 14 – 21

$630 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 432 reviews

Downtown charmer in the heart of Santa Barbara

Nov 3 – 10

$358 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Beach retreat for families and dogs, EV charger!

Sep 3 – 10

$800 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Luxury Cottage with AC downtown

Sep 6 – 13

$450 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Montecito

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Montecito 2br Retreat

May 20 – 25

$482 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

Beach house near Shoreline Park- 3 blocks to ocean

Jan 14 – 21

$454 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Barbara

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 526 reviews

Gorgeous Riviera Studio with VIEWS

Dec 2 – 9

$225 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Montecito

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 498 reviews

Montecito Secluded Serene Retreat

Feb 22 – Mar 1

$238 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Goleta

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Quieter… PV(private)Entry, Pv Room, pv Bath, UCSB,

Jan 12 – 19

$120 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Montecito

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

Magnificent Montecito with Jacuzzi

Nov 18 – 25

$631 per night

Santa Barbara condo rentals

Superhost

Condo in Ventura

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

Entire Corner Apartment in Great location

Oct 19 – 26

$104 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carpinteria

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 193 reviews

Darling Carpinteria Beach Getaway

Aug 14 – 21

$303 per night
Superhost

Condo in Santa Barbara

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Affordable Executive Getaway — 2 blocks from beach

Oct 30 – Nov 6

$204 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carpinteria

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews

Gorgeous Studio condo with sea views from balcony

Dec 8 – 15

$200 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carpinteria

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Gorgeous beach condo with deck steps to the sand

Nov 16 – 23

$335 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Oxnard

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews

Silver Strand Beach House

Apr 10 – 17

$179 per night
Superhost

Condo in Port Hueneme

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 466 reviews

Quiet Beach Get-Away

Aug 23 – 30

$210 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Port Hueneme

4.76 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviews

Really cool 2 bedroom, close to the beach!

Jun 5 – 12

$191 per night
Superhost

Condo in Santa Barbara

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 86 reviews

Casa de La Vina; Walk to State St. & Funk Zone

Mar 20 – 27

$250 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Santa Barbara

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 83 reviews

SantaBarbara'sBest@East Beach

Nov 21 – 28

$252 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Santa Barbara

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 55 reviews

Casita Suave: Downtown SB One Bedroom Condo!

Jul 12 – 19

$253 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Santa Barbara

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviews

Two Bedroom Home Near Beach (Santa Barbara)

Dec 24 – 31

$499 per night

Other great vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Barbara

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 193 reviews

Entire Guest Suite Luxury Retreat

Aug 24 – 31

$143 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Goleta

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 783 reviews

Suite Life by the Sea!

Sep 3 – 10

$140 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Montecito

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

Pet & Family Friendly Cottage

Jan 1 – 8

$394 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Montecito

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Montecito Miramar Beach Cottage

Dec 5 – 12

$369 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Solvang

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Adorable Cabana with hot tub

Oct 30 – Nov 6

$133 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Santa Barbara

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviews

The Lamb Stone Cottage

Oct 21 – 28

$270 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Santa Barbara

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 512 reviews

Prime location! Charm Near Beach & Dwntwn

Aug 21 – 28

$518 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Barbara

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 452 reviews

New comfy spacious back unit w/ separate entrance

Oct 15 – 22

$155 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Goleta

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 654 reviews

Private Studio Near Beach 1

Feb 23 – Mar 2

$129 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Santa Barbara

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

Cozy studio in the heart of Santa Barbara

Nov 10 – 17

$183 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Ventura

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 433 reviews

Private Studio in Ventura Bungalow

May 27 – Jun 1

$126 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Oxnard

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 615 reviews

Studio by the Beach with Separate Entrance

Sep 12 – 19

$120 per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

Total rentals

1.8K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

1.1K properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

230 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

540 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

920 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

97K reviews

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 60 condo rentals, over 230 apartment rentals to over 910 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

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

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,080 vacation rentals in Santa Barbara featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore