Santa Monica vacation rentals

Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb

1 of 3 pages
1 of 3 pages

Popular amenities for Santa Monica vacation rentals

Stay near Santa Monica's top sights

Santa Monica Pier2,744 locals recommend
Palisades Park130 locals recommend
Santa Monica Beach315 locals recommend
Annenberg Community Beach House152 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market1,701 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale130 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Santa Monica

Total rentals

2.6K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

1.5K properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

330 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

890 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

970 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

111K reviews

Your guide to Santa Monica

Introduction

With 3.5 miles of sandy beach and swimmable water, and some of the most heavenly summer sunsets, Santa Monica is about fun in the sun with a healthy dose of relaxation. The city’s numerous shops, restaurants, vacation rentals, and entertainment venues can convince you the city is one large coastal theme park, but it’s also a surprisingly walkable section of Los Angeles, with adjacent Venice Beach just a leisurely 2.5-mile stroll away.


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

Santa Monica’s coastal Mediterranean climate promises warm daytime temperatures and cool evenings. Sunny, temperate days are generally the rule for the majority of the year, with rain a rare exception. The months of June, July, and August are the driest, while January and February are more regularly gray and gloomy.

Santa Monica temperatures generally hover between the mid-60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit. Morning skies can often be obscured by a marine layer, which typically melts away before lunch, giving way to sunshine. Summers can occasionally introduce warmer daytime temps in the low 80s, but the presence of a coastal breeze tends to keep the temperature hovering around perfect. Still, it’s never a bad idea to bring an extra light layer, especially for evening excursions. Otherwise, bring sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.


Top things to do in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier

Arguably the most iconic structure along the Southern California coast, this pier overlooks Santa Monica State Beach and operates as a popular social, dining, and entertainment spot for locals and visitors alike. Take a ride on the historic merry-go-round, watch locals cast and catch along the length of the boardwalk, or enjoy the panoramic view from atop the Pacific Park Ferris wheel (especially beautiful during summer as the sun is setting). The pier’s Secret Story Tour app is worth a download before and during any visit.

Santa Monica Farmers’ Market

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Southern California’s expansive cornucopia of produce, a visit to the largest grower-only farmers’ market in the region will surely be a rewarding and flavorful affair. It’s not uncommon to run into famous local chefs loading up carts for their week’s menu alongside other celebrities as you peruse the more than 85 farm stands on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.

Third Street Promenade

This three-block, pedestrian-only stretch of shops and restaurants is an iconic part of the Santa Monica landscape. In recent years, the outdoor pedestrian mall has seen a revitalization. Investment has brought new, heralded dining options to the strip along with numerous public amenities that invite visitors to rest and relax, children to play, and audiences to enjoy free public performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Santa Monica?

    Santa Monica's weather is typically mild, boasting an average temperature of 70°F (21°C) throughout the year. Winters are cooler, averaging around 60°F (15°C), while summers can heat up to 75°F (24°C). It's generally sunny, with occasional rain in winter months.

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

    Visitors in Santa Monica often enjoy rollerblading or biking along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, exploring the shops on Main Street, watching the sunset from Palisades Park, or taking yoga classes on the beach.

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

    Many visitors choose to explore Santa Monica from June to August due to the warm and pleasant weather. Local events that draw crowds during this period include the Santa Monica Pier Concert Series and the Twilight Dance Series.

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

    Visitors often choose to stay in areas such as Downtown Santa Monica, for its proximity to shopping, dining, and nightlife; the Ocean Park neighborhood, well known for its beachy vibe; and the quieter Mid-City, which is close to the Santa Monica Airport and arts district.

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

    The most popular places to visit in Santa Monica include the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Third Street Promenade for shopping and street performers, and the artsy Bergamot Station. The Tongva Park and Santa Monica State Beach are also frequently suggested for relaxation and outdoor activities.

  • What are some hiking trails in Santa Monica?

    The Santa Monica Mountains have several popular hiking trails. Temescal Canyon Trail is a loop that provides panoramic ocean views, while the Los Liones Trail weaves through lush greenery and offers a spectacular vista of the Pacific Ocean.

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

    Families can enjoy a fun-filled day at the Santa Monica Pier, which has the Pacific Park amusement park and the Aquarium. Another often recommended activity is a bike ride along the South Bay Bicycle Trail, and visiting the interactive exhibits at the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

    A popular day trip from Santa Monica is to the Getty Center to explore its impressive art collection. Visitors also frequently travel to the Griffith Observatory for a panoramic view of Los Angeles, or to Malibu for its beautiful beaches and the Malibu Wine Safaris.

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

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Santa Monica. From over 510 house rentals, over 1,370 apartment rentals to over 220 condo 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 Monica?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,460 vacation rentals in Santa Monica featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore