Santa Monica vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Monica

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

Guest favorite
Apartment in Malibu
Idyllic, Romantic Beachfront Apartment in Malibu
Fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves in this charming beachfront apartment. The light, airy home features open-plan living and a wall of windows to maximize the amazing views. Enjoy drinks on the deck and a sunset over the water—it's pure bliss. This beachfront apartment is right above the sand and surf. At night the sounds of the sea will lull you to sleep. During the day, you can watch the sea lions sunning on the rocks and dolphins and whales swimming by or go for a walk along the water's edge and dive in yourself. This is an amazing place to have a glass of wine and watch the sunset and relax! In the evening, the lights of the "Queen's Necklace" glimmer in the distance and the moonlight shines on the water. The living room is cozy with two loveseats to snuggle in and watch a movie on the 50" flat screen TV. Three large sliding glass doors open up if you want to let the ocean breezes blow through. The kitchen is small but fully equipped with an apartment size stove and oven, a microwave, a Keurig coffee maker and a French press, tea kettle, toaster and all the dishes and pots and pans you need. A round table with linens provides a beautiful spot for morning coffee. The bedroom has a queen bed with a new organic mattress and designer sheets, pillows and duvet. There is a large closet with room to store your clothes. Books line the bookshelves if you'd like something to read. Mostly, this is just a quiet, beautiful space to put your feet up and really relax while watching the endless panorama of the natural world outside. And....if you want to feel like a movie star, the apartment was recently used as a glamorous setting in an independent film due out soon!!! Two-person kayak (life jackets available) Boogie Boards and a surfboard Television with premium channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) Wi-Fi Shared entry gate with one other unit. My husband and I live in a small cottage above the apartment but the only shared space is the entry door. We rarely even see our guests. However, I am always available to answer questions or concerns but almost no one has them! Situated directly above the sand and surf, the home is in a residential area along the Malibu coast, away from the tourist areas. Take in the stars at night while strolling along the beach, or eat at one of the nearby restaurants right on the water. There is bus service available just a minute from the apartment that will take you into Santa Monica or the center of Malibu, or farther north to some of Malibu's more remote beaches. Uber is readily available. At high tide, the ocean may come right up to the seawall limiting beach availability. This all depends on the moon, the tides and the amount of sand that we have. This can really vary from day to day and depending on the season. This winter, rough seas washed away our private stairs to the beach, so guests need to use the public access stairs just a few houses away and a very short walk.
Feb 8 – 15
$636 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 317 reviews
Guest favorite
Bungalow in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Bungalow on Quiet Street North of Montana
Step through the carriage doors and into an open interior with polished concrete floors, plus a kitchen with navy cabinets and stone countertops. The bedroom comes with barn door, bamboo floors, and 55" HDTV, while a verdant garden awaits outside. Enter the guest house thru carriage doors to a first floor open living space with kitchen, sofa and 60'' HD flatscreen TV. Polished concrete floors and stone countertops. Exit to open, outdoor staircase leading to an upper bedroom with Cal-King Bed, bamboo floors, dresser, 55'' HD TV, comfortable bathroom with walk-in shower and vanity. Wifi / Cable / AC & Heating units in each room. Design is a mix of beach cottage with contemporary accents. 2 Blocks to beautiful Ocean Avenue to watch gorgeous California sunsets or walk to beach. 2 Blocks to Montana Avenue shopping and cafes. Close to Promenade and Metrolink. Unbeatable Location ! Our place is good for couples, solo adventurers, and business travelers. The bungalow is a separate guesthouse but owners are present on the property in the main house. Outside table with a bench and chairs are perfectly located for morning coffee lunch or evening cocktail. We live in the front house so feel free to reach out to us with any questions and/or concerns regarding your stay. Leave the car behind - the beach, restaurants, cafes, and shops, are all an easy walk away. Rent a bike nearby to explore further. Watch the sunset over the water from Ocean Avenue, 2 blocks away, while Metrolink and Promenade are also close. Rent a Hulu Bike for your stay. “On May 12, 2015, the Santa Monica City Council adopted the Home-Sharing Ordinance reiterating its ban on the rental of entire units as vacation rentals. The Home-Sharing Ordinance also legalized the short term rental of a portion of a person’s home when the host lives on-site throughout the visitor’s stay and when the host obtains a business license. Hosts are also required to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) if not collected and remitted by the hosting platform.” Our license #221557 is listed with the City of Santa Monica
Feb 24 – Mar 3
$310 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 254 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Los Angeles
Modern Guest House 1 Bed/1 Bath + Private Entry
Beautiful modern newly remodeled guest room with separate private entrance (keyless entry) in a quiet and safe residential neighborhood of Mar Vista, just a few miles away from Venice Beach, Santa Monica & Marina Del Rey. The room has a work-from-home set-up, queen sized bed, private bathroom. No shared space (laundry) Plenty of street parking. Perfect place for out of town travelers for vacation or business! Located within 10-15 min of UCLA, Century City & Culver City 15 min to LAX airport.
Sep 5 – 12
$153 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviews

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

Santa Monica home rentals

Guest favorite
Home in Venice
Warm & Bright 2 Bedroom Venice Home with Garden
Nov 5 – 12
$305 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Malibu
Malibu Beachfront Serenity by the Sea!
Jul 14 – 21
$502 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 220 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Los Angeles
Totally Private Mini-Studio with Patio
May 28 – Jun 4
$110 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 337 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Malibu
Luxury Modern Malibu Oasis - Ocean/Mountain views
Jul 21 – 28
$950 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Culver City
LOCATION! Private> Entry, Bedroom, Bath & Patio
Oct 21 – 28
$124 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Venice
Architectural Masterpiece with Roof Deck
Nov 19 – 26
$940 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 599 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Santa Monica
Quiet & Lovely Light-Filled Casita - Santa Monica
Jun 7 – 14
$200 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 329 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Los Angeles
Tranquil Outdoor Living in This Architect Designed Home
Aug 6 – 13
$417 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Malibu
Modern Malibu home with Ocean View
Sep 23 – 30
$824 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Los Angeles
Bright Beach Oasis ABBOT KINNEY Office & Bungalow
Oct 13 – 20
$319 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Los Angeles
Stylish Venice Beach Guest House. Ideal Location!
Jul 24 – 31
$227 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 277 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Los Angeles
Delightful Space in Woodland Hills
Apr 15 – 22
$116 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 309 reviews

Santa Monica apartment rentals

Guest favorite
Apartment in Santa Monica
Venice Canals Sanctuary
Feb 15 – 22
$325 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 158 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Topanga
Topanga Modern Oasis Close to Beach
Feb 18 – 25
$120 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 562 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Los Angeles
Cozy 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment
Aug 12 – 19
$135 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 348 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Santa Monica
NEW and Gorgeous Walk Everywhere with Garden
Aug 30 – Sep 6
$188 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 161 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Los Angeles
Private Studio plus Free Yoga - Palms - West LA
Oct 24 – 31
$119 per night
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Hermosa Beach
**THE BEACH SUITE** Cool and Modern
Apr 16 – 23
$150 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 192 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Oasis
Nov 3 – 10
$295 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Los Angeles
Cozy Getaway in Santa Monica
Apr 27 – May 4
$184 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Santa Monica
Ocean Park Treasure... 3 Blocks to the Beach!
Jun 26 – Jul 3
$220 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews
Superhost
Apartment in Santa Monica
LOVELY STUDIO ON THE PROMENADE! FREE PARKING!
Jul 13 – 20
$299 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 99 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Santa Monica
Promenade SM|Modern design| Studio apt
Aug 12 – 19
$227 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 185 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Los Angeles
Couple's Nest one block off Abbot Kinney District
Nov 9 – 16
$206 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 307 reviews

Santa Monica condo rentals

Guest favorite
Condo in Santa Monica
Elegant Upper w Courtyard Garden Dining Space
Dec 9 – 16
$208 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 312 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
OCEAN PARADISE SANTA MONICA ADJACENT 2 Bedroom
Sep 28 – Oct 5
$413 per night
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 161 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Los Angeles
Steps to Venice Beach on a budget!
Jul 20 – 27
$134 per night
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 294 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Santa Monica
Townhouse in Prime Santa Monica - Free Parking
Jan 31 – Feb 7
$302 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
Beachfront Townhouse with Stunning Ocean Views
Oct 13 – 20
$846 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Santa Monica
Luxury Studio in Heart of DT Santa Monica King Bed
Jul 20 – 27
$385 per night
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 209 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
Malibu, Carbon Beach - Suite Seven
Jun 7 – 14
$885 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 372 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
Premium Sunset Penthouse Ocean Front Malibu Road
Apr 21 – 28
$828 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 229 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Marina del Rey
Waterfront 1 Bed 1 Bath - Marina views - Spacious
May 19 – 26
$413 per night
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 160 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Culver City
One Bdr Upstairs Apt- Mins to Sony Pics and Venice
May 15 – 22
$184 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
Superhost
Condo in Malibu
60 Feet Ocean Front 3-Bedroom Malibu Condo
May 14 – 21
$753 per night
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Marina del Rey
Beach Condo with Game Room 3BR/3BA
Nov 24 – Dec 1
$572 per night
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 271 reviews

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 1,370 apartment rentals, over 220 condo rentals to over 510 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 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