Santa Barbara vacation rentals

Book unique homes, vacation rentals, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

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

Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Mountain views, treehouse vibe, downtown, bikes!
This is a legal Airbnb - in April 2023 the City started aggressively enforcing on 1,000+ illegal operators, look it up. See details at the bottom to avoid the risk of booking a place that may cancel on you! This one bedroom, one bath place has a full kitchen and the Interior Designer owner has created a unique, artistic treehouse vibe. Enjoy the balcony with a mountain view, gardens, and outdoor seating area. Walk to restaurants, downtown, free bikes, coffee/tea, and electric vehicle charging!
$245 per night
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Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
The Coastal Cottage Studio
The Coastal Cottage Studio is located in a quaint Santa Barbara neighborhood up the street from the beach. Enjoy your stay in a newly renovated studio complete with private patio, garden, brand new furniture and Queen Bed. The Cottage Studio is a 10 min walk to the beach, harbor and local seafood restaurants. It is an ideal location, close to downtown, the Santa Barbara Wharf, local wineries and the newly popular Funk Zone.
$206 per night
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Private room in Goleta
Peaceful Rm in Mid-Century Modern Home near UCSB
Our cozy Goleta home is a great base to explore the Santa Barbara area from. Stay to work, vacation, or just relax. We have a large yard & patio with outdoor sofas, a bbq, ping pong table, fire pit & orange trees. Conveniently located within 5 minutes drive to UCSB and the beach, 5 minutes to Santa Barbara airport, 15 minutes to downtown Santa Barbara, & 1 block from beautiful Lake Los Carneros Park & Preserve.
$151 per night
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Stay near Santa Barbara's top sights

Photo of Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf48 locals recommend
Photo of Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara Zoo170 locals recommend
Photo of Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach145 locals recommend
Photo of Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach224 locals recommend
Photo of Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara Bowl122 locals recommend
Photo of Paseo Nuevo
Paseo Nuevo112 locals recommend

Santa Barbara summer vacation rentals

Guest suite in Santa Barbara Downtown
Luxury Downtown Cottage
$224 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Elegant room w/ private bathroom downtown
$137 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara
Cozy boho nook with Mountain View
$173 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara
Elegant. Walk Downtown. King Bed. Bikes! Skylight!
$147 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Casa Linda's Private Garden Hideaway
$192 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara
HONEYSUCKLE SUITE/KING Bed/WALK Downtown/BIKES
$152 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara Downtown
Renovated Studio Space Downtown
$247 per night
Private room in Santa Barbara
Great place to relax with private courtyard.
$108 per night
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Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Island Loft/Walk Downtown/Bikes Available
$144 per night
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Rental unit in Waterfront
Beach Bungalow One Block Away from West Beach
$306 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Stunning, private guest suite with private patio
$145 per night
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Home in Waterfront
Luxurious Studio With Private Entrance
$192 per night
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Santa Barbara winter vacation rentals

Home in Santa Barbara
Private studio in garden setting
$72 per night
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Rental unit in Waterfront
Seaside Escape II. Walk to beach, State St., more!
$227 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Bright and Spacious Studio
$145 per night
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Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Ocean View Suite
$189 per night
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Home in Santa Barbara Downtown
Luxury Retreat Downtown
$414 per night
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Private room in Goleta
Quiet &Close to everything &Private Entrance Q bed
$107 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Comfortable space
$77 per night
Rental unit in Santa Barbara Downtown
Hotel California Bungalow I- New/Downtown SB
$246 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara
Sunrize Destinations - Mesa Studio
$199 per night
Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Cute and Cozy Mesa Studio
$157 per night
Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Sweet Mesa Suite-2 blocks to beach!
$171 per night
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Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Mi Casa es Su Casa - Mesa Studio
$240 per night
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Weekend vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Designer Mesa Guesthouse
$242 per night
Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Private Farmhouse-style Studio Near Downtown
$201 per night
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Rental unit in Waterfront
Seaside Sun-lit Apartment
$212 per night
Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Mission Canyon Cottage Studio
$175 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Beautiful private room & bath. Centrally located.
$111 per night
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Private room in Santa Barbara
Cozy Room On The Lower Rivera
$126 per night
Private room in Santa Barbara
Casa Alamar Room: A Charming SB Getaway
$261 per night
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Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Downtown Private Gem
$167 per night
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Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Peaceful Ocean View Studio
$381 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara
Boho Victorian Loft
$215 per night
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Home in Santa Barbara
Adorable Downtown Cottage
$443 per night
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Serviced apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown
Glamorous Flat in the heart of downtown
$217 per night
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Stays in Santa Barbara Downtown

Home in Santa Barbara Downtown
Wonderful Downtown House
$344 per night
Rental unit in Santa Barbara Downtown
Newly Renovated 2 Bedroom Downtown!
$315 per night
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Rental unit in Santa Barbara
Casa Valerio Unit 6C-Boutique Suite in Downtown
$229 per night
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Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Downtown Beach Home
$170 per night
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Stays in Waterfront

Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Zoe’s Cottage Beautiful Near Beach & Downtown
$161 per night
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Private room in Waterfront
Santa Barbara Master
$96 per night
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Home in Santa Barbara
Mía Casita CAL King Bed Near Beach & Downtown
$162 per night
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Guest suite in Santa Barbara
Bright Spacious Studio Near Beach and Downtown
$180 per night
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Stays in Hope Ranch

Private room in Goleta
Quiet & Cozy Room - Relax & Enjoy Santa Barbara
$97 per night
Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Tiny Cottage in the Oaks, Midtown Santa Barbara
$124 per night
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Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Inwood Cozy Charmer
$169 per night
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Guest suite in Goleta
Private Studio Near Beach 1
$132 per night
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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.


When is 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.


What are the 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.