Are you planning your trip to Santa Barbara, and now you are researching Santa Barbara vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Santa Barbara? Looking for the best Santa Barbara Airbnb, the best Santa Barbara rental to treat yourself with? Don’t worry. I’ve covered you. Here’s the ultimate list of the best Santa Barbara Airbnbs and rentals.
20 BEST SANTA BARBARA AIRBNBS AND RENTALS TO SUIT ALL TASTES AND EVERY POCKET
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Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in California and the USA overall.
Sunny and shiny Santa Barbara in California is popularly called the American Riviera. Santa Barbara is one of the most famous vacation destinations in the US and an obligatory stop on the scenic drive from San Francisco to LA.
This graceful city is dotted with historic buildings, white-washed adobe-style houses, hacienda-style homes, modern villas, art galleries, fine-dining restaurants, fashionable resorts, pristine beaches, and surrounding majestic green vineyards hills. Stunning Spanish Colonial Revival and elegant Mediterranean Revival architecture dominate the landscapes of Santa Barbara, accompanied with glorious examples of the Victorian styles including Italianate, Eastlake, and Queen Ann.
It is easy to have a great time on the American Riviera, thanks to superb landscapes, finest beaches, amazing art, bewildering architecture, interesting history, and great facilities.
But to make the best of your time, I’ve prepared a checklist of the best things to do in Santa Barbara:
- Have some great leisure-time and swim, sunbath, surf, kayak, paddleboard, play beach volley … on pristine sandy beaches in Santa Barbara: main Santa Barbara Leadbetter Beach, dog-friendly Arroyo Burro Beach, touristy East Beach, and busy West Beach
- If you have never tried surfing or paddleboarding yet, but you would like to learn it – learn to surf with Santa Barbara’s best surfing teacher and take a Stand-Up Paddleboard lesson in Santa Barbara.
- Have fun in Santa Barbara Harbor: take a kayak tour, rent a jet ski, SUP, go for scuba diving, or enjoy in amazing restaurants in the harbor
- Stroll bustling State Street, the main and most famous avenue in Santa Barbara downtown with upscale shops and fine restaurants with fantastic settings for outdoor dining
- join an amazing Santa Barbara downtown food tour and check out the best French macaroons, noodles, pizza, tacos, and ice cream in Santa Barbara
- Explore Santa Barbara on a private electric bike tour
- Visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse, built in the Spanish-Moorish architecture style with stunning mosaics
- Explore Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen of the Missions” with marvelous La Huerta garden
- Visit Santa Barbara Museum of Art with a remarkable collection of European, American, and Asian artists in the State Street
- See historic El Presidio de Santa Barbara, the last Spanish military settlement built in northern California
- Admire Santa Barbara Botanic Garden entirely planted with native plants from California
- Take a wine tour and go for some wine tasting
- explore 20 wine tasting rooms of the incredible Santa Barbara Funk Zone, or
- Have a private Santa Barbara winery and estate tour in Tesla SUV while avoiding commercial crowded wineries
- Join a whale watching tour and see some of more than 30 different whales and dolphins in the Santa Barbara Channel
But, first of all, spoil yourself with a perfect airbnb in Santa Barbara.
Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara
Here are the best Santa Barbara house rentals, best Santa Barbara condo rentals, best Santa Barbara room rentals, best Santa Barbara beach home rentals, … In short, the best Santa Barbara airbnbs to rent:
1. BEST LUXURY MISSION REVIVAL-STYLE AIRBNB VILLA IN SANTA BARBARA
Hacienda Oceanfront is marvelous California’s Mission Revival style villa located on a cliff of a gated Spanish Adobe Estate.
This villa is the epitome of Santa Barbara! And this is the reason why I am starting this list of the best Santa Barbara airbnbs with it.
This luxury Mission Revival-style villa comes with traditional stucco walls, vaulted wood ceilings, clay roof tiles, refined wood floors, and exquisite furniture. Hacienda Oceanfront has 7 bedrooms, 8 beds, 8 baths, 2 living rooms with ocean views, a swimming pool, a spa, a fireplace, a barbecue … and it can accommodate up to 16 people. The villa overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean, while a small private path takes to a sandy beach.
Inarguably, this is one of the best Santa Barbara rentals!
The villa is located only 4 miles from Santa Barabara downtown and 10 miles from Santa Barbara airport.
2. BEST LUXURY CONTEMPORARY VILLA FOR RENT IN SANTA BARBARA
Luxurious Contemporary Home with Spectacular Views
This luxurious contemporary villa is set on a 2-acre property. It comes with spectacular views of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and an island.
The villa has 7 bedrooms, 7 beds, 7 bathrooms, a magnificent pool, and out-of-this-world views. It can host up to 14 guests. This phenomenal rental villa in Santa Barbara is one of the most amazing luxury villas in the USA!
It is located in the Eucalyptus Hill, and only 10 min from downtown Santa Barbara.
The villa is available for around $60,000/ month. The minimum length of stay is a month.
- Sleeps: 14
- Bedrooms: 7
- Bathrooms: 7
- Half Baths: 1
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Pet-friendly
3. BEST SANTA BARBARA RENTAL WITH POOL AND HOT TUB
Tranquil Hideaway
Santa Barbara’s Tranquil Hideaway is a fantastic ranch-style house with a saltwater pool, a spa, and a lovely outdoor area for relaxing and hanging out with family and friends.
This spacious and elegantly decorated house has 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 2 bathrooms and it can accommodate 8 people. The house is the best spa rental house in Santa Barbara for a group of friends who wish to have great leisure time in Santa Barbara.
The Tranquil Hideaway is located in Eucalyptus Hill, a quiet area of Santa Barbara and only a quick drive from Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara beaches, and Montecito.
It is available for around $1,342/ night. The minimum length of stay is 3 nights.
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Pet-friendly
4. BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY SANTA BARBARA OCEANFRONT RENTAL
“Strand Hus” An Ocean Front California Dream
“Strand Hus” An Ocean Front California Dream is impressive 2-level oceanfront rental house in Summerland beach.
This beautiful and cozy home has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The central part of this lovely home is the bright and warm living room with unbeatable ocean views. The house suits 4 people.
The “Strand Hus” An Ocean Front California Dream is especially appreciated by families who seek a serene oceanfront base to enjoy the Santa Barbara area at its best.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Half Baths: 1
5. BEST SANTA BARBARA OCEANFRONT RENTAL COTTAGE
2-story Beach Cottage ON THE SAND – Miramar Beach / Montecito
The Baker’s Beach Cottage is a classic 2-level Ralph Lauren-style beach cottage on Miramar Beach.
This awesome beach house features a large stylish living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 oceanfront decks, a private beach and a private parking. It suits up to 8 people.
The Baker’s Beach Cottage is located on Miramar Beach in the Santa Barbara-Montecito area.
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Pet-friendly
6. BEST GROUP-FRIENDLY SANTA BARBARA AIRBNB OCEANFRONT
Surfers Paradise – The Ultimate Ocean View Above Shoreline Drive
Santa Barbara’s Surfers Paradise is a 4-bedroom villa with absolutely amazing views of the Pacific ocean, Leadbetter Beach, Channel Islands, and Santa Barbara Harbor.
The villa is located on a cliff near Santa Barbara City College. The beach is accessed by the Beach Boardwalk and the Cabrillo Bike Path.
The villa holds 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, an inside hot tube and it can host up to 8 people. It is a perfect Airbnb in Santa Barbara for families and friends who would love to spend some leisure time on the beach and the ocean.
It is available for around $940/ night. The minimum length of stay is 3 nights.
7. BEST RENTAL IN SANTA BARBARA DOWNTOWN
Peacefully Located Victorian, Walk Everywhere
The peacefully located Victorian stay is a perfectly located rental on the quiet dead-end of a charming street in Santa Barbara Downtown.
The adorable Victorian house was built in 1890, but it has been recently completely renovated. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and 2 baths and it can host up to 6 people.
This centrally located Santa Barbara rental is just a few blocks from the State Street Promenade, Santa Barbara Public Market, and a 15-min walk to the beach.
If you are looking for a peaceful rental with an old times vibes in the heart of Santa Barbara, you should definitely check it out!
It is available for around $304/ night. The minimum length of stay is 7 days.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
8. BEST PET-FRIENDLY SANTA BARBARA AIRBNB CASITA
Charming 1926 Casita 2 blocks to beach
I fell in love with this charming 1926 Casita at the first sight!
This casita is a genuine Spanish-style Santa Barbara home. The adorable small house is beautifully decorated, cozy, romantic, and quiet. It comes with a fireplace, a backyard heated pool, and a gated front yard.
The casita is a pet-friendly Airbnb in Santa Barbara and it is located a short walk from a dog-friendly beach. A true paradise for dogs and the owners!
This stylish and cozy Spanish casita is located in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood with Spanish style homes built in 1926. It takes a 5-min walk from the house to Ledbetter beach (the most popular beach in Santa Barbara), 1 mile to Santa Barbara downtown, and 1/4 mile to Santa Barbara Harbor.
The location is especially appealing to the joggers, dog-walkers, bikers, surfers, sunbathers, and even to the hikers for the trails taking to splendid views of Santa Barbara and Montecito.
It is available for around $240/ night. The minimum length of stay is 2 nights.
9. THE MOST UNIQUE RENTAL IN SANTA BARBARA
The Whale House – Unique Architectural Masterpiece in Mission Canyon
The Whale House is a breathtaking 4-floor house created by Michael Carmichael, an architect inspired by the works of Antonio Gaudi.
The house represents a whale who swallowed a ship. The inner courtyard is the heart of the whale and the house. The central part of the whale’s body and the house are the kitchen, dining room, and living room connected in a 360-degree circle and overlooking the pool below which magically flows into the tail of the whale. a
This architectural masterpiece is a luxury villa with 4 floors, 3 bedrooms, 5 beds, 3 baths, an indoor fireplace, an outdoor pool, an enclosed outdoor shower, a barbecue … It accommodates up to 6 people.
The house is located in Mission Canyon, a wooded neighborhood of Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Mission, Rose Garden, the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens are within a few minutes’ walk.
The villa is available for $1,116/ night. The minimum length of stay is 3 nights.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Half Baths: 1
- Hot Tub
- Pool
10. BEST HILLTOP RENTAL HOME IN SANTA BARBARA
Hilltop Villa: Private Mediterranean Style Retreat
The Hilltop Villa: Private Mediterranean Style Retreat is a gorgeous rental villa on a picturesque on the top of the Mesa hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountains.
This exceptional home is an extremely spacious and cozy vacation rental in Santa Barbara. The house has nothing less than superb views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains. It has 5 bedrooms, 5 beds (a king bed, queen bed and 3 twin beds), 4 bathrooms, an elegant patio and a veranda, a large garden, a swimming pool …and it can host up to 8 people.
This hilltop house is one of the best Santa Barbara rentals. It is a great staycation for large families who prefer some quiet time in the relaxing Santa Barbara hills.
The minimum length of stay is a month.
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 4
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Pet-friendly
11. BEST SANTA BARBARA RENTAL CLOSE TO BEACH
Romantic Spanish Retreat 2 Blocks From State St. And West Beach
Romantic Spanish Retreat 2 Blocks From State St. And West Beach is a classic Spanish-style duplex home from 1930’s.
This adorable house rental is conveniently located within walking distance of a beach and 2 blocks from the center of Santa Barbara and all Santa Barbara attractions. This classic Santa Barbara rental beauty has 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 1 bathroom and it can accommodate up to 6 people.
If you want to be next to a beach, and near famous Santa Barbara tourist spots, then check out this rental.
The apartment is available for around $350/ night.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Pet-friendly
12. BEST SANTA BARBARA RENTAL VILLA WITH THE BEST VIEWS OF SANTA BARBARA
Villa Riviera is an elegant luxury villa with amazing views of Santa Barbara.
The villa has 4 cozy bedrooms, 5 comfy beds, 3 elegant bathrooms, a spa, and an office. It comes with a barbecue, a homey fireplace, and elegant furniture.
The villa hosts up to 8 people. It is more than a perfect stay for families. This villa is one of the best Santa Barbara rentals for families.
If you are planning a family vacation in Santa Barbara and you want to see how it feels to live in a true Santa Barbara villa with awe-inspiring views, then check out this villa!
It is available for around $972/ night.
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Half Baths: 1
- Hot Tub
13. BEST AIRBNB BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN SANTA BARBARA
Hideaway Santa Barbara ADA Queen Fireplace
Hideaway Santa Barbara ADA Queen Fireplace is a beautifully decorated room in a charming new boutique hotel.
This elegant, stylish hotel and a bit homey hotel was massively renovated in 2019.
The hotel provides free parking on premises and it is located within walking distance to the beach and very close to all the tourist sites in Santa Barbara.
The room is available for around $255/ night.
14. THE MOST ROMANTIC SANTA BARBARA RENTAL HOUSE FOR COUPLES
“Emmanuel Blanc Villa” Santa Barbara downtown
“Emmanuel Blanc Villa” is a beautiful house with a lovely garden located in Santa Barbara downtown in close proximity to all Santa Barbara attractions.
The house is designed by a famous architect and the interior by a famous interior designer. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 beds , 1 bath and can host 4 people.
This lovely home is a perfect romantic stay for couples who feel at home when away from home.
It is available for around $6,252/ month. The minimum length of stay is a month.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Pet-friendly
15. BEST VINTAGE BUNGALOW AIRBNB IN SANTA BARBARA
Serene, vintage home with pool, walk to beach
This aesthetically pleasing home is a spacious and vintage Spanish-style bungalow on a gated property in the West Mesa neighborhood in Santa Barbara. This sweet and peaceful stay comes with a heated pool, a spa, a fireplace, a covered front porch, and a barbecue. It feels like a private sanctuary!
Please, don’t be misled by photos. The bungalow is in fact very spacious and even more charming than it might look in the photos.
This incredible bungalow is located within walking distance to some truly amazing beaches. Even more, it is a true hidden gem in Santa Barbara!
16. BEST AIRBNB COTTAGE IN SANTA BARBARA
La Petite Maison Blanche is a classic Victorian cottage with a cute backyard in the center of Santa Barbara downtown.
This intimate cottage is owned by an architect and a world traveler who filled the house with some unique and amazing artifacts from around the world. This adorable place goes on the list of the coziest and the most romantic airbnbs in Santa Barbara. And one of the best airbnbs in Santa Barbara downtown!
The house has 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath and can host up to 6 people. Just to mention, bikes are available at the house too!
The cottage is located within walking distance to State Street, teathers, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, the Funk Zone and the Urban Wine Trail, the beaches …
It is available for around $300/ night.
If you are looking for a cozy stay in Santa Barbara downtown, check this airbnb out!
17. BEST SANTA BARBARA AIRBNB IN NATURE
This yurt is located on an 11-acre hillside private property in untouched nature, but only 12 min from Santa Barbara downtown.
The property comes with a pool and a hot tube. Furthermore, the property is a peaceful paradise-like gated private land, only 2 miles away from busy Santa Barbara downtown.
The yurt comes with a wooden floor, a round skylight at the top, and a firm canvas. It accommodates 2 people who seek serenity and romance only a few steps from the energetic ‘American Riviera’.
Be aware there’s no wifi on this Air bnb Santa Barbara property. Keep in mind, this unique Airbnb rental is created to help you to completely immerse yourself in nature, recharge your batteries, and rejuvenate, but at the same time to be able to explore Santa Barbara in a few minutes.
The yurt is available for around $319/ night.
18. BEST ADOBE-STYLE RANCH HOME RENTAL NEAR SANTA BARBARA
Carpinteria Adobe Ranch House on Bluffs Above Ocean
Carpinteria Adobe Ranch House on Bluffs Above Ocean is a gorgeous ranch home in Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County and only 15 min drive from Santa Barbara downtown.
The peaceful organic avocado and citrus 18-acre ranch and the house beautiful views of the ocean, canyons, and mountains. This amazing adobe-style home was built by famous adobero Pete Aquilar, and it is wonderfully furnished with the finest Spanish antiques.
This lovely adobe-style home has 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 3 bathrooms, a gym, a dedicated workplace, a wood fireplace, a patio with a swimming pool with amazing ocean and mountain views.
I have to admit, this is one of my favourite Santa Barbara vacation rentals!
If you would like to stay in a traditional adobe-style ranch home in a peaceful organic ranch in close proximity to Santa Barbara, you should check out this house!
19. BEST AIRBNB TINY HOUSE IN SANTA BARBARA AREA
Ocean view Tiny House, 1 Mile to the beach
This ocean views the tiny house is the best rated tiny house Airbnb rental in Santa Barbara county.
The tiny house has a fully equipped kitchen with a big cantina window, a lovely living room with all modern amenities, 2 loft bedrooms, 2 queen beds, a bathroom with a shower and a toilet, and a huge patio with a BBQ and absolutely breathtaking views of the ocean. It can accommodate up to 4 people.
It is located atop of a hill among avocado trees in Carpinteria, only 1 mile from downtown Carpinteria and about 15 min drive from Santa Barbara downtown.
The tiny house is available fro around $205/ night. The minimum length of stay is 5 nights.
20. BEST AIRSTREAM IN SANTA BARBARA
This totally renovated airstream from 1959 comes with a modern kitchenette, a small dining area, a comfy queen bed and a classic RV bathroom with a shower and a toilet. It fits 2 people.
The airstream is located next to the owner’s house in West Mesa, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Santa Barbara and only about 15 min walk to some of the finest Santa Barbara beaches (Mesa Beach, and Hendry’s Beach).
If you are looking for a cute beach gateway, you might like this lovely Santa Barbara Airbnb airstream.
It is available for $125/ night.
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara is a year-round destination because of the mild Mediterranean climate and pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit Santa Barbara is from March to September. Money-wise and to avoid the crowds the best seasons for traveling to Santa Barbara are early spring and early fall. The peak season for visiting Santa Barbara is summer, because of the beach. But it is also the most expensive time for visiting it.
What is the closest airport to Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is the closest airport to Santa Barbara. The airport is located only 8 miles from Santa Barbara downtown. There are about 40 daily flights to Santa Barbara from all major US hubs: San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
- Click here to find out about cheap car rentals in San Francisco
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STEPS AND TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR PERFECT TRIP
1. Find and book your flight: Skyscanner
2. Find and book your stay: Airbnb
3. Find and book the best car rentals: Discover Car Hire
4. Get travel insurance (insure yourself against any accident, sickness, theft, and canceled flight): WorldNomads.com
5. Find and book great guided day tours: GetYourGuide, Viator
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