Santa Barbara is coastal heaven in California. With the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains and pristine beaches, the city is sure to dazzle tourists. Historic structures such as Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786, along with Spanish-style red tiles over the houses, represent the city’s rich culture and heritage. Due to its warm microclimates, the city produces a variety of wines for you to relish. No wonder top celebrities, Oprah, Justin Bieber, Drew Barrymore, and John Cleese, each own a house in this lively city. If you’re planning a holiday in Santa Barbara, it is better to book your accommodation in advance to ensure a hassle-free stay. Here, we’ve listed the top cottages for rent in Santa Barbara, California, to make it easy for you.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 31, 2024.
1. Upscale property with contemporary decor (from USD 299)
Set two blocks from the beach, this upscale Spanish-style property’s main highlights are its favorable location, premium bedding with luxury linens, and well-lit ambiance. Beach amenities such as beach towels, chairs, beach toys, and flip-flops will allow you to enjoy your beach holiday to the max. You can try preparing local cuisine in the modern kitchen that is well stocked with essentials.
For extra comfort, the spotless bathroom comes with a heated floor and a bathtub. You will have access to Apple TV and Netflix to binge-watch your favorite shows and movies. The cottage also comes with an EV charger for your convenience.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds and sheets were super comfy and luxethe house is stocked with a ton of amenities and the beds/linens were wonderfulit also is nice if you are working from home with a desk and wifia cozy and neatly appointed mission style cottage right in the middle of where you want to bewe felt very taken care of and had all the things we needed to make the stay comfortableCleanliness:
everything was exceptionally clean and the kitchen was well stockedwe loved this house everything was clean and comfortableeverything was clean and ready for our stayneighborhood is safe clean nicegreat location and clean homeHost:
kathy was a great host and we loved itkathy was communicative and helpful throughout our stayeverything is exactly as pictured kathy is friendly and helpful host quick to respondwonderful location responsive host beautiful home comfortable beds etc highly recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectamazing location and cute stylish spacelocation was excellent with great restaurants and proximity to the beachfabulous house with a great locationthoughtfully furnished outdoor shower to wash off sand and walking distance to both the downtown and beach
2. Historic cottage with refined decor
Come and stay in this authentic Santa Barbara property from the 1930s, designed in the local architectural style featuring textured stucco, red clay tiles, and arched entries. You can access the public beaches and the harbor, just a few blocks away from here.
This two-bedroom cottage is equipped with queen beds and a walk-in closet, along with complimentary toiletries. The rear yard is beautifully nestled among stone pine and king palm trees and includes a large sofa and dining seats for some outdoor relaxation. Your small pet is welcome here for an additional fee.
Santa Barbara, California, United States
3.24 km (2.1 mi) from Santa Barbara ZooSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the two bedroom 1 bathroom setup was perfect for my mother and iit's gorgeously furnished with lots of space to share meals co-work watch tv and relaxif you are visiting santa barbara and looking for a comfortable home to stay this one is greatCleanliness:
very nice style and comfortable clean bedsthe place was super clean and cutegorgeous spot so nicely decorated and very cleanthe cottage was very clean and met our expectationseasy access to beach safe clean and beds are so comfyHost:
the home is very comfortable and the host is incredibly communicativeshe was also very responsive to any issues we hadmeghan is a wonderful and kind hostmeghan was communicative and responsive prior to and during our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
a great location and a cute spacecute quaint house in a great locationthe location was also perfectthe location was fabulous- close to everywhere we wanted to gobeautiful place and perfect location
3. Oceanfront cottage with spectacular views (from USD 800)
This cozy cottage offers mesmerizing ocean and sunset views and dazzling sunlight in the mornings. After spending a fun time on the beach, you can wash up in the outdoor shower. Snuggle up to the fireplace to stay warm and cozy on colder nights. The comfy bedrooms with spectacular ocean views will ensure that you get proper rest.
You’ll also have access to a large deck with seating and outdoor dining facilities. Due to the cottage’s location in the city center, you’ll be just five minutes away from the harbor and ten minutes from Montecito.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
very relaxing spot and conveniently located to our son's place makes it a great location for usgreat location for easy access to the beach (2 blocks away) groceries restaurants and downtownyou're walking distance to a pretty nice restaurant as well as a grocery storethe quiet peaceful location is ideal and we enjoyed walking the beach down to hendry's for lunch
4. Secluded treetop getaway with a garden (from USD 140)
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this charming cottage showcases vintage-style interiors. The wooden flooring and vaulted ceilings create a welcoming ambiance. Downtown is just a 10-minute walk away.
The bedroom feels inviting, with a comfy queen-sized bed and offers gorgeous mountain views. The clawfoot bathtub is an ideal place to soothe your muscles after a day of sightseeing. The fully functional kitchen opens onto a living room furnished with a plush sofa, a work desk, and a dining table for two.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
breakfast was delicious and having the bicycles was very convenientthe kitchen is fully equipped and the clawfoot tub is a lovely touchthe treetop cottage was very warm inviting and cozymy husband and i thoroughly enjoyed this cozy second story tree top unitCleanliness:
everything was clean private and accommodating with so many personal touchesthe house was very clean and it was beautifulHost:
janet is helpful kind thoughtful and the perfect hostjanet is a gracious and attentive hostwe were welcomed with open arms by our lovely host janetRead more reviewsLocation:
would highly recommend as a unique and inviting locationare all an easy walk or short drive awayi used the bike(s) to ride to great spots near by - great locationthe location was perfect and we were able to bike around at our leisurei loved the privacy and security while still being so close to downtown
5. Casa de Coco (from USD 185)
If you’re someone who loves to explore the local points of attractions on foot, this vibrant cottage will be perfect for you. Its downtown location will allow you to stay close to the prime attractions of the city. You’ll be just a few steps away from Paseo Nuevo Outdoor Mall’s western entrance.
In this cottage, you will be delighted to cook in the chic full kitchen designed in bright red and white colors. There is a fully fenced yard that will be perfect for your fur babies to play in. The cottage also comes with laundry amenities and a TV.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we stayed three nights in this comfortable well appointed cottagewe stayed three nights in this comfortable well appointed cottageHost:
mimi was a wonderful host with great recommendationsmimi was an amazing host she greeted us on check-in (with a toy for a dog as well)Read more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfect with walking access to everything the town has to offercould walk to everything meme was very accommodating and helpfulif you want a peaceful relaxing vacation this is not the place
6. Tastefully decorated cottage near the ocean (from USD 373)
If you wish to stay close to East Beach in Santa Barbara, this cozy cottage will be ideal for you. You can simply walk for a few minutes to access the harbor, Santa Barbara downtown, and Montecito.
If you’re staying with your kids, you can use the two strollers, beach chairs, towels, and beach toys provided for unlimited fun at the beach. To keep you entertained indoors, there are large 60-inch HDTVs with Blu-Ray DVDs available on the property, along with Wi-Fi service. The kitchen is fully equipped with essential appliances to help you prepare meals of your choice.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we moved the home school to the beach for a week the wifi supported our zoom classes wellbeds very comfortable with plenty of space in each bedroomthe beds were super comfortable and the backyard was a nice respite from our outingsa great little 2 bedroom cozy beach cottagethe beds were very comfortableCleanliness:
this property was very clean and cozyeven with the pandemic everything was clean and sanitary we were always comfortableHost:
would love to stay here again and plan to next year great host communication tooRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was absolutely perfectthe location is ideal you can walk to basically anything you needthis house is in an amazing locationeverything worked great and the location is awesomethe location is wonderful walking distance to the beach and even a small store around the corner
7. The Cottage at West Beach (from USD 483)
Located in close proximity to West Beach, this stunning cottage will promise you a perfect beach holiday. The property has been completely remodeled recently with contemporary decor and necessary amenities.
The trifold doors in the living room open to the dining area on the patio. Treat yourself to a relaxing evening on the outdoor patio equipped with a Weber propane grill and a bar seating area. The sleek kitchen with modern appliances and cooking essentials will ensure a fun cooking session. For indoor entertainment, you’ll have three televisions, books, and games.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the best part is that the living room fully opens into the little courtyardthe cottage is cute quiet and very comfortableCleanliness:
the house itself was clean well appointed and felt very cozyHost:
the property management team was also very friendly professional and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
nice property wonderful location well equippedgreat location and it's a short walk to the beach restaurants and shoppingeasy walk or bike ride to anywherea beautiful property and the location is of course idealgreat location--looks just like the pics
8. Cozy getaway for unlimited fun (from USD 350)
Dating back to1915, this vibrant property offers comfortable accommodation with attractive amenities. Gear up for an evening of fun in the backyard furnished with plush sofas, a fire pit, dining seats, and a barbeque setup. You can connect to the portable Bose sound system and listen to music in any of the rooms. You’ll also have a game table set up for a backgammon, card, or chess game. In addition to this, you can watch movies on the TV with NetFlix access.
If you want to venture outdoors, you can use the bicycles on the property to explore the locality.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved the backyard area - it was spacious peaceful and had great wifi for getting work donethis is a beautiful and cozy cottage that is perfect for a getawaythe outdoor space is wonderful and there are so many cozy elements to the housethe backyard is so cozy and nice to relaxit has a well-appointed kitchen and great architectural designCleanliness:
this home is clean charming and in a great locationHost:
dawn was an excellent hostdawn was an amazing host would highly recommend a stay at la petite maison blanchehost gives great local tips for fooddawn is one of the best hosts we've experienced through airbnbthe hostess was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location dawns place is so charming and the perfect locationsuper cute and sooo close to everything we walked everywhereit’s in an excellent location making it easy to walk to shops restaurants the beach and moregreat location and within walking distance to shops the beach restaurants/bars and a grocery storegreat little place cozy and convenient location
9. Downtown cottage close to the beach
Located within walking distance of the beach, this modern downtown accommodation is tastefully designed with elegant decor. There is a private coded entry to ensure your privacy and safety. The kitchen in this cottage is equipped with all the necessary amenities. You can lounge or dine in the backyard that comes furnished with comfortable seats and a dining area.
Both heating and air conditioning facilities are available for use according to your comfort. Free on-premises and off-street parking are also offered.
3.12 km (2.0 mi) from Santa Barbara ZooAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
would have been nice if the wifi workedthe amenities like the full kitchen and parking spot were also super convenientif you like to sink in it may be the bed for youloved it nice space comfy and cozyvery comfortable bed with a nice tvCleanliness:
very clean and updatedthe place was clean and comfortablenicely updated and very cleanvery clean and cutenicely furnished and cleanliness levels were greatHost:
loved my stay so much i had to extend it for another night very accommodating hosttaylor was a very responsive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
good location for walking to downtownlovely studio in the best locationgreat location but pricey for the qualitythis place is so cutelove the design the location is great and so close to downtown
10. Cozy property for four
This downtown property is designed to offer ultimate comfort to guests. With a king-size bed, two double beds, and a sleeper sofa, this trendy property can sleep up to four guests.
The fenced front patio with outdoor furniture is ideal for enjoying open-air dining or simply lounging. You’ll find basic cooking appliances in the kitchen if you want to prepare your favorite meals. A cable TV, Ethernet connection, and Wi-Fi service are available to keep you entertained and connected.
2.74 km (1.8 mi) from Santa Barbara ZooAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was strong toowe lucked out on the gorgeous weather and enjoyed coffee and backyard bowls on the cute patio tablethe cottage is cozy and charming light and brighton their review the beds felt like "real beds" and were comfortablebed in the bedroom was very comfortable and the linens on the bed were so softCleanliness:
super clean and niceloved this small home super clean check in and communication was greatthe house was very clean and had everything we neededthe place is clean tidy and cutegreat communication clean and cozy house and convenient location to downtown santa barbaraHost:
very small and owner isn’t very helpfulwe booked at the last minute and avery was so kind to accommodate us with such short noticeRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location beautiful appointedgreat place close to lake streetgreat decor with great locationnice comfortable place close to state streetfantastic house in a great location
Spend a perfect beach holiday in Santa Barbara
Your holiday in Santa Barbara will feature the ultimate beach fun, beautiful mountain views, and mesmerizing sunsets. What more do you want on a holiday? Come and explore this seaside wonderland and create unforgettable memories by booking one of these top cottage rentals in the city and enjoying the best vacation.
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