If you are feeling overwhelmed by the massive urban jungle of Los Angeles, head northwest towards Santa Barbara for a much-needed reprieve from the unrelenting traffic and smog. Less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) away from Downtown LA, the seaside resort city is a great change of pace with popular festivals, mild climate, wide beaches, highly-rated wineries and historical attractions. And it has shed its previous reputation as a playground only for the rich and famous by offering excellent glamping options, either along the Pacific coast or around the Santa Ynez Mountains north of the city limits. So whether you’re looking for a fabulous yurt accommodation or beach camping in Santa Barbara, you have plenty of options to choose from. So don’t just plan for a mere day trip from LA. Instead, check out these top options for glamping in and around Santa Barbara, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a location that facilitates glamping or is close to glamping spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. The Nest (from USD 150)
Tucked away on a serene 25-acre (10.12 hectare) estate, this unique rental for glamping in Thousand Oaks offers an idyllic retreat. Two bedrooms accommodate guests—one with a queen bed and another with an airbed. Amenities such as a functional kitchenette, wifi, a fire pit, and an Amazon Alexa sound system ensure a comfortable stay. The separate bathroom boasts a hot water shower. While the site promises seclusion, it’s part of a vibrant community, urging mutual respect. Adjacent natural spots invite exploration.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean comfortable and so unique - we loved itit was super clean and had lots of character/personalityHost:
lyann is a great hosta beautiful little area the hosts were great and very sweetlynne and bruce are very accommodating hospitable and kind in their approachwill definitely be coming back lynne was great and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a beautiful locationsuch a cute little place to stay would 100% recommendgreat place to get away super secluded and quiet
2. Tiki tent nestled amidst nature
Nestled amidst nature, guests can relax in a queen-sized bedroom or the den/library equipped for both work and leisure. An extra floor mattress is available in the shared living space. With amenities such as a garden view, a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed wifi, and a TV with Netflix, comfort is guaranteed. On-site facilities include free parking and laundry amenities. While the tent offers an exclusive outdoor sleeping experience, communal areas such as the backyard with a fire pit, dining, and kitchen await interaction.
Ventura, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
melissa’s place is super comfortable beautifully landscaped quiet and cleanthe glamping tent is exactly as advertised and has very comfortable beddingroom was very comfortableHost:
i have nothing but words of praise for the accommodations and the hosteverything was clean peaceful relaxing and lovely and melissa was such a friendly and kind hostRead more reviewsLocation:
melissa's place was cute and in a good location close to the beach and shops (one-mile distance)access to main street is quick and great swimming beaches are close by with a car or bikewonderful unique experience great locationwe were so grateful to stay and have an awesome quiet night away from our worldthis place reminds me of what airbnb was like way back in the beginning
3. Yurt retreat on private plot of land (from USD 280)
While Santa Barbara is justifiably renowned for its beautiful beaches facing the Pacific Ocean, there is plenty of spectacular panoramic scenery amid the Santa Ynez Mountains, just a few miles inland and north of the city center. You can find some of the best hiking and trekking spots in Santa Barbara, lookout points and recreational areas all over the mountain range, including this fantastic glamping yurt in Santa Barbara on a private and exclusive 11-acre (4.5-hectare) plot of land. One of the best Santa Barbara glamping sites, you will find a DVD player and fridge inside the yurt, while there is a swimming pool, hot tub, private bathhouse and even a swing overlooking the mountain range on the premises.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the best part no wifi or serviceshowering under the stars was the highlightthe space is massive very charming and cozythe hot tub and swimming pool were greatCleanliness:
outdoor bathroom that was beautiful and clean and had hand wash and oilssuper clean awesome mattress just all things amazingclean and can't complain about the water temperatureHost:
beautiful scenery and wonderful hostshe is super accommodating of pets and so quick and kind with her responsesi can completely see why she is a super hostjennifer is a wonderful host very attentive and warmthis is a special spot with a fantastic hostRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location and beautiful spotamazing little gem close to everything but yet far enough to get awayperfect location near all the good restaurants and beachesamazing place in a very unique setting within close driving distance to downtown sbspecial place eclectic and unique
4. Trailer accommodation in Carpinteria (from USD 164)
The Santa Barbara urban area stretches along the Pacific Coast to include smaller cities like Goleta in the west and Carpinteria in the east. While Goleta is known for being home to the University of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria’s state beach is where you can find seals and sea lions basking amid the mild weather between December and May. You might even spot the occasional gray whale from the beach. This snug Airbnb glamping accommodation near Santa Barbara for two guests is located in Carpinteria and is housed in a backyard with BBQ grill. There are wifi and TV inside the trailer, and the host has also provided beach essentials such as towels, umbrella and snorkeling gear.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen and grill were better than i expectedthe animals on the property are a bonus and the bed was super comfortableCleanliness:
the airstream was clean comfortable and had everything we needednan’s place was quiet and clean and unlike anywhere i’ve ever stayedthe trailer was charming and clean nan was warm and welcoming and the animals were very friendlythe airstream itself was perfect very clean and cozyit was just wonderful space for me my husband and my 2 yrs old son so clean insideHost:
man and her husband were great hosts and very quick to respondnan was also a wonderful host and responded extremely quickly to any questions we hadnan was a friendly and welcoming hostnan was an excellent hostnan was a great host she communicated well & quicklyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great tooits close to many beautiful placesthis is a great location from which to go on a 20-40 mile bike ridebeautiful location with friendly animal neighborsgood location: 5ish mins to carpenteria 30min from ojai & 15 from santa barbara
5. An iconic 1974 airstream on an organic ranch (from USD 225)
If you are looking for a unique and pleasant experience in California, this is the kind of accommodation you need to book. Unwind inside an iconic 1974 Airstream that has been fully furnished to ensure your maximum comfort. Situated on an organic ranch, not far from Ojai, this glamping Airstream near Santa Barbara welcomes solo travelers or couples, as it provides one bedroom and one bathroom. Pour yourself a glass of wine at night and enjoy it on the small patio that provides a peaceful atmosphere in which to relax.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our stay was very comfortable with helpful additional amenities (ethe air stream and entire grounds were beautiful quiet and comfortablei absolutely loved their dogs very private and had everything you need pots pans coffee towels tv wifithen we would retreat inside and fall asleep on the super comfortable queen sized bedthe bed was so comfortable bathroom are excellentCleanliness:
everything is clean and kept nicely manicuredincredibly relaxing impeccably clean and stylishit was clean roomy and so very peacefulsuch a lovely place very cleanthe airstream itself is clean spacious and beautifully decoratedHost:
perfect host perfect spacethe host was responsive and helpful and made us feel very welcomedelia was an amazing host and gave us very fast responses with any concern we haddelia is a wonderful hostdelia was a great host responsive and kindRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is idealthis location is convenient and gorgeouslocation and accommodations were superbthe airstream is perfectly situated- private and secluded yet close to towngreat location up in the mountains with just a short drive to carpenteria beach
6. Chic Airstream on a Santa Ynez ranch (from USD 99)
Situated inside a 20-acre (8-hectare) ranch in Santa Ynez, less than 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, this chic Airstream is the perfect place to go glamping with two friends. Amenities inside the Airstream include a large, cozy bed, free wifi, a bathroom with a sink and a toilet, and a kitchen area with cookware and basic appliances. Enjoy exploring the area and meet some of the friendly animals that live on-site, such as horses, two dogs, goats, and hens.
7. Tent provider for camp-outs (from USD 100)
Locating campgrounds in Santa Barbara is not difficult, but finding the perfect tent for glamping may prove to be a task? But thanks to this tent provider based in the community of Montecito, just east of Santa Barbara, your glamping needs are taken care of. This glamping site near Santa Barbara is spacious and well crafted for most terrain, and the host has also included amenities such as beds, futons, lighting and outdoor cooking supplies. All you have to do is to give the host a call, and the tent will be delivered and set up at the location of your camp-outs.
8. Converted RV in back of property (from USD 145)
Santa Barbara has a unique urban wine trail, with a number of wineries all within blocks of downtown that are open to public for wine tasting. If you prefer visiting the rural vineyards, then the Santa Barbara back country also has a great collection of wineries near the towns of Solvang and Buellton, northwest of the city. All the wineries can be conveniently reached by car, so you can base yourself in accommodations such as this converted RV in the back of a property near Carpinteria. It hosts a king-sized bed, full kitchen, and seating area, while shower and toilet facilities are adjacent to the patio. And since there is free parking on the premises, you can go ahead and rent a car to explore the region.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's cozy and comfortable; warm enough without the space heater on 60-degree nightshe easily fit in the giant bed toothe spot is beautiful and the outdoor fenced patio is very comfortable and enchantingthe shower stall feels like a (sizable) room transported outside; there's a beautiful tiled sink furniture linens electricityi needed a chair in the shower tim made sure there was oneCleanliness:
the rv bathroom and yard were all clean and ready for our visitspacious bed and fantastic outdoor showerthe place itself was great feels very secluded and spaciousHost:
tim is a great hostour host was kind and made himself available and easy to reachtim is a good host and the private space is really cool to hang out ingreat stay tim checked in to make sure everything was ok and was a great hosttim is a great host and we look forward to returningRead more reviewsLocation:
location was greatthis was the ideal getaway location for megreat location to explore the areagreat location the town is very sweet and super close bygreat location very private and rustic
9. Trailer housed in backyard with pool
Within the city limits, Santa Barbara is well known for its California Mission-style architecture and historic buildings. One great example is the Santa Barbara Mission building, which was built way back in 1786 and is well worth a visit to understand the native culture. There are also picturesque parks with great hiking opportunities around the city, and this glamping accommodation in a silver 1964 Airstream trailer is located near the Laurel Canyon Park, near the Santa Barbara Mission. It is housed in the host’s backyard, which has a pool and hot tub, viewing decks, a private yoga deck, and even a private park and hiking trail access.
Santa Barbara, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
airstream is very comfortable and upgraded with new amenitiesthe property has wonderful views and the pool and jacuzzi are greatthe bathroom was very private and had great amenitieswe loved having breakfast in the backyard and enjoyed the hot tub under the starswe loved the airstream the yard the pool the neighborhood the hiking the view and just about everythingCleanliness:
the grounds are beautiful everything was clean and the bed was very comfortablethe inside is super cozy and well decorated and the bathroom is clean as wellthe separate bathroom was clean and tidyit was beautifully decorated clean functional and had everything we neededtheir airstream was so adorable clean and in the prefect locationHost:
robb is a caring and attentive hostrobb was super helpfulrobb and kristine are wonderful hostsour hosts were very accommodating and helpfulkristine was very hospitable and kind and we really felt at homeRead more reviewsLocation:
easy to find and close to all the wonderful things sb has to offerthis place is a little paradisei’d highly recommend staying here it’s really easy to locate and central for so many placeswe loved being close to hiking trails and the jacuzzi afterwardthe location was perfect everything was less than 10 minutes away
10. Retro van for glamping at the lakes
There are two lakes near Santa Barbara that make for great day trips or campouts. The gorgeous Lake Cachuma is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of the city and offers activities like fishing, boating, sailing and lake cruising. No swimming though, as the lake doubles up as a reservoir for Santa Barbara. The other lake is Lake Casitas, about 25 miles (40.23) east of the city, and there is a small water park which is great for family outings. If you wish to go glamping in these lakes, you can try booking this retro camper van, which can be delivered to your preferred camping areas for a fee. It comes fully stocked with firewood, ice, drinks and snacks, beach towels, a portable speaker, solar charger, a propane grille and all the utensils you will need.
Santa Barbara, California, United States
11. Quiet mountain getaway
Santa Barbara’s main draw is undoubtedly its beaches. Its most popular beach, East Beach, is a pristine stretch of white sand framed by postcard quality palm trees, surrounding hills and nearby harbor. At the western end of the beach is the breathtaking Stearn’s Wharf, a long pier built in 1872 with one of the best views in California at its end. This quiet mountain getaway may be up in the remote areas of the Santa Ynez Mountains, yet it is only a 30-minute drive away from the beaches. The camper van has two beds and a futon and not much else, but it is housed amid a property that has cooking, toilet, and shower access.
Santa Barbara, California, United States
12. A beautiful camper van
Travel along the coast and enjoy the views of the mountains by driving this beautiful 1986 camper van. Everything about this VW camper van is so practical, you are going to want to drive it for a long time. Facilities offered include one bedroom, a stove-top, a fridge and a pull-out shower. If you are a solo adventurer or a traveler with a partner, you are welcome to book this camper van. You may also bring your little furry friends with you.
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it’s clean runs great has awesome appointments and is just fun while being super comfyRead more reviewsHost:
highly recommended host and vanagonfriendly and super cool hoststephan was also an awesome host as he was very quick to respond in our communicationsstephan was a great hoststephan was a great host— he took one of his vans to a really cool campsite
13. Bright trailer in Summerland
In addition to overlooking a great coastline, Santa Barbara’s downtown area is also a shopping and eating paradise. The main thoroughfare road, State Street, offers more than a mile stretch of all kinds of retail stores, from trendy boutiques to popular chain stores. The city’s cultural status also attracts high-powered chefs from all over the world, and the selection and sheer variety of food is astonishing. This bright and clean trailer accommodation is in the Summerland neighborhood just east of downtown and has air-conditioning, wifi, private fire pit and DVDs for your recreational enjoyment. It is just a few blocks away from the coast, where you can enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Summerland, California, United StatesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a great camper that had more room than we expectedthe next morning we had an awesome breakfast at another spotbed was really comfortable: we dubbed it “the cloudit's a bit like camping with tv a good bed and plumbingCleanliness:
the trailer itself was clean and cozythe goat is quaint clean and beautifully decoratedquiet clean and so cozyvery clean and cozy 10/10 would recommend and stay againcrescent’s place is clean cute and centrally-locatesHost:
the host is greatfriendly welcoming host nearbycrescent is an excellent host who was readily available for my questionscrescent is a lovely hostcrescent was such a great host we didn't have any problems checking in or outRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was great near the beach and cute shopsgreat location and great yardgreat stay in a great locationso convenient and close to great sights and day trips close byit's a short walk to the beach and there are interesting stores and restaurants in the neighborhood
14. Comfy camper-van in seaside community
On the last week of July or first week of August every year, Santa Barbara hosts its biggest festival, the Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This is a celebration of the city’s Spanish, Mexican and Native American history, and features plenty of music and dance events, equestrian parades and food booths all over town. This makes a great occasion to visit this city, and you can base yourself in this comfy camper van in the seaside community of Toro Canyon, just east of downtown. It has all the amenities you need: queen-size bed, a refrigerator, a four-burner gas stove, air-conditioning, separate shower, and toilet.
Carpinteria, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
exactly as promised had small touches and amenities that made the stay very comfortablethe cozy rv definitely lived up to its namei love rv’s and this was a gem – warm shower full kitchen etcrelaxed comfortable and equipped in a nice location--not much room to move around but good for an overnight stayCleanliness:
a fun experience in a clean and cozy rvthe camper was clean comfy and cozyit's a very clean and lovely camping carnikki is very kind and all was very cleansuper cozy and cleanHost:
nikki is a really nice hostnice place and nice hostowners are very sweet and accommodatingbed was comfy and host was very welcoming and accommodatingvery friendly host and a very nice camperRead more reviewsLocation:
loved this cute little little camper close to the beachnice cozy place at great locationgreat place to stay near to sb with lot of transportationan amazing camper in a great locationcute little place well located with a lovely accommodating host
15. Cozy trailer in quiet neighborhood
Families will love Santa Barbara’s kid-friendly attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo, which has over 600 animals on its premises, and the city’s Museum of Natural History, an underrated attraction with an awesome life-size skeleton of a blue whale. The beautifully landscaped settings of the Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit. After a day of sightseeing, it would be great to relax amid this cozy and private trailer in a quiet neighborhood in Goleta, near the municipal airport. It has a queen-sized bed and a sofa bed, wifi, and a well-equipped kitchen.
Goleta, California, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
both beds were very comfortable which made for a nice stayvery tidy comfortable trailer with plenty of space and a lot of privacythe beds were honestly more comfortable than those in most hotels i've stayed inbed is comfortable as are the sheets and pillowsthere were fresh towels bedding toiletries and kitchenware (which was a huge plus) upon our arrivalCleanliness:
very clean and quietclean and pleasant rv experienceit's very clean and comfortableit was very clean comfortable and spaciousrv was clean and well suppliedHost:
the hosts were very responsive and helpfuldave was a great hostawesome place dave was a great hostawesome stay and great host i enjoyed the privacy very muchdave was a great host and check in was easyRead more reviewsLocation:
also loved the location and neighborhoodsafe location and convenient to santa barbarathe location was perfect for ussuper comfy bed location is fabulousnice and quiet good location
Effortless cool amid beautiful backdrops
Santa Barbara exudes a kind of effortless cool amid its picturesque setting. Beaches, palm trees, mild climate, and the best surf spots in Santa Barbara; there are plenty of things to do here. Whether you hit the seaside, hike the mountainous backcountry or go camping near Santa Barbara, you can be sure of beautiful backdrops and breathtaking views. So leave all your urban anxieties behind, and enjoy a whale of a good time in Santa Barbara.
Frequently asked questions about glamping in and around Santa Barbara, California
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