Come to Santa Barbara to experience coastal living, to have fun in the sun, and to see dolphins swimming along the Pacific’s stunning coastline. Enjoy “California Dreamin’” while sunbathing under date palms as talented surfers thrash powerful incoming waves. Visitors can admire downtown Santa Barbara’s Spanish-style buildings with red-tile roofs while scoping out its many museums. Besides checking out the aquarium, visitors should consider voyaging to the Channel Islands where they can paddle past playful seals. Check out our list for the top beach house rentals in Santa Barbara, California, to get the most out of your stay in California.
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 February 06, 2024.
1. Lovely penthouse with a large terrace (from USD 362)
Get that romantic getaway with this lovely penthouse located two blocks from the beach. This accommodation includes one bedroom with a queen-size bed, a full bathroom, and a beautiful garden. It has a cozy living area with TV and dining, surrounded by large windows that overlook the city. There is also a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops where you can make home-cooked meals.
From the kitchen, you can access the large terrace with comfy seating areas and a gas grill. The space outdoors offers a romantic vibe for dates, especially the rose-covered pergola where you can enjoy coffee or tea together.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch/bed/pillows were comfortableand even great wifi to stream our favorite shows on the fire stickthe home was clean comfortable and had all the bathroom and kitchen amenities we neededadored the two-headed shower featureCleanliness:
safe clean comfortable quietclean and comfortable with a well-appointed kitchen in a terrific locationclean safe and well locatedHost:
the owners shared lots of helpful informationupon arrival she was very kind and helped take my bags up to the penthouse for storageRead more reviewsLocation:
we enjoyed the location as it was a few blocks walk to the beach restaurants and shoppingeasy walk to the beach and downtownnice location assigned parking very cleanexpensive as santa barbara places are but did enjoy the locationmy husband and i could not have been happier with this unit it is truly in the perfect location
2. Bright vacation rental with a courtyard (from USD 326)
This bright and airy vacation rental is less than 500 steps away from the beach. It houses two bedrooms and can sleep four people comfortably. Ideally built to offer you convenience, it has a fully equipped kitchen, dining, and even a well-lit reading nook. There is also a cozy living area with a comfy sectional sofa and flat-screen TV where you can watch movies together.
In the afternoon, you can hang out in the courtyard and make use of the grill to cook some barbecues for dinner.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable and well appointed cottagewe stayed here with my brother and his wife and it was very comfortablebeds in both bedrooms comfortable and on street and driveway parking was easy to accessCleanliness:
clean and comfortable propertymost of all and really most important to us is cleanlinessvery clean and comfortable and close to the beachthe house itself was immaculate and had really nice special touchesHost:
the owner is a very thoughtful renterlee is a spectacular host and we hope to return to this special home soonlee was responsive and the check-in easyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfect walking distance to the beachgreat location to walk around fromvery close to the beach and walking distance to the pier and several good restaurants and barswe also enjoyed the ability to walk to so many great restaurantsperfect location clean well stocked with all needs both kitchen and bath and super close to beach
3. Charming coastal retreat (from USD 220)
This charming coastal retreat is ideal for lone travelers and couples looking for a place to stay near the beach. Before entering the home, you will come across a front porch with a comfy seating area and outdoor dining.
Inside, a cozy bedroom will welcome you with a queen-size bed and in a separate room, there is a full bathroom with complete toiletries for your convenience. The property is ideally located near coffee shops and restaurants where you can dine or order meals for take-out.
4. Dazzling SoCal sanctuary (from USD 200)
Guests will enjoy the warm California sun while vacationing at this recently remodelled three-bedroom Santa Barbara retreat. The coastal decor of greys, whites, blues, and greens provide a beachy feel which is appropriate being Leadbetter Beach is nearby. After stopping by the market, visitors can dine on meals prepared in their modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Following a hike through Douglas Family Preserve’s cypress forest, rejuvenate yourself in the pool’s cool waters. Then lay back on the silver plush sofa to enjoy family movie night before going to bed.
5. Eclectic, sun-soaked seaside haven (from USD 975)
When walking into this unique seaside haven, guests will have the feeling as if they were walking into a ship with its wood panelling. There is a sofa bed in the living room and a queen-size bed in the main bedroom to host four guests comfortably. Following a peaceful hike in the Santa Ynez mountains, soothe your muscles in the opulent soaker tub. Then prepare a quick meal in the fully equipped kitchen to enjoy sunset dining from your oceanfront balcony. For those visiting in cooler months, there is a fireplace to curl up beside after being out in the breezy coastal weather.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house had everything we needed for a comfortable stayHost:
the property managers were also a pleasure to work with and incredibly responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
inspiring house in best location around santa barbara areavery cool eclectic property in an awesome locationwe had a fabulous time here the location could not be any betteroverall very cool house and great location my wife and i had a great timeyou will never stay closer to the ocean in a more fabulous place
6. Unique Miramar Beach boat house (from USD 538)
Discover the chill southern California vibes while staying at this unique boat house on beautiful Miramar Beach. From the comfort of the living room’s sofa, guests can watch joyful dolphins splash about in the surf. There is a small kitchen that is suitable for storing the bare necessities during your stay. The shared rooftop balcony allows visitors to experience breathtaking views of the California coastline while barbecuing dinner. After dinner, retire to the captain’s quarters to fall asleep to the sound of waves breaking along the seashore.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful location tidy and quaint home with plenty of amenities for a comfortable stayHost:
the communication with sheri was prompt and helpful at all timesRead more reviewsLocation:
super convenient location to freeway and downtown montecitoa small place but awesome location
7. Exquisite Pacific Ocean boat house (from USD 1200)
Feel as if you’re sailing the Pacific Ocean each evening as you slumber to the sound of crashing waves. This one-of-a-kind beachfront home on picturesque Miramar Beach was custom-built to resemble a boat with its wood interior. Take time to delight in sail boats cruising by your living room window each morning as you eat breakfast. From the spacious patio, guests can enjoy refreshing sea breezes while relaxing from the day’s activities. There is a fully stocked kitchen as well as a barbecue where visitors can prepare delicious meals when not out and exploring sunny Santa Barbara.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
charming very clean house with a well equipped kitchen if you like to cookplenty of clean towels sheets blankets etc and beach toys though we didn't use anyRead more reviewsLocation:
location is the best and home had everything we needed to cook relax and enjoy
8. Classic California villa at the beach (from USD 785)
Guests staying at this spacious beach villa with four bedrooms will be steps from Miramar Beach’s golden sand shoreline. Visitors can prepare meals in the galley kitchen before heading out to experience the Channel Islands’ scenic beauty. The villa’s three bathrooms should prevent morning line-ups from delaying daily coastal adventures. Each day, visitors can view talented surfers and dolphins playing in the surf from their beachfront patio. During your stay, you’ll be within driving distance to Santa Barbara’s art galleries, shopping promenade, and historic attractions.
9. Idyllic seaside retreat with garden oasis
This charming one-bedroom vacation rental is a short walk from the beach and also Santa Barbara’s shopping and dining districts. There is also a fully equipped kitchen to prepare meals if guests desire to do so. The lush garden oasis makes an ideal area to relax after a full day spent enjoying California’s sunny weather. After rollerblading under Shoreline Park’s towering palms, relax on your private balcony with a glass of sparkling wine. Then saunter over to the living room to plan the next day’s intriguing excursions on the velvety mocha sofa.
Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
did not expect but was pleasantly surprised by the coffee treats afternoon wine/cheese and breakfastand of course the room was amazing tooas with any airbnb please inquire with your host about specific accomodations you need (iron etc)we would definitely recommend the roomthere wasn't much weather stripping near the door so it often smelled like smoke in our roomCleanliness:
that said the unit itself is clean and comfortableHost:
host is very nice and friendly easy to communicate with:)the office receptionist was very helpful in restaurant suggestions for the night of our stayenjoyed my stay there very much the hotel attached was very helpful for any advice i neededwe could not have felt more welcomed by the staffi'm extremely disappointed i've been so many amazing places with airbnb met so many amazing hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
a good location very near downtowngreat location i would returnexcellent location close to state street and the beachthe location was perfect everything right on the doorstepthe value is the location which is right downtown close to the beach and tasting rooms
10. Contemporary Pacific Coast retreat
Visitors staying in this charming beach home can awaken daily to the Pacific’s waves lapping the seashore. This beach house with coastal decor has two sofa sleepers and a king in the master to host up to five guests. There are paddle boards and kayaks for visitors to use to experience California’s picturesque coastline. After picnicking in Skofield Park’s wildflower-filled meadows, sip on Chardonnay on the veranda as the sun sets. Then watch the fireplace’s crackling flames while unwinding in the cosy armchair in front of the flatscreen TV.
Accommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
has washer dryer dehumidifier laminate floors a/c gas fireplace and many other clean comfortsoutside lots of shade and comfortable seating on the balconythey have every single water toy a bbq and comfortable outdoor chairs for leisurely outdoor relaxationthe apartment was excellent - perfect for a couples getawaywe booked it because of the 2 bathrooms but was amazed by everything elseCleanliness:
this house is cleanso beautiful a perfect clean well designed little beach housei’m immune compromised and super picky about cleanlinessHost:
loved the dogs on the beach the owner megan was so nice to deal withthe owner was very easy to get a hold of and instructions were excellentthe neighbors were kind enough to help me access my rentalwell appointed and well maintained with a very responsive ownerRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a perfect location for our familylocation location location this beach house is amazingso beautifully decorated roomy for the location super comfortable and yet practicalexcellent location and close proximity to the newly remodeled and iconic resort miramarmy husband and i recently had the pleasure of staying in this amazing beachfront location for three nights
11. Luxe oceanfront abode
Visitors wishing to experience the casually cool California lifestyle can do so during their stay at this luxe oceanfront apartment. The cool wood floors and ceiling fans will prove refreshing after walking on the hot sand. The kitchen, with sandy granite countertops, enables guests to prepare meals for when they’re too tired to dine out. Its seaside patio helps guests get into a sunny SoCal frame of mind before conquering waves, mountains, and trails. After paddling out to the Channel Islands, tuck yourself in under the crisp cotton sheets while the ceiling fan turns methodically overhead.
Accommodates: 6
Have fun, fun, fun in the California sun
Be sure to book one of the breezy beach house rentals in Santa Barbara, California, to experience Santa Barbara’s museums, shopping, and historical sights. Following a visit to Stearns Wharf aquarium, treat yourself to rocky road ice cream while brown pelicans fly overhead. After having so much fun in the California sun, visitors will definitely be eager to return to its palm-lined, golden shores.
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