Top 11 Beach House Rentals In Santa Barbara, California - Updated 2024

Celeste
Celeste 
Updated
| 4 min read

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.

Stayed at this property?
89 reviews   Wifi Available
House 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch/bed/pillows were comfortable
and even great wifi to stream our favorite shows on the fire stick
the home was clean comfortable and had all the bathroom and kitchen amenities we needed
adored the two-headed shower feature
Cleanliness:
safe clean comfortable quiet
clean and comfortable with a well-appointed kitchen in a terrific location
clean safe and well located
Host:
the owners shared lots of helpful information
upon arrival she was very kind and helped take my bags up to the penthouse for storage
Location:
we enjoyed the location as it was a few blocks walk to the beach restaurants and shopping
easy walk to the beach and downtown
nice location assigned parking very clean
expensive as santa barbara places are but did enjoy the location
my husband and i could not have been happier with this unit it is truly in the perfect location
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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.

Stayed at this property?
118 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable and well appointed cottage
we stayed here with my brother and his wife and it was very comfortable
beds in both bedrooms comfortable and on street and driveway parking was easy to access
Cleanliness:
clean and comfortable property
most of all and really most important to us is cleanliness
very clean and comfortable and close to the beach
the house itself was immaculate and had really nice special touches
Host:
the owner is a very thoughtful renter
lee is a spectacular host and we hope to return to this special home soon
lee was responsive and the check-in easy
Location:
the location was perfect walking distance to the beach
great location to walk around from
very close to the beach and walking distance to the pier and several good restaurants and bars
we also enjoyed the ability to walk to so many great restaurants
perfect location clean well stocked with all needs both kitchen and bath and super close to beach
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, CA, US
2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
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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.

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4 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy :

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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.

Stayed at this property?
29 reviews   Wifi Available
House 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house had everything we needed for a comfortable stay
Cleanliness:
clean funky and well stocked
very clean well maintained and a true vacation experience
Host:
the property managers were also a pleasure to work with and incredibly responsive
Location:
inspiring house in best location around santa barbara area
very cool eclectic property in an awesome location
we had a fabulous time here the location could not be any better
overall very cool house and great location my wife and i had a great time
you will never stay closer to the ocean in a more fabulous place
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, California, United States
23 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful location tidy and quaint home with plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay
Host:
the communication with sheri was prompt and helpful at all times
Location:
super convenient location to freeway and downtown montecito
a small place but awesome location
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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.

Stayed at this property?
9 reviews  
House 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
charming very clean house with a well equipped kitchen if you like to cook
plenty of clean towels sheets blankets etc and beach toys though we didn't use any
Location:
location is the best and home had everything we needed to cook relax and enjoy
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, CA, US
8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, California, United States
32 reviews  
Entire apartment 2 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
did not expect but was pleasantly surprised by the coffee treats afternoon wine/cheese and breakfast
and of course the room was amazing too
as with any airbnb please inquire with your host about specific accomodations you need (iron etc)
we would definitely recommend the room
there wasn't much weather stripping near the door so it often smelled like smoke in our room
Cleanliness:
that said the unit itself is clean and comfortable
Host:
host is very nice and friendly easy to communicate with:)
the office receptionist was very helpful in restaurant suggestions for the night of our stay
enjoyed my stay there very much the hotel attached was very helpful for any advice i needed
we could not have felt more welcomed by the staff
i'm extremely disappointed i've been so many amazing places with airbnb met so many amazing hosts
Location:
a good location very near downtown
great location i would return
excellent location close to state street and the beach
the location was perfect everything right on the doorstep
the value is the location which is right downtown close to the beach and tasting rooms
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
29 reviews   Wifi Available
House 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

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 comforts
outside lots of shade and comfortable seating on the balcony
they have every single water toy a bbq and comfortable outdoor chairs for leisurely outdoor relaxation
the apartment was excellent - perfect for a couples getaway
we booked it because of the 2 bathrooms but was amazed by everything else
Cleanliness:
this house is clean
so beautiful a perfect clean well designed little beach house
i’m immune compromised and super picky about cleanliness
Host:
loved the dogs on the beach the owner megan was so nice to deal with
the owner was very easy to get a hold of and instructions were excellent
the neighbors were kind enough to help me access my rental
well appointed and well maintained with a very responsive owner
Location:
it was a perfect location for our family
location location location this beach house is amazing
so beautifully decorated roomy for the location super comfortable and yet practical
excellent location and close proximity to the newly remodeled and iconic resort miramar
my husband and i recently had the pleasure of staying in this amazing beachfront location for three nights
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?
5 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 3 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

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.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

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