12 Best Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals In Santa Barbara, California - Updated 2024

Deanna
Deanna 
Updated
| 5 min read

The City of Santa Barbara is touted as the American Riviera, a beach lover’s paradise on the longest stretch of coastline on the West Coast. A Mediterranean climate awaits travelers to Santa Barbara, which is situated in a prized spot between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. The city’s pristine shores and heritage buildings bring you back to bygone years. The beaches let you escape into mesmerizing sunsets and simple nautical joys. But, if you’re also seeking unfettered luxury, Santa Barbara’s upscale shopping and dining destinations will gladly oblige. When looking for a new adventure or fun things to do, choose to go to the American Riviera. Planning to visit with your pet? There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels with creature comforts. If you are looking for a homier experience, continue reading for the best pet-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Barbara, California.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and pet-friendly rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.

1. Charming family home close to the beach (from USD 550)

This is an excellent vacation home rental in Santa Barbara with well-designed indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests can bring up to three dogs of any size for a nightly pet fee of 15 USD per dog. However, not all beaches in Santa Barbara allow dogs; so if you need to leave your furry friend behind, the host can recommend trusted pet sitters.

After a day at the beach, guests are sure to enjoy a barbecue and a glass of wine on the patio while their pet plays in the fenced-in backyard. Open the living room doors for an extended indoor-outdoor sitting area for the entire family.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, California, United States
4.23 km (2.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean comfortable beds and nice living space with large backyard
Host:
and the owner was proactive with emails and very kind
wonderful hosts and place to gather for our family
great communication with the owner also
great communication with the owner
Location:
great location with a short walk to the beach and the santa barbara waterfront
Read more reviews
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2. Luxurious Mediterranean style villa (from USD 795)

This grand villa is the perfect space to kick back and relax. And if you cannot bear to be parted from your pet, seek approval from the owner before booking. Pets in this pet-friendly Vrbo in Santa Barbara are charged a non-refundable 250 USD fee. In the evenings, everyone, including the pets, will love sitting out back in the rose garden or upstairs on the rooftop deck with chilled drinks to keep you cool.

All the bedrooms at this Mediterranean-inspired villa overlook the courtyard, lawn, and fragrant rose garden. The bedrooms are on the second floor, while the common living space and kitchen are on the third. But don’t worry, there is an elevator to easily access all floors, except the terrace.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, California, United States
2.84 km (1.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
condo 7 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

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3. Stylish beach house in West Mesa (from USD 349)

It takes only three minutes to drive to the ocean from this well-appointed casa in West Mesa. The stylish and vibrant interior will remind you of sunny skies and the summer breeze. The house has a fireplace, kitchen bar, and upscale cooking appliances. Let your pet run freely in the backyard with a blooming magnolia tree. This rental brings you half a block to a bluff where the sea and sky dominate the horizon. Take note there are stairs to manage from the bluff point down to the seashore. Your family will have plenty of reasons to extend your stay in this lovely home away from home in Santa Barbara.

Stayed at this property?

6.05 km (3.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
31 reviews   Wifi Available
House 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 14
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is a hot tub outdoor shower deck grill outdoor table/chairs and wonderful sun or shade for relaxing
we loved it but thought there were more beds from the photos and description
the outdoor patio hot tub and shower were our favorite part
comfortable beds well designed living spaces
the little house is tidy well-appointed and comfortable for two people
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortable
it was simply fantastic – the location how clean everything was
Location:
located on a great street near a park and walking distance to the beach
the location is perfect to walk to the beach stores restaurants
lovely beach house close to everything
we loved being able to walk down the steps a couple blocks away and go to the beach
me and my husband loved this place it's so cute inside and out
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4. Delightful cottage with hot tub in Eastside (from USD 143)

You will find this well-kept abode only 1.3 miles (2.09 kilometers) to the city center. Guests will appreciate the furnishing, appliances, and cookware, as well as the crisp linen and fluffy towels. There is a balcony with enough space for three guests to take meals. The hot tub is fully functional. The view of the ocean and hills from the second level are inspiring. This rental’s privacy and tranquility would serve those who plan to get away for the weekend with their favorite pet. It has all the amenities you will need for a long-term engagement in Santa Barbara, so feel free to extend your stay.

Stayed at this property?

1.96 km (1.3 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
6 reviews  
cottage 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed and sitting areas were all very comfortable and the apartment is full of natural light
Location:
the location was ideal
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5. Sublime home amid oaks in Mission Canyon (from USD 1250)

This beautifully decorated and spacious house will redefine your vacation in Santa Barbara. The property features a sweeping yard with stone pavers, a fountain, a new swimming pool, and pleasant outdoor spaces for entertaining. The house itself is furnished with top-of-the-line appliances and sublime furnishing. This Spanish-style rental is well-stocked, well-appointed, and pet-friendly. The mature oaks, plants, and shrubs provide an invigorating perimeter. Choose a grand home amid a rural environment only two miles to the beating heart of Santa Barbara where your pet can roam freely in the gated grounds.

Stayed at this property?

5.15 km (3.2 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
20 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The openness of the kitchen/living room/ dining room was perfect for us to cook dinner together and chat
The home is cozy with nice high end
This is a wonderful property plenty of room both inside and out
several patios with furniture for lounging and a hot tub under the trees
We enjoyed playing ping pong in the back yard and sipping our coffee in the morning by the pond
Host:
Property manager is superb and responds quickly to questions Close to wonderful hiking
etc due to unusual flight arrival departure times
Beautiful trees and plantings Great kitchen and indoor seating areas as well as an outdoor kitchen and dining area
They even had badminton set up
I only wish we had been able to spend more days here With the jacuzzi fire pit multiple outdoor seating areas & stunning interior all available to us-
Location:
It is conveniently located in a beautiful wooded area on the hill above beautiful Santa Barbara
likes to sneak in alone time
We've rented houses many times
Every night we used the jacuzzi to relax after a long day of adventures around Santa Barbara
ThanksPS: I never write reviews but this house was an exception
Read more reviews
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6. Refurbished century-old cottage with yard (from USD 185)

A healthy garden greets guests arriving at this bungalow within walking distance to State Street. Indeed, you are fortunate to book a quiet space tucked in an enclosed yard with a giant oak tree. The property was built in 1917 and recently restored to accommodate four guests. Let your beloved pet roam freely on the grounds as you enjoy the charming interiors, wooden deck, and outdoor spa. Walking around, you’ll be charmed to find similar cottages in the area. After a full day, unwind in front of a gas fireplace, and retire to the well-appointed bedrooms of this affordable vacation bungalow.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, CA, US
3 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
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7. Affordable family digs in East Beach (from USD 323)

Only one city block separates guests of this pet-friendly cottage from the harbor and beaches. As many as five guests can sleep soundly in the cozy bedrooms. Expect reliable and modern amenities for cooking, doing laundry, and bathing. You will enjoy the charming decor. Most of all, you will appreciate the ocean view from this Santa Barbara getaway. There is a hedge in the backyard which lets guests lounge on the outdoor seats in utmost privacy. The gracious host has left for you essential beach equipment such as chairs, towels, stroller joggers, and toys for the kids.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, California, United States
595 meters (0.4 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
cottage 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we moved the home school to the beach for a week the wifi supported our zoom classes well
beds very comfortable with plenty of space in each bedroom
the beds were super comfortable and the backyard was a nice respite from our outings
a great little 2 bedroom cozy beach cottage
the beds were very comfortable
Cleanliness:
this property was very clean and cozy
even with the pandemic everything was clean and sanitary we were always comfortable
Host:
would love to stay here again and plan to next year great host communication too
Location:
the location was absolutely perfect
the location is ideal you can walk to basically anything you need
this house is in an amazing location
everything worked great and the location is awesome
the location is wonderful walking distance to the beach and even a small store around the corner
Read more reviews
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8. Upscale uptown cottage with lush garden (from USD 244)

This modern cottage lets you enjoy both interior comforts and the serenity of the outdoors. Venture to the vegetable and herb garden to find fresh ingredients for dinner. Make good use of the gourmet kitchen facilities. The patio is a cool place to eat, relax, and play with your pet. The back garden is spacious and features a shaded seating area. You won’t have to eat in the same part of the house twice! When you book this well-appointed property, you can choose to sit back and enjoy the luxury touches. Being so near uptown Santa Barbara brings guests close to top restaurants offering varied cuisine.

Stayed at this property?

5.75 km (3.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
17 reviews   Wifi Available
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 28
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the king sized bed was very comfortable
Cleanliness:
clean property manager helpful and availabile
Location:
great location within walking distance to everything
we loved the house and the location
super cute home less than a block from uptown's de la vina street
Read more reviews
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9. Fetching duplex in West Beach (from USD 350)

Most people travel to Santa Barbara, California to immerse their feet in the sand. If your weekend itinerary is all about sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, and swimming, then choose this Vrbo located one block away from the ocean. It’s a 1930’s duplex that accommodates six guests and the family pet. The house is equipped with the conveniences of a modern American home. The master bedroom’s Moroccan theme adds spice to the essential comforts of the house. It takes only seven minutes to walk from West Beach to Santa Barbara pier. You can ride a bicycle and reach the heart of the city in a heartbeat.

Stayed at this property?

2.66 km (1.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
89 reviews   Wifi Available
Apartment 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
house is very comfortable with all the amenities one needs in the kitchen bathroom and bedrooms
bedroom mattress comfortable in the king room
yeah comfy beds linens
we appreciated the "extras" that were in the apartment (waters magazines list of places to eat etc)
our english friends loved the authentic santa barbara feel of the apartment
Cleanliness:
it was clean and well stocked with necessities
the apartment was clean and lived up to expectations
the place was very clean comfortable and attractively decorated
the property was very clean
everything was clean and ready for our stay
Host:
kind owner accepted our dogs
the owner was very responsive to my emails
we thank the owner who was available and helpful
ian was very responsive to any concerns and questions
ian was so accommodating and helpful
Location:
the location is ideal
plus the location was perfect
close to everything and nice neighborhood
the location is outstanding only 2 blocks to beach restaurants and shopping
we could easily walk to the beach or downtown sb
Read more reviews
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10. Furnished cottage with backyard near downtown (from USD 300)

From the outside, this humble-looking cottage looks adequate. As soon as you enter the house, you will find that it is more than satisfactory. Luxury touches include deluxe linen and ritzy furniture. The house has a private patio and a backyard with a gas grill and outdoor dining set. The property’s ample backyard is a place where your beloved pet will feel at home immediately. Park your vehicle right on the driveway of this wonderful vacation home. You will feel pampered and secure during your stay in this refurbished 1910 home near downtown Santa Barbara.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Barbara, CA, US
4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
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11. Secluded urban hideaway with herb garden (from USD 431)

This lovely cottage is only two blocks from State Street, Santa Barbara’s main shopping row. This registered Vrbo property is a clean, safe, and secure haven for travelers. This craftsman bungalow was built in 1905 and still features original wooden floors and cladding. The enclosed yard has a healthy growth of rosemary, mint, and sage. Guests are invited to pick herbs and use them for cooking. Supervised pets are allowed in the house, stoop, and yard. If you are a family with very young children, ask the Vrbo host if the house is a good fit. The host will gladly advise you on the quickest route to the ocean as well.

Stayed at this property?

2.97 km (1.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
60 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms were very comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked for cooking meals in
Cleanliness:
it was very clean bigger than expected easy check in
Host:
david was super easy to work with and very accommodating
Location:
the location is ideal; just a quick walk to town
this is a wonderful cute house in a perfect location
the distance to state street is amazing
perfect place with a great location
we really enjoyed staying at the property with the great location and walking distance to restaurants and the beach
Read more reviews
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12. Glorious villa with stunning views (from USD 995)

This pet-friendly three-bedroom home is the rental to book if your trip to Santa Barbara is all about splurging and pampering. A hot tub with mountain views, a classy fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen make this villa a standout vacation rental in Santa Barbara. If you’re traveling with kids, they will gladly claim the part of the yard with a trampoline, tetherball, and swing set. The gardens and well-tended, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating options, all with mesmerizing views. Inside this desirable Spanish villa is a vaulted living room with a fireplace, gourmet kitchen, and tastefully furnished bedrooms.

Stayed at this property?

2.72 km (1.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
73 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 7
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely place and wonderful hosts
jill was very responsive to some questions we had while staying there
kudos to jill for being such an awesome host
Location:
the neighborhood is so beautiful and close to everything
wonderfully centralized location to sb and montecito
a great place must experience
Read more reviews
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Live the fine art of life in Santa Barbara

A weekend break in Santa Barbara could quickly turn into a week-long stay (or longer). Southern California’s delightful resort destination is home to a proactive Vrbo community dedicated to providing guests with outstanding accommodations that suit their needs and tastes. All the better if you are traveling with your pooch! Book a dog-friendly vacation rental and have a great holiday with your fur baby.

Frequently asked questions about pet-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Barbara


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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Deanna Kathrina, a pediatric physical therapist specializing in neurodevelopmental disability, serves as a teacher and advocate. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys the company of music and aspires...Read more

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