Photos of Santa Barbara will make you think that in this coastal city, the sun is warmer, the waters bluer, and the locals happier. You wouldn’t be wrong. Home to beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, and historic structures, there’s plenty to love about the American Riviera. If it’s your first time here, be sure to add Old Mission Santa Barbara, Leadbetter Beach, and Santa Barbara Museum of Art to your itinerary. For those looking for Instagram-worthy backdrops, check out the colorful Santa Barbara Chromatic Gate and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. You’ll need a comfortable place to come home to once you’re done touring the city. Keep reading to find the top tiny houses for rent near Santa Barbara, California.
Need to know:
- SunSwept Sailing offers private charters aboard a yacht so you can sail along the stunning coastline and snap pics of the breathtaking views.
- Cal Coast Adventures boasts a range of tours and experiences in Santa Barbara. From bike tours to surf lessons - check out their offerings and make the city your oyster!
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 October 30, 2024.
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1. Custom-built tiny home near the beach (from USD 238)
This custom-built 320-square-foot (30-square-meter) haven offers more than just a cozy experience. The house, impressively constructed on a 30-foot (9-meter) x 8-foot (2-meter) trailer, boasts an expansive 400-square-foot (37-square-meter) deck. Notably, this house welcomes furry friends, providing a fully fenced yard for them to roam freely.
With two loft bedrooms, it can accommodate up to four guests. Meals are easy to prepare in the full kitchen, and you can open the windows in front of the stove to enjoy the view while you’re cooking. After brunch, relax out on the deck with a cold drink and a good book. Barbecue aficionados can rejoice, as the location offers not just a top-notch grill but also the required utensils.
Downtown Carpinteria is just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away, while Santa Barbara is 11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers) away. As it’s close to the beach, the hosts can provide boogie boards and beach towels.
Top guest reviews
Host:
dane was a wonderful host easy to get in touch with and a wonderful communicatorLocation:
it’s close to everything yet far enough to be peaceful and relaxingwe loved being so close to the outdoors while also enjoying modern conveniencesthe location is pretty awesome you're surrounded by avocado farmsit’s the perfect spot to be outside both private but close to the sweet beach towngreat location and a very unique stay loved all of the tiny home amenitiesRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the internet/wifi was plenty strong for us to work remotelythe mattresses were very comfortableawesome place great view peaceful and private well supplied kitchen comfy mattressloved the windows that open up in the kitchen areaweather is perfect for using the deck as a living room
2. Cozy guest house with a private patio (from USD 141)
This clean, no-frills accommodation in Oxnard is a great option if you’re planning to shop. Camarillo Premium Outlets and The Collection at RiverPark are nearby. Though it is a guest house, you’ll have your own entrance. Inside is a cozy bed, a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, a table for two, and a private bathroom. High-speed WiFi bridges you to the digital world, while a dedicated workspace in the common area enhances productivity. For post-work leisure, you can find entertainment by watching a Netflix series.
Guests can enjoy their morning cup of joe on the outdoor patio surrounded by lush green plants. Free driveway parking is available on site. When you’re ready to explore Santa Barbara, it’s just a 40-minute drive from Oxnard.
Top guest reviews
Host:
i felt the host was very accommodating as welli would love stay again jesica is a great hostgreat stay the host was super helpful everything was exactly what we needed for our stayjesica was a great host with excellect communication and made my stay easyLocation:
great place to stay was close to shopping centersgood location and owner responded fastcute little place perfect for a weekend stayCleanliness:
it’s small but very clean and privatevery clean and everything was brand newit was clean and very private which are the most important things for mesmall spaces but easy check in and clean new spacevery private clean and cuteRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
easy check in 1 designated parking spot and good wifiit was simply perfect very nice room perfectly cleand and decorated
3. Colorful hideout with a barbecue grill and picnic table (from USD 200)
This cheerful home in Thousand Oaks will set the mood for your vacation in the Golden State. The property is not only colorful inside and out, but it’s fully equipped, too! Expect fast Wifi, a 55-inch TV, and a kitchen to make your stay more convenient. The host even provides complimentary breakfast oats, as well as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. There’s a barbecue grill and a picnic table outside, so you can enjoy al fresco dining and afternoon cookouts.
Then, you can rest comfortably thanks to the air conditioning and portable heater. Furthermore, immerse yourself in the array of books and reading material available.
From Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara is 56.2 miles (90.4 kilometers) away.
Top guest reviews
Host:
host was very responsive and helpfulhe was a great host; quick to respond and accommodating to requestsjohn is a helpful hostgreat airbnb host easy check inhost was very easy to communicate with and quick to respondLocation:
great location and wonderful accommodationslove the area close to stores and restaurantsthe location was great 10 minutes from downtown and 30 minutes to the beachthe location was ideal for good spots to eat and spend timeconvenient location and good communicationCleanliness:
everything was clean and orderlythe unit was clean and comfortableit was extremely clean and comfortablegreat stay and very cleanjohns cabin was very clean had all the essentialsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the a/c unit worked perfecttv was great had all the apps that were easy to log into and use along with wifithe room itself is filled with amenities and john is available onsite to help you with any issuesthere is a barbecue and picnic table and the patio is decorated really well tooit’s quaint and comfortable and we had a great time
4. Private garden retreat for two (from USD 161)
There’s no Wifi in this cozy garden abode, making it the perfect retreat for those who just want to enjoy some peace and quiet for a few days. The home is simply furnished with a queen-size bed that comfortably sleeps two and a kitchenette. While there’s a bathroom indoors, you can also make use of the outdoor shower area and clawfoot tub.
In the kitchen, you’ll find a countertop electric oven for preparing delicious meals using locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, the private patio, surrounded by lush greenery, provides a serene spot for morning coffee or stargazing at night.
Do note that since the home is tucked in nature, you may spot some wildlife during your stay. Downtown Santa Barbara is 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) away.
Top guest reviews
Host:
david is a responsive hostdavid is a great host and very accommodatingdavid was very easy going and kinddavid was a great host and responsive to our message very quicklydavid was thoughtful and responsiveLocation:
great location and close to everythingwhat an amazing location and unique place to stayclose to town and a beautiful night skyi can’t say enough about the obvious and the location super awesomelocated just mins from many amenities of the area you wouldn’t know it from the serene locationCleanliness:
incredibly clean and as advertisedvery clean both inside and outthe space was clean comfortable quiet and completely privatehighly recommend david’s home nestled in the santa barbara hills it is incredibly cozy clean and relaxingRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
there is no wifi but maybe that’s not such a bad thingit can get a little hot in warmer moths but we appreciated the fanwe thoroughly enjoyed the lovely quiet patio and the outdoor bath tub and shower
5. Retro Beach Casita (from USD 179)
Retro Beach Casita is a clean and cozy rental with tons of personality. The wall art and blue touches will remind you that you’re only a few minutes away from Rincon Beach. Inside the home is a queen-size bed with a backlight, a fully equipped kitchen, and some kid-friendly amenities. A crib is available upon request, and books and toys are also provided. Located in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara is just a 15-minute drive away.
While here, engage in al fresco culinary adventures utilizing the gas barbecue grill. After your meals and errands, stay connected through the WiFi or work through your backlogs at the dedicated workspace. For fitness enthusiasts, you’ll have access to the workout pavilion with its open exercise deck right across the house.
Top guest reviews
Host:
excellent host hospitality and friendly communicationsuch great host too we will definitely be coming backthis is as good as it gets thank you for hosting us we had a great tripLocation:
perfect location comfortable and quiet setting excellent communicationCleanliness:
everything is so clean and very niceRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the kitchen was great and had everything we needed for our short stayinside the house had a nice tv sitting area and a cozy bed
6. Orange Tree Casita (from USD 193)
This compact dwelling offers guests a stylish opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. It is a custom-built tiny abode experience with a spacious loft. The high-speed WiFi, boasting speeds up to 92 Mbps, ensures seamless connectivity for remote work or streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the well-appointed kitchen includes a freezer for storing your favorite treats, and the outdoor dining area is ideal for enjoying meals in the fresh air.
Top guest reviews
Host:
and really nice hoststhe hosts were friendly and responsivethe home is beautiful and the host are so graceful and hospitablethe hosts are super proactive and responsivethe hosts were gracious communicators; it’s clear they care deeply about their home and the experience they offerLocation:
overall a great time such a cute place and very privatesuch a wonderful quaint place to stay if you plan on visiting ojai or the ventura areathe place was amazing location was amazing the people were amazingRead more reviewsCleanliness:
very clean and functionaleverything was clean and quietclean up fee reduces the hasslesuch a great little place everything was clean organized and very comfortablewonderful brief stay in this cozy clean tiny house
7. Charming small home below an oak tree
Nestled beneath a sturdy oak tree, this tiny home brings together comfort and fun. You will find yourself nestled in comforting sleeping lofts fitted with two full-sized beds promising restful nights.
Entertainment abounds with an HDTV that offers Roku access and a ping-pong table. The kitchen also stands ready with an induction stove and a single oven, paving the way for delightful meals enjoyed at the outdoor dining area or around the inviting fire pit. In addition, the luxurious touch of a hot tub is waiting to soak your troubles away.
Ventura County, California, United States
57.79 km (36.0 mi) from Rincon Beach County ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
frank was a very kind hostfrank was great friendly and responsive and made us feel at homefrank was a very communicative and friendly hostfrank was very friendly and went above and beyond to make sure our stay was everything we neededcool accommodations -- and frank is a helpful friendly and responsive hostLocation:
it’s also to close to many attractions nearbytranquil location and well equipped unit perfect for exploring the areacrouch the upper floor and you’ll find the place perfect for a short stayRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the bed was super comfy and we had a great stay
8. La Casa Poquito (from USD 268)
Experience the romantic allure of vineyard views at La Casa Poquito. The sleeping arrangements are versatile, with a queen-size sofa bed and a space-saving queen-size Murphy bed. You can also enjoy maximum entertainment through Amazon Prime Video on the HDTV. Or, cozy up by the indoor fireplace, a focal point that adds a warm touch to the interiors.
Additionally, step out to a world of outdoor pleasure featuring a dining area and a fire pit, inviting glorious evenings under the stars.
Top guest reviews
Host:
host's and host puppy were very nice and friendlyRead more reviewsCleanliness:
definitely in a great location and very clean and comfortableeverything was very clean and the furniture was comfy
9. Rustic cabin ideal for adventurers
Though sparsely furnished, this accommodation is well-suited for avid hikers and adventurers. It’s located inside Los Padres National Forest, so if you’re planning to explore the third largest national forest in the state, you can forget about roughing it in a tent. Here, you’ll be able to sleep on a bunk bed, heat up instant meals using the microwave, and use the shower to clean up after a muddy trek.
Santa Barbara is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from this property.
48.12 km (29.9 mi) from Rincon Beach County ParkAccommodates: 4
Stay close to Santa Barbara
If you’re looking to stay close to the delightful city of Santa Barbara, any of these charming tiny houses will make a great home base. Plan your visit and explore the American Riviera soon.
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