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.
1. Custom-built tiny home near the beach, Carpinteria (from USD 203)
This custom home is a great example of why you don’t need a lot of space to live comfortably. 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.
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
Amenities & 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 roomHost:
dane was a wonderful host easy to get in touch with and a wonderful communicatorRead more reviewsLocation:
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 amenities
Superhost
2. Cozy guest house with a private patio, Oxnard (from USD 106)
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.
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
Amenities & Room:
easy check in 1 designated parking spot and good wifiit was simply perfect very nice room perfectly cleand and decoratedCleanliness:
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 cuteHost:
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 easyRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stay was close to shopping centersgood location and owner responded fastcute little place perfect for a weekend stay
3. 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.
4. Colorful hideout with a barbecue grill and picnic table, Thousand Oaks (from USD 125)
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.
From Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara is 56.2 miles (90.4 kilometers) away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & 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 timeCleanliness:
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 essentialsHost:
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 respondRead more reviewsLocation:
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 communication
5. Private garden retreat for two (from USD 179)
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.
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
Amenities & 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 showerCleanliness:
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 relaxingHost:
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 responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
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 location
6. Retro Beach Casita, Carpinteria (from USD 180)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & 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 bedCleanliness:
everything is so clean and very niceHost:
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 tripRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location comfortable and quiet setting excellent communication
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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