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Santa Barbara vacation rentals

Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Barbara

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

SUPERHOST
Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Cottage
The Cottage is a quiet oasis away from home where you can experience all of the magic Santa Barbara has to offer. This space has a keypad entry, full kitchen, dining area, bedroom, a private bath and is around the corner from the main house. We are located far enough above the excitement of State Street to have quiet, yet close enough to be immersed in the energy of it all in just ten minutes (2 miles). Enjoy a 15 minute walk to the Santa Barbara Mission with stunning ocean views along the way.
Individual Host
SUPERHOST
Rental unit in Santa Barbara
Cozy boho nook with Mountain View
This a sweet 1 bedroom apartment in a renovated historic Victorian building . It includes one big bright kitchen to cook a romantic breakfast or dinner, bathroom with shower and separate bedroom. Please note there is no living room. We are located a short 10-15 minute walk from the best restaurants and shops of downtown Santa Barbara . This building has 4 units in total ( two upstairs and two downstairs) We have put a lot of care into making this dreamy inspiring space for your visit.
Individual Host
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Private room in Goleta
Private entrance bedroom with private bath & patio
Newly remodeled large bedroom (with cal king bed), bathroom, and patio with private entrance and self check-in. While sitting outside, enjoy the view of the nature preserve and listen for tree frogs and, if you're lucky, coyotes, too. There is a 1.5 mile walking path across the street offering bird watching, Los Carneros Lake, and the historic Stow House. Take a different path (.4 mi each way) toward local @CaptainFattys microbrewery (check IG for wood fired pizza and events).

Stay near Santa Barbara's top sights

Stearns Wharf48 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Zoo169 locals recommend
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach224 locals recommend
Butterfly Beach145 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Bowl122 locals recommend
Paseo Nuevo112 locals recommend

Santa Barbara beach vacation rentals

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Rental unit in Waterfront
Beach Bungalow One Block Away from West Beach
Individual Host
Guesthouse in Santa Barbara
Dreamy small cottage in tropical garden setting
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Rental unit in Waterfront
Seaside Escape II. Walk to beach, State St., more!
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Guest suite in Santa Barbara Downtown
Luxury Downtown Cottage

Santa Barbara houses

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Home in Santa Barbara Downtown
Beautiful Downtown Studio
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Home in Santa Barbara
Cozy House near Down Town
Individual Host
SUPERHOST
Home in Santa Barbara
Private studio in garden setting
Professional Host
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Home in Waterfront
Luxurious Studio With Private Entrance
Professional Host

Santa Barbara beach houses

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Home in Montecito
Casa Blanca Suite A - New, Private, Cozy!
Professional Host
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Home in Santa Barbara
Shoreline Retreat - newly renovated, walk to beach
SUPERHOST
Home in West Mesa
Two Story Home Near Beach
Individual Host
Home in Santa Barbara
Modern 2BD Brand New Remodel Santa Barbara Duplex

Your guide to Santa Barbara

All About Santa Barbara

Palm-studded Santa Barbara sits on a pristine stretch of California coastline, bringing together the area's Spanish influence, laid-back beach vibe, and upscale sensibility. The city is home to breathtaking nature, inspiring arts and culture, and an incredible variety of food and wine. Known for broad sandy beaches, you can sunbathe or enjoy a breathtaking sunset at East Beach — a favorite located east of State Street, Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare for boutique shopping and world-class dining. Head over to Leadbetter Beach for surfing, boogie boarding, and paddle boarding.

Outside town, you’ll find an abundance of vineyards and wineries set in the valleys of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and just off the shore is Channel Islands National Park, where you can kayak through caves, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and hike among wildlife. Sitting at the doorstep of Los Padres National Forest, the nearby Romero Canyon Trailhead offers great opportunities for further hiking or mountain biking. Back in town, history buffs can explore the city’s Spanish heritage at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History or the Santa Barbara Historical Museum before refueling at one of the city’s many dining options, from harbor-side classics, stylish hot spots, and cozy State Street cafes.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Santa Barbara

Those looking for a classic beach vacation will want to come during the summer months, as July and August are when the sun and water are their warmest for swimming and sunbathing. The shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November — are also great times to visit. The weather is still warm, and Santa Barbara vacation home rentals are easier to find. Winters are chilly and wet — December through February sees the most rainfall — but you will be able to enjoy the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in January, along with the buzz of Restaurant Week. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to pack layers as morning and late evening temperatures tend to be cooler.


Top things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Scenic Drive

Hop in your car and explore the riotous colors and classic California scenery of Santa Barbara on this self-guided tour. The Santa Barbara Scenic Drive covers 25 miles of immaculate shoreline beneath the towering Santa Ynez Mountains and through palm-lined roads. The drive itself only takes about one hour, but give yourself half a day to explore the city from Santa Barbara Harbor and marvel at the spectacular mansions in Montecito.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Step back in time for a glimpse into Santa Barbara’s origins when you visit this California mission. The mission now hosts a museum featuring artifacts of the time and early photographs of the area. Explore the mission grounds, spanning 13 acres, on a leisurely self-guided tour. Don’t miss La Huerta, a garden showcasing flora dating back to the mission's early years.

The Funk Zone

It’s all about the art in the Funk Zone. Once a manufacturing hub and industrial area where artists, surfboard makers, and urban winemakers set up shop, the Funk Zone is now home to hip restaurants, boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, and galleries. Walk the 13-block neighborhood and check out the colorful murals adorning the walls. Grab an Urban Wine Trail map and make your way through the area’s wineries before finishing the day with tacos and burritos on one of the neighborhood’s many patios.