Sunsets, sandy beaches, and sunshine collide in glamorous Santa Barbara. With the Santa Ynez Mountains looming in the background and pretty Spanish downtown streets to explore, this central California resort suits outdoor enthusiasts as well as city slickers and foodies. All you need is a place to get your beauty sleep. Here’s our selection of the coolest Airbnb Santa Barbara homes and beach house rentals.
Photo: Airbnb
18 Stylish Santa Barbara Airbnbs Right Near the Beach
- Airbnbs near Santa Barbara Beaches
- Pet-friendly Santa Barbara Airbnbs
- Best Downtown Airbnb Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Airbnbs for larger groups
We hope you love the Airbnb Santa Barbara rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Airbnbs near Santa Barbara Beaches
It’s tough to say you’ve been to Santa Barbara if you haven’t visited at least one of the city’s beautiful beaches. These Airbnbs put you right up the road, with the added bonus of easy access to downtown and the hill country outside of the city for outdoor adventures.
Seaside escape right on Miramar Beach
This classic Montecito retreat dates back to the early 1900s -– but travelers would never guess its seasoned age due to its contemporary amenities and vibrant, beachy design. It’s practically the epitome of the California dream, with white-painted exposed beams and a white brick fireplace. The house sits directly on the famous Miramar Beach, just steps from attractions like the luxurious Rosewood Resort and boating scenic sights of the Pacific Ocean.
With two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, two decks, an outdoor shower and barbecue area, a comfortable living room, and a full kitchen — this house has everything needed for an idyllic Central Coast escape. It’s also just a quick drive from attractions like Upper Village and Coast Village Road for the best Montecito shopping and dining and close to downtown Santa Barbara.
Four guests, two bedrooms
$1,692 per night
Modern beach house with spa
This funky beach house Airbnb in Santa Barbara is constructed from redwood and enveloped in lush green plants and romantic fairy lights. The kitchen has recently undergone a facelift and comes with whizzy appliances that will inspire you to unleash your culinary creativity. Each of the three bedrooms has a private bathroom with fetching Spanish tiles. Leap into the jetted hot tub after a day touring the region and let the tropical vibes wash over you
Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $790 per night
Oceanfront beach house perched on the edge of the sea
Use the full kitchen with its built-in laminated wood dining table and all the equipment needed to cook a tasty meal. The primary bedroom features a queen-sized bed, and there’s a room with a double bunk bed and a queen bed, as well as a full bathroom on the second floor. Guests can even use the property’s beach towels and chairs to enjoy the seaside setting.
Four guests, two bedrooms
$614 per night
Quaint, two-unit tiny house cottage on a coastal farm
Four guests, three bedrooms
$186 per night
Secluded, modern, and intimate ocean-view tiny house
Inside is a quaint, comfortable living space with full-sized appliances, including a fridge, washer, and dryer. The light wooden walls and high ceilings make the property feel bigger, and the large window lets in plenty of natural light.
There is a small bathroom with a shower and toilet, a compact living space with a couch and TV, and two sleeping lofts. The main sleeping loft has stairs, and the smaller loft has a ladder for access. There’s plenty of space for a small group, a small family, or one or two people. Visitors can borrow the house’s beach toys for an off-site adventure — including boogie boards, soft top surfboards, umbrellas, and beach towels.
Four guests, two bedrooms
$244 per night
Bohemian, eclectic retreat surrounded by nature
The spiritual space invites guests to spend time outdoors with its playful outside kitchen lounge area, redwood outdoor shower bath house space, pool, hot tub, hammock and unique on-site amenities like fresh eggs from the owners’ chickens.
Inside, guests can spend time gazing out the large windows — which let in plenty of natural light — and outside, they can enjoy hanging in the hammock or lounging on the deck.
Two guests, one bedroom
$270 per night
Secluded Airstream dream nestled into Santa Barbara region foothills
This classic, 24-foot campervan is perfect for travelers who love the countryside and a sense of tranquility. It’s tucked away amongst the trees in the Carpinteria Foothills just outside Santa Barbara, feeling like a world away from civilization. The snug but surprisingly luxurious, fully-equipped Airstream trailer comfortably and safely sleeps two adults and one child.
Boasting the coziness of “ranch life at its finest,” the outpost is just minutes from the ocean, beaches, and mountains, with beautiful, inspiring scenery views. Inside, there’s a small mini fridge, a three-burner stovetop and a small oven. There’s also a TV with limited channels and access to Netflix; even AC and heating are available if needed. Guests can relax in the sunshine outside the Airstream in the deck chairs or at the picnic table next to the propane fire pit.
Two guests, one bedroom
$190 per night
Traveling to California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides:
- These beautiful San Diego Airbnbs put you close to the beach and downtown
- The best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park
- 11 magical Airbnbs near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks
- 9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast
- 10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat
- 12 very zen Joshua Tree Airbnbs perfect for families and groups
Pet-friendly Santa Barbara Airbnbs
Santa Barbara is a pet-friendly destination, with plenty of hiking and other activities for the pup. These pet-friendly Airbnbs in Santa Barbara accommodate your best friend, without sacrificing any of the comfort or amenities of the other properties on this list.
Quaint pet-friendly cottage with a beautiful yard
There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a sitting area with a TV equipped with streaming apps, a private bathroom, and a laundry machine on site. However, the best part of this quaint home might be outside — on the charming, fully-enclosed porch and patio space — decorated with twinkling string lights and a large seating area.
Two guests, one bedroom
$148 per night
Stunning yurt on 11 acres
Grab your loved one and retreat into the Californian wilderness at this sensual yurt buried among oak, pepper, sycamore, and walnut trees. A skylight opens the space to the elements while a wood burner is on hand to keep you warm. Freshen up with a view in the private bathroom fashioned from redwood. You’ll share a swimming pool and hot tub with two other rental units. Dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly Airbnb in Santa Barbara with hippy vibes.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $320 per night
Hobbit house haven nestled in the hillside
Two guests, one bedroom
$161 per night
Bohemian Santa Barbara cottage
This cheerful Santa Barbara rental with a hot tub for two and an outdoor shower is perfect for a nature-loving couple. The backyard is seriously secluded yet downtown is a mere 10-minute drive from the Bel Air neighborhood. Snuggle up on the loveseat in the living room or kick back with a movie in the boho-style bedroom. Two dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly urban oasis with prior approval from the host.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $310 per night
Best Downtown Airbnbs in Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara is home to one of California’s most vibrant commercial districts. Trendy shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, populated by everyone from college students to wine aficionados to travelers, can be found within walking distance to each of these downtown Santa Barbara Airbnbs.
Le Petite Maison Blanche
Draped with romantic wisteria, Le Petite Maison Blanche is the cutest Airbnb in downtown Santa Barbara. A secret garden complete with a fire pit and lanterns will make you want to order in every night. Rooms at this historic cottage are compact yet divinely presented with premier linens and scatter cushions. Bicycles and helmets are provided making it even more fun to see the local sights and beaches.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $350 per night
Modern, stylish home within walking distance to Funk Zone and beach
If you’ve never experienced the Funk Zone, the trendy district of Santa Barbara between the beach and lower State Street, you’re in for a treat at this gorgeous home. The loft is right downtown, and no car is necessary to experience the best of the city or the beach. The apartment is large and well-equipped, the perfect place to settle into for a few days or even just one night to really get a feel for how the flow of the city all comes together around its downtown core.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $413 per night
Upscale downtown home near beach, shops, and bars
Santa Barbara is among the most walkable cities in California, and there’s no better place from which to experience this than this exquisite downtown home. This is the spot for those looking to blend outdoor activities like SUP, snorkeling, and even hiking with the culture of the city. The best restaurants and shops are nearby, as are the top bars, and when it’s time to escape to the beach, all you gotta do is head through the Funk Zone and then you’re there.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,059 per night
Santa Barbara Airbnbs for larger groups
If you plan to visit Santa Barbara with a group, say for a bachelor or bachelorette parts, or a family reunion, than these larger Airbnbs will provide all the space you need. Most have a pool, and each has incredible views and easy access to the best of both the city and its surrounding natural splendor.
Spanish Gem and Pool Oasis
East of downtown Santa Barbara, this elegant vacation home balances mountain living with the beach. The single-level home opens out onto a vast garden with a swimming pool, fire pit, and outdoor TV lounge. Bathrooms are adorned with intricate Spanish tiles while the master suite comes with a Jacuzzi bath. Despite the feeling of seclusion at this luxury Airbnb in Santa Barbara, you’re within walking distance of restaurants and grocery stores.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,950 per night
Tranquil sunny Montecito retreat
This idyllic vacation home oozes comfort, class, and fresh mountain air. It’s situated in the mountains a short and sweet drive out of downtown and the beach zone. Strategic windows and balconies maximize the viewing potential while the external hot tub is the best place to spend a night beneath a starry sky. The space consists of one main house plus an adjacent cottage which is available at a surcharge should you need extra space at this family-friendly Airbnb in Santa Barbara.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $975 per night
Stunning views from a dreamy, beachy retreat
The views from the deck of this stunning, pet-friendly private retreat perched on an ocean bluff are good enough reasons alone to book this property. It feels like a hidden gem of a hideaway, boasting panoramic sights of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands on a clear day, with a perfect location to explore Greater Santa Barbara. Immediately upon arrival, guests will be pampered with hotel-quality amenities like a curated gift basket and complimentary toiletries.
The well-equipped, fully stocked kitchen hosts everything needed to create a tasty meal — and it’s also just a few minutes away from favorite local shops and restaurants for those who want to dine out.
Local attractions like State Street shopping, Stearns Wharf, and the “Funk Zone” are easily drivable from this luxurious property. Upstairs features a primary suite, a contemporary kitchen, an elegant living room with a large TV and cozy fireplace, and a large deck balcony with tables and chairs for dining in the sunshine. Downstairs features a bedroom, a loft with another bed, a half bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Guests can also spend time in the outdoor lounge area tucked away and nestled within the privacy of the palm trees.
Six guests, two bedrooms
$891 per night
A serene, vintage home with a pool walking distance to the sand
This peaceful, vintage Santa Barbara bungalow is newly renovated, offering the modern comforts of a new home and the nostalgia of a classic California beach home. The airy, three-bedroom, fenced-in bungalow features a heated swimming pool, a spa, a covered front porch, and a large, lush, grassy backyard. Guests can walk or ride bicycles just a few blocks to their favorite local beaches and parks — or enjoy a poolside barbecue. Added upscale amenities include luxury linens and high-quality, eclectic furnishings for a contemporary flair.
The primary bedroom features a king-sized bed, a full bathroom, and a spacious closet. A bonus room upstairs can be used as an office or a nursery with a built-in twin-sized bed. The ground floor features two more bedrooms, a dining room, and a vintage-style kitchen that comes fully stocked with everything needed to create a tasty meal. 
Five guests, three bedrooms
$1,478 per night