North America USA California 15 Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara, CA

15 Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara, CA

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Located two hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is the perfect vacation spot for people of all ages. Visitors flock from all over the world to sample the local wines, sunbathe on pristine white beaches, and attend one of the many festivals. Make sure to keep an eye out for your favorite actors and singers, too, as many celebrities, like Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, and Oprah Winfrey, live in this incredible beachside city. 

Planning a vacation can be stressful when it comes to finding accommodation. We here at Road Affair understand that scrolling through hundreds of rentals can be a tedious task, which is why we have done the heavy lifting for you and compiled a list of the best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara, California. All of the Airbnbs listed below are hosted by superhosts, and some even boast Airbnb plus status. For those unfamiliar with Airbnb, superhosts are rental owners with a history of providing outstanding hospitality to their guests, and Airbnb plus is an elite program that highlights exemplary homes that have been in-person verified for quality assurance. 

Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in California, USA

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Rustic Studio Near West Beach

Kicking off our list of the best Airbnb rentals in Santa Barbara is this gorgeous studio just steps from the beach. 

This Airbnb Plus is located in a boutique hotel near West Beach and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to discover nearby, and guests have access to free on-site parking. 

Inside, the home boasts a rustic mid-century motif with plenty of natural light and wood furnishings. In the living room, guests can cozy up next to the fireplace on the leather sofa and watch a movie or relax with a glass of wine. There is a small kitchenette in the corner of the room that comes equipped with a minifridge, a coffee maker, and a microwave. 

After a day at the beach, guests can return for a relaxing bubble bath in the bathroom’s jetted Jacuzzi tub or rinse off in the luxurious two-person walk-in shower. In the bedroom, there is a comfortable king-size bed and room-darkening shades. 

Outside, guests can enjoy their morning coffee on the private patio looking out at lush palm trees. 

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Family-Friendly House in Riviera Neighborhood

Enjoy incredible views of the coastline and the Channel Islands from this hillside house for rent in Santa Barbara. 

This three-bedroom home has an elegant modern motif with vaulted ceilings, plush furnishings, and large picture windows. After a day of touring the sights, guests can unwind in the bathroom’s private sauna or head out to the balcony for a soak in the hot tub. There is a second bedroom that has a walk-in shower and another half bathroom in the home. The master bedroom features a king-size bed with a memory foam mattress, an en suite bathroom, and a walkout to the terrace. The other two bedrooms are equipped with queen-size beds and memory foam mattresses. 

In the living room, guests can relax beside the fireplace and stream their favorite shows on the Smart TV or take in panoramic views from the windows. The full kitchen has stainless-steel appliances and other handy amenities like a blender and a cookbook. Guests can enjoy their meals at the formal dining table or on the patio’s dining set overlooking the city. Superhost Alei has provided many family-friendly amenities as well, including a crib, a high chair, and a fireplace guard. 

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The Boho House

This gorgeous boho-inspired guest suite is the ideal vacation rental in Santa Barbara for couples or solo travelers. 

Inside, the home has a contemporary-boho motif with nature-themed décor, lush plants, and skylights. In the living room, guests can open the French doors to the garden and let some fresh air in while they access their favorite streaming services on the Apple TV. The full kitchen has plenty of counter space to prepare meals, as well as a breakfast bar and a well-stocked coffee station. 

In the bedroom, there is a plush king-size bed surrounded by fake plants, so guests don’t have to worry about allergies. The bathroom has a tub/shower combo and a large vanity perfect for getting ready for a night out. Outside, there is a quaint patio area where guests can enjoy evening cocktails. 

This lovely Santa Barbara Airbnb Plus is located near the Five Points Shopping Center in North State and is a five-minute drive away from the beach. Guests have access to free on-site parking. 

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Two-Bedroom House Downtown

If you are looking for a vacation home for rent in Santa Barbara within walking distance of some of the best attractions, then this Airbnb is for you. 

The house is located just a few blocks from State Street and about a 15-minute walk from the Funk Zone, the MOXI Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. West Beach and Stearns Wharf are less than a five-minute drive away. 

The home’s interior has a contemporary feel with boho elements, bold patterns, and modern finishes. In the full kitchen, guests can easily prepare food using stainless-steel appliances, then gather at the dining table for a family-style meal. The living room has a plush leather sofa and a wicker lounge chair, so there is plenty of seating for the whole family. 

There is a comfortable queen-size bed and a small closet for storage in the master bedroom. The second bedroom has two single beds, making this rental suitable for up to four guests. In the bathroom, superhost Jeff has provided complimentary shampoo and body soap.

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The Skylight Home 

If you are looking to rent a house in Santa Barbara within walking distance of Downtown attractions, then consider renting this beautiful one-bedroom Airbnb. 

The rental is located just two blocks from State Street in the quiet neighborhood of Oak Park. There are plenty of restaurants and shops just steps from the home, plus an ice cream shop just down the street. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Arlington Theater are about 15 minutes away on foot. 

Inside, the home boasts a contemporary motif with skylights, vaulted ceilings, and wood floors. In the bedroom, guests can curl up in the king-size bed complete with a Four Season mattress and down comforter. There is also a large dresser for storage. The living room doubles as a second bedroom with a pullout couch and TV. 

After dinner, parents can give their little ones a bedtime bath in the bathroom’s tub/shower combo. Superhosts John and Naomi also supply family-friendly amenities, such as a crib, children’s books, and toys. The full kitchen comes well stocked with all the essentials, like a microwave, a coffee maker, and a kettle. 

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The Garden Escape

Explore the city on free bikes courtesy of superhosts Michael and Sonya at this guesthouse Airbnb in Santa Barbara. 

Guests have access to two cruiser bikes to use all around the city and on biking trails. The backyard of Michael and Sonya’s property boasts an incredible tropical garden where guests are welcome to harvest fruits and vegetables like guava and tomatoes. There is also an EV charger in the driveway for those traveling by electric car. 

Inside, the home has a bright and airy feel with high ceilings and exposed wood beams. In the living room, guests can unwind on the pullout couch and binge-watch their favorite shows on the Smart TV. There is also a two-person high-top dining table, perfect for enjoying breakfast and watching the news in the morning. The full kitchen comes well equipped for preparing meals; cooking spices, coffee, and tea are provided. Guests can enjoy their morning cup of joe on the private patio. 

In the bedroom, there is a comfortable queen-size bed, blackout shades, and a small collection of books to browse. The bathroom has a well-lit vanity perfect for getting ready for a night on the town. 

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Charming One-Bedroom Home in Milpas

This gorgeous short-term rental in Santa Barbara is perfect for solo travelers or couples. 

The interior of the home has a fresh contemporary feel with plants, comfortable furnishings, and plenty of natural light. In the living room, guests can read a book from the small library or snuggle into the couch for a movie night. The full kitchen has plenty of space to prepare a meal, and superhost Allie also provides complimentary coffee and tea. 

Guests can enjoy a good night’s rest in the bedroom’s queen-size bed. There is also a dedicated workspace for those working remotely while on holiday and a spacious built-in closet for storage. The bathroom comes stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and a blow dryer. 

Outside, guests can gather at the firepit in the fenced-in yard and enjoy a couple of beers. There is also a barbecue and patio dining area. Guests have access to free on-site parking and free street parking. 

This Santa Barbara Airbnb is located in Milpas, less than a 10-minute drive from the Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach. 

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Modern House Near Downtown

This five-star house rental in Santa Barbara is perfect for families or groups of up to six people. 

The home features a modern-contemporary motif with bamboo wood floors, stylish furnishings, and colorful décor. In the full kitchen, guests can prepare meals like a pro using the six-burner stove and double oven. The living room comes equipped with a 55-inch Smart TV with a rotating mount and is connected with a Vizio Bluetooth soundbar and subwoofer for awesome surround sound. There is also a pullout couch with a memory foam mattress and a gas fireplace. 

Both bedrooms come with a plush queen-size bed and room-darkening shades to ensure guests get a great night’s sleep. One bathroom has a walk-in shower, while the other has a tub/shower combo. Those planning an extended stay will be happy to know there is also a washer and dryer in the home.

Outside, guests can relax with a glass of wine in the backyard surrounded by lush plants and flowers. There are plenty of outdoor games and beach supplies available as well.

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Beautiful Airbnb in Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb

Cozy Loft Near the Arlington Theater

This lovely condo rental in Santa Barbara is ideal for couples and solo travelers. 

The loft is located in an old Victorian home that has been converted into four apartments. The Arlington Theater and Downtown restaurants are less than a 10-minute walk away. Guests have access to free on-site parking. 

Inside, the home has a boho-inspired feel with lush plants, wood floors, and wood furnishings throughout. In the light-filled bedroom, guests can snuggle into the plush queen-size bed for a good night’s sleep. The bathroom has a luxurious glass walk-in shower stocked with complimentary shampoo and body wash. 

There is no TV in the living room, but guests can unwind on the couch with a book or set up their laptops to watch a show. The kitchenette is equipped with a stove, a sink, and a fridge. Guests can enjoy their meals at the breakfast bar or on the patio’s bistro set. There is also a washer and dryer in the home, perfect for those planning a long stay. 

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Pet-Friendly Home Near the Beach

If you are looking to rent a house in Santa Barbara that is both pet-friendly and close to the beach, then this Airbnb is for you. 

The home is located just two blocks from Leadbetter Beach and is less than a 10-minute walk from Santa Barbara City College. Guests can enjoy the California sun from the comfort of the fenced-in backyard. There are lounge chairs, a garden, and a spacious deck with a hammock, a patio dining set, and a bistro set, all under twinkling fairy lights.

Inside, the home boasts a boho-contemporary motif with lush plants and beach-themed décor. In the living room, guests can relax on the sleeper sofa and access their favorite streaming channels on the Smart TV. The chef’s kitchen comes complete with stainless-steel appliances and a 36-inch Viking range. 

A set of French doors opens to the garden from the bedroom, where there is a Smart TV and a king-size bed with a memory foam mattress. The bathroom is decked out with Spanish-style tiled floors and whitewashed wood walls to give it an upscale beachy feel. Superhost Easton also supplies all the bathroom essentials, like shampoo, body wash, makeup wipes, and cotton balls.

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East Mesa Retreat With a Hot Tub 

Walk to the beach from this incredible Airbnb in Santa Barbara located in the lovely neighborhood of East Mesa. 

This two-bedroom house is roughly a five-minute walk from Shoreline Park, Leadbetter Beach, and 1,000 Steps Beach. Downtown Santa Barbara is 10 minutes away by car or 25 minutes away by public transit. 

Inside, the home has a bright and airy feel with contemporary furnishings and boho-inspired décor. In the gourmet kitchen, guests can easily prepare meals with the stainless-steel appliances. The living room is equipped with a Smart TV and disappearing nine-foot bifold doors that create a classic California living space. 

In the master bedroom, guests can cuddle in the plush California king bed and store all their clothes in the well-organized built-in closet. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed, making this rental suitable for up to four guests. After a day at the beach, guests can opt to rinse off in the bathroom’s rain shower or in the private outdoor shower. 

Perhaps the best part of this Santa Barbara Airbnb is the backyard. It boasts an incredible gas firepit, a beautifully landscaped garden, a barbecue, and a private hot tub.

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Sun-Soaked Cottage for Four 

This gorgeous two-bedroom cottage near Downtown Santa Barbara is ideal for families or couples looking for a home in a quiet neighborhood. 

The home is located less than a 15-minute walk from State Street and the best Downtown restaurants. West Beach is roughly a 15-minute drive away, and Santa Barbara Airport is approximately a 10-minute drive away. 

The interior of the house has a bright and spacious feel with an open floor plan, stylish furnishings, and wood floors. In the living room, guests can relax on the couch or at the dining table and watch TV or read a book. The full kitchen comes well equipped with essentials, such as a dishwasher, a microwave, and a coffee maker. 

In the master bedroom, there is a plush queen-size bed and room-darkening shades. The second bedroom is perfect for kids as it has two single beds. Guests can enjoy a relaxing rinse in the bathroom’s luxurious glass walk-in shower. There is also a closet in the hallway with a stacked washer and dryer. 

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Chic Cottage Near Stearns Wharf

This gorgeous beach house in Santa Barbara is ideally located just two blocks from West Beach and Stearns Wharf. The Funk Zone and the MOXI Museum are less than a 10-minute walk away. 

Inside, the space boasts a rustic contemporary feel with wood floors, stylish furnishings, and plenty of natural light. After a day at the beach, guests can enjoy a soak or rinse in the bathroom’s tub/shower combo, then step onto the heated floors and wrap themselves in a plush towel. The master bedroom has a luxury king-size bed, while the second bedroom has a queen-size bed and a dedicated workspace. 

In the living room, guests can unwind on the couch for a movie night on the Apple TV. The gourmet kitchen comes equipped with high-end stainless-steel appliances, perfect for cooking enthusiasts. There is also a laundry room with a washer and dryer, perfect for those planning an extended stay. 

Perhaps the best part of the Airbnb in Santa Barbara is the backyard. There is a gorgeous garden area complete with a lounger and firepit, as well as a deck with a barbecue and darts. 

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Three-Bedroom Home Near the MOXI Museum 

If you are looking for an Airbnb in Santa Barbara that can accommodate up to seven guests, then superhost David has the place for you. 

This stunning contemporary-styled home features vaulted ceilings, colorful accents, and modern finishes, creating a comfortable and stylish space to call home for a few days (or weeks). In the living room, guests can gather on the sectional sofa and binge-watch their favorite shows on the Smart TV. The kitchen has a lovely three-person breakfast bar, along with stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and a six-person dining table. Guests can enjoy their morning coffee on the balcony. 

In the master bedroom, there is a comfortable queen-size bed, as well as a TV and a closet. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed and room-darkening shades, while the third bedroom has a set of bunk beds and a pullout couch. 

This beautiful Santa Barbara Airbnb is located just a short drive from Downtown, West Beach, and the MOXI Museum. Guests have access to free on-site parking and free street parking. 

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Natalie and Levi’s Guest Suite Retreat 

This gorgeous guest suite is one of the best Santa Barbara Airbnbs for families. 

Natalie and Levi have done an excellent job of providing family-friendly amenities for their guests, including a crib, a travel crib, children’s books, and toys. As they are a young family with two daughters, they are also able to provide babysitter recommendations for parents looking to have a night out alone. Guests also have access to two bicycles that they can use to cruise around the city.

Inside, the guest suite has a studio-style layout with boho-inspired décor and yellow accents. In the bedroom area, guests can curl up in the king-size bed complete with a memory foam mattress for a good night’s sleep. The kitchenette has a lovely coffee bar with a Keurig coffee maker and complimentary coffee pods. There is also a minifridge and a microwave. 

In the living room, there is a pullout couch and a gorgeous live edge coffee table that fold up to reveal a small TV. Those planning on working remotely can set up their laptops at the desk. The bathroom boasts a spacious glass walk-in shower, perfect for a relaxing rinse after a day at the beach. 

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There you have them, the best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara, California! From family-friendly retreats to hillside homes, we hope that one of these rentals has caught your eye and you can start packing for your dream vacation to the American Riviera!

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