What is the best Airbnb Santa Barbara has to offer? Luckily the Airbnb market in Santa Barbara is very saturated, so the quality is high. But choosing may be challenging because the area is overflowing with stellar options. To help, we’ve compiled a list of standout options. Some work best for families; others are ideal for individuals in need of a solo escape. Whichever place you choose, beautiful Santa Barbara is a lovely balm for stressed and frayed souls.
Without further ado, brace yourself for some gorgeous Airbnbs in Santa Barbara.
Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara at a Glance
- The Most Romantic Airbnb in Santa Barbara: Iconic 1974 Airstream
- Best Airbnb in Santa Barbara for groups: Blackrock Beach House
- Best Luxury Airbnb in Santa Barbara: Strand Hus Beach House
- Best Value Airbnb in Santa Barbara: Casa Castillo
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Table of Contents
Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara – Best Of
Most Romantic: Iconic 1974 Airstream
Carpinteria, California
Do you watch real estate shows about converting unconventional things into living spaces? If so, then this re-imagined 1974 Airstream rental may be for you! The classic metallic interior is accented with tasteful cowhide furnishings, and the whole package makes for spectacular snapshots. Plus, it’s got a huge deck! The Iconic 1974 Airstream is a unique find — even for funky Ojai!
Best for Groups: Blackrock Beach House
Santa Barbara, California
This five-bedroom, three-bath guesthouse sleeps 13 people comfortably and comes with every possible amenity, including a dramatic, multiroom fireplace and hot tub. After a day soaking in the sun on the nearby private beach, set up a movie for the kids in the large living room, and then retreat to the in-house cocktail lounge for laughs and libations. When in town, make time for a trail ride through the area. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your pedals; Blackrock Beach House maintains a fleet of bikes for guests.
Best Luxury: Strand Hus Beach House
Summerland, California
Danish in style and Californian by location, Strand Hus — Dutch for “beach house” — is the ultimate west coast rental. Just steps away from the Pacific Ocean, every room has a water view. After a day of retail excavation of State Street, settle into one of Strand Hus’s comfy couches, alongside a crisp glass of prosecco, to watch the dolphins dip and dive their way home.
Best Value Airbnb: Casa Castillo
Santa Barbara, California
Are you looking for Airbnbs in Santa Barbara with all the charm and half the price tag? If so, look no further than Casa Castillo. The quaint one-bedroom guest suite is just a short stroll from the Paseo Nuevo open-air bazaar and less than 10-minutes, by foot, to downtown. After a day rummaging through real Santa Barbara, hang out around the fountain in the semiprivate backyard. If you’re lucky, you may meet other interesting guests at the complex.
Best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara
Shoreline Retreat
Santa Barbara, California
Shoreline Retreat is the quintessential cozy California cottage. The newly decorated space is clad in soothing neutral colors, and large glass doors are easily opened to create an indoor-outdoor living space. Plus, the beach is only a six-minute walk away. After a day frolicking around town, return to this ideal retreat for a soak in the hot tub and cocktails around the fire pit. Foodies will dig the gourmet kitchen.
Cozy Bohemian Oasis with Private Garden
Santa Barbara, California
With its soothing décor and cozy garden, this Santa Barbara Airbnb may be perfect for a couple keen for romance or an individual desperate for alone time. With both indoor and outdoor sitting areas, it’s also a smart choice for digital nomads who need to get work done!
Santa Barbara Cottage
Santa Barbara, California
The Conde Nast-approved Santa Barbara Cottage looks like something out of a magazine safari spread. Plus, it’s centrally located just a couple of blocks from the pier, beach, and downtown. Natural light bathes the two-bedroom suite, and it would be difficult to find comfier linens in any other rental or hotel.
Rustic Hiking Cabin
Santa Barbara, California
Want to unplug and rejuvenate away from the crowd? Then Rustic Hiking Cabin may be ideal. With its panoramic views and log cabin feel, it’s a serene guest rental built for writing, reading, or going on an epic streaming binge in private! Don’t forget the binoculars; there’s lots of star gazing to be had on the back deck.
Santa Barbara Casita
Santa Barbara, California
If you’re a lover of luxury with old-world tastes, the Santa Barbara Casita may tingle your senses. The rooms look as if they were decorated with royalty in mind. The furniture is plush leather, and the bathroom features a large soaker tub made for a monarch. The unit is part of a small boutique hotel, and each room enjoys a private patio.
Best Airbnbs in Summerland
Skyview Beach Cottage
Summerland, California
Sensational panoramic views await guests of the Skyview Beach Cottage. After cooking up a scrumptious meal in the home’s kitchen, relax on the second-story wraparound deck. It’s filled with comfy furniture and a modern fire pit. This two-bedroom rental has everything needed for short- or long-term stays, including a washer, dryer, toiletry essentials, and free parking on the premises.
Beachy Blue Hideaway
Suburb: Summerland
A stand-alone house clad in nautical décor, Beachy Blue Hideaway is the quintessential vacation rental. A curved glass window overlooks the Pacific, and the pad has plenty of couches on which to “veg out” and enjoy a relaxing getaway.
Best Airbnbs in Montecito
The Palm Cottage
Montecito, California
An Airbnb seemingly built for the ‘gram, The Palm Cottage is utterly photogenic. Between the electric blue couch and window-clad master bedroom, it looks like something out of a Restoration Hardware photo shoot. Guests also enjoy two picture-perfect bicycles, complete with wicker baskets, in addition to a full kitchen fitted with a gas stove. The Palm Cottage also boasts a private yard, fire pit, and superfast Wi-Fi.
Fabulous 1920s Mediterranean Estate
Montecito, California
You’ll feel like you touched down in the middle of Tuscany when staying at this Santa Barbara Airbnb modeled after a Mediterranean estate. The romantic home sits between the beach and wine country — both of which are only a short walk away. It sleeps 11 between five bedrooms, and bathrooms are also plentiful.
This is not your cookie-cutter rental. The vibrant and unique décor is a welcome change, and if you’re bringing young kids, there’s a full playground out back to keep them frolicking and happy!
Spanish Gem and Pool Oasis
Montecito, California
This standout Airbnb Santa Barbara is the definition of well-appointed casual-chic — and design aficionados will go gaga over the showers and bathtubs! Lots of thought went into making guests comfortable, evidenced by the wealth of lounge areas in strategic locations throughout the property. The pool, hot tub, and outdoor media room are cherries on top of this already spectacular space.
Artist Studio
Suburb: Montecito
A mere five-minute walk from Montecito’s best restaurants, Artist Studio is an excellent spot for guests who appreciate outdoor living. The detached guest cottage features a large private patio with both dining and workspace! Inside is nothing to sneeze at either. Artist Studio has a full bathroom, queen-size bed, and a cozy eating area for two.
Best Airbnbs in Carpinteria
Ocean View Tiny House
Carpinteria, California
Perched in the middle of an avocado orchard, Ocean View Tiny House is an indoor-outdoor living space just a mile from downtown Carpinteria. With duel sleeping lofts, it fits two comfortably and four cozily. The rental’s calling card is its convenient isolation. The place is tucked away in a private enclave. However, you’re deceptively close to the center of things. It’s the best of both worlds.
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