The 17 best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara

Neighbourhood: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara.

If you feel in need of a wellness shot in the arm, consider booking some time here. This stunning adobe ranch house is set within 17 acres of certified organic avocado and citrus orchards (that’s your magnesium and vitamin C boost right there) and offers views of both the ocean and the mountains. Internally, it’s a cooling spectacle of Mexican floor tiles and Spanish antiques. Outside, there’s a heated pool to enjoy, plus a terrace of roses and several al fresco dining areas.

Time Out tip: Bring your binoculars. The ranch is home to 73 bird species, while nearby Rincon Point and its estuary are also brilliant for birdwatching. If feathered friends aren’t your thing, head down to Rincon Point for the beach, tide pools and harbour seal rookery instead.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms, four beds. Sleeps six guests.

Perks: 17 acres of certified organic avocado and citrus orchards, heated pool, ocean and mountain views, Mexican tile floors, Spanish antiques, wood-burning fireplace, rose terraces, outdoor dining areas, private gardens and beach access nearby.

Price: From $602 a night.

Neighbourhood: Montecito, Santa Barbara.

Just walking distance to Butterfly Beach sits this gorgeous designer two-bed home in Montecito. Seriously, every inch of this house is stylish and well thought out, but not in an over-the-top kind of way, it just exudes calm. The space consists of two bedrooms, a beautiful open kitchen, two bathrooms, and your soon-to-be oasis the patio area shrouded with green shrubs, a dining area, and a firepit. With such a gorgeous set up, relaxing is simple, especially if you prefer to go with the flow. 

Time Out tip: Leave the car parked and explore on foot: Butterfly Beach and Coast Village Road are both around five minutes away. Spend the morning by the water, then wander along Coast Village Road for shops and restaurants before heading back to the patio for a fire-pit evening.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, two king-size beds. Sleeps four guests.

Perks: Newly renovated interiors, private enclosed patio, outdoor dining area, fire pit, BBQ, bocce court, landscaped garden, outdoor shower, air conditioning and one reserved parking space.

Price: From $1120 a night.

Neighbourhood: Downtown Santa Barbara.

This century-old home is an absolute stunner. It’s full of old charm while being strikingly modern too. Trust us, that’s pretty hard to pull off, but this place gets it just right, blending antique details and contemporary touches in all the right places. In other words, can we move in? We suppose that would mean you, our lovely readers, missing out on all this hunk of a five-bedroom home has to offer. Complete with a gourmet kitchen, generous outdoor space and a tonne of original fixtures, character is an understatement. We’ll race you to the booking button.

Time Out tip: If you book from May 2026 onwards, breakfast is included every morning, with fresh pastries, seasonal fruit and local favourites served buffet-style. And if you’re booking the whole house, you’ll also get access to the separate one-bedroom Lotus Suite, giving larger groups a little extra privacy.

Sleeps: Five bedrooms, six beds. Sleeps 13 guests.

Perks: Century-old character, gourmet kitchen, five-and-a-half bathrooms, private backyard, outdoor dining area, gas grill, gas fireplace, full buyout of the Lotus Suite and daily breakfast.

Price: From $2250 a night.

Neighbourhood: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara.

If you're after a Santa Barbara Airbnb by the ocean, this is the spot for you. Enjoy a vacation by the water from your very own tiny house. Perfect for couples and solo travelers, this custom-made space is just a mile from downtown Carpinteria and the state beach. While it may be small in size, there are high ceilings, full-sized appliances, and two spacious sleeping lofts. Make the most of the Cali lifestyle by enjoying some time outdoors by the BBQ. 

Time Out tip: Bring your swimmers – the hosts provide boogie boards, soft-top surfboards and beach umbrellas, so you can make a proper day of it at Carpinteria State Beach without lugging half your beach cupboard with you. It’s only around a mile from the house, too.

Sleeps: Two sleeping lofts, two beds. Sleeps four.

Perks: 400 sq ft deck, ocean and mountain views, outdoor kitchen, BBQ, full-size appliances, two sleeping lofts, fenced half-acre garden, beach gear, bikes, Wi-Fi, AC and free parking. Pets welcome.

Price: From $266 a night.

Neighbourhood: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara.

After something a little bohemian? This Airstream is one of the most unique Airbnbs in Santa Barbara. Inside, the hardened metallic edges come offset by warm tan leather and cowhide touches, while the queen bed acts as a cozy nook at the back of the space. Cook up a hearty breakfast every morning at the stove while admiring views of the surrounding countryside, before enjoying alfresco on the porch. You've even got a firepit for the evenings – a dream! 

Time Out tip: Surf’s up at Rincon Point, aka the ‘Queen of the Coast’, which is just a short drive from the Airstream. Grab your board and spend the morning on the waves before heading back to the ranch for a shower, a cold drink and a spot around the fire pit.

Sleeps: One queen-size bed. Sleeps two.

Perks: Restored 1974 Airstream, full kitchen, covered deck, garden views, private outdoor bathroom, outdoor shower, gas fire pit, avocado orchard setting, Wi-Fi, smart TV, AC, heating and free parking.

Price: From $310 a night.

Neighbourhood: Santa Barbara, California.

This desert-inspired home is made for romantic getaways, solo staycations, and comfortable work holidays. You'll spend your time here hanging out in the lounge with the French doors wide open, rustling up delicious dinners in the modern kitchen, and topping up your tan in the garden. You're a little while away from the bustle of downtown, but it's perfect for when you just want a little peace and quiet. 

Time Out tip: Check the Boho House events calendar before you book – there are regular art classes, music sessions, workshops and wellness events happening on the property. Then save some time for the shared garden spa, where the sauna, cold plunge and eight-person hot tub are open until 11pm.

Sleeps: One king-size bed and one sofa bed. Sleeps four.

Perks: 500 sq ft private bungalow, fenced garden, shared sauna, cold plunge and hot tub, outdoor shower, fire pits, communal garden, gourmet kitchen, beach gear, dedicated workspace, record player, fast Wi-Fi, private entrance and dog-friendly.

Price: From $318 a night.

Neighbourhood: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara.

This coastal Airbnb is a must for parents with little kids. They'll always be entertained as you take steps away from the beach. The little ones can sleep in their bunk beds, while mom and dad enjoy the luxury of a king-sized bed. Build sandcastles, have a slash in the ocean, and enjoy more ice cream than most stomachs can handle throughout your stay. It's even a short drive into the city if you fancy a day of metropolitan exploration. 

Time Out tip: Don’t bother cramming beach chairs and umbrellas into the car – beach essentials are provided, along with bikes for getting around Carpinteria. And if you fancy swapping sandcastles for city streets, Santa Barbara is only a 10-minute drive away.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, three beds. Sleeps six.

Perks: One block from the beach, private patio, gas BBQ, fire pit, outdoor shower, beach essentials, bikes, fully equipped kitchen, Apple TV, surround sound, Wi-Fi, free parking and Level 2 EV charger.

Price: From $850 a night.

Neighbourhood: Santa Barbara, California.

This newly renovated Santa Barbara Airbnb is only six minutes from the beach, making it a must for swimmers, surfers, and sun tanners alike. Enjoy life by the water and all of its perks, like fresh sea air from a luxury stay that comes complete with indoor-outdoor features like bifold glass doors, a hot tub, a fire pit, and pristine landscaping. Inside, it carries a beach theme with soft furnishings in light hues and a gourmet kitchen for picnic-ready meal preparation. 

Time Out tip: Leave the beach-hauling to the hosts: beach chairs, an umbrella, sand toys, a wagon and towels are all provided. Take them down to Ledbetter Beach, then wander along Shoreline Park for sweeping ocean views before heading home for a soak in the hot tub.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, two beds. Sleeps four.

Perks: Six-minute walk to the beach, private garden, hot tub, fire pit, bifold glass doors, gourmet kitchen, BBQ, beach essentials, outdoor furniture, Wi-Fi, free parking and self check-in.

Price: From $548 a night.

Neighbourhood: Summerland, Santa Barbara.

Channeling the ocean into every inch of its meticulous decor, this house is a must for beach lovers. Watch over the Pacific Ocean every day from the living room's curved window or the alfresco seating area on the decking. This blue beach house has you covered with all the living essentials, from the chef’s gas BBQ to the fire pit with a built-in wrap-around bench. Made for families, the home has two double beds in one room and a king bed in the primary. 

Time Out tip: Take the 10-minute walk down to Lookout Park for a morning on the beach, or, if you fancy something a little more under-the-radar, head to Loon Point Beach Trail. The hosts call it a ‘secret gem’, so we’ll keep the location between us.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, three beds. Sleeps six.

Perks: Ocean views, front and private rear decks, giant curved living-room window, gas BBQ, gas fire pit with wrap-around bench, fully equipped kitchen, beach chairs and umbrella, indoor and outdoor showers, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer and free parking.

Price: From $726 a night.

Located in the very charming-sounding Summerland, this stylish bungalow has some pretty impressive views that you can lap up from your own private patio. Kick back in the lounge space with a glass of iced tea and a good book as the water laps up onto the shore before you, with a fire pit and BBQ that make for memorable nights. Along with the big blue, you've got home stores, local restaurants, wine bars, and hiking trails all within easy reach. Setting your out of office has never been so tempting.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Bungalow chic. 
Budget range? Basically free. 

Not looking for frills and fancy? This sleek studio in Oxnard is calling you. Let in the sea breeze every morning by opening up the sliding door, before settling down to catch the morning news on the Smart TV. The interiors have a seaside feel with a cream-tiled bathroom and crisp white linens, while the neat kitchenette is ideal for the more takeaway-style chefs.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Beachfront studio for two.
Budget range? A great deal.

Live out your beach house fantasy at this stone and slate-inspired home in Santa Barbara. Perfect for laid-back vacations, this home is less than a quarter-mile from the beach. Inside the house itself, you'll find cool neutrals, wooden accents, and sleek shutters, adding to the beachy vibe. The town nearby has all you'll need throughout your stay, so you won't need ever to take the car out. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps four guests.
Mood? Contemporary design. 
Budget range? Pretty pricey.

With its hacienda vibe, this home is found in Oxnard with sweeping views of the beach below. When you aren't tanning or barbecuing on the bamboo-enclosed balcony, you can take 40 steps out of the house and be on a gorgeous coastline. You'll see nods to the seaside location reflected in the decor, with touches such as white paneling really adding to the laid-back vibe. There are even bikes and helmets available to hire if you fancy a trip along the water. 

Rooms? Three. Sleeps eight guests.
Mood? Dine alfresco on the beach. 
Budget range? A fantastic offer.

Set in Goleta, a popular area for families and the outdoorsy types, this cozy one-bed is ideal for those looking for the perfect place to unwind in nature while being close to all the typical urban hotspots like the State Street promenade in downtown. Interior-wise, it couldn't be more inviting with shades of terracotta and a beautiful blend of woods to complement the white walls and bring warmth throughout. Out on the patio, you'll find a hot tub as well as a lovely outdoor dining area to enjoy when the sun's out, which is practically all the time here.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.  
Mood? Boho chic. 
Budget range? Pretty decent for a spot so close to the beach and downtown.