Beaches Reign Supreme in the Santa Barbara Area


While its mountainous interior is certainly spectacular, the pristine beaches that line California’s Santa Barbara Area are a picture-perfect attraction that should draw the top spot on any itinerary.


Sometimes referred to as the American Riviera for its distinctive Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, the city of Santa Barbara is also known for its beautiful white sand beaches where you can work on your tan or pursue water sports such as swimming, surfing, or bodyboarding.


East Beach is by far the most popular and well-rounded in its offerings, but West Beach is considered a more family-friendly alternative with its water-play lagoon designed specifically for kids. Across the Santa Barbara Harbor are two other sandy wonders, Leadbetter Beach, and Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, where surfers can polish their skills and catch some serious air.


About twelve miles south of Santa Barbara rests the small oceanside city of Carpinteria, which is also the home of the Carpinteria State Beach. Even if you aren’t staying in a Carpinteria vacation rental, consider a side trip to its stunning mile long beach any time of year and you certainly won’t be disappointed. While summer brings recreational pursuits such as swimming, surf fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, the colder weather attracts seals, sea lions, and the occasional gray whale near its shores.


Sandwiched in between Carpinteria and Santa Barbara are the towns of Summerland and Montecito, where a smattering of cove beaches are separated by tall cliffs. Accessing the shores of Montecito at Miramar Beach, Hammonds Beach, and off of Channel Drive is always a possibility, or you can set out for a day trip from your Santa Barbara vacation rental to the big and sandy Lookout County Park in Summerland.

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Vacations Rentals in Santa Barbara Area

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Eucalyptus Cottage & Guest House – Property 220273

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, 3 bathrooms, near the ocean, town, washing machine
  • $2,950 - $3,950/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
The Eucalyptus Cottage and Guest House are set in a serene, secluded location between Santa Barbara and Montecito, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara...

Newly Renovated Cottage - Mountain View on Quiet Cul-De-Sac – Property 160387

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - cottage, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4, 1 bathroom, downtown, near the ocean, washing machine
  • $1,100 - $1,350/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
This newly renovated vacation rental is located on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance of the beautiful historic downtown area of Santa Barbara. Originally...

Ocean Getaway - 2 blocks to Beach & Town – Property 215869

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, beach, town, swimming pool
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
The Ocean Getaway offers a great location and luxurious amenities. It's located in the most desirable location in Santa Barbara -the Historic West Beach Area - just...

Secret Getaway - 2 blks to beach and town - large courtyard – Property 152391

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - , 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, 1 bathroom, beach, downtown, washing machine
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
The Secret to the Secret Getaway is its location, quality and price. Why stay in the nicest hotel suite in town, when you can have much more, for significantly less...

Contemporary artistic loft condo, walk to beach – Property 193711

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - condo, 1 bedroom, sleeps 2, 1 bathroom, near the ocean, town, swimming pool
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
Sunny and quiet, this little drop of art in beautiful Santa Barbara is the perfect getaway. Listen to the birds and the wind from the bedroom or balcony.

Beachside condo, across from beach! – Property 214662

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - condo, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 1 bathroom, beach, near the ocean, swimming pool
  • $1,500/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 23, 2008
Let our beach side condo be your 'home away from home' for your next vacation. It's fully equipped, sparkling clean, and ready for your arrival.

Beach 'Resort-Style' Condo, Santa Barbara – Property 183428

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - condo, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4, 2 bathrooms, beach, downtown, swimming pool
  • $1,550/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 21, 2008
This wonderful 2 bedroom and 2 bath, furnished unit is located at the beautiful El Escorial Villas at East Beach. El Escorial's resort-like setting offers a...

Veronica Springs Cottage Luxurious Spanish/Mediterranean, Views, Near the Beach – Property 160034

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, near the ocean, town, accept credit card
  • $1,895 - $2,795/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 21, 2008
This luxurious Spanish Mediterranean style cottage with travertine flooring throughout is set on a hillside with views of the Channel Islands, the beautiful Las...

Spectacular Oceanview Pool Home – Property 218965

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, 1 half bath, near the ocean, village, swimming pool
  • $3,200/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 21, 2008
This lovely, two-story, three-bedroom/2.5-bath home is in Summerland, California, a charming beachside community that's five miles south of Santa Barbara.

Chez Jardins:Peaceful secluded paradise. Family friendly. – Property 186628

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, 2 bathrooms, downtown, near the ocean, accept credit card
  • $3,080 - $3,780/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
Unique property with main house and cottage, opening onto lush outdoor space offering both privacy and intimacy. The allure of this property is two complete spaces,...

Romantic Santa Barbara Spa Retreat, Near Beach, Town – Property 174983

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - chalet, 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, 1 bathroom, beach, downtown, accept credit card
  • $995 - $1,295/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 23, 2008
Driving past the “Queen of the Missions” to your private retreat, you have glimpse of the glorious rose garden. A short meander of Oak lined streets and up through...

On the Sand - Seaside Ocean Getaway – Property 181249

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4, 2 bathrooms, 1 half bath, beach, waterfront, washing machine
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 20, 2008
A rate opportunity to be on the sand! No need to walk to a nearby beach access.. There are very few homes on the sand in the Santa Barbara & Ventura area, and even...

Your Own Private Resort in Santa Barbara! – Property 130201

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, beach, downtown, accept credit card
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 20, 2008
Charming home in resort quality setting. Living areas and master bedroom open to completely private flagstone patio, palm trees and lush tropical landscaping...

Luxury Beach Getaway - Historic Elegance2 Blocks to Beach & Downtown – Property 305364

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - condo, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4, 2 bathrooms, beach, downtown, washing machine
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
The Beach Getaway is a rare retreat in both its location and exquisite amenities. It is located in the most desirable location in Santa Barbara, the Historic West...

Gated Montecito Estate w/ Pool – Property 160858

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, 3 bathrooms, beach, near the ocean, swimming pool
  • $3,000/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 19, 2008
Gated Estate with Pool in Montecito. Walking distance to Butterfly Beach, the Four Seasons, Biltmore and Coast Village Road. Perfect house for a family with...

Paradise Cottage - Ocean Views and Delightful Gardens – Property 204789

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - cottage, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, beach, village, washing machine
  • $1,695 - $2,450/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
This romantic three-bedroom, two-bath cottage offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands and is located two minutes from one of the classic...

Jasmine Cottage - Spacious Luxury with Stunning Ocean Views – Property 220270

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, beach, near the ocean, washing machine
  • $1,695 - $2,450/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
This romantic cottage offers a stunning panorama of one of the Santa Barbara area's most outstanding beaches. Summerland, next door to Montecito and Santa Barbara,...

Under Giant Oaks in a Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Home – Property 183058

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, 1 bathroom, pets considered, golf
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 22, 2008
Few areas are more beautiful than Santa Barbara, and your home-away-from-home is nestled in woodsy Mission Canyon with privacy and views of the Channel Islands.

Romantic, private, stand-alone cottage – Property 169983

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - cottage, 1 bedroom, sleeps 2, 1 bathroom, near the ocean, town, internet access
  • $1,100/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 24, 2008
You walk through a hand-crafted gate, down a long stone path, through an apple arbor, past a koi pond, through a gate and arrive at your own private deck shaded by...

Stunning Montecito Home with Huge Pool on one Acre! – Property 182799

  • Santa Barbara Area rental - house, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 6, 3 bathrooms, beach, near the ocean, accept credit card
  • $5,425/week
  • Calendar Last Updated On: Jul 19, 2008
This home is in the heart of Montecito surrounded by multi million dollar estates. Recently re-decorated, it includes Four Bedrooms, Three full Baths, and a spacious...
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