Malibu to Santa Barbara

The south facing coast, where the houses stand on the sand and the mountains come down behind them.

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5418 waterfront rentals·26 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12

This is the stretch of California that faces south, so the sun crosses the water all day. Malibu alone has 21 miles of it, with houses built on the sand along the coast highway. Oxnard and Ventura have long open beaches and a harbor each. Carpinteria is a small beach town with a gentle shore that suits children. Santa Barbara sits under the Santa Ynez Mountains with a wharf, a harbor and beaches on both sides of town, and Montecito and Summerland fill the gap between.

StateCA
Peak seasonJune to October
Best forWaterfront stays
Featured32 rentals
The curated list · 32 rentals

Where we would stay in Malibu to Santa Barbara.

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Nightly rates are the ones each partner listed when we last read them. The partner gives the final price for your dates. A rental with no rate shown is left out of the price filters.

Beachfront End Unit. Ocean Views, Remodeled Kitchen & Steps to the Sand
No. 01

Beachfront End Unit. Ocean Views, Remodeled Kitchen & Steps to the Sand

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 5 about $485 a night

You, me, and the Sea! Welcome to Carpinteria Shores 212. Introducing your dream beach getaway at Carpinteria Shores 212! This lovely second-floor, highly desirable end-unit vacation rental features two bedrooms and one bathroom. Ideally situated along the beach in the breathtaking Carpinteria, it offers unmatched ocean views and immediate beach access, creating the ultimate comfortable setting for an enjoyable escape. Upon entering this inviting vacation rental, you'll be welcomed into a comfy living room and kitchen outfitted with everything you need to decompress after a fun-filled day. The outdoor patio invites you to relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean every day.

Check rates on Whimstay →
Beachfront Ground Floor Condo. King Bed Ocean Views Private Patio
No. 02

Beachfront Ground Floor Condo. King Bed Ocean Views Private Patio

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 4 about $660 a night

Carpinteria Shores is a beachfront condo community located on the world's safest beach. Condo #110 is directly on the sand where you can relax on your patio and enjoy watching the waves roll in while soaking up the sun. During the winter months of December through early March, the city places a sand berm on the beach, blocking the view but not the sound of the waves or the warm sunshine. Carpinteria Shores condo 110 is a beachfront condo community located on the world's safest beach. This beautifully furnished first-floor condo is located directly on the beach.

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Breathtaking Ocean Views and Private Hot Tub - Exclusive Beachfront Escape
No. 03

Breathtaking Ocean Views and Private Hot Tub - Exclusive Beachfront Escape

House
2 bedroom sleeps 6 about $728 a night

Permit No.: TRU24-0016 Business Licenses No.: 16369 2 BEDROOMS. 2 BATHROOMS. 6 GUESTS Stop right here, there is no need to look further! This is the place to spend your next vacation. The exclusive gated Rincon Beach Colony hosts this beachfront home that’s right on the sand, south of Santa Barbara, in a surfer’s paradise. Located at the end of the lane, the property has direct access to the world renowned Rincon Point, also called “The Queen of the Coast,” which is known for its world class surfing and annual competition. The luxury escape is south facing offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Santa Barbara coastline.

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Oceanfront Balconies and Private Cove Access - Exquisite Coastal Retreat
No. 04

Oceanfront Balconies and Private Cove Access - Exquisite Coastal Retreat

Apartment
2 bedroom sleeps 8 about $864 a night

Welcome to Pacific Coast Overlook Experience Malibu from a vantage point few are privileged to know. This exquisite coastal sanctuary is perched on the exclusive edge of Big Rock Beach, where endless Pacific horizons meet understated luxury. This exceptional end cap residence is designed to impress at every turn, with unobstructed views of Catalina Island, the Queen's Necklace, and golden sunsets that dissolve into the sea. Perfectly situated between Santa Monica and the heart of Malibu, you'll enjoy proximity to world-class dining, boutiques, and iconic spots like Nobu, Soho House, and Surfrider Beach, yet feel blissfully tucked away from it all.

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Ocean Views and Cozy Comfort - Stunning Beachfront Hideaway
No. 05

Ocean Views and Cozy Comfort - Stunning Beachfront Hideaway

House
1 bedroom sleeps 2 about $616 a night

Entering the unit, there is no question what the focus will be during a stay here. Dramatic coastal views through a wall of sliding glass doors draw guests right out to the oceanside terrace, where dining, barbecuing, and great conversation in the outdoor living room are bound to occur. Daily dolphin sightings are a common occurrence, along with local surfers and paddlers taking to the waves. With an open floor plan, each sunny living space connects without compromise. The living room features a deep couch and chairs for ultra-comfort.

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Luxury Oceanfront Condo. Panoramic Views, California King & Beach Access
No. 06

Luxury Oceanfront Condo. Panoramic Views, California King & Beach Access

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $497 a night

Luxurious Beachfront Retreat at Carpinteria Shores Nestled within the exclusive Carpinteria Shores complex, this modern, luxurious, and cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo is your dream vacation destination. With a maximum occupancy of 4, it's perfect for intimate getaways or vacations with small family and friends. The master bedroom has a California King bed, and the second bedroom has a queen. Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy your morning coffee on the private balcony, boasting 180-degree views of the pristine coastline. As the day unfolds, the balcony becomes the perfect vantage point for Carpinteria's breathtaking sunsets.

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Beachfront Ocean View Condo. California King, Balcony & Steps to the Sand
No. 07

Beachfront Ocean View Condo. California King, Balcony & Steps to the Sand

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $504 a night

Fantastic Beachfront Retreat at Carpinteria Shores Experience a serene escape in this luxurious, fully furnished, 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the exclusive Carpinteria Shores complex. Perfect for small groups or family getaways, the condo accommodates up to 5 guests with a spacious California King bed in the primary bedroom and a cozy Queen bed in the second room. Start your day with a peaceful ocean view as you sip your morning coffee on the private balcony. This balcony offers stunning 180-degree vistas of the Pacific coastline. Relax and take in the mesmerizing sunsets from this perfect vantage point as the day winds down.

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Beachfront Bliss. Remodeled Ground Floor Condo w/ Direct Beach Access
No. 08

Beachfront Bliss. Remodeled Ground Floor Condo w/ Direct Beach Access

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 6 about $549 a night

Welcome to Carpinteria Shores Unit 109 - Your Beachfront Paradise Primary renter must be 25 years of age (proof of age required). Experience the ultimate coastal getaway in this beautifully remodeled, ground-level retreat with unbeatable, direct access to the soft sands of Carpinteria Beach. This sought-after two-bedroom, one-bath vacation rental sits right on the beachfront, offering sweeping ocean views and the soothing sound of waves just beyond your door. Step inside to discover a spacious, open concept living area with sophisticated coastal style and an inviting, laid-back vibe.

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32
curated rentals in Malibu to Santa Barbara
Beachfront Luxury. Remodeled Ground Floor Condo with Ocean Views
No. 09

Beachfront Luxury. Remodeled Ground Floor Condo with Ocean Views

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 4 about $582 a night

Toes in the Sand! Introducing your dream beach getaway at Carpinteria Shores 105! This newly updated, opulent, ground-floor vacation rental features two bedrooms and one bathroom, earning its title as the standout gem of the complex. Perfectly situated along the beach in the breathtaking Carpinteria, California, it offers unmatched ocean vistas and immediate beach access, crafting the ultimate luxurious setting for an enjoyable escape. Upon entering this inviting, modern vacation rental, you'll be welcomed into a snug living room and kitchen outfitted with the latest design elements ideal for decompressing after a fun-filled day.

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Beautiful Oceanfront Home with Jacuzzi
No. 10

Beautiful Oceanfront Home with Jacuzzi

House
2 bedroom sleeps 4 about $1068 a night

Padaro Sands is a beautiful beach home located on the sandy beach next to Padaro Lane. The home is located inside a gated community shared with two other properties. The 2 bedroom/3 bath gated house offers great ocean, coastal, and mountain views. It has a wonderful upper deck and lower deck for entertaining, grilling, and watching sunsets and dolphins passing by! Lights under the deck shine out onto the sand and the surf to illuminate the beach at night. Your private stairs lead down onto the beach and to the water. The living and dining rooms are well designed to enjoy plenty of space for relaxing and dining while offering commanding views of the Pacific Ocean.

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Beachfront Oasis with Stunning Views - Unique Sailing Vessel Charm
No. 11

Beachfront Oasis with Stunning Views - Unique Sailing Vessel Charm

House
2 bedroom sleeps 8 about $615 a night

The Boathouse Paradise on the beach! Sitting right on the sand at one of the most beautiful semi-private beaches in Santa Barbara, The Boathouse is the perfect retreat! This property is located on the best part of Miramar Beach! Constructed of teak, mahogany and white spruce, accompanied by etched and stained glass windows, this unique cottage has been designed to look and feel like a well-built custom sailing vessel. The property consists of two separate one bedroom/one bathroom units joined by a connected stairway inside and a common entrance from the outside. Each unit can be rented separately (sleeping 2 adults and 2 children) or together for a maximum of 6 to 8 people.

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Ocean Views and Cozy Comfort - Chic Beachfront Escape
No. 12

Ocean Views and Cozy Comfort - Chic Beachfront Escape

House
1 bedroom sleeps 4 about $642 a night

Perched just above the sand on this infamous beach, this chic immaculate single-level flat is the one-bedroom, two-bathroom lower unit of a duplex. With modern personality and a sleek, fresh new feel inside, the blue Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and the long stretch of sandy beach outside offer an undeniably dramatic backdrop. Wall-to-wall windows and sliding doors capture the ocean views and sounds seamlessly, allowing for an indoor-outdoor experience. Wood floors add a sense of warmth to a home outfitted in soothing cool colors of grey and white, the blue sky and ocean adding just the right touch of color.

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Remodeled Oceanfront Condo. Top Floor Views, King Bed & Beach Access
No. 13

Remodeled Oceanfront Condo. Top Floor Views, King Bed & Beach Access

Condo
2 bedroom sleeps 4 about $537 a night

Beautiful, completely renovated, third-floor beachfront condo, with all modern amenities. The stylish contemporary design of the interior decor is warm and inviting. The living room takes advantage of the natural light with gorgeous views of the ocean from the living room and kitchen. A new, fully equipped kitchen is ready for you to whip up your favorite gourmet meals on the flat top cooktop. The modern appliances are stainless steel, and the countertops are solid stone. Both bedrooms offer a cozy, sophisticated decor with a warm beach theme and soft earth tone colors. The master bedroom features a king bed with two bedside tables and lamps.

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Unique Beachfront Home with Stunning Views - Charming Coastal Haven
No. 14

Unique Beachfront Home with Stunning Views - Charming Coastal Haven

House
1 bedroom sleeps 4 about $788 a night

Whimsical Wave at Miramar Beach -- sleeps 4! Sitting on the sand of Miramar Beach, this quirky two level home is ideal for the vacationer who wants to relax and have fun on the beach. As you enter the main level of the Whimsical Wave, the large picturesque window with ocean views will immediately grab your attention. Not your average vacation rental, this home boasts interesting architectural features such as the high beam ceilings, warm wood paneling, a spiral staircase, and many interesting nooks and curves. On the main level, the guests will enjoy a living space with breathtaking views and plenty of funky details that give the Whimsical Wave its' charm.

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Dramatic Views and Beachfront Access - Stunning Coastal Escape
No. 16

Dramatic Views and Beachfront Access - Stunning Coastal Escape

House
2 bedroom sleeps 6 about $1366 a night

Perched just above the sand on this infamous beach, this two-level duplex consists of a one-bedroom, two-bathroom lower unit, and a one-bedroom, two-bathroom upper unit, each immaculate with its own modern personality and sleek, fresh coastal vibe on a long stretch of sandy beach offering an undeniably dramatic backdrop. Entering either unit, there is no question what the focus will be during a stay here. Dramatic coastal views through walls of sliding glass doors draw guests out to the individual oceanside terraces, where dining and great conversation is bound to take place.

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Coastal craftsmanship

Bags made from recycled sails. Handcrafted in Maine.

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Beachfront dream home with balcony, patio & direct beach access
No. 18

Beachfront dream home with balcony, patio & direct beach access

House
2 bedroom sleeps 4 about $488 a night

This lavish 2,500-square-foot dream is a masterpiece of elegant design. Enjoy stunning sunsets and opulent indulgences such as the private balcony and access to two miles of sandy beaches. Watch world-class waves break from your luxury home in Mussel Shoals - a mecca for pro surfers. Known as 'Queen of the Coast,' Rincon is highlighted by championship surf breaks and was recently ranked 24th Best Surf Spot in the World. Bring your fishing pole and catch sea bass right on the beach, or take a scenic bike ride along the coastal path. You're a short drive from Santa Barbara's boutique shops and world-class wineries. Downtown Ventura is also less than 20 minutes away.

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Atlantic Ocean Views - Venture Out 579
No. 24

Atlantic Ocean Views - Venture Out 579

Oceanfront
2 bedroom sleeps 4

This beautiful sparkling clean 2Bd/2Ba stilt home is located right off the open water to offer amazing open water views and offers elevated living from the main floor for great tropical breezes from every room in the home!

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel?

Design-led hotels and villas via Skylark Travel Group. Mr & Mrs Smith properties, exclusive deals, real human concierge.

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On the water

Rent a boat in Malibu to Santa Barbara.

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Search every stay in Malibu to Santa Barbara on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.

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Other waterfront towns
Central Coast
Central Coast, CA
Pismo's wide sand, Morro Rock and the quiet towns up to Cambria, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Orange County
Orange County, CA
Newport's peninsula, Laguna's coves and the Huntington Beach pier, all inside 42 miles of coast.
San Diego
San Diego, CA
Seventy miles of Pacific beach from Imperial Beach to Oceanside, with a boardwalk in the middle of it.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, CA
A crescent of sand from Santa Cruz to Monterey, with Carmel and Pacific Grove around the point.
Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast, OR
All 363 miles of it are open to the public, from Cannon Beach to Brookings.
Washington Coast
Washington Coast, WA
Long flat beaches you can drive on, from Moclips down to the Long Beach Peninsula.
Before you book, read these
The Best Time to Visit Rehoboth and Bethany Beach
Tax-free shopping year-round, peak July crowds, and the golden, empty Septembers.
The Best Time to Visit Rehoboth and Bethany Beach
Tax-free shopping year-round, peak July crowds, and the golden, empty Septembers.
The Best Time to Visit Rehoboth and Bethany Beach
Tax-free shopping year-round, peak July crowds, and the golden, empty Septembers.
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