When is the best time to visit Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara, CA?

Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara chosen?

Each property in Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara is hand-picked for genuine waterfront access, not water view, not a short walk from the beach, but doors-to-water. Listings are selected from public booking platforms (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay) for genuine waterfront access and accurate location. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Airbnb?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay, or the host's own booking system. We curate from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara different from other beach towns?

Curated rentals in Montecito. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara

Curated rentals in Montecito

See the 8 waterfront rentals → Get the weekly letter

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

Featured8 rentals

The curated list · 8 rentals

Where we would stay in Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara.

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Sleeps

Shore

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.

No. 01

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.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Exclusive Beachfront Access and Surfside Patio - Serene Coastal Retreat

House

3 bedroom sleeps 6 about $482 a night

Permit No.: TRU23-044 3 BEDROOMS. 2 BATHROOMS. 6 GUESTS The legendary Rincon Point is a surfer’s dream and it’s right at your doorstep. The area is home to an exclusive enclave of beachfront homes that claims the best local surfer spot and hosts the annual Rincon Classic competition. If you’re more of a low-key vacationer, you’ll be able to see the whales migrate through the Channel, take a dip in the water, then walk fewer than 100 feet inside for a snack. This dream is perfectly located away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Ventura for an excursion.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

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.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 04

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.

Check rates on Whimstay →

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See Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara stays on Booking.com.

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No. 05

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.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 06

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.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 07

Beach Front Escape on Miramar Beach in Montecito

Beachfront

2 bedroom sleeps 4

Wake up to ocean views and step right onto the sand at Montecito's premier Miramar Beach. This 2-bed, 1.5-bath retreat offers two decks, an outdoor shower, a full kitchen, BBQ, and comfortable living spaces.

Check rates on Vrbo →

No. 08

Oceanfront Cottage on the Sand at Miramar Beach

Oceanfront

Located on the waterfront in Montecito, this cottage offers a fully equipped kitchen and is perfect for unwind while enjoying the ocean views.

Check rates on Vrbo →

Browse more in Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara

Search every rental in Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara.

Filter by dates, bedrooms, price, and distance to water. These are the full Vrbo and Booking.com inventories for Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara.

Browse on Vrbo → Browse on Booking.com → 7 Day Stays for Less →

curated rentals in Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara

Search every stay in Montecito, 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.

Search stays → Flights to Montecito, Malibu to Santa Barbara Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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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.