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Rare Beach Penthouse — blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

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On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels
Point of interest
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
TV, fireplace
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Place, Santa Barbara Harbor
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara City College
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Stearns Wharf
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Santa Barbara

A stay at this apartment places you in the heart of Santa Barbara, within a 15-minute walk of Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. .This beach apartment is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Santa Barbara County Courthouse and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Santa Barbara Zoo.

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • West Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Barbara City College - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Stearns Wharf - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 8 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Rodeo Room - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rudy's Mexican Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Rare Beach Penthouse — blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone

Welcome to Rare Beach Penthouse #5—a serene oasis in the heart of Santa Barbara. Mornings invite coffee on the private sunlit patio, while evenings are best with a complimentary champagne toast after a day at the beach.



Blending coastal tranquility with city convenience, the apartment is only steps from the ocean, Stearns Wharf, and the vibrant Funk Zone—home to Santa Barbara’s most celebrated dining, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and boutiques.



The interiors unfold with elegant and romantic details, reminiscent of a European retreat. Stone floors, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the warm and inviting kitchen, thoughtfully appointed with culinary essentials—including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Nespresso machine, stove, oven, dishwasher, and microwave.



In the queen bedroom, blackout shades and high-end linens provide a serene setting, wrapped in comfort and calm. A limestone shower with dual shower heads and a granite vanity elevate the adjoining bathroom. The in-private washer & dryer make beach days and extended stays effortless, while central air conditioning ensures year-round comfort.



Generous windows bathe the living area in natural light, framing beautiful skyline and mountain views. A Waterford fireplace adds warmth and and ambiance for cozy evenings in. Step outside to the private patio, where a dining area, chaise lounges, and a gas BBQ await—perfect for alfresco meals under the stars or leisurely lounging in the Santa Barbara sun.



Kindly note this unit is on the third floor (walk-up).



From the moment you arrive, thoughtful details enhance your experience: complimentary champagne upon arrival, bath essentials, high-end linens, a private washer and dryer, air conditioning, and a fully stocked Nespresso machine with pods, cream, and sugar. Reserved parking—a rare amenity near the beach—adds an extra layer of ease.



With immediate access to West beach and Santa Barbara’s most beloved attractions, the Rare Beach Penthouse #5 offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Spend your days soaking up the sun, savoring local cuisine and happy hour cocktails in the Funk Zone, shopping downtown, or enjoying quiet moments with loved ones — all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the California coast. Tucked away on a residential street, our building offers a serene oasis just moments from the heart of Santa Barbara. Just blocks away, the Funk Zone brings an irresistible charm — a lively coastal enclave where streets meet the sea, brimming with art galleries, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and eclectic eateries. Convenient bike rentals and the nearby Amtrak station make exploring even easier, whether you're strolling down State Street’s boutique-lined promenade or setting off on an unforgettable day trip to the Channel Islands or Santa Ynez wine country. Whether seeking tranquility or excitement, this perfect location ensures a memorable getaway you'll want to relive again and again.



With a reserved off-street parking spot, a private outdoor patio, and access to the gated front lawn, guests can relax in comfort and ease.



Our building is fully licensed for short-term rentals and located within the Santa Barbara Coastal Zone, where stays under 30 days are allowed. Many other listings in the city fall outside this zone and are not legally permitted to offer short-term stays—so hosts might decline your booking request to avoid violations. We, on the other hand, automatically confirm your reservation the moment you book. It’s a seamless, stress-free option for a quick coastal getaway, making us the perfect choice for your Santa Barbara stay.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned apartment, which features a fireplace. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
This smoke-free apartment features surfing/body boarding nearby, hiking/biking trails nearby, and kayaking nearby. Recreational activities include sailing nearby, parasailing nearby, and mountain biking nearby.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 800 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Rare Beach Penthouse 2 Blks Beach Town Large Terrace
Rare Beach Penthouse 2 Blks Beach Town Large Terrace House
Rare Beach Penthouse 2 Blks Beach Town Large Terrace House
Rare Beach Penthouse 2 Blks Beach Town Large Terrace House
Rare Beach Penthouse 2 Blks Beach Town Large Terrace
522475

Rare Beach Penthouse — blocks to the Beach and Funk Zone Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 125 out of 147 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 147 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 147 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 147 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 147 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlis G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay with an amazing patio. Convenient location close to the beach, wharf, harbor, Funk Zone and State Street.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katharine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely space. Small kitchen but useful. Close to funk zone. Enjoyed very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

debbie n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Didn’t go to the national park as planned, but found a nearby hike called “hot springs trail” which I recommend. Love Santa Barbara and our rental. We had a few hiccups but Ally, the host took care of everything immediately. I would recommend this Vrbo, with the caveat that you have to climb two flights of steps. Otherwise, it was just perfect.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Recent stay

Great location and nice accomodations
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Brett R.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Excellent property and location

It was an overall excellent stay
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This apartment was clean, comfortable and was perfectly located. I will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim and Karla M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and clean little cottage great access to everything

Great access to the beach, the harbor and downtown.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

The location was just far enough away from the noise but close enough we walked everywhere we wanted to go.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rare Beach Penthouse review

Nice location, nice patio, and enough room for two. Would definitely stay here again. BTW, bottle of champagne is a nice touch.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bethany B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot!

This rental was incredible. It is tucked back in a beautiful neighborhood and easily walkable to the beach and restaurants. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rare Beach Penthouse

Wonderful property in great location. Beautiful patio. Quiet home. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Santa Barbara Penthouse Bungalow

Great location, amenities and feel
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wish we could stay longer

Great, cozy and clean place, close to the beaches and to the downtown area! Will definitely stay again! We’re here for a long wedding weekend, and wish we had more time!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

We really enjoyed our 6 day stay I the Penthouse!Very clean, comfortable and extremely good location. Evenings were great with cocktail hour on the the patio lounge chairs enjoying the view as the sun disappeared. Amenities were great including the off street parking. We are looking forward to returning!Thanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable

Visiting my daughter. Lovely apartment and walking easy to nearby restaurants
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great apartment in great location

Lovely and accessible area to holiday in. Apartment has everything one needs and is comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Santa Babara

Great location -- easy to walk to the beachfront. Nice private roof deck outdoor space. Would rent again on a future trip to Santa Barbara.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot close to everything

In Santa Barbara for a wedding. Very convenient spot and wonderful apartment with roof patio to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Mark Z.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
The place had ants. The last night the fire alarm went off randomly starting around 1 a.m. so no sleep. The owner only offered a discount on a future stay - as if I would return.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect SB getaway

Central location walking distance to just about everything Santa Barbara has to offer. Small but cozy condo offering all needed amenities. Perfect for our 4 night getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week in SB

My husband and I loved our week in SB. This place was a great base for our vacation, with easy access to the beach and restaurants/cafes/shops. The rooftop patio is definitely the highlight of this property— we loved eating dinner out there.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janis V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better than a hotel

Pay the same price or less for more room and a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Santa Barbara beach house

Adorable little condo, great location, clean and comfortable. Safe location with your own parking space. My only complaint and it isn’t really a complaint is to be prepared to take your own kitchen condiments ie: salt and pepper etc. However small grocery store within walking distance too.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

howard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great location

excellently equipped apartment, with a lovely terrace. kitchen had everything you could want and plenty of utensils, the location was great - 10 minute walk to the beach and handy supermarket only 5 minute walk away.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Santa Barbara Stay

We had a pleasant 12 night stay in Unit 5 on the 3rd floor. Patio was a great amenity. Good location for walking and exploring. We recommend it.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2024