Santa Barbara is one of California’s most opulent cities. Mountains that shine rosy in the early evening sun are framed by magnificent Spanish-style buildings and a stunning palm tree coastline. Glamping Santa Barbara has been trending the last few years as there are a variety of outdoor things to enjoy in the area. People enjoy viewing humpback whales leaping from the water and strolling along some of the region’s picturesque hikes.
Throughout the year, Santa Barbara showcases some amazing sights and exciting festivities. Old Spanish Days in August and the Summer Solstice Parade in June are two popular celebrations. The Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Warf, the botanical gardens, and any of the city’s various museums are some of the top things to visit when Glamping Santa Barbara.
Our Favorite Spots for Glamping Santa Barbara
Modern Forest Santa Barbara Cottage
Location: Glamping near Santa Barbara
With all the charm of a treehouse, all the amenities of a hotel and a central location that places it within reach to Santa Barbara’s best sights and restaurants, you can’t go wrong with a stay at this one-bedroom forest cottage.
Inside, a dreamy living room comes complete with a fireplace and a lot of natural light while the bedroom is cozy and comfortable. Outdoors is a glamping tent. In total, expect to sleep four. The cottage has its own stone terrace that opens to a seasonal creek and fragrant gardens – ideal for a laidback conversation while enjoying your evening cocktails!
Recent Review: “Beautiful property, well maintained and decorated. Perfect for couple, but with glamping tent could seen it as perfect for kids. Really great location, quiet and peaceful but easy to get to Santa Barbara or the beach. Glamping tent also works as a fantastic office. Only items to be aware of (but not a problem) small fridge if staying for longer than a few days (just need to plan groceries) and driveway is tight if had a large SUV. Definitely be back again.“
Retro Airstream Santa Barbara
Location: Glamping near Mission Canyon
Add a unique twist to your beach vacation with a throwback to simpler times. This 28′ 1964 Airstream International is fully renovated with a full kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, hot water and… your own jacuzzi! And when you consider that it has a private deck to enjoy a quiet moment during sunset, a hammock and an acre of lush land all to yourself, you see why we call it the perfect beach staycation destination.
It has a full-sized bed and a sofa bed so you can easily sleep four. It’s well placed too with downtown and the beach is only five minutes away. Similarly, the airport and many hiking trails are within a 10-minute radius.
Santa Ynez Airstream on 20-acre ranch
Location: Glamping near Santa Ynez
Explore the Santa Ynez wine country through a relaxing glamping experience. With a renovated Airstream that sits in 20 acres of land, enjoy the ultimate throwback to California’s good ol’ days. Wake up to rolling meadows, cows and goats, enjoy BBQs on the afternoons followed by campfire conversations by the fire pit – this is a destination where life moves at a slower pace. And since it’s only ten minutes away from Los Olivos, you are never too far away from restaurants and other activities like wine tasting and shopping.
The Airstream may look retro but it’s equipped with Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, a bathroom with running water and much more.
Caravan Outpost Glamping Santa Barbara
Location: Glamping near Ojai
Discover the true spirit of glamping at this smoke-free campground. The aptly named Caravan Outpost has ten soundproof accommodations, all air-conditioned and furnished. They feature separate sitting areas, the beds are comfortable and the kitchen includes a refrigerator and a stovetop.
A shared garden, a picnic area and concierge services are some of the other services you can expect. Every room is individually decorated and open to furnished lanais. The bathrooms come with running water and showers while Wi-Fi is provided complimentary. Housekeeping can be availed on request. With a like-minded community around, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Recent Review: “First time sleeping in an Airstream. Great, unique experience. Definitely return for a family gathering with our adult kids w/ their significant other – each can have their own Airstream.“
Miramar Beach Hobbit House
Location: Miramar Beach Road, Santa Barbara
Enjoy a quirky spin on your beach stay by spending a couple of days at The Hobbit House in Miramar Beach. A stone’s throw away from the beach, it’s well suited for the vacationer that wants to relax and frolic by the water. Sleeping four, the main level of the house opens to the ocean while its many architectural features like a spiral staircase, wood paneling and more add a cozy touch to the space.
A spacious living room includes a television, fireplace and a sofa sleeper bed while guests will adore the bathroom with a shower and Japanese soaking tub.
El Capitan Canyon Santa Barbara Cabins and Tents
Location: Glamping Near Santa Barbara
Sitting right where the Pacific Ocean meets Santa Ynez Mountains, El Capitan Canyon is the perfect backdrop for a great adventure. Nestled amidst 350 acres of historic sycamore and oak trees, you’ll find a myriad of cedar cabins, safari tents and adventure yurts. This gives you the freedom to select your ideal glamping experience. All accommodations come with the comforts you expect and are surprisingly spacious too. The many options also make El Capitan Canyon perfect for almost any occasion, be it a romantic get-together or a weekend escape with friends and family. There are many excursions available, from hiking trails to cycling and wine tasting events. Be sure to check the calendar ahead.
Cachuma Yurts Santa Barbara
Location: Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara
Yurts have been a glamping favorite for years and it’s easy to see why. Providing a camping experience with homelike comforts, these Cachuma Yurts tick all the right boxes. They are spacious, able to sleep three to six while lighting and heating, as well as a locked door, give you all the comforts. Aside from that, it’s all similar to a tent experience – so don’t forget to bring all the essentials. The yurts come with a standing BBQ, a picnic table and a fire pit. Shared restrooms, showers and a playground are nearby.
Chic Tiny House with Ocean Views
Location: Glamping near Carpinteria
Just a mile’s walk from Carpinteria and the beach, this new chic house is a great spot for anyone looking for modern living. It’s not too large at only 400sqft but it does include two bedrooms that can sleep up to four. In addition, you can find a refrigerator, washer and an electric range while the bathroom is equipped with a shower.
It’s laidback with plenty of large windows providing plenty of natural light. Since it sits on a hill, it has beautiful views over the surrounding area. And it sits in the middle of an avocado orchid! While the camping element isn’t really focused on here, it is situated in a great location and offers many amenities you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Exclusive Santa Barbara Yurt On 11 Acres
Location: Santa Barbara
Unique, full of soul and with all the privacy in the world, this romantic retreat sits on 11 acres of lush woodland. With space for just two, a pool, hot tub and a dreamy outdoor shower/bathhouse, this is just the place to go if you are looking for a romantic escape. Wooden floors, a skylight and many other touches make it a very unique space to stay in
There’s also plenty to do too. The woods around are full of walnut, oak and pepper trees. Santa Barbara is just 12 minutes away and Santa Ynez’s backcountry is 30 minutes away. Adventure-goers will appreciate that mountain trails and the beach are also minutes away.
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Full-time World Travel Writer who runs multiple websites and social media accounts. I have spoken at various conferences around the world. Some of my hobbies include adventure, fitness and new technologies. I am also a trekkie!