Places to Stay
On your next Santa Monica visit, bed down in an oceanfront house or tucked-away studio loft.
Courtesy of Airbnb
There’s an undeniable allure to a laid-back beach vacation: the warmth of the sun on your skin, sparkling waves breaking along the shore, and the inimitable calm of having nowhere to be but by the sea. But there’s an equally compelling draw to a city escape, where energy seems to pulse through every corner, pulling you from one restaurant, gallery, shop, or bar to the next. It’s the age-old question: What kind of trip do you want? In Santa Monica, you don’t have to choose.
This eight-mile stretch of Los Angeles County manages to pack both sides of the California experience into one coastal city, pairing wide sandy beaches and surf culture with a vibrant arts scene and an impressive roster of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. From the palm-lined streets of Wilshire Montana to the buzzy restaurants and bars of Ocean Park, you can't go wrong with a stay in any of its characterful neighborhoods. Whether you prefer a beach bungalow or a penthouse above the crowds, the variety of properties available here only adds to the city's allure. I've rounded up the best Airbnbs in Santa Monica that put you within easy reach of it all—ideal for solo escapes, couples' trips, and family vacations alike.
We've selected these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews.
In this article:
Our top picks:
- Best for families: Four-bedroom beachfront home
- Best for solo travelers: Loft with a spiral staircase
- Best for foodies: Blue, breezy three-bedroom by the water
Three-bedroom located minutes from the beach
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Why we love it: Beachfront location, 30-foot vaulted ceilings, fireplaceThis multilevel three-bedroom sits on the northern edge of Ocean Park, a laid-back stretch of Santa Monica just beyond the tourist core and home to some of the city’s best restaurants. Book it for a beach vacation with a more local feel. You can walk to the sand, grab a drink, or enjoy a great meal without needing a car. Ideal for families and groups of friends (though the host doesn't recommend it for children under age eight), the home has plenty of room to spread out, plus an impressive great room with 30-foot vaulted ceilings and a fireplace for a touch of coziness. After a day at the beach, rinse off in the spa-like bathrooms and cook in the full kitchen, or skip the kitchen altogether and walk to one of Ocean Park’s renowned restaurants.
Neighborhood: Ocean Park
Things to do nearby: Cobis restaurant, Urth Caffé Santa Monica, Ocean View ParkBlue, breezy three-bedroom by the water
Number of guests: 7
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Why we love it: Three balconies, outdoor space, glass-floored studyOcean Park is one of Santa Monica’s most enticing neighborhoods, with wide sandy beaches, a younger crowd, buzzy bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants. This modern three-bedroom is particularly well positioned, sitting near the edge of Ocean Park and Downtown Santa Monica, roughly equidistant from the beach and Main Street. And while the location is the main draw, the house itself gives you plenty of reasons to stay in: The multilevel home has a glass-floored study and an abundance of outdoor space, including a large patio, three balconies, and two rooftop areas to take in Santa Monica’s ocean views and famously gorgeous weather.
Neighborhood: Ocean Park
Things to do nearby: Pasjoli French bistro, Not No Bar, Crudo e Nudo restaurant and wine bar
King-size studio with a balcony
Number of guests: 2
Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bathroom
Why we love it: Furnished balcony, full kitchen, landmark buildingDespite its beachy feel, Santa Monica still has the electric energy of a city, with busy sidewalks, steady traffic, and storefronts spilling onto the streets. This king studio offers a welcome change of pace in the residential Wilshire Montana neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets, grand homes, and eclectic shops. Housed in a historic landmark building, the apartment has the kind of old-school character that’s increasingly hard to find in Santa Monica, while the interior has modern touches for a comfortable stay. Inside, there’s a king-size bed, full kitchen, dining area, and private balcony. Watch the sunset from home, then stroll down Montana for dinner, drinks, or a little shopping.
Neighborhood: Wilshire Montana
Things to do nearby: Father’s Office gastropub, Bread Head sandwich shop, Shirube Japanese restaurantCoastal, resort-like retreat
Number of guests: 3
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Rooftop pool, sauna, steam roomLos Angeles is known for its wellness culture, and nowhere is it more concentrated than on the west side. In Santa Monica and Venice, athleisure-clad locals run along the streets in packs, gather for contrast therapy, and play beach volleyball by the water. This one-bedroom retreat puts you right in the middle of it, with a bright, airy interior layered in worn leather, woven fabrics, and light wood that makes the stay feel surprisingly spacious. The real draw, though, is the building amenities. Guests have access to a serene rooftop; indoor and outdoor fitness centers; and a full spa with a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, heated loungers, massage room, and meditation room. It’s an ideal home base if you want to leave the city feeling restored rather than depleted.
Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Monica
Things to do nearby: Hillstone restaurant, Wally’s Santa Monica restaurant, Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica outdoor gym
Loft with a spiral staircase
Number of guests: 2
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Midcentury-modern design, private patio, newly remodeledMost Santa Monica Airbnbs lean beachy and boho, but this studio loft takes a decidedly different approach. Bright colors and midcentury-modern furnishings give the space plenty of personality, while a lofted bedroom and private balcony make the compact layout feel surprisingly open. With a queen bed, it’s best suited to couples or solo travelers. Just one block from Montana Avenue, you’ll be tucked into a quieter, more residential pocket of Santa Monica, with some of the city’s best restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques nearby. The beach, pier, and other major attractions are still close by when you want to venture out.
Neighborhood: Wilshire Montana
Things to do nearby: Calabra restaurant, Citrin restaurant, Annenberg Community HouseToes-in-the-sand estate for 12
Number of guests: 12
Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 5 baths
Why we love it: Beachfront location, fenced backyard, private parking garageFor the ultimate Santa Monica beach vacation, it’s hard to beat this waterfront estate. There’s no street or sidewalk between you and the ocean—just open your private gate and step directly onto the sand. The Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are a five-minute beachfront stroll away, while the Strand connects you to Venice Beach, the Venice Boardwalk, and Abbot Kinney. Fully renovated in 2025, the four-bedroom home has decks with panoramic ocean views, a chef’s kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, a billiards room, and a secret playroom for kids. With Main Street and Montana Avenue a short walk away, you can experience the best of Santa Monica without needing to go far.
Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Monica
Things to do nearby: Malibu, Heal the Bay Aquarium, Santa Monica Farmers Market
Quaint studio with on-site laundry
Number of guests: 2
Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bath
Why we love it: Beachfront location, fenced-in backyard, outdoor kitchenFor solo travelers or duos who want to be in the heart of the action, this cozy studio with a dining nook, full kitchen, desk for working remotely, and pops of blue throughout is hard to beat. Set along Palisades Park, it puts Santa Monica State Beach, the boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier, and Third Street Promenade all within easy walking distance. There’s plenty happening just outside your door, with some of the bars, restaurants, and shops that give Santa Monica its signature energy steps away. On-site laundry, climate control (a rarity in Santa Monica), and valet parking add a welcome dose of practicality.
Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Monica
Things to do nearby: Palisades Park, Uovo Santa Monica Italian restaurant, Third Street PromenadeStylish boho bungalow
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Beach essentials included, proximity to the boardwalk, in-unit washer/dryerEmbrace the woo-woo energy of the West Coast at this boho hideaway just steps from the beach boardwalk. Set in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, this one-bedroom is layered with warm wood accents, lush green tones, and woven textures that give it a laid-back feel. It’s a natural home base for beach days and shopping along the Promenade, or a work-from-home escape, with fast Wi-Fi and an in-unit washer and dryer. Beach essentials—including towels, chairs, and an umbrella—are provided by the host, so you can head to this Airbnb without needing to pack much more than your sunscreen.
Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Monica
Things to do nearby: Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Coast Beach Car & Bar
Modern two-bedroom penthouse
Number of guests: 2
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Private balcony, shared pool, rooftop accessFloat above the commotion of the city in this modern two-bedroom penthouse, a beautiful retreat with a private balcony, spa-like bathrooms, and a resort-style shared pool. With a king-size bed in one room, two doubles in the other, and a sofa bed in the living area, it’s well suited for families or groups of friends, while the open layout gives everyone room to spread out. The penthouse sits between the beach and Downtown Santa Monica, putting the city’s top attractions, Ocean Park, Wilshire Montana, and the waterfront all within walking distance. Spend the day exploring, then come home to rinse off the saltwater, take a dip in the pool, or head to the rooftop as the sun goes down.
Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Monica
Things to do nearby: Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, Bodega Wine Bar
FAQ:
What are the best things to do in Santa Monica?
You’ll definitely want to hit the Santa Monica Pier. Yes, it’s crowded—very crowded—but you can’t visit Santa Monica without seeing it. Ride the Ferris wheel for sweeping views of the ocean, city, and surrounding mountains, then wander down the boardwalk before heading to the beach. Santa Monica’s wide, sandy shoreline has plenty of room to hang out for a few hours, whether you want to watch a beach volleyball game, take a surf lesson, or simply soak up the sun.
When you’re ready for a break, explore the city’s impressive restaurant scene. The west side sometimes gets dismissed as basic, but Santa Monica is home to some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles County, particularly around Ocean Park, where you’ll find plenty of creative takes on West Coast flavors. But don’t feel like you need to plan every minute. This area is best experienced by wandering around on foot. The city's famously mild weather means you can spend an entire day meandering from the beach to Main Street, popping into shops and restaurants, and taking in the energy of the city along the way.
How do you get around Santa Monica?
Walk as much as you can. Santa Monica is one of the most walkable parts of Los Angeles County, and these Airbnbs put you close to the city’s biggest attractions. You’ll want a car if you’re planning to explore beyond Santa Monica itself, but parking can be a headache, especially in the busier areas. Ride-shares are an easier option, though the cost can add up quickly. For a little more speed, grab a bike or electric scooter and cruise around town—especially along the beach.
Maddy is a freelance travel writer. She currently lives in Los Angeles and has been in the industry for over seven years, previously covering weddings, health, wellness, beauty, lifestyle, and food. You can find her past work in The Knot, Insider, Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, Bustle, and Santa Barbara Life ... Read More
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
$$$ | United States, Santa Monica, 101 Wilshire Blvd
Privacy at a beach retreat
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Santa Monica Proper Hotel
$$ | United States, Santa Monica, 700 Wilshire Blvd.
High-design meets westside cool with ocean breezes and rooftop cocktails.
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Hotel Casa del Mar
$$$ | United States, Santa Monica, 1910 Ocean Way
An Italian palace on the Santa Monica coast
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Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection
$$ | United States , Santa Monica, 1740 Ocean Ave
A stylish pink-hued stay with prime beach access on Ocean Avenue
Powered By: Marriott