Essential Perks and Tips to Get Your Airbnb Guest-Ready for a Santa Barbara Stay
Whether you're a seasoned Airbnb host or just getting started, ensuring your property stands out in Santa Barbara's competitive market is key. Here are some expert recommendations for perks, must-have amenities, and tips to make your guests’ visit unforgettable—and help them feel like locals.
1. A Welcome Basket with Local Goodies Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful beaches, wineries, and laid-back lifestyle. Start your guests' experience with a thoughtful welcome basket featuring local treats like a bottle of wine from Santa Barbara Winery or Funk Zone wineries, artisanal snacks from The Olive Oil Store, or a few locally-made chocolates from Chocolate Maya. Add a small guidebook to the best spots in town to give your guests a truly personal touch.
2. Provide Beach Essentials Santa Barbara’s coastline is one of its major draws, so make sure your guests are beach-ready. Provide items like beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and perhaps a cooler for their beach picnics. If you can, offer sand toys for families or a boogie board for beach fun. The nearby East Beach or Butterfly Beach in Montecito are ideal places for a laid-back beach day.
3. Guide to Santa Barbara’s Best Restaurants and Attractions Guests love insider tips, so be sure to share your favorite local spots. A custom-written guide or a list of nearby hidden gems—such as the best taco truck, coffee shop, or scenic hike—will make their visit feel more personal. For a great breakfast, recommend Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery or The Daily Grind. For a casual lunch or dinner, Los Agaves offers incredible Mexican food, while The Lark in the Funk Zone provides a modern twist on American cuisine. Don’t forget a list of must-visit places like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for outdoor beauty and culture.
4. A Comfortable, Cozy Bed and Linen Invest in high-quality bedding—soft, breathable sheets, fluffy pillows, and comfortable mattresses will ensure your guests enjoy restful nights after their Santa Barbara adventures. It’s one of the top things people rave about in reviews, and the little touches of luxury can go a long way.
5. Offer a Local Experience or Service Make your guests’ stay even more memorable by providing them with unique local experiences. Arrange a private wine tasting at Santa Ynez Valley wineries like Sunstone Vineyards or Foxen Vineyard & Winery, or partner with a local yoga studio like Santa Barbara Yoga Center to offer discounted access to a class. For a truly relaxing experience, consider offering spa packages from The Ritz-Carlton Spa in Bacara or Ocean Spa in Santa Barbara.
6. Climate-Ready Amenities Santa Barbara’s weather is mild year-round, but it can still get hot during summer months. Make sure your property has air conditioning, fans, or a cooling system for those warm days. In cooler months, provide extra blankets and space heaters to keep your guests cozy.
7. Easy-to-Use Tech and Comfort Features Consider tech that enhances convenience for your guests, such as a smart lock for self-check-ins, a Bluetooth speaker for music, and a Netflix-ready TV for entertainment. A coffee maker, preferably with local coffee beans from Handlebar Coffee Roasters or Santa Barbara Coffee Roasting Company, will also ensure your guests start their day with a smile.
8. Local Art and Decor Incorporating local art and decor can elevate your Airbnb’s vibe and give guests a true sense of place. Whether it’s a piece by a local artist from Santa Barbara Art Foundry or simple touches like coastal-themed throw pillows or natural wood furniture, it adds personality and charm to the space.
9. Knowledge of Local Events Keep a calendar of local events in your home, or offer a list of seasonal happenings. Santa Barbara has something for every type of guest: from the Santa Barbara Farmers Market on State Street, to concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl, to cultural events like Old Spanish Days Fiesta in August. Mentioning the Santa Barbara International Film Festival or annual wine events will also give your guests something to look forward to.
10. Cleanliness is Key Above all, maintaining a clean and well-organized space is non-negotiable. Guests value cleanliness, so make sure everything from the floors to the bathrooms is spotless. Consider providing sanitizing products, especially in high-touch areas.
