The best RV rentals in Santa Barbara, CA

Before taking your Santa Barbara RV rental downtown, it's worth checking the local traffic and where to park. Santa Barbara is a relatively small city, and while there is the occasional traffic jam during rush hour, it's nothing compared to the likes of Los Angeles. In addition, several parking lots in the city allow oversized vehicles, including Leadbetter, Harbor West, Palm Park, and Garden Street.

Santa Barbara has a long history, and campers can learn more about the city's past at the Old Mission Santa Barbara. The mission was founded in 1786 by Spanish missionaries trying to convert the indigenous Chumash-Barbareño peoples to Catholicism. The tenth of California's 21 missions, the Old Mission Santa Barbara is the only one to be continuously managed by Franciscan Friars. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mission, including the mausoleum, before picking up a keepsake at the gift shop.

Keep your whole crew happy with a day out at the Santa Barbara Zoo. This compact 30-acre zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. There are dozens of endangered critters on show, including Amur leopards, California condors, and western lowland gorillas. If you want a truly memorable experience, book an animal encounter and get up close to capybaras, Humboldt penguins, and Masai giraffes.

Santa Barbara is known for its seemingly endless coastline, and one of the best spots to appreciate it is Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. Shadowed by Santa Barbara's bluffs, Arroyo Burro Beach is a superb spot for surfing, swimming, and birdwatching. Arroyo Burro is also one of the best places to walk your dog, and the adjacent Douglas Family Preserve lets dogs play in the waves without a leash.

With over 280 sunny days a year and mile after mile of beautiful countryside, Santa Barbara is home to some wonderful RV parks. One of the best RV campgrounds near Santa Barbara is the Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort. This campground is tucked away in the mountains near the Santa Ynez River, around 30 minutes from Santa Barbara. Sites come with full hookups and 15/20/30-amp electricity. Rancho Oso offers plenty of activities to keep campers entertained, including guided horseback rides, a mini-golf course, and live entertainment. Pets are welcome, and there's an on-site dog park. Amenities include laundry facilities, bathrooms, and a dump station.

If you'd prefer to camp along the coast, consider staying at the Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitán. Located 20 miles from Santa Barbara, the Ocean Mesa Campground is ideal for hitting the beach, with El Capitán State Beach and Refugio State Beach a stone's throw from camp. Sites at the Ocean Mesa Campground come with full hookups and max-amp electricity. During your stay, you can stroll down to the beach, cool off in the pool, or unwind with a massage. You'll also find a few home comforts around camp, like laundry facilities, bathrooms, and Wi-Fi access.

Alternatively, you can leave Santa Barbara behind and park up at the Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground. Situated 40 miles northwest of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, this campground features sites with full hookups and max-amp electricity. You'll find many unique attractions near the Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, with the Danish village of Solvang and OstrichLand USA within 5 miles of camp. During your downtime, you can take a dip in the on-site pool or enjoy an adult beverage at the Sideways Lounge. Amenities include a general store, laundry facilities, and an off-leash dog park.