In sunny Carpinteria, Sugar Shack offers a cozy retreat just a short walk from the beach. Unwind in the neutral-toned living room with pops of orange and enjoy meals at the dining table or breakfast bar overlooking the kitchen. When you're ready to explore, head down to Carpinteria State Beach for activities like paddleboarding and volleyball.
Reviews
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
Entire apartment
1 bathroomSleeps 4477 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor Space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara
Sugar Shack
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Get your fill of the bright California sunshine at this retro Carpinteria studio just a short walk from the beach!
With an ideal location just east of bustling Santa Barbara, you can spend your days down on the sand with a good book, beach combing along Carpinteria State Beach, and hiking at Salt Creek Marsh Nature Preserve. On the evenings that you don't feel like making your meals, there are dozens of restaurants within a few blocks of your cozy Carpinteria retreat.
Featuring a classic, split-level design, the main level of this Carpinteria vacation loft holds a comfortable living room decked out in neutral tones, with pops of orange from the artwork and throw pillows. There are a couple of sofas for lounging (as well as an air mattress), a large TV for entertainment, and a distinctively laid-back style. In addition to the dining room table, you'll also have some seats at the breakfast bar, overlooking the kitchen.
When it is time to get a meal on the table, the kitchen is compact but nicely functional with tiled countertops, a refrigerator, and a stovetop/oven. There's even a blender for fruit smoothies or margaritas. And when it's time to do the dishes, just let them soak while you watch a movie or head down to the beach.
At night, the sleeping loft upstairs has a comfortable bed, along with a skylight, and accessories like reading lamps and a shelf full of books. The full bathroom is also located on the loft level. Between the bed and a queen-size air mattress, four adults can comfortably stay at this Carpinteria vacation home.
Gorgeous Carpinteria State Beach is about 200 yards away and is the perfect setting for a beach-side picnic, an afternoon lounging in the shade of a beach umbrella, or a day of building sandcastles. You can rent a paddle board, play some volleyball, or just lay back and take a nap. Also nearby, the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is perfect for a late morning hike along the trails, where you might see seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds on your journey.
When you want a fun night on the town, Santa Barbara is only 12 miles away, with museums, theaters, shops, and restaurants for every taste and budget. And if you don't feel like dealing with crowds or lines, just stay put and chill in sunny, beach-front Carpinteria.
Plan a stay at this throwback-style Southern California vacation rental! For both calm waves and good swells, Carpinteria offers activities year-round and this cozy Carpinteria getaway is a great budget-friendly option right near the Southern California shore.
Things to Know Check-in time: 4:00 p.m. Check-out time: 10:00 a.m. All guests shall abide by Vacasa’s good neighbor policy and shall not engage in illegal activity. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The neighboring units may have tenants who smoke. Although our unit is smoke-free, sometimes the smoke lingers in the unit.
Parking notes: There is free parking available for 1 vehicle.
Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit. More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.
Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 21 years of age to book. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the apartment: Internet access
Parking and transportation
Limited onsite parking (max 1 space)
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Patio
Laundry
Laundry detergent
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the sea
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks 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)
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
Rules
For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
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
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
1666
Fun Retro Rental Conveniently Close to Santa Barbara!
About the neighborhood
Located in Carpinteria, this apartment is near the beach. Tee Time and Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Montecito Village Shopping Center and Paseo Nuevo Mall. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Santa Barbara Bowl or Municipal Tennis Center. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Carpinteria travel guide
Is Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara?
As of Mar 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara on Apr 14, 2026 start from $351, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara located?
Situated by the sea, this apartment building is steps from Carpinteria State Beach and Tomol Interpretive Play Area. Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park and Friends of the Library Used Bookstore are also within 15 minutes. Carpinteria Station is 5 minutes by foot.
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Fun and retro split-level studio conveniently close to Santa Barbara Reviews
Reviews
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
great for a short vacation near the beach - well stocked with beach chairs and towels etc. it's a bit old and shows it - could use a deep clean in a few spots that the routine cleanings haven't got to, but still perfectly fine for a vacation home!
Overall ok but was very small, great location, kitchen could be stocked better
Carolyn C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Linda L.
Oct 11, 2023
Functional for our needs
Close to everything. We walked & biked everywhere.
Linda L.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Clarisa R.
Oct 5, 2023
A Short Stay at the Sugar Shack
No doubt the location is what makes this place great as you are just a few minutes walk to the beach. It was nice to have covered parking. Bed linens and towels were clean. The bathroom rug needs to be refreshed and a good detailing to the home is also warranted. Although the outdoor temperature was a sweet 71 degrees the unit never reflected this as there is no air conditioning and just one little window upstairs available for ventilation. Plug in fans are provided to help keep things cool. The Sugar Shack is perfect for a few days getaway. After three days the bed felt lumpy. We did not cook at all. Adorable restaurants are also within walking distance. Would we stay here again? Yes.
This is a cute condo approx 2-3 min walk to a perfect soft sandy beach. It was clean and comfortable. Also all of the places we ate were within walking distance (even with my fractured toe). You should stay here.
This studio was cute and conveniently located near the beach and shops and restaurants. We were able to get most places by walking. I would recommend to friends and family.
I didn’t use them, but it was nice to see this place even provided beach towels, chairs and umbrella.
Nadine F.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Barbara L.
Feb 22, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Basic but nice
Close to train and down town and beach but has an older vibe
Barbara L.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2020
Verified
6/10 Okay
Robert J.
Dec 28, 2019
Liked: Check-in, location
Basic accommodations
Unit needs updating. Great location.
Robert J.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Paula G.
Mar 11, 2015
Superb
My sister and I totally loved the place, we will use it again for sure. We are 54 and 52 years of age. We loved the comfort, the ability to cook, the beach is not even a full block away! It was a very quiet spot, you could hear the waves.
Too extensive to go into. A cheap motel room is better equipped.
John N.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Tasci M.
Aug 18, 2018
Leaves much to be desired
We would never stay here again. The carpet as soon as you walk in the door is filthy. Says it sleeps four but this is only if you count the air mattress upstairs in the closet.
Trying to sell the place as "fun and retro" is very deceptive. Perhaps it should say extremely dated and lacking care. Very disappointed.
Tasci M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
2/10 Terrible
David T.
Jul 13, 2023
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
We Checked Out 30 Minutes After Checking In
We had scheduled a 2 night stay and arrived Friday afternoon and checked in. We checked out 30 minutes later because of strong marijuana smell in the unit. The initial response from the management company was Friday evening telling us that they were looking into the situation. We informed them that we could not stay there and asked for a refund. We ended up getting a local hotel room for our 2 night stay in Carpinteria. On Sunday we were informed that we would only receive a $117.00 refund. We have had many enjoyable VRBO experiences in other Carpinteria area rentals. This unit was very disappointing!
David T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Archival
2/10 Terrible
Kaelyn T.
Jul 18, 2017
Does not sleep four - broken sofa bed, in need of an update and a deep clean
We rented this property to sleep four adults (my husband, my parents and myself) during a friend's wedding weekend. We arrived and the property did not look as pictured - the furniture is dated, there is untidy shag carpeting throughout (including in the bathroom) and it has a run-down feel downstairs. When my parents went to pull out the sofa bed, one of the legs was broken. They moved the mattress to the floor but it was lumpy, had springs right on the surface and was ultimately unsafe and unusable. We were extremely disappointed as this unit does not sleep four. The bed upstairs was fine, but for the price, you can do much better. The town and beach are beautiful, but I would steer clear of this rental.
Kaelyn T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
6/10 Okay
WIlf G.
Oct 13, 2015
Sugar Shack - 90's in October????
The Sugar Shack has a loft open bedroom. It was in the 90's when we stayed there in October. We arrived about 8 PM and the place was stifling HOT. We opened the windows and set up the fans. After a cool shower and having the fan blow directly on us on the HIGH setting, we were able to sleep. The bed is king size and comfortable. The space around the bed is narrow.
The quality of the linens was disappointing. There were stains on the sheets and a towel. There is tar at the beach. You may not notice it in walking, however, it will stick to your shoes/feet. Thanks for the Goo Off by the door. It was needed. Don't wear your shoes in the apartment or you'll track in tar. Unfortunately previous renters likely tracked it in as my socks were quite dirty from the carpet.
We would not recommend staying here when it is HOT. The HOT air rises to the loft and the window up there is tiny.
The place worked fine for two. I wouldn't plan on more people than that. The pull out couch is not at all comfortable.
It is an end unit, so it is quiet. The window "view" is to a wall of greenery. We prefer that to a courtyard view across to other units. The parking is right behind the unit. The beach is two blocks away.
"Carp" is a "beach town". We ate in Santa Barbara so we can't comment on the restaurants.
WIlf G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kojo K.
Nov 22, 2022
Amazing seaside location
So convenient to everything in town I walked to the beach several times neighborhood and neighbors were so nice
I would recommend this place. It was cute and clean (minus a few ants here and there). Location is perfect - close to everything! I absolutely loved that I was able to park my car in the covered carport behind the place so I didn’t have to park on the street!
But, It wasn’t the best for senior people due to stairs and a slippery tub. I had my 84 year old mom with me so that was a bit of a concern. Luckily she’s in great shape so it all worked out fine.
Jennifer F.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nicole L.
Jul 23, 2022
Great Location!
Fantastic location to easily get downtown and to the beach! Beach is just one block away!
This is a great location, close to the beach and great shops.
My only regret is there is no dishwasher, washing machine or dryer, or heating. It was very cold the week were here so my husband got a severe cold the first day he got here.