Hillcrest is a neighborhood in San Diego, California and a 10-minute drive from here will get you to the city center of San Diego. Balboa Park is the area where you want to spend the bulk of your time because there is just so much to see! Make San Diego Zoo your first stop. If we can’t convince you, the live cams of the animals probably will. Yes, this is not a joke. You can view the live cams of penguins, koalas, polar bears, and more on San Diego Zoo’s official website. After you’re done with your experience, walk over to Balboa Park Miniature Railroad to take a 3-minute antique ride around the park. Or you could access the different attractions - San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, The San Diego Museum of Art, and San Diego Museum of Man - on foot. But first, let’s look at the list of top Airbnb vacation rentals in Hillcrest, San Diego so you can have a place to rest at night.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 15, 2024.
1. Unique studio with a private patio at Mission Hills (from USD 195)
Do you want to be surrounded by canyons? If yes, then this one-bedroom and bath apartment would be a good choice for you and your partner. You will be located beside UC San Diego Medical Center, Hillcrest and Dove Canyon. There is a small kitchen but it will not disappoint you because it’s fully equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, portable induction stoves, a kettle, and coffee maker. You can get your cooking ingredients from Vons grocery store just a 10-minute walk away. If you’ve nothing planned for the evening, why not catch a classic film at Cinema Under The Stars? It has a heated outdoor patio with lounge chairs. We think it’s an ultra cool experience to have!
San Diego, California, United States
3.27 km (2.1 mi) from Balboa ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the patio is amazing and the bed is very comfortablethe roost is an amazing little getaway apartment with a great view off the patioyvonne even gave me eggs from her chickens for breakfast a delightful experiencebed is comfortable and plenty of space to put our belongingsthey found it had absolutely everything they needed for a comfortable stayCleanliness:
chuck and yvonne’s space was immaculately clean and very cozythe roost is a clean comfortable and thoughtfully managedthe space is cozy and charming (well-decorated and clean with a comfortable bed)the space is very well decorated and cleanHost:
they were so accommodating and graciousthe hosts were awesome and provided plenty of travel tipsthe hosts were great and very accommodating as wellthe hosts were especially kind and easy to communicate withthey were very helpful hosts and went out of their way to be accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
really cute apartment in a great locationgreat location from gaslamp dwe absolutely loved this locationthe location is greatgreat location and space
2. Private room beside Century Plaza Towers (from USD 1602)
By staying in this Spanish-style townhouse, you’re a 10-minute walk to Marston House Museum. The bedroom has a queen-size bed and private bathroom. You will also get a large closet to hang your clothes and a dresser with drawers to store your things. There is air-conditioning and Wi-Fi access for you and you will be able to also utilize all the shared spaces in the apartment. You are welcome to use the washer and dryer for your laundry. If you’re a seafood fan, we highly recommend you to drive or take a 5-minute Uber ride to Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill. Authentic Mexican-style seafood tacos, anyone?
San Diego, California, United States
2.01 km (1.3 mi) from Balboa ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
) wifi is strong toothe bed is comfortable and amenities well equippedsmall touches like a candle and lint roller in the room were much appreciateda lovely comfortable private room and private bathgreat room in a nice quiet part of townCleanliness:
a wonderful clean beautiful environmentclean and comfy room in a quiet part of hillcrestjohn’s place is very clean and stylishthe place is sparking clean and quietthe bed was comfortable and clean as was the bathroomHost:
john was an absolutely fantastic hosta caring knowledgeable hostjohn was an attentive host and we enjoyed our staykind host with lovely suggestions for enjoying the cityjohn is a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is excellentthe location is perfectgreat location quiet neighborhood walking distance to many restaurantsnice neighborhood and a very convenient locationreally enjoyed the location very quiet but close to everything in hillcrest
3. Private room along West Washington Street (from USD 4309)
This private room in a bed & breakfast is one of the seven private guest rooms in the estate. Though this is the smallest room compared to the others, it has air conditioning and is spacious enough for 2 people with a luxury queen-size bed and private bath. You will be able to enjoy free breakfast, snacks, and the 24/7 coffee tea station graciously provided during your stay. A refrigerator and microwave will be made available should you require to store and heat-up your food and drinks. Located right beside Mission Hills Bike Shop, you’re just a short walk away from Belle + Barre gym studio, Karma Relaxation Spa, and several eateries.
San Diego, California, United States
2.43 km (1.6 mi) from Balboa ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the coronado room in the cottagecoffee was perfect in the morning and a nice breakfast was availableroom was clean well organized and relevant amenities were includedthe bed and sheets were very plush and comfortablethe mattress was so comfortable it was difficult to get out of bed every morningCleanliness:
it was clean and cozyvery clean and comfortable homethe rooms are clean and cozyit was clean and we got everything we neededvery clean chill and relaxingHost:
she is a great host and she was there to show us aroundhosts were welcoming and helpfulann is a wonderful host and business ownerann is a wonderful hostann was such a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location is central enough to local attractionslovely b&b in a great locationperfect place in great hillcrest area location - near zoo and bslboa parkthe hillcrest house bed and breakfast has a perfect location in hillcresther place is amazing it located in a great area
4. Two-storey suite near Uptown Villa Apartments
The guest suite is situated a 5-minute walk from Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. You will enjoy full privacy with the private entry to your loft. The kitchenette is fully functional so take a short walk and get your groceries from Lazy Acres or Vons if you’re planning to prepare a homemade meal. Climb the spiral staircase and your queen-size bed will be ready to greet you for the night. There’s also a TV and sofa on the same floor. Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and bath essentials are available. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a 20-minute walk away from here.
San Diego, California, United States
2.5 km (1.6 mi) from Balboa Park
5. Open-concept apartment near Broadway San Diego
The bedroom is not fully sanctioned off the living area since it’s an open-concept apartment. But you will enjoy the full-size double memory foam bed. A closet has also been made available for you to store your clothes during your stay. The living area has a Roku TV with local stations and a large sofa for you to rest on. The cooking space is big enough for two and equipped with basic items. You can also access the Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and bath essentials. You will be able to do your laundry at an extra cost so do inform your host in advance should you require to use the washer and dryer. We believe The Brew Project bar and eatery makes a good spot to chill in the evening. It’s just a 3-minute walk away!
San Diego, California, United States
1.98 km (1.3 mi) from Balboa Park
6. Private room beside Marston House Museum
This is probably one of the best accommodations to stay if you’re planning to walk over to San Diego Zoo. You will get a private room in an apartment with a full bath and access to the shared space - kitchen and living room. No need to worry about the summer heat because there’s air-conditioning and you will be able to connect to the internet as well. Bath essentials are provided. Whole Foods Market and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas are an approximate 15-minute walk away from the apartment.
1.57 km (1.0 mi) from Balboa Park
7. Private room near Fleur De Lis School
This accommodation is hosted by a superhost so you’re guaranteed a wonderful experience should you decide to pick this vacation rental. The price will include an air-conditioned room with double bed, Wi-Fi access, TV, and a shared bathroom with toiletries. You will be able to use the washer, dryer, and kitchen. But with University Avenue located just a 5-minute walk away, you don’t really have to prepare your own meals. That’s because there are countless dining options down the street. We recommend Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for brunch before you head off to catch a movie at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas.
2.29 km (1.5 mi) from Balboa Park
8. Private room in condominium for the solo traveler
This private room for one guest is located in a condominium near Park East Apartments. You will have a single bed with a laptop-friendly workspace with Wi-Fi connection. You can take a break from work and watch some shows on the flat screen TV in the comfort of your own room. Feel free to use the shared kitchen space, living area, washer, and dryer. You will be a 15-minute drive to USS Midway Museum and Tuna Harbor Park, where the Unconditional Surrender Statue is at.
2.22 km (1.4 mi) from Balboa Park
9. Spacious room beside a grocery store
You will be staying in a room with carpeted floors, a comfortable queen-size bed, and a shared bath with bath soap. Feel free to utilize the fridge for your groceries and relax in the living area after a long day out. Wi-Fi access is also available during your stay. The apartment is located beside Presidio Cleaners (dry cleaner) and Lazy Acres grocery store. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a 10-minute ride away and you will find Whaley House Museum, Mormon Battalion Historic Site, and Presidio Park in the vicinity.
San Diego, California, United States
2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Balboa Park
10. Private room in townhouse near Hillcrest Market
This is a two-bedroom townhouse and you will have access to one of its rooms with a queen-size bed and private bathroom. You will have an extremely comfortable home away from home because it has everything you need - Wi-Fi, central air-conditioning, TV, and bath essentials. You can rest in the living room with the indoor fireplace or chill at the outdoor patio. Feel free to use the in-house washer and dryer for your laundry. Located near Hillcrest Market, you can buy your groceries at Ralphs and Trader Joe’s before whipping a meal in the kitchen. You’re a 5-minute drive to Balboa Park.
San Diego, California, United States
1.84 km (1.2 mi) from Balboa ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
most importantly the need was very comfortablemichael is a great host and kept the room equipped with all the amenities neededit was nice to have access to our own bathroom as wellthere were also really large windows in the room that let in the cool breeze at nightvery nice room with private bathroomCleanliness:
super clean and comfortable spaceclean and private spacevery clean and quiet roomclean quiet and comfortableclean bedroom and private bathroomHost:
host was friendlythe best hosts evercozy home with great hostsjust a great home and especially a great hoststay with them amazing hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectamazing location walking distance to everything you need in the hillcrest neighborhoodgreat location especially if you're lgbtq+great location small but neatamazing location walking distance to balboa park and san diego zoo
We've got a mission for you at Mission Bay!
Our mission for you is to explore the area located just a 15-minute drive from Hillcrest. Start from SeaWorld San Diego, a place where you can get up close with the animals. By that, we mean swimming and interacting with the dolphins, penguins, and beluga whales! Don’t miss out on the rides, thrills, shows, and presentations while you’re there. After you’re done, we hope there’s still time left to visit Belmont Park. This is a must-go if you adore vintage games, gift shops, and rides. Look out for the iconic wooden roller coaster right next to the beach! It’s probably time to fill your growling tummies after you’ve completed your walk. We recommend these oceanfront dining options - Draft American bar & grill, Beach House Grill, or Sandbar Sports Grill.
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