San Diego, a fantastic city located in Southern California, is famous for its 19-km (11.80-mi) long coastline and is widely known for its white-sand beaches, pleasant weather, and many exciting things to do. The city is home to several superb museums, art galleries, fancy restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. It is also known for its culturally diverse population and vibrant atmosphere. Amazing attractions such as Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Belmont Park, Mission Bay, and more entice travelers from all walks of life. Beautiful harbors and protected marinas are also available to people who enjoy water sports and activities. With so many attractions, visitors are spoilt for choice regarding accommodation options in San Diego.
The city boasts many boat rentals, including cozy houseboats. Luxurious facilities can be availed on these houseboats located at different points around the bay area. Continue reading for the best houseboat rentals in San Diego, California.
Travel advisory
Though San Diego has a mild climate throughout the year, summer (June - August) and fall months (September - November) are best to venture out into the sea. However, you should always check the National Weather Service for any alerts. You can also check San Diego San Diego Lifeguard Service for any other updates!
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 October 28, 2024.
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1. Luna de Mar
Immerse yourself in luxury aboard this houseboat, a 40-foot (12.19-meter) jewel nestled in San Diego’s serene marina. This houseboat, ideal for romantic escapades, boasts a snug bedroom where ocean rhythms coax you into slumber. Greet the day with awe-inspiring sea vistas and morning brew in an elegantly appointed lounge adjacent to a kitchen primed for crafting cozy feasts.
Furthermore, venture to the deck, bask under the sun, or savor evening vintages, reveling in tranquil sunsets. You can also enjoy marina luxuries: a vast pool and a relaxing hot tub. Opt for a private cruise, delving into San Diego Bay’s allure and thrilling whale sightings.
2. A stunning houseboat with spacious accommodation
This houseboat for rent in San Diego is moored at Marina Cortez on Harbor Island can comfortably accommodate four people. It offers two bedrooms and two baths along with a pull-out. You can savor the exotic delicacies at breakfast and meals while on the top deck. Stay on the deck to watch the beautiful sunset view. The bedrooms are enormous, and the kitchen is adequately equipped. You can access other facilities like free parking in Marina lot, gated swimming pool, eight nearby restaurants, food delivery from local restaurants, paddleboard and jet ski on rentals, bicycle on rentals and avail the Starbucks coffee at Sheraton. You also get the chance to visit nearby places like the Gaslamp District, Seaport Village, Coronado Island, etc., as they are at a very short distance from the houseboat.
San Diego, California, United States
5.67 km (3.6 mi) from Balboa ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host is a very helpful and accommodating one toothe home was well equipped and the manager molly was very kind and helpfulshe was very helpful and made our trip much bettermolly the property manager is so helpful kind and makes us feel right at homepatt was very responsive to any questions/e-mails i sent and was very thorough with check-in directionsLocation:
great location and central to downtownthe location is perfectthe location was also greatwe were very close to the airport which was definitely an advantage for transportationthe location was great for the zoo uss midway and beachesCleanliness:
everything was very clean and comfortablethe houseboat is very clean and functionalthe house is clean and comfortablethe space was clean and very comfortablehouseboat was clean and we had everything we neededRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the kitchen has useful amenities and fully stocked with all the kitchen needswarm weather great patio and comfortable bedsthe rooftop deck was amazing and patt had lots of supplies for the beach or poolwi-fi worked fine pleanty of hot water all the time all goodsmall kitchen had the basics needed we enjoyed the rooftop patio as well
3. A gorgeous property at lovely San Diego Bay
This fascinating houseboat suffices all your wishes predominantly. The essence lies in the surrounding views captured by your eyes while you choose to either have a morning tea/coffee from the living room or while on the upper deck area. Nothing can beat its grandeur due to some of the unique benefits and amenities it gives you while on-board. Wide space of 1200 square feet (111.50 square meters) across the boat inside the living area, spacious, hygienic and well-ventilated rooms brings elation and relaxation all the time. A two-story home with two bedrooms downstairs and a spacious private bonus room upstairs. The kitchen is equipped with the best of modern amenities, and the bedrooms comprise of the most relaxing and cozy pillows, blankets and beds. Along with it, you get access to the gated swimming pool, neighborhood restaurants, bars, etc. The first day will surprise you with a kitchen stocked with food and drinks. Two kayaks are available for free, but children under 16 are not allowed to sit all alone.
San Diego, California, United States
5.86 km (3.7 mi) from Balboa ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
prior to check in the property owner was very responsive to my inquiriesgreat hosts and a very unique experiencethe people who are members there were friendly & neighborly saying hello to us dailythe hostess was helpful & the boat was easy to get tothe hostess is awesome and responsiveLocation:
awesome location and fun experiencesuper close to the airport restaurants museums shopping etcit's a great location to get to all of san diego very centrally locatedfantastic location to be close to everything and still feel secludedso cosy and the location was great tooCleanliness:
the furniture is nice clean and not the usual 'cast offs' found in many b&bs and rental propertiesnot only was the houseboat perfect for our group but it was very comfy and cleanthe houseboat is roomy comfy attractively decorated and extremely cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the wifi connection is secure and really goodwe loved the amenities the beds and all the home offeredalso the beds were so comfortableyou have 2 full bedrooms and a 3rd room upstairs that could easily convert to a 3rd
4. A marvelous stay with a contemporary touch
This marvelous piece of craft is an addition to one-of-its-kind Zolna Yacht’s fleet. Lit and ventilated with contemporary furniture, kitchen, living room, and a cozy queen-size bed in the bedroom. Beyond the enclosure is the deck located just above the water from where the guests can watch the lovely sunset, have their meals and watch other marinas passing by. The entire interior is designed to give a nautical feel with wide doors and abundant sunlight all through the day.
San Diego, California, United States
5.91 km (3.7 mi) from Balboa ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
amos and shari were very accommodating and helpfula gracious host and a great mini vacation stayamos and shari were also really helpful before and during our stayamos was so kind and really made sure we knew everything about the boat for our stayamos recommended some great restaurants nearby and was very helpfulLocation:
right on the water and walking distance to some excellent restaurantsthe location is close to everything downtown and private and quiet enough to relax and get refreshedsuch a beautiful and unique placethe location was perfection as we could just cross the street and see all the fireworksgreat location and amenitiesCleanliness:
the houseboat was modern very clean well appointed and comfortablei absolutely loved the houseboat it was clean cute and quaintsuper spacious and cleanthe boat was clean and spacious and very well set upvery clean close to parks and easy to findRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the master bedroom was very comfortable and my two sons shared the pull out couch without complaintit was a convenient walk from the hotel and it was great to have showers and wifi on-board
5. A plush two-storeyed floating home
A fabulous craft-piece that entertains and promises to offer fun and joy to your entire family along with your friends while aboard. It has a king-sized bed in the bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed in the living room with flat-screen televisions placed at the downstairs living area room. The best part is that the rooms are brilliantly equipped to keep you engaged and make you feel cozy all the time. The counter-top in the living room can be utilized either for dining or working purpose along with the access to USB ports. The mini-kitchen has all the appliances such as microwaves, a small refrigerator, and a portable flat grill. You can avail of the facility of preparing barbeque and other meals on a burner and rotisserie located upstairs. Savor the dinner in the moonlit night on the top deck area that contains modern furniture for recreation, small refrigerator, cooler and a beautiful view of downtown San Diego. The important thing before planning your trip is that children aged 12 and below are not allowed to join in this boat rental in San Diego.
San Diego, California, United States
4.63 km (2.9 mi) from Balboa ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
ben was an amazing hostthe host ben who also built the boat himself was incredibly friendly helpful and most importantly accommodatinghe was friendly and very invitingamazing hosts easy going flexible and explained everything with tons of tips and suggestions for the local scenelisa was so helpful and thoroughLocation:
beautiful boat in an outstanding locationit’s pretty much close to everything and the boathouse was a beautywe had a wonderful time at lisa's place the boat was perfect and very close from everythingCleanliness:
it’s clean comfortable and has a ton of characterRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
it was perfect amazing views from the top deck comfortable sleeping arrangements plenty of space to move aboutall of the facilities are fully functional and the furniture and bed are incredibly comfortable and cozythe place was clean with lots of room and a perfect top deck for bbq and drinks
Other boat accommodations in San Diego, California
Check out some other options for a unique boat stay, including luxury yachts that offer the best of both worlds!
6. The West Star (from USD 499)
For a unique stay, book an Airbnb boat in San Diego. Enjoy your time aboard The West Star – a luxurious 60-foot (18.29-meter) motor yacht nestled in a tranquil southern San Diego marina. No need to share the waves with others; this is a dock-only stay, ensuring absolute serenity. Inside, two bedrooms are adorned with cozy double beds, and through the windows, a stunning bay view awaits. For the avid beachgoer, direct beach access is only a short walk away.
While here, prepare delicious meals in the well-equipped kitchen and stay connected with WiFi. As the sun sets, unwind in the shared outdoor saltwater pool, available year-round, or soak your cares away in the community hot tub. And when you’re ready for some downtime, the 55-inch HDTV with Netflix and Roku provides entertainment galore.
Top guest reviews
Host:
tim was such a gracious hosttim and elizabeth are great hoststhe marina personnel were very friendly and welcomingvery friendly hosts and friendly neighborstim and elizabeth were awesome hostsLocation:
terrific and fun location in a great locationthe marina's pretty close to all the hotspotsthis boat is really a small ship spacious great location quiet but near restaurantsthe west star is a great place to stay relax and enjoy a nice timeCleanliness:
spacious very clean beautiful and so peacefulit was much more comfortable and clean than any hotelwest star was sparkling clean and had everything you'd want for an unforgettable vacationthe boat is immaculately clean and very spaciousvery nice clean and an absolute chick magnetRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the marina has amazing amenities- pool gym restaurant coffee shopit was much larger than photos and the beds were so comfortablewifi worked great and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook basic mealswhat a lovely place to stay comfortable beds wonderful amenities thoughtful touches etcyou have everything you need for a great time including toiletries fridge dryer and a comfortable bed
7. Rustic houseboat retreat with city and sea vistas (from USD 245)
Embark on an urban maritime adventure in San Diego aboard a quaint 30-foot (9.14-meter) boat for rent in San Diego. Nestled in an enviable spot, it boasts sweeping views of the harbor and skyline. Perfect for couples, it houses a snug V-Berth and extra cabin beds. Though lacking a full bathroom, public showers are conveniently nearby.
Equipped for safety with life vests and extinguishers, it promises security. Paddleboarding to nearby Portside Pier adds to the charm. With accessible metered and airport parking, this houseboat offers an extraordinary, memorable stay, diverging from typical lodgings.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
great location perfect view of the sd skyline and short walk to little italythe location of the boat is amazing and the sleep was some of the best
8. Tastefully furnished yacht minutes from downtown (from USD 249)
Located in the beautiful Sun Road Marina, this boat rental near downtown San Diego is a luxurious 45-foot (13.7-meter) yacht that has elegant furnishings and fittings. The yacht has a tastefully furnished main salon, a beautiful galley with custom teakwood flooring, very spacious master bedroom with ensuite, a full shower, a wheelhouse lounging area and an aft deck bar area for entertaining. The yacht also provides full access to marina amenities like gas grills, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and more. San Diego Zoo is at a 10-minute drive from the yacht and the Gaslamp District, Sea World, Midway Museum, and downtown are closeby.
Top guest reviews
Host:
this boat could easily host 2 couplesthey were both super friendly and very helpfullisa is a fantastic host the boat was a joy to stay oni would recommend them as hosts to anyone staying in san diegolisa was over and beyond helpful i recommend this to anyone who wants a really special experienceLocation:
great restaurants nearby quiet relaxing marina locationi would highly recommend booking ben and lisa's place while in townthere is a nice little coffee shop in the marina and two really nice restaurants within walking distanceCleanliness:
clean and spacious we loved itthe boat was very clean and made for a great experiencethe boat was truly sparkling clean and well maintainedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
wonderful stay with beautiful views very clean and comfortable
9. Elegant yacht for family vacations
Treat your loved ones to an excellent vacation on the ocean by booking this boat charter in San Diego. This elegant beauty boasts luxurious spaces with a full kitchenette and two spacious bedrooms for your comfort. Plus, there’s a salon area where you can gather with your loved ones for family game nights.
And to add to the modern comforts, the yacht also boasts a perfect location at a luxurious marina near downtown San Diego. You can stay at the marina for a day and enjoy water activities and explore the local waterside restaurants, or you can go on a ride with a private captain. However, do note that a charter booking is essential for overnight stays from March to October.
Have a blissful stay in San Diego
A weekend on a floating home in San Diego is the perfect gift for your loved ones. To enjoy tranquility, dreamy views, and a one-of-a-kind experience, choose any one of the rentals listed above!
Frequently asked questions about houseboat rentals in San Diego
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