Top 11 Vacation Rentals In San Diego, California - Updated 2024

Shamika
Shamika 
Updated
| 6 min read

The gorgeous beach-y city of San Diego needs no introduction. With white sands, lush coconut trees lining the horizon, and clear blue waters, a vacation to San Diego represent the best of the beach life. Along with the natural scenery to marvel at, there is also an abundance of the quintessential and one-of-a-kind Cali-Baja lifestyle, culture, and attractions to experience. From delicious Southwestern and Californian fusions to outdoor frolicking with exciting water sports, San Diego stands for everything a tourist or traveller craves for when it comes to an incredible beach-side vacation. So dive into San Diego’s unique adventures and opportunities galore, and experience the magical summer for most of the year. Read on as we explore the most awesome vacation rentals in San Diego, California, USA.

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 April 07, 2024.

1. Charming casita with hot tub near everything (from USD 169)

Great for solo adventurers or couples on a romantic vacation, this casita can comfortably accommodate up to two people. It has everything you need to ensure comfort and convenience. It’s close to restaurants, coffee shops, hiking trails, and other points of interest if you want to explore San Diego more. The rental comes with many great amenities including a hot tub on the patio, perfect for unwinding after exploring the city. It’s also in a peaceful community, making sure of a relaxing atmosphere all over.

Stayed at this property?
San Diego, California, United States
1.8 km (1.2 mi) from Balboa Park
765 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there’s no a/c but there are plenty of fans that keep the unit cool
great bathroom and everything one needs for a comfortable stay
jacuzzi was great and bed is very comfortable
Cleanliness:
it was clean and well stocked
beautiful clean studio for 2 with everything you could need
very great customer service and very clean and nice place to stay while in town
perfect stay for two my boyfriend and i had a lovely weekend :) everything was clean and organized
great place to stay was super nice and clean and really close to downtown
Host:
very nice hosts and beautiful area
owner was very friendly and quick to respond
hosts are very responsive and kind
self check in was easy and the hosts are quick to respond
the hosts are friendly and replied quick with any messages or requests we made
Location:
great location to get around sd
fantastic location - close to everything we wanted
great location easy to take bus into downtown nice neighborhood to walk around in
great place and great location
awesome place the location is perfect close to downtown and balboa park
Read more reviews

2. Comfy granny studio near Old Town San Diego (from USD 109)

This one-bedroom granny flat for up to two guests is a comfy hub for you to rest your tired feet after a long day of touring San Diego. With a kitchenette, full-sized tiled shower, TV with Roku streaming player, backyard, and stocked refrigerator, this home offers all the basic amenities you’ll need to have a comfortable and convenient stay.

Located in a neighborhood filled with classic, California-style craftsman houses, this rental offers a lot of great sights and activities nearby, including Old Town San Diego.

Stayed at this property?
San Diego, California, United States
4.77 km (3.0 mi) from Balboa Park
323 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
smelled so fresh and clean
the flat was very clean and homey
the place is spotless and charming
place was very clean and organized upon arrival
kimberly and chris keep this space exceptionally clean
Host:
she is welcoming and a great host
hosts are very responsive and thoughtful
they were very friendly whilst giving us our own space
the hosts were friendly and the room above the garage was excellent
kim and chris are wonderful hosts they made themselves readily available for anything we might need
Location:
the location is great
charming apartment in a great location
we were right by old town so the location was great as well
your also walking distance to old town which has so many entertainment options
great location and great spot would stay here again
Read more reviews

3. Cosy wooden studio for a romantic getaway (from USD 188)

This is a beautiful studio apartment with cosy wooden interiors including wooden flooring and furniture, which lends an extremely intimate and comfy look to the property. With a luxurious queen-sized bed, beach cruisers, and an included kitchenette that is well-equipped with all the necessary cookware and gadgets you need to prepare your own meals, this is an ideal romantic getaway destination to retreat into with your partner. There is also cable television and free WiFi so you aren’t completely cut off from the world, but the hosts assure great privacy when you stay there.

Stayed at this property?
San Diego, California, United States
10.37 km (6.5 mi) from Balboa Park
634 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning unit was powerful enough to cool down the entire unit
laura abs robs place was super comfortable would gladly stay there again
the room has excellent natrual light and very relaxing would stay again
the shower aesthetic looked like a sauna which felt relaxing
the space is awesome and comfortable for two
Cleanliness:
very clean and comfortable
it was clean and comfortable
clean and quiet and space is laid out very efficiently
the rooms were clean and everything was tidy when we got there
unit was nice and clean
Host:
the crew is friendly
hosts were very responsive
the hosts were very quick to offer suggestions and help in any way possible
great hosts - and the space is a gem - highly recommend staying here
great location hosts were very responsive and had great local tips
Location:
the good: location is great
was located in a great spot close to everything we wanted to do in the area
great place and location in proximity to the beach
the location and the place are perfect
great location walking distance to both the bay and the beach
Read more reviews

4. Charming Spanish-style, one-bedroom guesthouse

Enjoy a charming little stay nestled amidst the beautiful North Park, that includes a great deal of cool features and thoughtful additions coupled with excellent location. You get access to your own two-storeyed Spanish guesthouse that includes a private deck to enjoy your favourite beverage in while taking in the view, a backyard that has a dart board and barbecue facility, street parking, and washer and dryer. The home itself includes two beds and a bath, and special features like a laptop work space, well-equipped kitchen, free WiFi, cable television, and more!

Stayed at this property?
San Diego, California, United States
2.23 km (1.4 mi) from Balboa Park
748 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place was spotless offered wifi and in a very safe location/nice part of town
the bed is amazingly comfortable adorable neighborhood and many great places to eat
easy and comfortable unit on a quiet street
Cleanliness:
very comfortable clean and quiet
a clean apartment with everything you need
communication with ian was prompt and informative and the house perfectly clean and tidy
very nice and thoughtful guest/ clean and stylish house
place was overall clean and a great spot
Host:
ian was a great host
the host was very easy to communicate with
ian was an amazing host
great hospitality from the hosts they greeted us when we arrived
our host was incredibly responsive helpful and accommodating
Location:
nice central location too
amazing location as well
loved the location in north park
the location is perfect and everything seemed 15 min away
amazing location next to many great local attractions
Read more reviews

5. Homely two-bedroom apartment in Little Italy (from USD 190)

In the midst of the charming part of San Diego popular as Little Italy lies this 900 square feet (84 square metres) apartment that is homely and can easily accommodate up to four people comfortably. With cosy retro decor, one bathroom and two bedrooms, you will surely not miss your home. Equipped with handy amenities like a well-stocked kitchen with gas stove, fridge and microwave, a queen-sized bed and two twin beds, two televisions, a pool table to play, as well as a huge stock of videos and CDs for your use, you will have a great time here.

Stayed at this property?

2.43 km (1.6 mi) from Balboa Park
205 reviews   Wifi Available
Apartment 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
the accommodations and hosts were great
anthony is a perfect host
anthony was so attentive to us; he checked in and made sure we had everything we needed
anthony was a very gracious and responsive host
anthony was a great host and recommended several restaurants and sights to visit
Location:
close to all the great features of downtown gaslamp district and petco park
the location itself is amazing right in little italy and walking distance to downtown
recommend staying on a saturday so you can partake in the farmers' market taking place that morning
the location was wonderful and is as described
anthony has a great place in a great location
Read more reviews
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6. Stunning two-bedroom Victorian home near Downtown San Diego (from USD 169)

This ornately decorated Victorian home is perfect for small families and smaller groups. Located near Downtown San Diego, this private and secluded home comes with great views of the ocean that you can enjoy with your breakfast from your very own front patio. Equipped with a variety of thoughtful amenities such as a smart television, fully equipped kitchen complete with cookware, a newly renovated bathroom that comes with fresh towels and toiletries, and memory-foam mattresses in all the beds, this place spares no expense in ensuring you are well taken care of.

Stayed at this property?

2.19 km (1.4 mi) from Balboa Park
50 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
clean kitchen and living room a little small and neighborhood
This review is long overdue
ice cube trays beach chairs
The beds were very comfortable
We got the folding table and folding chairs out of the storage area and than it was fine
Cleanliness:
The property was very clean
The property was very clean and easy to access
Tastefully decorated very comfortable beds
the place was nice and clean
Host:
John was there to help us with anything we needed and was very quick to respond
Very convenient location to all San Diego has to offer Updated unit with all the amenities
Although apparently located near a police station when we arrived a good share of police sirens could be heard
This property has everything you could want and more Clean centrally located to all San Diego attractions and a host who was attentive to all the details
all new appliances and furnishings well equipped with everything from coffee to beach towels among the many things provided by the owner
Location:
A grocery shop is nearby
We enjoyed sitting on the patio and interacting with other parties Very safe area and close to Bilboa park
The sleeping sofa is not really for sleeping Turns out that 25th street seems to be heavily used by police and fire trucks
This was a perfect place for me and my family (wife + 2 boys) Close to everything Easy parking Safe neighborhood
We were worried about street parking but had no problem finding space for two cars This property is immaculate inside and out
Read more reviews
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7. Gorgeous and sunny condo with beach-themed decor (from USD 299)

This is the ultimate beachfront accommodation that will ensure you have an amazing and memorable stay in San Diego! Step into absolute luxury in the form of a two-bedroom condo that has a variety of great amenities such as your own awesome patio, two flat-screen televisions, grilling facility, launderette facility, free internet, and more! The property has quintessential beach-y decor that is sure to charm you, coupled with wooden furniture. Guests especially complimented the cleanliness and the great decor of this place.

Stayed at this property?

10.66 km (6.7 mi) from Balboa Park
124 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
It was great to have the beach chairs and other toys too
Kitchen was well equipped Bathrooms had plenty of storage areas
The best part of the house was the large front patio with very comfortable seating
The upstairs condo did have a dishwasher
Love the courtyard sitting area outside
Cleanliness:
The place is very clean with some added touches to make your stay convenient
The house had everything we needed
Host:
The owner was very friendly and accommodating
Susan was super helpful and made sure we had everything we needed
The owner was very responsive and kind
Great clean property super close to the beach
The bottom patio area was amazing to hang out with our family
Location:
We did boogie boarding at Mission Beach and Paddle Boarding at Mission Bay
We could walk to a market restaurants
Perfect location for the beach just steps away
It was great to walk a short distance to Mission Bay and even shorter distance to Mission Beach
Susan is great at communication which is a plus
Read more reviews
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8. Luxurious and opulent tropical retreat with state-of-the-art amenities (from USD 275)

This is one of the most gorgeous homes you’ll see in San Diego. Recently refurbished, this lovely home comes with the most luxurious amenities and you can really see that the host, Chip, cares deeply about this home and has put his heart into it. The home is centrally located in a very quaint and private part of the city and is close to tons of great establishments and restaurants. Guests highly complimented every aspect of this home, from the furniture and decor, the amenities and the tropical garden outside, to the warm and hospitable host.

Stayed at this property?

1.92 km (1.2 mi) from Balboa Park
130 reviews   Wifi Available
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 4
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen had everything needed for cooking meals (including a stocked spice rack) very nice lawn chairs
baby supplies (folding crib high chair and bath tub -
The showers were state of the art
and she insists that I add that the mattresses in the bedrooms are sooooo comfortable
The beds were like sleeping in a cloud with thick soft bedding and pillows
Cleanliness:
the beds were extremely comfortable and the bathrooms were amazing
Everything is immaculate and the house is beautifully decorated
The grill had a full and spare tank and was clean and ready to use
The bath rooms were stocked with everything just in case you forget something
Host:
while enticing understate how wonderful this home is
He's an attentive host available for guests at any time
She actually felt better when we arrived back home then when we left
clean High quality appliances
The information explained how to operate the various equipment and functions within the property comprehensively
Location:
The house is located just a few block from many restaurants and night life
The property has a great location; walking distance to the Northpark district and biking distance to Balboa Park
restaurants wine and cheese shops dessert cafes on and on
some North Park is a great area and just a short walk away from tons of restaurants and bars
The location is central to many attractions
Read more reviews
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9. Pet-friendly and cosy two-bedroom cottage perfect for families (from USD 199)

This is a delightful and adorable cottage that is perfect for families and the main highlight is that it’s pet-friendly! No more travelling without your little furry friends and worrying about them on your vacation. This cottage is private and secluded, and comes with an enclosed front yard, barbecue grill, street parking, free WiFi, and more. There is a huge bath with shower, wall-mounted televisions, and a fully equipped and stocked kitchen for your convenience. With all the amenities you can find at home, you are sure to focus on simply relaxing and enjoying the vacation.

Stayed at this property?

5.23 km (3.3 mi) from Balboa Park
119 reviews   Wifi Available
House 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Though the cottage is on the edge of old town
Modern finishes 2 beautiful private courtyards fully stocked with everything you could possibly want onsite parking a big plus And plenty of good coffee
We appreciated the updated kitchen that had everything we needed and bathroom with good shower and the bed was super
I'm not a big TV watcher but loved the good-sized TV in this cozy place (it was so much easier to use than ours )
paper towels TP and
Cleanliness:
The cottage was very clean and perfect for our stay
The house was super clean and everything was ready for us on arrival
Host:
Joan was extremely helpful and accommodating when we needed to arrive early
Joan was great and shared some helpful restaurant tips
Joanns communication with us and her willingness to help when needed was awesome
and she obtained one for us
She provided us with cards for the muni system and actually walked us to the station and helped us navigate what might have been a confusing experience
Location:
The property location and functionality were great
The location couldn't be better for those wanting to hope around the Downtown/Tourist Areas of SD
The property is near the Trolley and Train station
We love the vibe of old town and this property is just around the corner from the Whaley house and the Main Street in old town
We come to San Diego from Arizona almost every summer because who can survive a summer in Arizona without some respite at the beach?My husband and
Read more reviews
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10. Breezy and bright one-bedroom condo

Enjoy a great stay with some of the coolest hosts you can find who are both experienced and knowledgeable in the vacation rental business, and are totally committed to making your vacation amazing for you. This one-bedroom condo has incredible views of the skyline and the Californian sunset, as well as free parking and your own private outdoor patio. You will want for nothing at all as it includes all the best amenities with the comforts of a home, including a chef’s kitchen, free WiFi, free tea and coffee that is locally roasted, and multiple sleep accommodations fit for a small family.

Stayed at this property?
San Diego, California, United States
2.69 km (1.7 mi) from Balboa Park
245 reviews  
Entire condominium 3 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

11. Experience the true camping spirit with this RV stay

There is nothing younger kids like more than unique one-of-a-kind accommodations and this RV is sure to excite your little ones to no end! Nestled in the midst of a very private and tranquil neighbourhood, this static vintage RV has all the awesome amenities of any hotel, coupled with the novel experience of living inside a vehicle. It has a private bedroom equipped with a sliding door for privacy and a queen-sized bed. The RV comes with a coffee machine, refrigerator, kettle, hot/cold shower and bathroom, as well as entertainment options such as a free Amazon Firestick with Netflix you can watch unlimited movies. In addition, laundry facility and a pool is available on the premises as well!

Stayed at this property?
San Diego, California, United States
6.99 km (4.4 mi) from Balboa Park
541 reviews  
Camper/RV 2 Beds 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Book your very own summer retreat in San Diego

A beach vacation to the exciting and fun-filled city of San Diego deserves a longer break, and with longer breaks come expensive itineraries. With vacation rentals, you get significantly cheaper accommodations coupled with all the comforts of home and a true glimpse of what being a local in San Diego would truly feel like. After all, there is no better way to truly feel rejuvenated and refreshed from a beach vacation than staying in your very own home away from home! So whenever you plan to drop into San Diego, you can be assured that any of the stays listed above will definitely take care of all your needs and make your vacation as amazing as you wish for it to be!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Being a military kid, Shamika has lived and travelled all over India, and her nomadic childhood has fueled an immense hunger and fascination for new cultures and languages (she's a polyglot!)...Read more

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