19 Best Airbnbs in San Diego, From Old Town to La Jolla
San Diego is perfect for year-round vacationing thanks to the near-constant mild and sunny weather, access to beaches and hiking trails, and plethora of entertainment opportunities, from the massive San Diego Zoo to bar-hopping in the Gaslamp District. Every visitor to this Southern California destination—whether families, couples, or groups of friends—can find a sliver of San Diego that perfectly suits them. Such is the case for vacation rentals, too. Whether you’re looking for a plush indoor staycation complete with al fresco dining and a massive kitchen, an airy and romantic cottage reminiscent of Santorini, or a quiet and peaceful place to rest before a night of partying, these 19 Airbnbs throughout San Diego can accommodate anyone.
We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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- Courtesy Airbnb
Santorini-inspired cottage
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Bay and city skyline view, private outdoor dining area, fireplace, rooftop hot tub
Nearby attractions: Little Italy, Gaslamp District, Downtown, International restaurant row, San Diego Zoo, Balboa ParkFor those searching for a taste of Europe in sunny San Diego, look no further. This Airbnb, reminiscent of the blue and white architecture of the Greek island of Santorini, is minutes away from San Diego International Airport for guests flying in, as well as a short drive away from Little Italy, the Gaslamp District, and downtown. It boasts a cozy fireplace, private back patio, and spiral staircase that leads to a rooftop hot tub and grill area, complete with a view of San Diego’s skyline.
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Mountain View haven
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Hammock, outdoor shower and bath, private backyard space
Nearby attractions: Petco Park, Balboa Park, San Diego ZooFor a weekend getaway large enough to sleep 10, book this spacious home in the Mountain View neighborhood of San Diego. The lush and tropical outdoor space includes string lights, television, a hammock, and even an outdoor bathtub. Ample natural light and greenery is present throughout the home and, as of this writing, s'mores and a bonfire set up at Mission are included in the stay.
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Lovely La Jolla cottage
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private deck and beach essentials provided
Nearby attractions: La Jolla Hermosa park, La Jolla caves, Torrey Pines State Natural ReserveNestled in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla and a mere skip away from the ocean, this bright and airy cottage is ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway. The west-facing deck is perfect for enjoying a chilled bottle of wine and a San Diego sunset over the ocean while the kitchenette and Keurig ensures easygoing mornings. A short walk away are restaurants, retail stores, and La Jolla Hermosa Park, which would be perfect for a picnic.
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South Park Spanish-style stunner
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Outdoor dining area, massive kitchen, rain shower, surfboards and paddleboards available for rent
Nearby attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego ZooThis recently renovated Spanish-inspired home in South Park is bathed in natural light thanks to massive arched windows and gorgeous, vaulted ceilings. With chic interior design, a massive kitchen, an outdoor dining area, and enough room for seven, this getaway is perfect for a San Diego trip with friends—especially those who love to cook and dine al fresco. For outdoors enthusiasts, surfboards and paddleboards are available to rent.
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Modern beach retreat in Encinitas
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Ocean views, sun loungers and private patio, outdoor dining area, children’s toys and board games
Nearby attractions: Swami’s Beach, Moonlight Beach, Downtown Encinitas, Meditation GardenThis stunning beach home is a short walk away from downtown Encinitas’s incredible selection of restaurants and bars, Moonlight and Swami’s beach, as well as the famed Meditation Garden. It’s spacious enough for eight guests and includes an al fresco dining space, board games, and an upstairs private patio complete with sun loungers. Lookout points with ocean views are a couple blocks away.
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Ocean Beach oasis
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths
Top amenities: Private rooftop deck, hammock, lounge chairs, ocean views
Nearby attractions: Ocean Beach, SeaWorldLight-filled thanks to tons of windows throughout, this San Diego Airbnb provides a comfortable home base for your beach vacation. The private rooftop deck (complete with lounge chairs and a hammock) gives you breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, which is a mere block away. In addition to the two bedrooms, you can ascend the ladder in the living room to discover a separate sleeping loft.
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Midcentury modern getaway in La Jolla
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths
Top amenities: Full kitchen, outdoor firepit, cedar sauna, pool, hot tub
Nearby attractions: La Jolla Caves, La Jolla Shores Park, Torrey Pines State Natural ReserveThis half-acre compound was built in 1957 but was recently renovated, leaving it filled with both modern luxuries and plenty of its original mid century-modern charm. Like to cook? You'll love the full kitchen that has a Sub-Zero fridge, double ovens, and plenty of high-end appliances. The large outdoor space has a pool, outdoor firepit, hot tub, infrared barbecue, cedar sauna, and plenty of grassy space. If you're looking for excuses to get off-property, you'll find La Jolla Cove, Torrey Pines State Park, Kellogg Park, the Scripps Pier, and the La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve all within a short drive.
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Beachfront condo in La Jolla
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Beachfront access, ocean views, outdoor balcony
Nearby attractions: Windansea Beach, La Jolla tidepoolsThis oceanfront paradise is a standout among vacation rentals. It's impeccably decorated, with a contemporary meets bohemian aesthetic. The condo is well stocked with everything you'll need, including extras like beach gear and an outdoor balcony. Best of all, the sand and sea are right outside the door.
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La Mesa dome
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Unique architecture, pet friendly, popcorn maker
Nearby attractions: Mount Helix Park, San Diego trolley, Lake MurrayThis one-of-a-kind Airbnb was built in 1967 by art students at a local college. The geodesic dome structure is a unique piece of architecture and history, and is like few other homes you've seen. Pets under 30 pounds are welcome for an additional fee, and the thoughtful host will provide dog bowls and beds. This central location will have you at the beach in 20 minutes and the San Diego Zoo in 15 minutes. Don't feel like driving? There's a trolley that goes through La Mesa that will take you to the sights.
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Laidback living in Rockaway
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private garage, beach access, modern furnishings
Nearby attractions: Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Belmont ParkThe fresh interior of this one-bedroom home channels major SoCal vibes, with fringed blankets, macramé wall hangings, and greenery sprinkled throughout. This beach-adjacent neighborhood has you stepping into the sand in under a minute, with restaurants and bars all within walkable distance, too. Prefer to drive around town? You'll be happy to know this San Diego Airbnb has its own garage (a rarity in this tightly packed coastal neighborhood).
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Light-filled modern haven in Little Italy
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Outdoor patio, San Diego Bay view, cactus garden
Nearby attractions: Waterfront Park, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway MuseumWhile the interior of this funky apartment is a visually stunning, plant-filled oasis, it's the outdoor patio that's the real draw. You'll have a clear view of the San Diego Bay—which is just steps away—from the private patio, complete with a cactus garden. The private bedroom leads into an en-suite bathroom filled with Malin + Goetz toiletries. The kitchen is lined with plenty of windows that serve ocean views all day long.
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Modern home right next to Balboa Park
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Waterfall shower, fully-equipped kitchen, greenery
Nearby attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Air & Space MuseumThis contemporary home is beautifully decorated and located in the heart of San Diego's action. The furniture and decor is a carefully curated assortment of high-end finds from West Elm, Citizenry, Anthropologie, and more, and you'll find plants blooming throughout the home. Balboa Park, which is full of walking paths, green belts, gardens, museums, theaters, and open spaces, is right across the street, as is the San Diego Zoo. Countless breweries and restaurants are within walking distance, as well.
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Escape to Encinitas
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Movie room, outdoor deck
Nearby attractions: San Elijo State Beach, Meditation GardenLive the good life in this spacious beach house with contemporary design throughout. It's located in Encinitas, and has plenty of special touches including a movie room with a 14-foot projector. The living room fully opens right out onto the outdoor deck thanks to a set of bi-fold glass doors, letting you take in fresh air from the comfort of the couch. North County beaches are less than five minutes away by car, and the famed Del Mar Racetrack is three freeway exits away.
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Contemporary villa in La Jolla
Bed & bath: 7 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: Private and large outdoor dining space, modern furnishings
Nearby attractions: La Jolla Caves, La Jolla Tide Pools, Windansea BeachTraveling with a big group? This sprawling Airbnb has plenty of space, complete with seven private bedrooms. The resort-like home is a modern coastal oasis decorated in calming blues, ivories, and tans. The backyard has a peaceful deck outfitted with lanterns, string lights, high-quality outdoor furniture, barbecue, and umbrellas—perfect for outdoor entertaining. Inside, you'll find a professional chef's kitchen and an open floor plan. Hop in the car to get to the beach in less than 15 minutes.
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Bonita glass house
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Mountain views, private hot tub
Nearby attractions: Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, San Miguel MountainThere's a reason this two-bedroom is one of the best Airbnbs in California. Located in Bonita, just south of downtown San Diego, the Scandinavian-inspired home is as quiet and restful as it is beautiful. The warm woods and neutral fabrics give this space a spa-like feel. Outdoors, you'll find a hot tub that overlooks the mountains.
Sunset Cliffs getaway
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Beach access, private backyard
Nearby attractions: Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs National ParkThe blue spiral staircase in the living room is one of our favorite things about this modern beach cottage located just 100 steps from Ocean Beach and its numerous tide pools. There are beautiful bluffs within walking distance, too. If you're planning to work remotely during your stay, rest easy that there's a desk nook in one of the bedrooms and the home is an Airbnb Plus, meaning its Wi-Fi has been tested IRL to ensure it's strong enough for Zoom calls.
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Spanish revival retreat in Hillcrest
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private patio, complimentary prosecco
Nearby attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Air & Space MuseumThis historic bungalow is bursting with Spanish revival architectural details, plus tons of elegant touches that make it feel modern. The one-bedroom home is perfect for solo travelers and couples. It's in a great location near Balboa Park, too. Whether you're having lunch on the private patio or napping in the queen bed, you'll feel right at home at this Airbnb.
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Southern California escape in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Firepit, al fresco dining, gas grill
Nearby attractions: Annie’s Canyon hiking trail, San Elijo state beachNo attention to detail is spared in this recently remodeled duplex. The beautiful home is filled with bright colors, artwork, bespoke furniture, and natural light. Outside, you'll find a fully furnished deck with a firepit and gas grill. San Diego's beaches, of course, are just a short walk away—take a sunset stroll and watch the surfers ride the waves as the sun makes its daily dive into the Pacific Ocean.
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Colorful beach house near Mission Bay Park
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Backyard patio, bay view
Nearby attractions: Mission Bay Park, Sea World, Mission BeachThis vibrant home is an ode to coastal living, with sea glass vases in the kitchen, a bold ocean blue bathroom, and tranquil teals and yellows throughout. The backyard patio provides a private outdoor space to dine al fresco and soak up the salt air. Mission Bay Park, which has plenty of trails for running, biking, and walking, is less than 10 minutes away while downtown San Diego is just a 15-minute drive.
Looking for Airbnbs in the rest of California? Take a look at our guides below:
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