San Diego is arguably one of the funnest cities in the country! It has 70 miles of beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife, one of a kind restaurants, and everything in between. It makes for a perfect for a romantic getaway, a crazy weekend with friends, or even a family-friendly trip to explore the sights and visit attractions like the San Diego Zoo. No matter the occasion, San Diego is the perfect place to get away. To help you with planning your one of a kind stay, here is a list of the top 10 Airbnbs in San Diego.
How to Get to San Diego
San Diego is located in the southernmost part of California – only about 15 miles from the Mexican border. If you are flying into the city, the San Diego Airport (airport code: SAN) is likely located very close to where you will be staying. It is only a few miles away from the heart of downtown.
If you are driving into the city on a road trip it is likely you are coming from somewhere northern and can take the I-5 all the way down into the city.
How to Get Around San Diego
Getting around San Diego is generally simple, however, if you are not used to the traffic and one one-way streets of a busy city it can be stressful. Luckily, there are a few options available to help you get around San Diego.
Driving or renting a car is definitely an option in this city, but if you don’t want to drive yourself, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is one of the best ways to get around the city. If you are spending the day exploring downtown, getting on a hop on hop off trolley, or using a Bird scooter are more fun ways to get around.
The Best Airbnbs in San Diego
Getting an Airbnb for your stay in San Diego is a great option because hotels are often pretty expensive. Renting a house or apartment will give you a larger space for a lower cost, and will also allow you to have your own private space once to retreat after you’ve been surrounded by people all day in the city.
San Diego has many different areas ranging from beach cities to the iconic Gaslamp to spots filled with history and culture. Staying in one of these Airbnbs in San Diego will allow you to really customize your experience and explore the areas of San Diego that you are most excited to see!
Adorable Beach House with Private Patio
One of the best things about San Diego is that it’s densely populated but still has a very laid back vibe. This Airbnb is a perfect one if you want to lean more into the relaxed beachy side. It is located in Pacific Beach which is known for its beaches and bars. It is also located close to other beach cities like La Jolla and Coronado. Of course, you will still be near downtown San Diego as well.
This beach house has two bedrooms, each with a queen bed, and all amenities such as a full kitchen, wifi, washer/dryer, etc. If you are traveling with children, there are also a lot of amenities in the house that make it more kid friendly!
The inside of the house is light and beachy with artwork of the ocean and beach-inspired decor. There is also a furnished patio perfect for enjoying the sunny weather San Diego offers.
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Boho Cottage
This next Airbnb is a true boho bungalow located in Ocean Beach. The interior is so cute and puts a beach flare on neutral bohemian decor. Although this house only has one bedroom, the hosts have maximized the sleeping arrangements with two double beds, two couch beds, and two available air mattresses. You will also have access to all the necessary amenities.
This property is also located in one of the beach towns in San Diego making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. You will be close to beach cafes, tide pools, and the beautiful Sunset Cliffs.
What is also great about this property is that you will have access to a garage, making parking a breeze! And if you want to ditch the car during your stay, Ocean beach is also very bike friendly. The Boho Cottage is so effortlessly chic making it one of the best Airbnbs in San Diego.
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Refurbished Ocean Beach Sanctuary
This one bedroom Airbnb is also located in Ocean Beach and is the perfect for a couple’s beach getaway. It has one queen bed, a TV, laundry room, and wifi. The decor is light and airy with a true beachy vibe.
One of the best parts of this Airbnb is its indoor/outdoor layout. It has a big open door leading to the backyard which is furnished and has a BBQ grill. The bedroom also has its own furnished terrace- perfect for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or watching the sunset.
The location of this property will put you close to everything you’ll want to explore in San Diego. You will be a 15 minute walk away from the beach and just a short drive away from Old Town and Little Italy.
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Private Ocean Beach Bali Studio
This newly remodeled studio will be perfect for your private couple’s beach retreat. It is located in a quieter residential neighborhood and has one king bed, all necessary amenities, and Bali inspired decor; perfect for the eclectic town of Ocean Beach.
The host has gone the extra mile to make this a romantic space with two rainfall showerheads and gel foam California King size bed. However, the real gem of this studio is the ability to relax and watch a beautiful San Diego sunset from the comfort of your own private hot tub.
Just like the other properties on this list in Ocean Beach, everything is a short walk, Uber, or bike ride away!
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Resort-Like Family House in La Jolla
If you are looking for a larger space for the most epic family vacation, this one is perfect for you! This house has five bedrooms, seven beds, three bathrooms, and a Viking stove in a beautiful kitchen. It is also tucked away in a cul de sac with beautiful ocean views.
The backyard of this house might be even better than the interior! It has a large pool and jacuzzi, lounge chairs, and BBQ grill. It is the perfect spot to grill up some food and relax in the pool under the San Diego sun.
This home is located in La Jolla which is another great beach town in San Diego. You will be close to La Jolla Cove where you can snorkel, kayak, and watch the sea lions and seals sunbathe in the sea caves. La Jolla is also home to great shopping and restaurants!
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Gorgeous Architectural Villa with Pool
If you need some more space and luxury, this villa will likely check everything on your list. It has multiple common areas, a large kitchen, and spacious bedrooms. There are seven beds and just about any amenity you could think of. You can also keep the kids busy with air hockey, ping pong, and the basketball hoop that are all located on this property.The host has even taken extra steps to make sure the space is kid friendly!
The backyard of this house is filled with luscious palm trees that surround a large pool with a water slide. There are also many outdoor couches, lounge chairs, and hammocks. It is the perfect place to relax in your own private oasis.
Although this house is paradise on it’s own, if you decide to venture out and explore the city you will be close to everything you need! Mission Bay is close by and is perfect for outdoor activities for children and adults. You can also explore San Diego’s beach cities and the downtown area.
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Modern Tropical Oasis Steps from the Bay
Speaking of Mission Bay, this next property is located just steps away in a beautiful part of San Diego called Crown Point. It sits on a peninsula near the northern end of the bay in a quiet residential area. You will be right next to Crown Point Park which has a play area and large sand area for activities like volleyball. There are also firepits to relax around once the sun goes down.
This studio sits behind a main house and has a queen and full bed. It is tranquil and peaceful equipped with all amenities including washer/dryer, TV, kitchen, and free parking. The perfect sweet escape!
After biking or rollerblading around the bay you can hit up one of the many cafes and shops nearby. Just like the other San Diego Airbnbs on this list, you will be close by to all sights and attractions.
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Traveler’s Paradise, Steps from the Sand
This next one is one of the best Airbnbs in San Diego because it equips you with everything you need for a perfect beach vacation. The rental comes with beach toys, boogie boards, chairs, towels, and even beach cruisers! There is also an outdoor shower to rinse everything down to keep your space nice and clean. Want to also do a little surfing? A rental shop is located just down the street so you can get some boards and wetsuits.
This apartment has two beds and the hosts have included everything you may need like an iron, cooking essentials, shampoo, etc. They also are more than happy to recommend companies to set up private bonfires or even portraits on the beach. There is also a daily yoga class on the beach just a 5-minute walk away!
This spot is located on a more quiet part of the beach, so you won’t be around a ton of tourists. You can still easily access all popular spots – Belmont Park and Crystal Pier are only about a mile away!
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Pacific Beach Dream House
Located in the heart of Pacific Beach, this house has everything you need to make your trip to San Diego extra special. It has three bedrooms all made extra cozy with smart TVs, dimmable lighting, and memory foam mattresses. The kitchen is also stocked with all essentials like pots and pans, knives, and a variety of spices and condiments. To top it all off, there is also a six-person hot tub and fire pit!
This Dream House is only a short walk to the ocean and also comes with bikes, boards, and beach towels! When you’re done at the beach, you can walk over to Garnet Ave, a close-by street with many restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.
The hosts have really thought of everything to give you the stay of a lifetime, making this one of the top Airbnbs in San Diego.
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
Modern Home, Steps to Balboa Park
Last but certainly not least, we have possibly one of the sleekest Airbnbs in San Diego. This house was remodeled in 2019 and furnished beautifully with modern decor. It has two queen beds, a kitchen, air conditioning, wifi, and more! Making it the perfect comfortable spot for your trip.
The location of this house is also great because you will be close to some of San Diego’s best spots. Balboa Park just steps away where you can stroll through beautiful gardens and explore some incredible museums. It is also home to the famous San Diego Zoo!
If you’re looking for a change of speed, drive a short distance to North Park which is home to incredible brunch spots, live music, and farmer’s markets. With everything close by, you can’t go wrong with this Airbnb!
Click to check pricing on Airbnb.
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Maddie is the traveler behind A One Way Ticket. She has been traveling internationally for over 10 years and has visited 75+ countries on 6 continents. In addition to traveling herself, she’s been helping others plan their own travel for 6+ years. Maddie eats, sleeps, and breathes travel and loves to help others discover that same wanderlust!