The 11 best Airbnbs in San Diego for a laid-back beach holiday
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- California is one of the most popular locations in the US for Airbnb rentals.
- For a getaway to a coastal city with great beaches and outdoor activities, consider San Diego.
- We rounded up top-rated Enhanced Clean Airbnbs in San Diego between $97 to $443 per night.
Known for its warm year-round weather, popular beach towns, and thriving surf culture, San Diego is one of California's more desirable cities.
Well-suited to a laid-back beach getaway, it evokes a small town in a big city vibe, especially compared to its northern neighbors, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
That sentiment makes living like a local in an Airbnb vacation rental especially appealing. And while there's a premium placed on staying close to the ocean, if you're willing to explore farther afield, you'll find cheaper prices without skimping on experience.
I've visited San Diego many times and rounded up top Airbnbs that maximize value, experience, and comfort. And if you prefer hotels, we've got those, too.
The best San Diego Airbnbs were selected based on the following criteria:
Browse all the best Airbnb homes in San Diego below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
These are the best Airbnbs in San Diego, sorted by price from low to high.
Charming cottage with a private patio in Normal Heights
Book this San Diego cottage on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $97
Neighborhood: Normal Heights
Sleeps: 2 guests/studio
Rating: 4.98
Tucked away in a residential area on the outskirts of San Diego's trendy Normal Heights neighborhood, what this private studio lacks in physical space it makes up for in character.
The gray and white minimal decor helps the space feel bright and open. Ideal for the solo traveler or couples, this studio also features an enclosed private courtyard with a gas grill, cushy loveseat, and a wooden dining table.
The property has received a near-perfect rating from past guests rave about the studio's convenient location to some of the area's most beloved bars and cafes.
A cozy craftsman home in historic Golden Hill
Book this San Diego home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $129
Neighborhood: Golden Hill
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.86
Set in a 100-year old craftsman-style home, this one-bedroom abode is clean, quiet, and excellent for exploring one of San Diego's most eclectic neighborhoods.
Tastefully decorated with design charms in every nook and cranny, this hidden gem is located just south of Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a must-visit for first timer's traveling to San Diego.
A vetted Airbnb Plus listing, this home features a soothing neutral color palette and southwestern flair by way of decorative pillows, sheepskin rugs, and succulents galore. The host is a local San Diegan, and guests rave about her responsiveness and tips on local spots to explore.
Spanish-style cottage on Coronado Island
Book this San Diego cottage on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $136
Neighborhood: Coronado
Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.97
If you're looking to explore a different side of San Diego, this cute cottage on Coronado Island is a great place to start. Coronado is perhaps best known as the home of the legendary Hotel Del Coronado (known locally as The Del,) and this newly renovated home, which features a great soaking tub and fully stocked kitchen, is right nearby.
Just a quick trip over the iconic Coronado bridge from downtown San Diego, this spot comes stocked with all the cooking essentials you need and is within walking distance to shops and restaurants. It's also in close driving proximity to the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
The black-and-white checkerboard flooring, white subway-tile shower, and lovely interior living room space make this a great option for guests looking for an island getaway. One thing to note is that the washer and dryer are shared in the complex, which might be a turn-off to some travelers.
Oceanfront condo in Ocean Beach
Book this San Diego condo on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $155
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.87
This oceanfront condo is located mere steps from the Pacific where the sea sprawls down below for a spectacular view.
The decor is inspired by a coastal palette for a bright and cheerful vibe. It has a full kitchen, fans to circulate the sea breeze, a Queen bed in the bedroom, and a Queen-size sofa bed for kids or additional guests. It's located on the ground floor, so no steps are required.
There's free street parking available (even in peak season, you'll probably find it within a block or two away) and abundant dining and drinking options nearby.
A zen-like studio in South Mission Beach
Book this San Diego studio on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $205
Neighborhood: South Mission Beach
Sleeps: 2 guests/studio
Rating: 4.87
Set in one of San Diego's most iconic locales, this cozy studio in South Mission Bay is ideal for couples or solo travelers. Complete with a Queen bed, bikes, and boogie boards, it's a quick walk to the San Diego Bay. The location is also convenient to the boardwalk and nearby Belmont Park.
This wood-clad studio boasts bamboo accents, dramatic beamed ceilings, and leafy plants that combined, almost feel reminiscent of a Balinese villa. There is also a small patio and grill, ideal for warm San Diego nights.
A bohemian loft in Little Italy
Book this San Diego loft on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $207
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.98
In one of San Diego's most exciting neighborhoods, this boho-chic loft boasts southwestern-style with a twist, from the longhorn skull accent to colorful red and yellow tones, and a portable Art Deco bar. There are also colorful tribal prints, a bright red-tiled backsplash in the kitchen, midcentury furnishings, and photogenic decor by way of old whiskey bottles.
There is also a gorgeous garden oasis, but the big sell is the private rooftop with views of downtown and San Diego Bay, plus a convenient location close to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Housed inside The Dutra Inn, this one-bedroom unit is still totally private but located within a five-story walk-up with no elevator.
Secluded casita with pool in Encinitas
Book this San Diego casita on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $245
Neighborhood: Encinitas
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.97
While most people traveling to San Diego dream of staying near the beach, this gorgeous casita might convince you to venture to the country instead. This bucolic casita has lush surroundings and comes with access to a pool and tennis court.
Set within an exclusive gated community, this guesthouse enjoys a private entrance and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding outside the front door. Impressive furnishings include elegant French doors, a bright white kitchen with an espresso machine, and a fireplace in the bedroom. However, it's the outdoor amenities that are the biggest draw, including a private tennis court, hot tub, and 45-foot pool, as well as a patio and gardens.
While this guesthouse is located on a larger property with another home, past guests praise the private setting, which is also a boon for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet away from the fray of city life.
Charming beach cottage with a secret garden in La Jolla
Book this San Diego cottage on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $265
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Sleeps: 2 guests/studio
Rating: 4.98
It's tough to beat breakfast in the secret garden of a beach cottage in the heart of La Jolla. This beautiful light-filled abode features one King bedroom along with a full kitchen and plenty of outdoor space.
Tucked away on a residential street, the area features some of San Diego's most upscale shopping and boutiques. Best of all, you'll find one of San Diego's premier beaches just a short distance away at La Jolla Cove, along with fine dining and oceanfront restaurants and bars.
The home expertly balances a unique mix of retro beach decor with romantic accents, including ornate headboards, a marble-topped breakfast bar, ocean-themed pillows, and blue and white accents throughout.
Pet-friendly beach home in Encinitas
Book this pet-friendly San Diego home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $372
Neighborhood: Encinitas
Sleeps: 5 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.98
Complete with a stone fire pit in the backyard and a wooden picnic table on the spacious covered porch, this home is designed to showcase the best of indoor and outdoor living that San Diego has to offer.
The colorful paintings, cheerful accents and backsplashes, along with bright blue and green furniture in this two-bedroom home make for an exuberant atmosphere. The master bedroom has a King bed and direct porch access. The second bedroom includes a Queen bed and bunk beds, making this home ideal for a family or small group. It also has a washer/dryer, which comes in handy for longer stays. And, it's pet-friendly, right near the beach.
Pop over to nearby Swamis Café or the Encinitas Ale House for a local bite.
A modern oasis with ocean views in Cardiff
Book this San Diego home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $396
Neighborhood: Cardiff
Sleeps: 6 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.95
One of southern California's coolest beach towns, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is beloved by locals and visitors for its laid-back atmosphere and world-class surf culture. In fact, you don't have to stray too far to check the surf report since you can see the ocean from this home.
Just across the street from beautiful Glenn Park, this two-bedroom home offers modern amenities and beachy, calming decor, along with a 900-square-foot patio and fire pit for watching the sunset.
Inside, there is a large wrap-around breakfast bar and full kitchen, as well as a laundry room and two full bathrooms, which makes this a great long-term option. There is also a private two-car garage, heat lamps, grill, outdoor shower, and an indoor-outdoor living room that is set up for both warm and chilly nights by the beach.
Modern family getaway in Ocean Beach
Book this San Diego home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $443
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Sleeps: 10 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.87
One of San Diego's last "authentic" beach communities, this modern two-bedroom bungalow in Ocean Beach is a great place for a small group or family. The area, known locally as OB, is home to some of the best local eats, quirky boutiques, and surf shops, and is close to Sea World and downtown San Diego.
Just a block from the beach, this light-filled home features a spacious roof deck with sweeping views over the bay and ocean. Boasting a modern minimalist design, unique highlights include the hammock swing in the ground floor bedroom and the rooftop sun lounger, ideal for soaking in a sunset. Plus, large windows can be opened to let a cool ocean breeze waft through.
FAQ: San Diego Airbnbs
Where should I stay in a San Diego Airbnb?
That entirely depends on what you want to do while visiting San Diego. Choose the Gaslamp Quarter in the city for a central, urban getaway, or book a home in Ocean Beach, Encinitas, or La Jolla for a beach trip. For a combination of both, look to Coronado Island.
If you plan to revolve your trip around theme parks and attractions, consider proximity to places like the San Diego Zoo or Legoland.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego?
For those eyeing a trip to San Diego, there's plenty of variety to keep you busy. Much like New York City, every neighborhood has its own distinct personality and flavor. For the urbanites, the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy are chock full of bars and nightlife.
La Jolla with its idyllic La Jolla Cove and upmarket restaurants and boutiques has long been a fan favorite.
Drive 25 miles up the 101 and you'll find yourself in beach towns from Cardiff and Encinitas, both of which are a great options for surf and beach bums looking for a more casual atmosphere.
What is there to do in San Diego?
San Diego has long captured the imaginations of travelers near and far. It doesn't hurt that the life and legend of Ron Burgundy continue to reign supreme here, so much so that one of the city's most beloved organic taco shops even has a burrito named after him (pro tip: it's delicious).
Of course, you can also watch surfers, swim in the ocean, bar hop in Gaslamp, cruise around Coronado, or snap pics of seals in La Jolla. There are also world-class sports and attractions such as the San Diego Zoo. Legoland is in nearby Carlsbad.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb in San Diego?
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US.
Additionally, experts say that private Airbnbs are safe, perhaps even more so than hotels because these stays minimize interactions with other guests and staff. Plus, Airbnb hosts are required to follow enhanced cleaning procedures.
Are Airbnbs allowed in San Diego?
Before you click the book button, you might want to read up on California's current travel restrictions and advisories, especially when it comes to staying in an Airbnb.
More of the best Airbnbs in California
- The best Airbnbs in California
- The best Airbnbs on California's coast and beaches
- The best Airbnbs in Palm Springs
- The best Airbnbs in Los Angeles
- The best Airbnbs in San Francisco
Michelle Gross Freelance author Michelle Gross is a travel, food and lifestyle journalist now based in South Carolina. Her stories and photographs have appeared in Forbes Travel Guide, New York Post, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, The Huffington Post, Men's Journal, Thrillist, Food&Wine and The San Francisco Chronicle. A member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), you can keep up with Michelle's travels on Instagram @pinktravelproject or Twitter @pinktravekpro. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessAxel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.
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