Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Top 11 Luxury Vacation Rentals in San Diego

Head to the coast of California under the dazzling sunshine, and you’ll find San Diego. From its scenic beaches with white sand and rolling blue waves perfect for surfing or sunbathing to its lively street fairs like Little Italy’s Mercato or Ocean Beach’s flea market, or the world-renowned SeaWorld theme park, there’s no shortage of things to do in this charming gem on the Pacific Coast. Looking for luxury but not sure where to stay next time you visit San Diego? Read on for all the best luxury vacation rentals in this beautiful city.

Pacific Paradise Oceanfront Home with Panoramic Views Pacific Paradise Oceanfront Home with Panoramic Views
Credit: Pacific Paradise Oceanfront Home with Panoramic Views by Airbnb.com

Pacific Paradise Oceanfront Home with Panoramic Views

The wonderful panoramic views are the first thing you’ll notice when you check into this luxury beachfront vacation rental. With three bedrooms and space for four guests, it’s designed to be more than spacious, with plenty of room for everyone to kick back and relax. Inside this amazing Mediterranean-style home, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen with Viking appliances and an open floor plan to fully enjoy the ocean views. This is an oceanfront home that celebrates its glorious panoramic views and waterfront location, making it a top vacation spot for anyone looking to spend most of their time in the water.

Designer Luxe Compound with Pool and Steps to Great Dining Designer Luxe Compound with Pool and Steps to Great Dining
Credit: Designer Luxe Compound with Pool and Steps to Great Dining by Airbnb.com

Designer Luxe Compound with Pool and Steps to Great Dining

Head to the heart of North Park to find this unique San Diego vacation rental. Featuring a stunning outdoor paradise with a brand new 30-foot Trex deck, a heated pool and hot tub, resort lounge furniture, an incredible 65-inch outdoor TV, as well as market lights, and a 6-burner gas grill, it really does bring together everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Complete with a fully gated property, charming front porch with a swing, and sprawling backyard – all of it is just a two-minute walk to San Diego’s best eateries, shops, coffee, and Balboa Park.

Six-Bedroom Villa with Patio, Fire Pit, and Close to Beach Six-Bedroom Villa with Patio, Fire Pit, and Close to Beach
Credit: Six-Bedroom Villa with Patio, Fire Pit, and Close to Beach by Airbnb.com

Six-Bedroom Villa with Patio, Fire Pit, and Close to Beach

San Diego’s gorgeous weather deserves to be celebrated, and that’s something you’ll find easy to do in a breathtaking vacation rental like this one. An expansive outdoor oasis? Check. A firepit and swinging chairs so comfortable you may not be able to drag yourself away? Check. Style, contemporary chic design, and plenty of room for everyone? Check, check, and check! This modern Mission Beach vacation rental puts you just a five-minute walk from the beach, while Downtown San Diego is a short drive away with its Gaslamp Quarter and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options.

Two-Bedroom Apartment Within Walking Distance to Beach Two-Bedroom Apartment Within Walking Distance to Beach
Credit: Two-Bedroom Apartment Within Walking Distance to Beach by Airbnb.com

Two-Bedroom Apartment Within Walking Distance to Beach

You’ll find this beautiful two-bedroom spot right across the street from Cuvier Park, which means you’re free to catch waves and lounge on the shore as soon as you check in. Dawn Patrol is the ideal seaside escape for those looking to experience the beaches, surfing, and incredible views of La Jolla, and it brings together all of the essentials and quite a few more. Large sliding doors open to let the fresh sea air into your home, fully outfitted with a comfortable living room, modern kitchen, and two cozy bedrooms. Convenient grocery shopping is nearby, while the excitement of Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter are just a 25-minute drive away.

Luxury View Home Perfect for Family Getaway Luxury View Home Perfect for Family Getaway
Credit: Luxury View Home Perfect for Family Getaway by Airbnb.com

Luxury View Home Perfect for Family Getaway

This beautiful Airbnb comes with a brilliant backdrop of San Diego nature, which means you’ll start each morning here, throwing back the curtains and gazing out at its picturesque setting in the ultimate Southern California family vacation destination. This fully-equipped two-story home is suitable for one or more families, with multiple dining, entertaining, and gaming areas and room to comfortably sleep 12 guests. Amenities include two kitchens, two laundry stations, two outdoor entertaining areas, each with their own BBQ, a beautiful lawn for Bocce ball, and a romantic swing with panoramic views to enjoy the end of the day. In short, it’s got everything you need and more.

Entertainer's Dream with Outdoor Kitchen, Pool, Hot Tub & Views Entertainer's Dream with Outdoor Kitchen, Pool, Hot Tub & Views
Credit: Entertainer's Dream with Outdoor Kitchen, Pool, Hot Tub & Views by Airbnb.com

Entertainer's Dream with Outdoor Kitchen, Pool, Hot Tub & Views

The clue’s in the name with this luxury Airbnb: it’s one that was practically designed for special occasions and impressive events. As well as the gorgeous setting you’ll find this spot in, it also brings together everything you could desire from an Airbnb, with impressive personal touches in every corner. Celebrate all San Diego has to offer with a dip in the resort-style pool, a cocktail in the steamy spa, or an alfresco feast prepared in the outdoor kitchen. And, when you’re done eating, find your way through the open french doors into the welcoming interior where you can end your nights near the roaring fire.

Luxury Resort-like Home with Game Room, Volleyball, Pool, and Hot Tub Luxury Resort-like Home with Game Room, Volleyball, Pool, and Hot Tub
Credit: Luxury Resort-like Home with Game Room, Volleyball, Pool, and Hot Tub by Airbnb.com

Luxury Resort-like Home with Game Room, Volleyball, Pool, and Hot Tub

This luxury Airbnb really does have it all. While it only has six bedrooms, it has room for up to 16 guests, making it a great San Diego vacation rental for large groups. This upscale hilltop home offers the perfect balance between livelihood and serenity: only a 30-minute drive to San Diego’s coolest hot spots, yet peaceful and secluded enough to feel miles away from anyone. The backyard is maybe the best part of the property, showcasing breathtaking mountain views and unforgettable sunsets.

Farmhouse Retreat with Pool, Spa, Fireplace, and Yoga Deck Farmhouse Retreat with Pool, Spa, Fireplace, and Yoga Deck
Credit: Farmhouse Retreat with Pool, Spa, Fireplace, and Yoga Deck by Airbnb.com

Farmhouse Retreat with Pool, Spa, Fireplace, and Yoga Deck

You won’t know where to start when it comes to this incredible San Diego rental. A place that’s thought of your every need before it’s even crossed your mind, you’ll find all of the necessary amenities to keep you happy throughout your entire vacation. Fire up the BBQ and grill a fresh dinner, organize a foosball tournament, play pool games, chat by the spa or fireplace, or hang out for a family movie night. This Airbnb is also pet-friendly, making it a wonderful spot if you’re heading to San Diego with furry friends in tow.

Urban Oasis in Hillcrest/Mission Hills Urban Oasis in Hillcrest/Mission Hills
Credit: Urban Oasis in Hillcrest/Mission Hills by Airbnb.com

Urban Oasis in Hillcrest/Mission Hills

What’s better than a luxury vacation rental with a pool? One with two pools, of course! This San Diego Airbnb is a top spot for anyone who appreciates attention to detail, with thoughtful touches spread across all four bedrooms. While it feels remote, thanks to its peaceful setting, you’re within easy distance of the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gaslamp District, and Sea World while staying here. Enjoy its many areas of tranquility before walking to local shops, parks, and restaurants – a must when in this foodie’s dream of a city.

Casa Blanca with Views, Game Room, and Spa Casa Blanca with Views, Game Room, and Spa
Credit: Casa Blanca with Views, Game Room, and Spa by Airbnb.com

Casa Blanca with Views, Game Room, and Spa

Casa Blanca is no ordinary vacation rental. Stunning panoramic views? Yep. Hot tub? Yep. Outdoor spaces? It’s got four of them, if you’re counting! Game room? Not one, but two. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This incredible Airbnb is well-equipped for groups of all sizes. Wander through the property to find a living area with a comfy sofa, a fireplace, and TV, a game room with TV, foosball, and a pool and air hockey table, as well as two outdoor spaces to sit with a glass of wine or a good book and enjoy the sights and sounds of the San Diego Harbor.

Luxe, Renovated, Oceanfront Home with Incredible Deck and Views Luxe, Renovated, Oceanfront Home with Incredible Deck and Views
Credit: Luxe, Renovated, Oceanfront Home with Incredible Deck and Views by Airbnb.com

Luxe, Renovated, Oceanfront Home with Incredible Deck and Views

This classically-designed Airbnb brings things back to basics in the best way possible. Wander through its communal spaces and two bedrooms to admire the timeless color coordination, or peer out the window to check out ocean views right on your doorstep. Located in the coveted Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla, this luxe oceanfront home is perched on the bluff directly above the crashing waves of one of San Diego’s best beaches. The home’s other beautiful details and amenities include central air conditioning, free high-speed WiFi, TVs in every room, beach gear, and a grill for summer barbecues.

Travel Deals

Air & 12-Day South Africa Guided Adventure | $200 Off

$3099+

10-Day Danube Explorer Cruise | 2 For 1 Fares

$3835+

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$210+ pp/pn

Save $1000 per Couple: Europe, U.S. & Canada Tours

$1699+

$300 Off | Air & 8-Day Dubai & Abu Dhabi Guided Tour

$1399+

7-Day Irish Pub Tour in Luxe Vehicle w/ Private Driver

$1829+

7-Day Irish Highlights Tour | Save Up To 20%

$2003+

Alaska Cruise Adventures up to 15% Off w/ LeapAK15

$3750+

7-Day Ireland Train Tour w/ Titantic Experience

$2328+

Air & 14-Day Small Group Tour of Rajasthan, India

$1699+

14-Day Custom Castles & Coastlines Ireland Self-Drive Tour

$5486+

Unleash Your Wild - Discover Anchorage Today

VISIT

Ireland | 8-Day Custom Golf Trip - Play the Best Courses

QUOTE

Explore Anchorage's Local Flavor: Dining, Pubs, more

FREE

Guinness Storehouse Academy Experience Ireland

$35+