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8 Incredible Vacation Rentals in San Diego

Sun-splashed San Diego is an idyllic, year-round vacation destination. It’s renowned for its beautiful beaches for surfing, swimming and sunbathing, and golfers will discover a paradise for playing with countless world-class courses. It has plenty for history buffs, nightlife lovers and foodies, along with famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo. To make the most of your time there, instead of staying in a hotel, book one of these vacation rentals instead and get a lot more bang for the buck.

Magnificent Ocean and Sunset Views in La Jolla Magnificent Ocean and Sunset Views, La Jolla, California
Credit: Magnificent Ocean and Sunset Views, La Jolla, California by Airbnb.com

Magnificent Ocean and Sunset Views in La Jolla

This ocean and sunset view rental is located in one of the best areas of San Diego, La Jolla. The one-bedroom guest suite sits in the host’s backyard garden and showcases stunning 180-degree views of the Pacific while offering a perfect vantage point for enjoying the glorious sunsets, ideally with a glass of wine on your private deck. You’ll even be able to wake up to ocean views right from bed and then enjoy the day at Windansea beach, just a 5-minute drive away. It accommodates up to two adults and one child, and includes a kitchenette, Wi-Fi and a TV + AppleTV with Netflix, Hulu and HBO. Beach towels, an umbrella, beach chairs and a cooler are provided too.

Luxury Hilltop Retreat in the City Luxury Hilltop Retreat in the City
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Luxury Hilltop Retreat in the City

Enjoy luxury living in San Diego in this three-bedroom home in the upscale Mission Hills neighborhood. It boasts spectacular 270-degree views of the city and San Diego Bay from floor-to-ceiling windows in the master suite, kitchen and dining room. It’s been featured on the Travel Channel as one of San Diego’s top rentals and includes many high-end features, with the highlight a private balcony and Jacuzzi overlooking San Diego Harbor. You’ll have a chef’s kitchen, a master bath with a jetted tub, a 60” HDTV with 200+ premium channels, Netflix, Amazon, and dozens of other streaming options, beach gear, Wi-Fi and much more.

La Jolla Shores Redwood Beach Cottage La Jolla Shores Redwood Beach Cottage, San Diego
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La Jolla Shores Redwood Beach Cottage

This La Jolla gem is a one-bedroom cottage for up to three guests that’s just three blocks from La Jolla Shores beach, an ideal spot to learn to surf with gentle waves well as being one of the most extensive stretches of sand with plenty of room for relaxing and playing.  The cottage itself includes all the comforts of home, including a washer/dryer and full kitchen, along with a tranquil backyard with a patio, outdoor shower and a hot tub.

South Mission Beach Oceanfront Paradise South Mission Beach Oceanfront Paradise
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South Mission Beach Oceanfront Paradise

This three-bedroom oceanfront home is right on the boardwalk steps from the sand and within walking distance to coffee shops and sports bars. It accommodates up to seven guests and includes everything you need for the perfect stay, including a full kitchen with a dishwasher, flat-screen TVs, laundry facilities and a patio with a BBQ for grilling out. The large windows facing the beach open for enjoying the salty sea breeze too.

Ginny's Riviera Villa on Sail Bay Ginny's Riviera Villa on Sail Bay
Credit: Ginny's Riviera Villa on Sail Bay by VRBO.com

Ginny's Riviera Villa on Sail Bay

This one-bedroom condo sits on the top floor providing a breathtaking unobstructed 180-degree view of Sail Bay. While it’s just 12 minutes from the downtown historic Gaslamp area, it sits on the quieter east side of the bay.  It accommodates up to four with a king-size bed in the bedroom, plus a queen murphy bed that folds down and a queen sofabed. Other highlights include a gas fireplace and large flat-screen TV. You’ll have access to a nearby coin-operated laundry room too.

Tourmaline Beach Studio Tourmaline Beach Studio, San Diego
Credit: Tourmaline Beach Studio, San Diego by VRBO.com

Tourmaline Beach Studio

This cozy studio for up to four guests offers a private oasis in a quiet residential neighborhood just 2.5 blocks from the beach, with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within walking distance. It has a private entrance and a fenced patio in the back as well as providing two complimentary bikes, beach chairs, towels, and boogie boards. You’ll even have chips, Salsa and ingredients for two welcome margaritas waiting upon your arrival.

Secluded Ocean View Windansea Bungalow in La Jolla Secluded Ocean View Windansea Bungalow in La Jolla
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Secluded Ocean View Windansea Bungalow in La Jolla

This secluded one-bedroom bungalow is close to the beach and accommodates up to four guests, although it’s particularly ideal for a romantic couple’s stay. You’ll have an ocean view terrace, a fireplace in the living room, and a private hot tub. Bikes and beach gear are included for spending the day at Windansea beach, including boogie boards, beach towels, chairs and an umbrella, beach blanket, tote bag and a cooler. The well-equipped kitchen has a blender for making those margaritas, a coffeemaker and coffee, spices, and more. A cable TV, DVD player and sound system are included too.

California Craftsman Bungalow California Craftsman Bungalow
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California Craftsman Bungalow

This two-bedroom craftsman home in a quiet North Park neighborhood is less than a 10-minute drive from San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, while famous Coronado Beach is a 15-minute drive away. You’ll be within walking distance of the university, trendy coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants. It sleeps up to six and includes private front and back patios, a 4K TV, Google Mini with Spotify, mesh Wi-Fi and a kitchen with a Keurig coffeemaker. You’ll also have access to your own laundry facilities.

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