The Best Airbnbs in San Diego – 9 Exquisite Vacation Rentals For Your Trip

Planning a trip to the Californian Coast and on the hunt for the best Airbnb in San Diego? Great, you’ve come to the right place! I have the best beachfront vacation rentals for you. And if beaching isn’t your thing, I have a few other options in charming neighborhoods. Including some unique gems found just outside the city.

San Diego is arguably one of the most picturesque and inspiring places in the United States. From long stretches of beaches to a culture rich in art and history and a bustling nightlife, it makes for a great vacation spot. And the weather is nearly perfect all year round, so it’s hard to find fault with this coastal city.

Check out the curated list below of the best Airbnbs in San Diego. Whether you are looking for a beach escape or unusual staycation ideas, I’ve got you covered. The options also cover different budgets, so you’re sure to find the perfect place.

In a Hurry: Top Airbnbs in San Diego 

If you don’t have a lot of time and want to find the best Airbnb San Diego has to offer – you can’t go wrong with any of these options. They are all well located, sorted by price and there are choices to suit all budgets. 

Top 9 Airbnbs in San Diego 

Looking for a spot in the heart of San Diego? Awesome! From Little Italy to Downtown San Diego, I have you covered. If you are looking for a house, studio, cottage, or private room the list includes it all. And keep scrolling a bit further down if you are looking for unique accommodation options.

I have calculated the average nightly price, including service and cleaning fees. This gives a more realistic representation of the price per night, and they are listed from highest to lowest price.

1. 1920 Carriage House with Backyard Patio – Well Located Luxury Home 

• Location: Bankers Hill
• Price: from US$670 per night
• Bedrooms: 4
• Guests: 8

Grand and opulent, this restored historical home is a luxury Airbnb stay in San Diego. This gorgeous house has four spacious bedrooms comfortably sleeping eight people. The kitchen space is just dreamy and any chefs on the trip will have everything they need to whip up delicious meals.

The home is warm and inviting with earthy toned decor and furnishings throughout. Spend tranquil mornings in the lush garden and in the evenings walk to one of the restaurants in the area. 

You will love how centrally located this Airbnb vacation rental is. A great spot for those looking for a spacious home for a large group or family.

2. Huge Modern Home – Best For Large Groups 

• Location: Mission Beach 
• Price: from US$570 per night
• Bedrooms: 3
• Guests: 16

Calling all large traveling groups! This house can sleep 16 (!!) people and is the perfect Airbnb for large groups going on a beach vacation. Walk to Belmont Park and Mission Beach as well as trendy restaurants and bars on Mission Boulevard.

This clean 3 bedroom home offers open plan living. The outdoor deck and grill gets lots of sunshine and is a great place to spend family afternoons barbequing. 

Your host gets top marks for communication and you are sure to always be kept in the loop with an easy check-in and out process. 

3. Spacious Luxury Home – Ideal for Family Vacation

• Price: US$650 per night
• Bedrooms: 8
• Guest: 12

The moment you walk through the door of this lovely home with breathtaking views, you’ll fall in love with it. With so many beautiful spaces, you’ll have a hard time choosing where to spend your time.

If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy spots, the wooden swing by the garden is a good place to start, and then head up to the balcony for beautiful mountain views and sunsets.

The area is so spacious, ideal for large groups of families and friends, and the host prepared multiple dining and entertaining areas and gaming areas for you!

4. Mission Beach View Home with Rooftop Deck – Surfers’ Paradise 

• Price: US$655 per night
• Bedrooms: 5
• Guest: 10

Want to wake up a few steps from the beach? Love to take romantic walks, sunbathe, swim, and surf all day long? Then you’ve found the right place!

Although every corner of this vacation rental is gorgeous, the rooftop deck is probably the best part. You can view the amazing skyline from this highest roof deck in the neighborhood, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a barbeque with your family, a glass of wine, and watch sailboats.

5. Room A at The Dutra Inn – Little Italy – Best for Couples

• Location: Little Italy  
• Price: from US$260 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guests: 2

Defined by style and elegance, this Airbnb plus is not to be missed by couples looking for modern luxury. The entire condominium is clean, light, and airy, with thoughtful finishes and decor, this home has a character and charm that you will adore.

The large outdoor space is home to a number of cactus plants, creating an urban haven. You will also find unbeatable sunset views over the San Diego skyline and bay. 

Roam the streets of Little Italy right on your doorstep and you will find great bars and restaurants if you are keen on a night out. Your host will go the extra mile to make your stay memorable so be sure to reach out for some local tips on what to do in the area!

6. Pacific Beach Studio – Affordable Studio

• Location: Pacific Beach 
• Price: from US$160 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guests: 2

This cozy studio is perfect for an active couples getaway. It’s rare to find amenities such as bikes and SUP boards included in the Airbnb rental price. But with this spot, you will have access to both. 

This sleek and clean Airbnb in San Diego is compact but kitted out with all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay.

Pacific Beach is just a 5-minute bike ride away. You’ll be able to walk or bike anywhere you want to go in the area. Including grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. A well-located studio for activities and a great place for couples wanting a modern but affordable place to stay. 

7. Peaceful Casita in South Park – A Tranquil Studio Retreat 

• Location: South Park  
• Price: from US$150 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guests: 2

This tranquil cottage-style studio makes for a tranquil retreat within the city. The fountain in the lush courtyard with birds and butterflies sets the mood for this peaceful Airbnb in San Diego. The interior space is well thought out and the private studio has everything you need, including an espresso machine! 

Located in the South Park neighborhood that has a character of its own, you will love roaming the streets and trying out vegan restaurants or Italian feasts. And if you are stuck on which boutique cafe to try, your host will be more than happy to share some top recommendations with you.

8. Modern Boho Surf Garden – Great for Beach Lovers

• Location: Bird Rock
• Price: from US$110 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guests: 2

Looking for an affordable spot three blocks from the beach? Then this modern and private Airbnb room will be your sanctuary in San Diego. Located in an apartment you will have access to the shared living room, kitchen, and outdoor garden. The apartment is clean and spacious and you will have everything you need – including free parking on the property.

This Airbnb is situated between downtown Pacific Beach and La Jolla. It’s centrally located and a short uber from main attractions such as Balboa Park. If you want to try your hand at surfing, chat with your host who can give you a lesson because there’s nothing better than learning a new sport.

If you are looking for more coastal destinations in California, have a look at where to stay in Los Angeles for more great accommodation ideas. 

9. Cozy Casita in the Heart of North Park

• Price: US$149 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guest: 3

Are you looking for a North Park experience? This clean and cozy Airbnb with a private bathroom is a great place for a weekend getaway. You’ll share the outdoor patio and dining area with the other guest so you can make friends here. 

The apartment has a new and modern feel, and the interiors of your room are homely and inviting. Also, there is laundry available on site. And during your stay, you can easily visit Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

BONUS: 4 Unusual Airbnbs in San Diego California 

Now whether you are planning a staycation or traveling from afar, you don’t need to be reminded of the beauty and magic of San Diego. Its charm runs through the streets from Balboa Park, Ocean Beach Pier, Little Italy, and the trendy spots downtown. 

But if you are looking for a vacation with a difference, why not try out an unusual Airbnb in San Diego? Some of these interesting spots are a bit further from the city center but are sure worth the adventure. I have included how long the drive is from the Airbnb to the center of Downtown San Diego. 

Check out the below spots and get that one-of-a-kind vacation underway by booking your favorite Airbnb. 

1. Enchanting & Rustic, Piece of ART – Super Spot for Art Lovers 

• Location: Torrey View Estates (25 minutes from San Diego)
• Price: from US$440 per night
• Bedrooms: 2
• Guests: 8

Architecturally unique, this Airbnb can be described as an actual piece of art, seeing as it was built by artist James Hubbell. You’ll have the entire house to yourself with a private entrance on a one-acre property. Your favorite place in this eclectic home will probably be the outdoor hot tub where you can relax and gaze at the stars. 

Rustic charm runs throughout the home from its homely decor to fairly lit paths on the exterior. This Airbnb in San Diego is somewhere you just have to stay if you appreciate interesting spaces and a bit of adventure. The seclusion of this house is one of the best things about it, but you are still close to La Jolla and Torrey Pines National Reserve should you feel like venturing out.

2. Traveler’s Tiny Home Retreat – Great for a Unique Couples Getaway 

• Location: Stockton (10 minutes from San Diego) 
• Price: from US$210 per night
• Bedrooms: 2
• Guests: 3

An adorable tiny house that opens onto a backyard wonderland. You will not find a cuter Airbnb in San Diego than this whimsical home. Perfect for couples keen to try out something new, although the home is tiny, it’s equipped with all the amenities you need, including a full kitchen.

Your hosts have created a tropical oasis in the backyard for you to enjoy, including a hot tub, fire pit, and tiki bar. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, this urban retreat is close enough to the action while still feeling like an isolated wonderland. This is an Airbnb experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

3. Dome life – Large Open Space with Great Views

• Location: La Mesa (20 minutes from San Diego) 
• Price: from US$180 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guests: 4

This exquisite Airbnb in San Diego is not to be looked over by travelers wanting to experience sleeping in a dome for a couple of nights. This cottage-like structure, which has recently been renovated, can be found just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego and is the perfect place for a staycation. 

The dome sleeps two people in a comfortable studio room with a king-size bed. The place can accommodate an additional two people on a sleeper sofa. You’ll have super views of the lush surroundings from the large glass windows in the open living space. Located in a quiet neighborhood, you are guaranteed a relaxing stay in one of the only domes in San Diego.

4. How about a Treehouse? – Cozy Spot for Nature Lovers 

• Location: City Heights (15 minutes from San Diego)
• Price: from US$110 per night
• Bedrooms: 1
• Guests: 2

Calling all nature lovers to experience this tiny house Airbnb nestled under a shade tree. This cozy home is a novel way to experience San Diego for a few days. The house is filled with diverse decor including antique cutlery and a reclaimed french door.

Explore downtown San Diego just a few miles away before returning to your adorable Airbnb to relax. Your super hosts will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is memorable. With two other Airbnb listings on the property, they are seasoned hosts. Your stay in this charming spot will not disappoint.

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Top 4 San Diego Airbnb Experiences

Now that your dreamy San Diego Airbnb accommodation is sorted, it’s time to start daydreaming about all the fun you will be getting up to on your vacation. 

Book one of these epic adventures in San Diego and get the excitement for your vacation started.

1. Kayak with Gray Whales in La Jolla – Get as close as possible to these creatures for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
2. Luxury Sunset Sail on San Diego Bay – Indulge in a luxury sunset yacht cruise in San Diego Bay. 
3. Pasta Cooking Class – Get your Masterchef skills in tip-top shape with this pasta-making class. 
4. San Diego Paddle Board Sunset Glow Tour – Paddle around Mission Bay and experience the exquisite sunset views from your paddleboard. 

Conclusion 

The coast of San Diego is a true gem in the United States. With charming neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Normal Heights as well as gorgeous stretches of beaches, this place will have you mesmerized.

With all the Airbnb options being so stunning in their own way, it’s hard to choose just one Airbnb. 

If you haven’t clicked anything yet, please have another look at 

• the Huge Modern Home if you are traveling with a large group
• Peaceful Casita in South Park if you are on the hunt for a romantic couples getaway

With so much to see and do in San Diego and with a palpable energy that runs through the streets, I know you are going to have the most incredible vacation. If you have stayed in an Airbnb in San Diego that you think deserves to be on this list, please comment and let me know. I’d love to add it if it makes the cut.

Wishing you a relaxing vacation in San Diego!