The best Airbnbs in San Diego
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- California continues to be one of the most popular locations for Airbnb rentals.
- Sunny San Diego is home to some of California's best beaches and attractions.
- We rounded up highly-rated Airbnbs in San Diego, ranging from $87 to $318 per night.
- Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host on everything you should know before booking someone's home.
Known for its moderate year-round climate, perennially popular beach towns, and thriving surf culture, 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).
Appealing to those seeking a laid-back beach getaway, it evokes more of a small town in a big city vibe, especially compared to its formidable neighbors to the north, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the US, many travelers are seeking scenic domestic getaways with easy access to nature. Experts and the CDC have also noted that private vacation rentals like Airbnbs are safer than hotels due to little to no contact with staff or other travelers. And according to a recent survey released by Airbnb, California is one of the most popular locations for rentals right now.
However before you click the book button, you might want to read up on California'scurrent travel restrictions and advisories, especially when it comes to staying in an Airbnb. As of December 9, the governor of California enacted the state's most extreme regional stay home order to date, which also included a ban on "leisure lodging bans" across large swaths of Northern and Southern California. As such, you may want to plan now, but put any actual travel plans on hold until the future.
That said, for those who are 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 option for surf and beach bums looking for a more casual atmosphere.
While there's a premium placed on staying a bit closer to the ocean, if you're willing to explore farther afield and stay in some of San Diego's most beloved local neighborhoods, you can have a more affordable vacation. No matter your preferences, there's no shortage of amazing accommodations to choose from.
We selected San Diego Airbnbs based on the following criteria:
- Listings are for the entire home, cottage, or stand-alone apartment to avoid interaction with owners or other guests, in line with recommended COVID-19 precautions.
- We kept affordability in mind but found a range of rates to suit various budgets, with listings priced between $87 and $318 per night to start.
- All are top-rated properties, listed by Airbnb Superhosts, with a review score of 4.85 or higher.
- Each property has a variety of appealing amenities from private pools and hot tubs to and decks with water views, and many are within walking distance of the beach.
Here are the best Airbnbs in San Diego, sorted by price from low to high.
Book this historic craftsman home starting at $87 per night
Set in a 100-year old craftsman-style home in San Diego's historic Golden Hill, 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.
This cozy historic home has a lot of availability starting at the end of January.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Charming cottage with a private patio in Normal Heights, $89Book this charming cottage starting at $89 per night
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 more than makes up for in character.
The gray and white minimalistic decor help the space feel bright and open. Ideal for the solo traveler or couples, this studio also features an enclosed private courtyard that comes with a gas grill, cushy loveseat, and wooden dining table.
The property has received a near-perfect rating by more than 175 guests who've stayed here and past guests rave about the studio's convenient location to some of the area's most beloved bars and cafes.
This cozy getaway has scattered dates of availability starting at the end of January and beyond.
Rating: 4.99
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
A zen-like studio in South Mission Beach, $100Book this zen studio starting at $100 per night
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 just a quick walk to get to San Diego Bay and all that this venerable neighborhood has to offer.
Guests who have stayed at this wood-clad studio with bamboo accents have lauded its convenient location to the boardwalk and nearby Belmont Park, both of which are great places to spend an afternoon sightseeing and people watching. The apartment also comes furnished with a small patio and grill, ideal for those warm San Diego nights.
There are scattered days available in January and February, and the home has wider availability starting in March and beyond.
Rating: 4.86
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Spanish-style cottage on Coronado Island, $108Book this Spanish-style cottage starting at $108 per night
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 well within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Guests who've stayed here have raved about the unique location while still being 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 a different kind of island getaway.
One important thing to note is that the washer and dryer are shared in the complex, which might be a turn off to some travelers right now.
This popular home tends to book in advance, with the first dates of availability starting in the middle of March.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
A bohemian chic loft in Little Italy, $166Book this bohemian loft starting at $166 per night
One of San Diego's most exciting neighborhoods, this boho-chic loft in the heart of Little Italy boasts Southwestern-style with a twist, from the longhorn skull accent to the colorful red and yellow tones to the portable art deco bar. It features a gorgeous garden oasis, but the big sell is the private rooftop with views of downtown and San Diego Bay. Not to mention its convenient location close to the Gaslamp Quarter.
With more than 400-reviews and a near-perfect rating, guests here love watching the sunset from the rooftop and the walkability factor of the neighborhood.
Housed inside The Dutra Inn, this one-bedroom unit is a five-story walk-up with no elevator, be aware this option might be limiting to some travelers.
This home has limited availability in February, but is pretty much wide open starting in March.
Rating: 4.98
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Modern family getaway in Ocean Beach, $166Book this modern beach bungalow starting at $166 per night
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, as well as being in close proximity to Sea World and downtown San Diego.
Just a block away 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 the rooftop sun lounger, ideal for soaking in a sunset. Plus, large windows can be opened to let a cool ocean breeze waft through.
This popular modern home is available for bookings starting at the end of January with most of February still up for grabs.
Rating: 4.85
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Colorful pet-friendly beach home in the heart of Encinitas, $172Book this pet-friendly beach home starting at $172 per night
California living doesn't get much better than this pet-friendly beach house in the heart of Encinitas. Complete with a stone fire pit in the backyard and wooden picnic table on the spacious covered porch, this home is designed to showcase the best of indoor and outdoor living 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 features a King bed and direct porch access. The second bedroom includes a Queen bed and bunk beds, making this ideal for a family or small group of friends. It also has a washer/dryer, which comes in handy for those doing longer stays.
Pop over to nearby Swamis Café or the Encinitas Ale House for a local bite.
This Airbnb books quickly and has limited availability through February, so it's best to make plans a few months in advance.
Rating: 4.92
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Charming La Jolla beach cottage with a secret garden, $191Book this cottage starting at $191 per night
It's tough to beat enjoying 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 of La Jolla Village, 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 some of the best fine dining restaurants 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.
As popular with local San Diegan's looking for a staycation as it is for out of towners, this cottage has limited availability in January with more dates opeing in February.
Rating: 4.98
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Secluded country casita in the heart of Encinitas, $235Book this country casita starting at $235 per night
While most people traveling to San Diego dream of staying near the beach, this gorgeous casita in rural Encinitas just might convince you not to. Set within an exclusive gated community in a country-like setting, this guesthouse boasts a private entrance and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding right outside your front door.
Stylish furnishings like elegant French doors, a bright white kitchen complete with espresso machine, and an indoor fireplace in the bedroom make this a standout stay. However, it's the outdoor amenities that are the biggest draw here. With access to the home's private tennis court and 45-foot pool, as well as a private patio and gardens, this is a great option for nature lovers looking for some peace and quiet away from the fray of city life.
While this is a guesthouse located on a larger property with another home, if you're skeptical of the privacy, one recent reviewer praised their experience saying, "Wonderful peaceful stay. Clean, spacious, bright guesthouse. Gorgeous yard with lush trees and gardens. Loved the hot tub and tennis court. Family was at home in the main house but our space felt very private. Loved sitting out on the patio reading."
This home books quickly and has limited availability until the middle of February.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
A modern oasis with ocean views in Cardiff, $318Book this modern oasis in Cardiff starting at $318 per night
One of southern California's coolest beach towns, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, is beloved by locals and visitors due to its laid-back atmosphere and world-class surf culture. In fact, you don't have to stray too far if you want to check the surf report here since you can see the ocean from the home.
Just across the street from beautiful Glenn Park, this elegant two-bedroom home offers modern amenities and beachy but calming decor, along with a 900-square-foot patio and fire pit for cozying up and watching the sun set.
Inside, a large wrap-around breakfast bar and full kitchen, as well as a laundry room and two full bathrooms, make this a great long-term stay option for families. Also featuring a private two-car garage, heat lamps, grill, and outdoor shower, the indoor-outdoor living room set up is is great for both warm and chilly nights by the beach.
This popular home tends to book in advance, with the next available dates starting in mid-March and wide availability in April.
Rating: 4.94
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.