The 14 best Airbnbs in San Diego right now

Neighborhood: University Heights

Tucked into one of San Diego’s most walkable neighborhoods, this University Heights Airbnb is a dream base for anyone who wants restaurants, bars, parks and cafés on the doorstep, with the added bonus of having your own private pool and hot tub. It has an open-plan layout that’s made for hanging out, plus a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of thoughtful extras for families, from pool toys to a Pack ’n Play. The real draw is the backyard, where a lounge deck, BBQ, swimming pool and hot tub make a very convincing case for staying put. You’re also just a short drive from Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and downtown.

Time Out tip: Trolley Barn Park is just around the corner, while Park Boulevard is packed with independent restaurants and bars. For a proper foodie splurge, Michelin-starred Soichi Sushi is a few blocks away, but you'll need to book well ahead.

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Private pool, hot tub, BBQ, outdoor lounge deck, free parking and walkable location.

Price: From $558 a night. 

Neighborhood: Logan Heights

For a central San Diego Airbnb that gives you plenty of room to spread out, this property in Logan Heights is a solid pick. It's got a cosy modern farmhouse feel, with quirky artwork, rugs, plants and a fully equipped kitchen. Out back, there’s a private patio with a BBQ and fire pit, ideal for winding down after a day exploring the city. You’re less than four miles from the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, while Barrio Logan’s restaurants, galleries and breweries are just a few blocks away.

Time Out tip: The trolley makes getting around easier, but parking is first-come, first-served and can be tricky at night, so factor in rideshares if you’re planning late evenings in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: King-size bed, private patio, fire pit, BBQ, full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi and central location.

Price: From $583 a night.  

Neighborhood: North Park

If your idea of a city break involves spending as much time in a sauna as you do sightseeing, this North Park Airbnb should be top of your list. The compact guest suite has been transformed into a private mini spa, with a sauna, steam shower, freestanding soaking tub and outdoor hot tub, plus a private patio for lounging. Inside, there’s a cozy king-size bed, while the walkable neighbourhood puts coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques within easy reach. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are just a short drive away, too.

Time Out tip: Bring your swimmers and make a whole weekend of the spa setup—although with a steam shower, sauna and hot tub at your disposal, you may struggle to leave the house.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Private sauna, steam shower, soaking tub, outdoor hot tub, private patio and free parking.

Price: From $808 a night. 

Neighborhood: East Village, Downtown San Diego

This sleek downtown Airbnb puts you right in the middle of the action, with Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter just a five-minute walk away. The two-storey condo packs plenty into its one-bedroom layout, with high ceilings, a spiral staircase, a fully equipped stainless-steel kitchen and two bathrooms. There’s also free underground parking, plus easy access to the waterfront, Convention Center and downtown restaurants and bars.

Time Out tip: Baseball fans are particularly well placed here as Petco Park is practically on the doorstep, while the walk to the Gaslamp Quarter makes post-game dinner and drinks easy.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Two bathrooms, high ceilings, fully equipped kitchen, free underground parking and five-minute walk to Petco Park.

Price: From $408 a night.

Neighborhood: La Mesa

This seriously cool geodesic dome has been standing since 1967, when it was built as an art project, and has since been transformed into a cosy, modern hideaway. Tucked into the hills of La Mesa, it’s a peaceful base with plenty of character, from its open-plan architecture and dark wooden floors to its cow-print chair and fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a private deck and parking right beside the dome. Downtown San Diego is just a 10-15 minute drive away, with beaches, the zoo and SeaWorld all within easy reach.

Time Out tip: This is one of the few dome homes in San Diego, so you’re getting a genuinely unusual stay rather than just another cute Airbnb.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Geodesic dome, private deck, mountain and valley views, fully equipped kitchen, free parking.

Price: From $187 a night.

Neighborhood: South Mission Hills

Fancy a Mediterranean escape without leaving San Diego? This dreamy hillside cottage has serious Santorini energy, from its Greek-inspired curved staircase and whitewashed interiors to its private balcony overlooking the bay. There’s a secluded back patio with a gas fireplace for cosy evenings, while the shared rooftop has a hot tub, outdoor kitchen and even better views. Inside, the studio has a comfy king-size bed, kitchenette and curving walk-in shower. Downtown and Little Italy are just a five-minute drive away.

Time Out tip: The balcony has 180-degree views stretching across the bay towards Mexico, making this one for the sunset chasers.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Rooftop hot tub, 180-degree bay views, private patio with fireplace, Greek-inspired design, outdoor kitchen.

Price: From $411 a night.

Neighborhood: North Park

Fancy staying somewhere with a little history? This charming Craftsman bungalow dates back to 1919 and sits on a leafy hillside overlooking Switzer Canyon, where you might spot hawks and owls from the light-filled living room. Inside, there are two spacious bedrooms, comfortable modern furnishings and plenty of windows, while outside you’ll find terraced gardens, shaded patios and a porch swing. Best of all, you’re just a few blocks from North Park’s restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife, with Balboa Park a five-minute walk away.

Time Out tip: Take a stroll through the neighbourhood to Balboa Park, stopping at Bird Park on the way. It’s a particularly lovely spot for a picnic or sunset views.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Historic 1919 Craftsman, canyon views, terraced gardens, shaded patios, porch swing, air conditioning, free parking, EV charger and walkable location.

Price: From $317 a night.

Neighborhood: University Heights

If you’ve been feeling a little grey—or even a little blue—recently, try getting a dose of technicolor back in your life with a stay here. This studio flat in University Heights has been playfully redesigned to treat guests to the full range of the rainbow. Interiors hits include the sugar-pink living space with pop art feels, the fun teal-and-terracotta kitchen and the multi-colored abstract shower curtain. You also get access to a pool, a hottub and a BBQ, all shared with just a couple of neighbors.

Time Out tip: You’re within easy reach of Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and downtown, so this is a great little base if you want to spend your days exploring and come back to somewhere fun and colourful at night.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Colourful interiors, shared pool, hot tub, BBQ, private patio, free parking.

Price: From $192 a night.

Neighborhood: Hillcrest

Designed by world-famous architect Irving J. Gill, this place has heaps of character and retains its historic charm, paired with modern features. You’ll find modern conveniences such as a Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and even a dedicated office for those who can't get away from their work. Close to the water and green space, you'll get the best of the city in this location.

Time Out tip: Make time for the private garden—it’s a particularly peaceful spot to enjoy a morning coffee or a glass of wine after a busy day exploring San Diego.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Historic Irving J. Gill architecture, private garden, second-floor deck, gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, free parking, Smart TV and dedicated workspace.

Price: From $471 a night.

Neighborhood: North Park

A peaceful little garden studio in the heart of North Park, this cosy guesthouse is ideal if you want somewhere quiet to retreat to while still being close to lots of sites. The freshly renovated space has hardwood floors, a full kitchen and large double doors opening onto your own private, fenced deck surrounded by lush greenery. You’re also just a short walk from Balboa Park, coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and even the San Diego Zoo.

Time Out tip: The private deck is the real selling point here – grab a coffee and enjoy the garden before heading out to explore North Park.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Private garden deck, full kitchen, queen-size bed, air conditioning, free parking, private entrance and walkable location.

Price: From $143 a night.

Neighborhood: Golden Hill

Looking for a cosy base with plenty of San Diego on your doorstep? This modern two-bedroom home sits in the historic Golden Hill neighbourhood, around a 10-minute walk from Balboa Park and just a short drive from downtown. Inside, there’s an open-plan living space, two comfortable bedrooms, two bathrooms and all the essentials, plus board games and big TVs for winding down. Outside, there are front and back patios, while two private driveway parking spaces make having a car much easier.

Time Out tip: Head to 25th Street for a wander through Golden Hill’s independent cafés, restaurants and bars, then make your way over to South Park for even more food and drink options.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Balboa Park nearby, front and back patios, board games, air conditioning, two parking spaces, EV charger and easy access to downtown.

Price: From $302 a night.

Neighborhood: Mission Beach

For a proper beach-house stay, this three-storey Mission Beach home is hard to beat. It’s just steps from both the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and enough beds to sleep up to 11 guests. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, multiple balconies and patios, and a two-car garage packed with beach essentials including chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas and a wagon. You’re also within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops and Belmont Park, with SeaWorld just a five-minute drive away.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the free beach gear in the garage. With chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas and even a wagon provided, you can head straight to the sand.

Sleeps: 11 guests.

Perks: Steps from the beach and bay, two-car garage, beach gear, three bathrooms, multiple balconies, BBQ, fully equipped kitchen, AC and free parking.

Price: From $973 a night.

Neighborhood: University Heights

This family-friendly casita packs a lot into its compact floorplan, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen and private front and back patios. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the huge 600-square-foot rooftop deck, complete with its own stargazing igloo, ideal for sunset drinks, movie nights or a bit of quiet downtime. 

Time Out tip: University Heights is one of San Diego’s best neighbourhoods for eating and drinking, so don’t feel like you need to drive everywhere. Walk to the main strip for coffee, brunch or dinner, then save the rooftop igloo for a cosy night in.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Rooftop deck, private stargazing igloo, front and back patios, AC, full kitchen, family-friendly amenities, beach gear and walkable location.

Price: From $190 a night.

Neighborhood: Hillcrest

Get a taste of old-school California charm at this 1924 Spanish Revival bungalow, tucked into a leafy courtyard. The one-bedroom home combines original character with modern comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen, spa-style bathroom, air conditioning and a pull-out sofa for extra guests. Outside, there’s a private patio shaded by olive trees, which could be the perfect spot for morning coffee or an afternoon glass of wine. You’re also within walking distance of Hillcrest’s cafés, restaurants and bars, with Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo nearby.

Time Out tip: Make time for Balboa Park, which is practically on your doorstep. With 16 museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo to explore, you could easily spend a whole day here.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Spanish Revival architecture, private patio, fully equipped kitchen, spa-style bathroom, air conditioning, in-unit washer and dryer, Wi-Fi and walkable location.

Price: From $247 a night.

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