16 Most Stylish Airbnbs in San Diego, California

Last updated on July 12, 2023

Airbnb San Diego - Secret Garden Guesthouse

Looking for a place to stay in San Diego? For a taste of local life, try one of these San Diego Airbnbs. It’s the shortlist I came up with when planning our San Diego itinerary, which was part of our epic one-month California road trip.

I’ve broken them down into the different neighbourhoods, so you can hone in on what takes your fancy – from a beachside apartment to a loft in the heart of town. It’s one of those cities where there’s an area to suit everyone.

Also see our guide to the top Airbnb tips for finding your dream stay.

And if you’re travelling with kids, see our guide to the best things to do in San Diego with kids.

Airbnb San Diego - Urban Treehouse

The Best of San Diego Airbnb

Golden Hill Airbnbs

Studio in historic landmark home

This is a unique chance to stay in an architecturally stunning Victorian home that is officially recognised as a San Diego Historic Landmark. Complete with a full kitchen and bathroom with soaking tub.

It’s in Golden Hill, a central and historic neighbourhood with views of Coronado Island.

What the guests say: ” The location was perfect got our stay! We were able to have our rental car parked in the lot and we were able to take ride shares as needed, very affordably.

“The stay in the studio was so comfortable. The bed was perfect, the ceiling fan was comforting for a sound sleep. The studio was tastefully appointed and very livable for our short stay!

We really enjoyed being able to come back for a cup of coffee and unwind, warm up left overs and relax before heading out to another area of the city. The hosts were very helpful, accessible and even helped get us something important that we left behind. We would easily stay here again! “

Airbnb listing: Studio in historic landmark home

Price: From $72 per night

Sleeps: 2 people (1 bed)


Tiny house

Just next to Golden Hill is this artsy tiny house where you can experience the increasingly popular tiny house living movement. Best of all, it’s situated in a tropical oasis backyard, complete with a jacuzzi, tiki bar, fire pit and pond with turtles and fish.

What the guests say: “Tiny house was perfect for us. My boyfriend liked the idea and when we arrived we fell in love with the place. The house was super cosy and the most romantic accommodation.

Lovely garden was a plus with lots of creatures around (chickens, fish and a very friendly cat). Also nice touches such as good recommendations (Turf Supper Club) and fresh eggs / beer in the fridge.

Bookng.com listing: Tiny house

Price: From $138 per night

Sleeps:  3 people (2 beds)


Little Italy Airbnbs

Unique urban treehouse

Stay in the heart of one of San Diego’s most charming downtown neighbourhoods at this stylish penthouse in Little Italy. The industrial-style penthouse sits atop a unique, locally designed building and features a plant-filled private patio with views out to the bay.

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The design is spot on. You access the apartment via a five-storey set of outside steps (there’s no elevator).

What the guests say: “The treehouse is a pretty perfect spot for exploring San Diego. We loved the neighbourhood and everything the treehouse had to offer. Stephanie and Nate are great host, we just wish we could have stayed longer!

Online listing: Unique urban treehouse

Price: From $139 per night

Sleeps: 2 people (one bed)


Ocean Beach/Point Loma Airbnbs

Pool house with panoramic views

This large four-bedroom home is ideal for groups and comes complete with a pool, hot tub and panoramic views of the downtown and the bay. Gather around the fire pit by night and spend days lazing by the pool. The original mid-century property is on a hill above Point Loma Village and in easy driving distance to the city centre.

What the guests say: “We had a wonderful family vacation at Jan’s House. Her team was on top of check in and out and communicated very well. The house is a classic mid century modern with amenities of the modern world. Charming and kitschy. What a wonderful outdoor space!

The view is breathtaking from the patio and the pool is a great place to relax. One of the best hot tub views ever. Also very well situated to get downtown, zoo, sea world and TONS of craft beer. Thanks!.”

Online listing: Pool house with panoramic views

Price: From $475 per night

Sleeps: 12 people (eight beds)

Modern beach home

Popular with bachelorette parties, this stylish beach home is just one block from the sand, and has a huge roof deck with views to the ocean and bay. High ceilings allow in plenty of light and the place is decorated with a minimalist, bohemian touch. It accommodates up to 11 guests.

Another good option in Ocean Beach is this indoor/outdoor sanctuary for two people.

What the guests say: “Beautiful home located just a short walk from the beach/restaurants/bars. It’s directly across the street from a convenience store, which made it super helpful to purchase anything we forgot to pack (extra food, toiletries, etc.).

Having our own carport was very convenient, rather than having to find parking on the street. Lastly, check-in/check-out was as easy as walking in/out the door! Thank you, Pedro!”

Online listing: Modern beach home

Price: From $208 per night

Sleeps: 11 people (four beds)

Kensington Airbnbs

Secret Garden Guesthouse

We loved staying at this secret garden guesthouse in the friendly, residential neighbourhood of Kensington. Susie is a perfect host and has decorated the suite with lots of gorgeous design touches (she’s an interiors expert and it shows!).

The garden is a highlight, filled with lush plants and with a beautiful seating area for relaxing. If you’re there for Halloween, it’s one of the city’s best areas for trick or treating!

What the guests say: “We spent Halloween at Susie’s place and it was amazing! The neighbourhood goes all out and we loved taking our son trick or treating. The casita itself is lovely and beautifully put together – plus the garden is really pretty. We loved it!

Airbnb listing: Secret Garden Guesthouse

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Price: From $86 per night

Sleeps: 3 people (one bed)


La Jolla/Torrey Pines Airbnbs

La Jolla Beach Cottage

Experience the upscale charms of La Jolla Village at this pretty beach cottage with its own secret-garden-style terrace. La Jolla Village is one of San Diego’s most beautiful neighbourhoods with a distinctly European feel alongside beautiful beaches and stylish coffee shops and restaurants.

What the guests say: “We had a lovely time in Jane’s beautiful beach house. The studio was beautiful and very spacious, the location was fantastic and the recommendations Jane have us for restaurants and take always like the taco stand were fantastic. Can’t recommend highly enough – if you can get in, definitely stay at Jane’s.

Airbnb listing: La Jolla Beach Cottage

Price: From $99 per night

Sleeps: 2 people (one bed)

The Emerald Retreat

Stay close to the spectacular Torrey Pines State Reserve at this unique home, reminiscent of a shell. It can accommodate up to eight guests in five beds (two bedrooms and a sofa bed). A big bonus is the outdoor jacuzzi and pretty patio areas. If you like staying somewhere unusual and are happy with a bit of a rustic edge then this place is perfect for you.

What the guests say: “OMG! This place is AMAZING!!! I use AirBnb a lot for work and I can say this is by far the coolest place I’ve ever got. It has all the amenities you’ll ever need. Kitchen is fully stocked for cooking. The patios are breathtaking. There’s a fire tower and heaters at your disposal. Bring wood!!!

There’s an outdoor fireplace that I never got to use but looks fantastic. The spa is heated, ready to go. I can’t say enough about how special and unique this place is. Karen was very accommodating. Thanks for everything!

Online listing: The Emerald Retreat

Price: From $195 per night

Sleeps: 8 people (five beds)

Airbnbs further outside the city

Dome life

For another architectural gem, there’s this gorgeous dome-shaped home, close to downtown La Mesa and just a 15-minute drive from downtown San Diego. Originally built by college art students in 1967, it’s been recently renovated with all modern amenities, and comes with a fully equipped kitchen.

What the guests say: “Beautiful place to stay. Great location, beautiful decor and clean and tidy. Really enjoyed my stay there, with lovely views to wake up to. Wish we could have stayed longer and would definitely stay there again!!

Airbnb listing: Dome life

Price: From $129 per night

Sleeps: 4 people (two beds)

Our California travel guides

We also have detailed guides to loads of California destinations that can help you plan even more. They’ll especially suit you if you’re a bit like us, keen on discovering the creative side of a destination and in pursuit of all the best cafes, ice creams, doughnuts, bookshops, murals and beauty spots. And we have lots of family guides if you’re travelling with kids.

Road trips: California Road Trip | Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip | San Francisco to Seattle road trip | San Francisco to Seattle road trip

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Handpicked travel guides: Laguna Beach | Mendocino |San ClementeSan Diego  | Santa Barbara  | Santa Cruz|Shasta Cascade and Redding Sonoma |Tuolumne County Yolo County

California family travel guides: California with kidsLos Angeles with kids | Sacramento with kidsSan Diego with kids | San Francisco with kids

California accommodation guides: Joshua Tree Airbnb | Laguna Beach Airbnb | Hip Palm Springs Hotels | Palm Springs Airbnb | Palm Springs VRBO | San Diego Airbnb | Santa Cruz Airbnb | Santa Barbara Airbnb |Santa Monica Airbnb | Sonoma Airbnb | Venice Beach AirbnbHip San Francisco Hotels

California attraction guides: How to get the most out of Disneyland with toddlers | The ultimate guide to Universal Studios with babies and toddlers

If you’re heading elsewhere in the USA or even worldwide, see more of our family travel tips here.


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All photos courtesy of Airbnb and hosts.

2 thoughts on “16 Most Stylish Airbnbs in San Diego, California”

    • I’d go to an Airbnb but it’s really a personal choice. You’d probably meet more people in a hostel, but have more space in an Airbnb.

      Reply

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