Boasting 17 miles of stunning coastline and spectacular 75-degree weather, sunny San Diego is one of the best beach destinations in the U.S. We scoured
As you may notice, Coronado didn’t make the cut due to its mandatory minimum 26-day stay for short-term rentals. While we wouldn’t mind spending a month or more in SoCal, all of our picks below have a minimum stay of a week or less, as you’ll see detailed on each listing. Check out these top-rated vacation rentals for your next stay in San Diego!
Ocean Beach Condo
Scenic Ocean Beach is your classic laidback SoCal oceanside neighborhood. Known as “OB” by the locals, this surfer’s paradise is home to a wide, sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe, surf, or fish off the pier. Beach towels, toys, and a cooler bag are provided. This one-bedroom, one-bath beach condo may be just 600 square feet, but it can sleep five. Shops, restaurants, and bars are within two blocks, while the airport, Sea World, downtown, and the zoo are all within a 15-minute drive.
Club Wyndham Harbour Lights Gaslamp Studio
Overlooking the famed Gaslamp Quarter, the Club Wyndham Harbour Lights resort is just off Fifth Avenue. This studio suite has a kitchenette with a full-size fridge, dishwasher, sink, coffee pot, and microwave. Take advantage of resort amenities, such as the shared laundry room, fitness room, and steam room.
Gaslamp shops, restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops, and nightlife are all within walking distance, while famed San Diego beaches and attractions like Balboa Park, SeaWorld, and Torrey Pines National Reserve are just a short drive away. The San Diego Convention Center is less than a mile away and San Diego International Airport is conveniently located nearby. If this unit isn’t available for your desired dates, there are several other suites available.
Gaslamp Townhouse
Want to be closer to the action? Located in downtown San Diego’s lively Gaslamp Quarter, this vacation home is surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and boutiques. Both the Convention Center and Petco Park (where the Padres play) are nearby. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, this surf-themed home can accommodate a group of 10.
Mission Hills Home With Pool
Near the airport in Mission Hills, this five-bedroom, four-bath house can accommodate up to 13 guests. Highlights include the private backyard pool and spacious deck and amazing views of downtown from the top patio.
Mission Beach House
Both Mission Beach and Mission Bay are within walking distance of this three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath beach house. Enjoy amazing ocean views from its large patio. Watch the sun go down over the Pacific from the second-story balcony.
Beach chairs, boogie boards, and a cooler are provided. After a day at the beach, rinse off in the outdoor shower and cozy up by the fireplace. A washer and dryer and garage parking for one car are all included. Plus, this place is pet-friendly! Everything you need is within walking distance.
Mission Beach Bayfront Penthouse
Looking for a little more privacy than being right on the boardwalk? This three-bedroom, two-bath condo is located in Mission Beach’s new neighborhood of Bayside Cove. Enjoy the ocean air from the balcony or seating area in the small astroturf courtyard.
The water is just a short walk away, as are restaurants, while many other attractions are a short drive. Two beach cruisers are included with the rental, as are beach towels and beach chairs. One reviewer recommends checking out the nightly Sea World fireworks from the bayside beach, which is about 50 feet from the condo.
Mission Beach Oceanfront Home

Hello, gorgeous! This oceanfront home’s living room opens to the patio, which is right on the Mission Beach boardwalk. Get some sun and people watch all day, then turn on the gas fire pit, pour a glass of wine, and watch the sun go down over the ocean in the evening. This five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath vacation home sleeps 10. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the primary suite. Parking is provided in the two-car garage. There’s also a small office space in case you have to work — a nearly impossible feat in sunny San Diego, especially with the beach right outside your door!
Mission Bay Beachfront Condo
Situated on the sands of South Mission Bay, this two-bedroom beachfront condo offers spectacular waterfront views from its corner patio. Beach toys and one parking space are included. There is no washer or dryer in the unit, but there is a shared laundry room. Markets, restaurants, and shopping are all just a short walk away.
North Pacific Beach Apartment
Located in North Pacific Beach just steps from a swimming and surfing beach, this one-bedroom, one-bath apartment boasts ocean views from almost every room. The upstairs unit comes with garage parking for one vehicle. Walk, jog, bike, or skate down the miles of boardwalk. Watch the waves come in from Palisades Park at the foot of Law Street or head down to Crystal Pier for a view of the coast.
Lower Hermosa House With Pool
Just a couple of blocks away from Windansea Beach, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom vacation home features a private pool. The yard is fenced in and well-behaved dogs are welcome. La Jolla and Bird Rock restaurants, coffee, cafes, shops, and a Sunday morning farmers market are all within walking distance. Check out nearby trails, caves, and seals, too!
La Jolla Beach Home
Steps from Windansea Beach, this two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath house sleeps up to six. Take in views of the ocean from the roof deck. There’s a small desk area and garage parking for one vehicle. The La Jolla Tide Pools are less than a mile away.
Point Loma Guesthouse
A bit further inland in Point Loma Heights, this itty bitty guest house is just 400 square feet, but it offers panoramic ocean views from its large deck. The owners reside in the main house, which is separate and private. A friendly dog also lives on this pet-friendly property.
Parking is provided in the private driveway. Laundry is available for longer stays. Beach chairs and an umbrella are provided as well. Shops, restaurants, bars, as well as surfing and swimming beaches can all be found a few blocks down the hill in Ocean Beach.