Best VRBO Rentals in San Diego

San Diego is a city that never disappoints. It's known for having ideal weather year-round, 70 miles of beautiful beaches, an amazing craft beer scene and a huge aircraft carrier museum. San Diego offers something for everyone, from chic eateries, cafes and bars to wonderful beaches teeming with sea lions. If you’re planning to visit America’s Finest City for your next vacation, check out our list of the best San Diego vacation rentals. 

Quick look: Best VRBOs in San Diego, California

• Best for: multifamily beach house with a view
• Best for: private space overlooking the ocean
• Best for: Mediterranean-style villa with mountain views
• Best for: beach house with amenities galore 
• Best for: cozy studio near major attractions 
• Best for: ocean villa with upgrades
• Best for: private home with resort-style amenities 
• Best for: spacious new home for entertaining  
• Best for: secluded zen home
• Best for: old-fashioned home with modern upgrades

10 Best VRBO San Diego Rentals

Whether it's time to get away for a family trip, a romantic getaway or a solo beach adventure, VRBO offers the perfect properties for your travel needs. Check our Benzinga's top picks for VRBOs in San Diego, California.

1. Casual Beach Property With Ocean Views

This luxurious but relaxing beach home is perfect for two or three families. It features dual master bedrooms overlooking the ocean. In addition to multiple bedrooms, it has a detached ocean-view cottage with a bed and half bathroom. Guests gave the house an exceptional rating and enjoyed the spacious home and amenities like the spa, pool and firepit. 

Best For: Multifamily beach house with a view

Unique Features:

•  Great beach views
•  Plenty of space and privacy   
•  Walking distance to shopping and entertainment 
•  Sleeps up to 15 guests

2. Studio With a View in Del Mar

This top-rated Del Mar studio is a 500-square-foot, detached studio with a private 600-square-foot outdoor deck overlooking the ocean, lagoon and nature reserve. The beautiful studio is just 3 miles from Downtown Del Mar, known for having many beachfront dining options, quaint shops, the L'Auberge Del Mar hotel, Del Mar Plaza, beaches and the famous Del Mar Racetrack.

Best For: Private space overlooking the ocean

Unique Features:

• Just minutes from downtown Del Mar
• Large outdoor deck   
• Close to national parks
• Stunning ocean views

3. Luxury Villa in Escondido With a View

This gorgeous Mediterranean-style luxury villa will make you feel like you’re vacationing in Italy! It’s a unique gated hilltop estate that is secluded but just a short drive from Escondido's downtown. Enter your suite through the French doors and unwind by the pool while admiring the scenic views of the local Escondido Hills. Relax in the comfort of this private estate while knowing that you can easily get to all the best attractions in Southern California.

Best For: Mediterranean-style villa with mountain views

Unique Features:

• Mountain view
• Secluded estate 
• Fitness equipment available 
• Gated entrance 

4. Modern Beach House in La Jolla

This newly renovated modern beach house is located in a beautiful La Jolla neighborhood. It’s within walking distance of the beach and some of the most popular restaurants and shops. The home features two courtyards, a jacuzzi, a deck, a patio and all the amenities you could want. This large beach home sleeps up to five guests. 

Best For: Beachouse with amenities galore  

Unique Features:

• Two courtyards   
• Three full bathrooms   
• Oversized stainless steel appliances 
• Close to the beach, restaurants and shopping

5. Cozy Lemon Grove Studio

Feel right at home in this fully furnished studio. The home has been newly renovated and is conveniently located near the State Route 94 and State Route 125 freeways. The cozy and quaint studio is close to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. The beach, markets, gas stations, restaurants and a nearby trolley stop are all within a short walking distance, so there are plenty of fun things to keep you busy! 

Best For: Cozy studio near major attractions 

Unique Features:

•  Walking distance to many major attractions
•  Fully furnished and stocked
•  Clean and modern
•  Sleeps up to three

6. Designer Paloma Villa on the Beach

This exquisite beachfront villa has three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms and a separate living and dining area that can accommodate eight people. The villa was completely renovated in September 2022 and features gorgeous modern furnishings. The master bedroom has a terrace, its own bathroom and an ocean view.

Best For: Ocean villa with upgrades

Unique Features:

• Ocean view
• Gated community   
• Spacious home
• Minutes from the beach

7. Private Resort-Style Villa in Poway

This amazing villa features all the amenities of a resort but has the privacy of a home. Enjoy a private resort-style stay with a pool and hot tub, waterfall, 86-inch television, outdoor kitchen, firepit, gazebo, fruit trees and more. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 2,000-square-foot home sits on a 30,000-square-foot lot, so there’s plenty of space. The entire house provides a tranquil, serene, picturesque atmosphere surrounded by lush landscaping and palm trees. 

Best For: Private home with resort-style amenities 

Unique Features:

• 86-inch television
• Outdoor kitchen
• Heated pool
• Pet friendly

8. Brand New Mission Beach Home

This multistory new home was created with outdoor living in mind. It’s located in the laid-back Mission Beach neighborhood and close to Sail Bay. The exterior features five unique decks, a modern kitchen, intricately tiled spa-style bathrooms and four comfortable and spacious bedrooms. A seaside breakfast bar and fire pit also are available for guests to enjoy. 

Best For: Spacious new home for entertaining  

Unique Features:

• Multiple decks
• Beach location
• Great views
• Pool equipment and toys for kids

9. Secluded Villa in Hillcrest

This VRBO is a unique haven designed with relaxing interior color schemes and contemporary amenities. The villa is tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac about 10 minutes from downtown San Diego. The zen garden creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic outdoor meal.

Best For: Secluded zen home

Unique Features:

• Hot tub
• Deck
• Zen atmosphere
• Close to downtown 

10. Historic Pacific Beach Home

This storybook-style home was constructed in the 1920s in the desirable Pacific Beach area, just two blocks from Mission Bay. This old-fashioned beauty is reached via a fairytale path and features exposed beams and a roofline with many facets. Despite the modern upgrades, the kitchen still complements the rich wood and distinctive details of the vintage design. Play a game of pool at the billiards table or lounge around in the poolside cabana. Fireworks from Sea World can be seen from the rooftop deck.

Best For: Old-fashioned home with modern upgrades

Unique Features:

• Pool and billiard tables
• Cabana
• Vintage theme
• Sleeps 12

5 Fun Things to Do in San Diego

San Diego is packed with plenty of fun things for adults and children to enjoy. The city has something for everyone. 

La Jolla Cove

Both locals and tourists adore La Jolla Cove. This small cove features stunning sunsets and majestic sea lions as well as seaside restaurants and kids' activities.

San Diego Zoo

The world-famous San Diego zoo is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals, representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Admission to the zoo is $55 for kids and $65 for adults. 

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Located at the mouth of San Diego Bay is the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Although it is no longer used as a lighthouse, it’s still accessible to the public as a museum. Incredible views of the San Diego skyline, Mexico's Coronado Islands, the Naval Air Station North Island and the Pacific Ocean can be seen from the monument. From Whale Overlook, you can see whales and dolphins in the water in January and February. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching and nature lovers. The cost is $7 per vehicle. 

Torrey Pines Gliderport

With nearly a century of flying history, Torrey Pines Gliderport is the most historic aviation site in North America. It’s ranked as the top location in Southern California for sailplanes, hang gliding and paragliding. If you prefer to stay on land instead of partaking in the action, Torrey Pines is a great place to grab lunch while watching the gliders. 

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is 1,200 acres of history and culture. It’s home to the San Diego Zoo, museums and theaters. The park features plenty of open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens and walking paths.

When is the Best Time to Stay in a Vacation Rental in San Diego?

Fall and spring are the ideal times to visit San Diego in terms of crowd level, temperature and pricing. Although San Diego is a great destination year-round, the summer and winter months get crowded. 

Something for Everyone

Over 35 million people head to San Diego each year for various reasons. Some come for the quirky, funky places that house the city's art, food, fashion and music, while others flock to the city for its postcard-worthy beaches. Regardless of the reason for your visit, one of these top-rated VRBOs is sure to meet your lodging needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions