8 Incredible San Diego Airbnbs for Every Style and Budget
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
San Diego is the perfect winter getaway during the holiday season — and pretty much all year-round. Appropriately dubbed America's Finest City, San Diego is known for its beautiful shores, eclectic neighborhoods and world-class dining scene. One of the best things about visiting this city is that it's pretty compact with a variety of popular attractions. Whether you're surfing on Coronado Beach or hiking along the cliffs of Torrey Pines, you’ll never miss a beat. Luckily, Airbnb offers some of the best stays to get to know this SoCal destination. Here are our top Airbnb rentals to really get the best of San Diego.
Value Deals (less than $200 per night)
1. Hillcrest Waterhaven Home
Escape to this pondside oasis in this spacious Hillcrest studio, nestled in a residential area. This listing encompasses all elements of a peaceful, relaxing experience: Take in the eye-catching interior and a private patio that overlooks a large koi pond with waterfalls. This home fits up to two guests and attracts those looking to delve into a much quieter and serene part of the city. Enjoy the year-round sunshine and soak up some sun from the outdoor space of this private paradise. Rates from $135 per night with a two-night minimum stay required.
2. Little Italy Modern Condo
For those travelers more interested in the art, history and culture, this condo in Little Italy might be for you. Packed with waterfront cafes, bustling food markets and stunning views, this is the go-to place for a taste of San Diego's Italian culture. Stay there in style at this beautiful modern and sleek condo, perfect for foodies, artists and business travelers looking to explore one of SD's liveliest neighborhoods. The best part of this stay is that you'll be within easy reach of everything you will need to experience the city fully. Rates from $99 per night with one-night minimum stay required.
3. City Loft in Bankers Hill
Located in Bankers Hill, this quaint city loft offers a fully equipped kitchen, classic Mid-Century furnishing and the comfort and convenience of being in the popular downtown area. Situated just steps away from the renowned Balboa Park, solo travelers and adventures have a great spot to return to after a full day exploring the largest urban cultural park in the US. Take time to tour this fascinating part of the city firsthand from the comforting abode. Rates from $97 per night with a four-night minimum stay required.
Mid-Tier ($250-$350 per night)
4. Gaslamp Quarter Loft
Inside this two-bedroom loft, you’ll find unparalleled decor and full-service amenities and right outside, the vibrant scene of the trendy Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood. Known as the entertainment district, the Gaslamp Quarter has become popularize for hosting a variety of city-events like the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and Comic-Con. This condo serves as the perfect launchpad for travelers who want to venture out in the bustling epicenter of the city’s best restaurants, cafes and galleries. Rates from $219 per night with a two-night minimum stay required.
5. Oceanfront Elegant Condo
It will be hard to resist the lure of the California coast, particularly with views like this. Located in a luxury high-rise building, this condo boasts travertine floors, granite counter tops, mirrored walls and an open balcony. Not to mention, the boardwalk and beach is right at your doorstep, making this one-bedroom abode perfect for both leisure and business travelers. What better way to start your day than with the sounds of the ocean from the comfort of your stay? Rates from $279 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.
High Roller (350+ per night)
6. Marina District Condo
If you’re looking for some relaxation time in San Diego, this Marina District condo is your perfect getaway. Centrally located within walking distance to the Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, this spacious two-bedroom home is large enough to ensure up to four guests privacy and comfort. Rates from $330 per night with a two-night minimum stay.
7. Bay View Crown Jewel
Wanna party on the beach? Well —this bay view home can house up to 12 guests and is practically studded with beachy amenities and So-Cal character. Boasting five bedrooms, a pool, a hot tub and a rooftop deck with views of the ocean and the downtown San Diego skyline, this home might just be the ideal party pad. All furnishings are super modern and sleek, and each room is equipped with a wireless Sonos speaker system and TVs with (full cable including sports and movies) — so even if you're kicking back with some friends, you certainly won't get bored. Rates from $399 per night; minimum-night stay varies.
The Showstopper ($500+ per night)
8. Mission Beach Luxe Retreat
This extravagant Mission Beach Retreat is refined with every imaginable luxury. From a dramatic 25-foot-high stainless fireplace to a rooftop entertainment deck with Jacuzzi, this three bedroom listing embodies upscale living. Located on the boardwalk of Mission Bay, this luxury retreat can accommodate up to 12 guests so you can house all your family and friends and get a taste of resort-style living. Step out onto the terrace for relaxing, dining, sunbathing and taking in the most breathtaking view of famous Sail Bay. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and idyllic location. Rates from $989 per night with a seven-night minimum stay.
Maximize Your Purchase
There are plenty of ways to maximize your stay with points and miles. If you've never used Airbnb before, sign up through TPG to get $40 off your first booking — and the gravy train doesn't stop there. Book through the Delta portal and earn one SkyMile for every dollar spent on your stay, and make sure to charge the purchase to a travel rewards card to rack up extra points. Using a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred will get you 2x points on travel while the Chase Sapphire Reserve will get you 3x points on all travel purchases including Airbnb stays. When you combine the two, you're effectively double-dipping with your points earning.
Prices are accurate as of publication date but are subject to change. Featured image by Peeter Viisimaa / Getty Images; all other images courtesy of Airbnb.
What are some of your favorite things to do in San Diego? Sound off, below.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.