Picture white-sandy beaches, palm-tree kissed boulevards and a collection of nationally renowned museums and mix them together, and you will end up with San Diego. This Pacific paradise attracts visitors of all ages to its historic shores, whether you are an avid surfer, shopper or surfer, there is no better place to choose a holiday rental in California than right here in San Diego. Browse thousands of accommodation options which will suit your Californian dreams, whether you want an affordable beachfront villa, or a luxury penthouse looking over the city, reserve your San Diego sanctuary through Airbnb or TripAdvisor today.
Book your San Diego accommodation: houses and apartments available for rent
Visit San Diego, America's Finest City!
Spend just a small number of hours in San Diego, and you will see why this seafront paradise holds the nickname as ‘America's Finest City'. Nowhere showcases this city's cultural splendour quite like Balboa Park, a flower-filled utopia in the heart of the town, which has been designed to rival traditional Spanish architecture, while housing over 350 plants and flowers in its beautiful botanical building. The beauty of this fine destination is not confined behind the walls of the park, as visitors cannot help but be taken in awe as they walk along Embarcadero pier at dusk, or indulge in the city's natural assets at Point Loma or the world-famous La Jolla Beach. One thing is certain, you will never be short of things to see in this West-Coast urban jungle, so reserve a holiday rental in San Diego and see it for yourself!
When to visit?
Just like many popular destinations, San Diego's tourist volume peaks in the summer months, when many families choose to go on holiday. Though the weather is almost guaranteed to be sunny during these months, the attractions and beaches become busier, so it is worth avoiding the peak months if that is possible for you. San Diego's climate is moderate around the year, though the best time to visit is between March to late May, and September, when the weather is hot enough to sunbathe, but the city is not overly crowded with visitors.
How to get there?
Suited on the west coast of the United States in California, the only way to reach California by air is to fly. Scheduled services from London Heathrow direct to San Diego Airport take 11 hours and 15 minutes, though you can reach the city from Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham if you stop along the way, with connecting services including flights from New York, Frankfurt and Los Angeles International. Stopping en route does not need to be a bad thing, however, as you can turn your stop-over into a mini-break before the main event of San Diego, by renting a holiday apartment in New York or a holiday home in Los Angeles for a few nights, so you can break up the trip.
Places to stay in San Diego
La Jolla
Mention the beach to anyone in San Diego, and La Jolla won't be too far behind. This golden stretch epitomises everything that the city is loved for and condenses it into one vibrant neighbourhood. Reserve a beach villa with a sea view in La Jolla, and wake up to the sound of the Pacific, before surfers from across the country flock to its shores. Unsurprisingly, La Jolla is a water sports hot spot, with kayaking and diving among the actives which this coast offers.
North Park
The palm tree paradise of downtown San Diego is otherwise known as North Park, and is the quirkiest area in the city, meaning it is a melting pot of culture for street artists, indie foodies and those who are generally just looking for a good time. Choose a cost-effective holiday apartment or reserve a room in a youth hostel in North Park, and spend your savings in this areas unique restaurants and bars, or treat yourself with a souvenir from one of the arty hangouts.
Ocean Beach
If you want to loose yourself in a tie-dyed taco paradise, look no further than a beach house on Ocean Beach. This shore offers everything you could hope for in a seaside holiday, from a romantic pier walk to bathe in the Pacific, choosing accommodation Ocean Beach will not leave you disappointed.
Balboa Park
San Diego is famed for its museums, from the USS Midway Museum to San Diego' Museum of Art, so if you are visiting the city for a tour of its nationally renowned museums, Balboa Park is the place to stay. There is nowhere more exotic than this urban jungle, with its extensive botanical beauty and The San Diego Zoo, so rent a holiday apartment in Balboa Park, then stay out all day to see why this park is one of the most famous in the entire country.
The Gaslamp Quarter
If you are looking for a historical change from San Diego's skyscrapers, look no further than a guesthouse in The Gaslamp Quarter, where the only thing more evident than this city's past is the electric nightlife scene. In the Gaslamp Quarter, you can find the locals favourite bars, including quaint speakeasy's which will certainly transport you back in time, if your traditional townhouse hasn't already done that.
Old Town
As you may have guessed from the name, Old Town is the oldest quarter in San Diego, and this history is undeniable when you wander through this timeless neighbourhood. The Old Town is not only the most historic area of San Diego, but it is also brimming with tasty eateries, including Mexican food joints, such as Fred's Mexican Cafe, which serves up the finest Mexican food on the west coast. Book your self-catered apartment in San Diego's Old Town, and treat your taste buds to San Diego's greatest food experiences.
What to do in San Diego
Explore Balboa Park
Described as a Bucolic paradise', Balboa Park is one of the most visited attractions on the West Coast, and all for a good reason. Housing 16 museums, San Diego Zoo, and many arts and theatrical venues, Balboa Park squeezes the best of this Californian city's culture into one place. Whether you want to wander through the rose garden, admire the museum of photographic arts, or get lost in amongst the Spanish architecture, whatever you desire, you can live it out at Balboa Park.
Visit the USS Midway Museum
Voted as the number one attraction in San Diego, this former US Navy Aircraft Carrier was the longest-serving carrier in the country. Today, the USS Midway Museum is still home to a large number of aircrafts, with a handful of them made right here in Southern California. Climb the Cabrillo National Monument A monument to Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who was the first European to set foot on San Diego Bay in the 16th century, this monument towers above the city, offering panoramic views of the San Diego skyline, and across the harbour. The highest part of the memorial is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and museum, which is an impressive 422 feet above sea level.
Bathe on La Jolla Beach
Though San Diego has its fair share of beaches, La Jolla Beach holds a reputation as the best, so why start anywhere else? This beach has been nicknamed ‘the jewel' of San Diego, but with its stunning oceanic shores which is are perfect for swimming, and La Jolla Cove, which is a divers utopia, La Jolla is a beachy paradise for everybody who visits.
Spend an afternoon at San Diego Zoo
San Diego isn't exactly your average zoo. With attractions stretching from Kangaroos to a 4d theatre, and every living thing in between, this zoo experience is unlike any other in the country. With animals ranging from lions to baboons, your day at San Diego Zoo is a perfect family day out, so book ahead and find tickets, along with your family-friendly accommodation online today.
Dine in Little Italy
Nowhere does Italian food quite like San Diego's Little Italy, one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in the city. Stretching over 28- square blocks, this Little Italy is the largest in the USA, and each square block is brimming with delicious eateries which serve up traditional. Home-cooked Italian food, and even a Macaroni factory, which is an experience no food lover can ever miss.
