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6 Best San Diego Vacation Rentals

Hit the beach like a local while staying at one of these sunny Airbnbs

Nena Farrell
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Tropical Oasis

This Pacific Beach Airbnb is two blocks away from the beach, and yet feels like a slice of heaven all on its own. The front yard includes an outdoor breakfast nook for enjoying the amazing San Diego weather. It’s run by two Airbnb Superhosts, Craig and Tami, who love to spend extra time helping interested guests find the best spots for waves as well as what kind of boards to rent, and they even offer bikes to help their guests explore San Diego’s beaches. You’re able to rent the entire home, with room to bring five friends along to hit the beach with.

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Mission Surf Shack

There’s no better Airbnb for surfing than the one attached to San Diego’s iconic surf shop, Mission Surf. Known as San Diego’s first of its kind, you’ll be able to rent surfing gear just downstairs from shop owner and Airbnb Superhost Melody and her husband. The location in the heart of Pacific Beach makes it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the surfer lifestyle. Extra bonus? During certain times of year, you can even view SeaWorld’s fireworks from the rooftop deck. The Mission Surf Shack can comfortably sleep up to four guests.

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Windansea Beach House

Fulfill your surfing fantasies at the Windansea Airbnb, just a block away from one of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches, according to hosts Ana, Mikael, and David (who also just happen to offer surfing lessons). There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops nearby, along with hiking if you get your fill of waves. You can even dive off the nearby reef, which teems with amazing marine life on low-tide days. The funky space has a private entrance and space for two, and is just a bike ride away from must-see spots like La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

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Pacific Beach Family-Friendly Home

Got the family with you? This rental is perfect for the entire group. The two-story Pacific Beach townhouse has everything you’ll need: surf and boogie boards, beach toys, bikes, strollers, and wagons, plus board games and gaming consoles for relaxing after an active day. The hosts recommend nearby Mission Bay for activities like kayaking, swimming, and boating, and Sail Bay for those with younger kids since it offers a playground, grassy areas, and shallower waters. The home fits up to eight family members.

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Mid-Century Beach House

We’d stay here just to obsess over the mid-century modern design, not to mention its amazingly light environmental footprint as a nano-house. This Del Mar beach house has completely solar electricity, skylights for plenty of natural light, salvaged materials incorporated wherever possible, and eco-friendly home products. It’s in a great location for playing golf or hiking at Torrey Pines, catching a race at the Del Mar tracks, and biking to UCSD.

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Pacific Beach Bike Cottage

Become the beachy biker you’ve always dreamed of at the Pacific Beach Bike Cottage. Just five blocks away from the beach, it offers surfboards and bikes for up to three guests during your stay, with outdoor picnic tables and a large grill for relaxing after a day in the sun. Just three blocks away from Mission Bay and the Ocean Boulevard boardwalk, the house is ideally situated for enjoying Pacific Beach’s restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.