San Diego Vacation Rentals

How to Get to Your San Diego Vacation Home

Flying there

San Diego International Airport is served by flights from several major airlines, including Delta, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Getting from the airport to your San Diego vacation rental is easy, as downtown can be reached in a mere 10 minutes. Catch a taxi or opt for the convenience of a car rental. Buses to various local destinations can also be found at the airport bus station, next to the main terminal building.

Driving there

1. Los Angeles

The driving time from LA to San Diego is about two hours. The best route to take is the scenic coastal highway, the I-5.

2. Palm Springs

Take this interesting, approximately three-hour route through the desert along Highway 74 before turning on to the I-15 to San Diego.

3. Temecula

This route, on the I-15, takes just under an hour and passes through Escondido.

Where to Eat on Your Vacation in San Diego

The 10 Best Restaurants in San Diego

1. Kindred

A vegan restaurant with a mixture of heavy metal and Victorian decor. Specialty dishes include char-grilled seitan skewers, activated charcoal desserts, and heart of palm tacos.

2. Crack Shack

This playful restaurant features picnic tables in an outdoor setting. Try the Jidori chicken sandwich with mango and papaya slaw.

3. Herb & Wood

Housed in a former factory, this giant restaurant offers delicious cuisine such as clams with adobo sauce.

4. Trust

A rustic restaurant that serves unique dishes that are always beautifully plated.

5. Ironside Fish & Oyster

A trendy restaurant in Little Italy, serving grilled octopus, lobster rolls, and oysters all washed down with craft beers.

6. Dija Mara

This trendy Oceanside spot serves Southeast Asian-California fusion cuisine.

7. Campfire

Enjoy wood-fired cuisine and drinks at this hip spot in North County.

8. A.R. Valentian

Expect classic farm-to-table goodness in this welcoming spot.

9. George's at the Cove

Three restaurants in one in La Jolla, go for a casual bite on the roof, a fine dining menu indoors, or a cocktail at the gastropub.

10. Whisknladle

Also in La Jolla, a great spot for well-prepared seasonal cooking.

When is the Best Time to Plan Vacation in San Diego?

San Diego boasts an appealing climate, with low humidity and warm coastal temperatures year round. This moderate and sunny climate means that relaxing by the beach or sightseeing in town are both great options; however, it is worth bearing in mind that May and June tend to be rather cloudy, so if you want to work on your tan, plan your trip for later in the summer.

San Diego's Coastal Attractions

The 5 Best Beaches in San Diego

Stay in a beach house rental and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in San Diego.

1. Coronado Beach

A popular beach with soft white sand and calm water. Hire a jet ski or kayak and go out to explore the bay.

2. Moonlight State Beach

This family-friendly beach has restrooms and a number of games, such as volleyball.

3. Cardiff State Beach

You will find the best surfing in San Diego at this laid-back beach.

4. Grandview Beach

Take in the stunning views from the staircase on your way to this sheltered beach.

5. La Jolla Shores

A great beach for snorkeling and scuba diving with underwater caves just offshore.

Other Cool Coastal Activities

For more water activities, consider whale watching. Several companies offer private trips to get up close to the majestic creatures. The best time of year for a whale watching trip is February, when gray whales migrate south along the coast, although it is possible to catch a glimpse of orcas, minke and fin whales all year round. The Cabrillo National Monument, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and the hiking trails of the Torrey Pines State Reserve are popular sites for whale watching along the coast.

Another thrilling activity is exploring the Seven Caves of La Jolla on a guided kayak tour. La Jolla Underwater Park is rich with marine life, including sea lions, leopard sharks, and garibaldi.

Explore San Diego's Mexican History

Thanks to its proximity to Mexico, this city is well-known for its great Mexican cuisine.

1. Coasterra

This restaurant serves modern Mexican and classics with a twist, with views across the water in downtown San Diego.

2. Puesto

An award-winning restaurant with two locations, they are famous for their tacos. The most popular version features tamarind shrimp.

3. Tacos El Gordo

Try the authentic food at this restaurant that makes its own corn tortillas. Popular options include the spiced pork and the beef tongue.

San Diego with Children

If your kids fall in love with wildlife during your vacation, consider taking them to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can witness lions lounging in leafy glades and tigers prowling in the grasslands. Explore extensive climate-controlled areas and discover the park's 2,600 plus inhabitants as you tour around on a trolley bus.

For guaranteed thrills and old-world charm, take the kids to Belmont Park. Opened in 1925 and looking over the ocean, the amusement park includes several original attractions such as the Giant Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster. After a fun-filled afternoon here, the whole family will be glad to return to your San Diego vacation rental to rest and share stories of the day's adventures.

The 5 Best Neighborhoods to Book a Vacation Rental in San Diego

1. Mission Hills

An artsy neighborhood with a diverse mix of restaurants to try. There are plenty of museums and galleries to check out.

2. Bankers Hill

Close to downtown and offering spectacular views of the city from the rooftop bars, a vacation rental here will put you near the heart of the city and close to a number of attractions.

3. Hillcrest

This is the vibey LGBT neighborhood of San Diego. It features Spanish-style and crafter homes. You will find a number of ethnic restaurants in the area.

4. Little Italy

The majority of the city's restaurants can be found in this friendly neighborhood. You will find easy public transport access from here to a number of attractions. Families will love all the playgrounds in the parks.

5. Gaslamp Quarter

The historic section of the city is home to a number of bars and restaurants, and there are plenty of museums to explore.

A Festival for All Seasons!

1. Fleet Week

An autumn celebration of the men and women who serve in the US military through a series of events, such as parades and military ship tours.

2. Pride

A summer festival that fosters pride in the LGBT community. Enjoy parades, dance parties, live music, and inspiring speeches.

3. Comic-Con

This event, usually in July, brings together celebrities, gamers, and anyone interested in the comic universe and television shows with a cult following.

4. San Diego County Fair

A summer festival that includes rides, food vendors, craft beer, and live musical entertainment.

Enjoy a Catch of the Day Right from Your Vacation Home!

If you prefer to cook in your San Diego beach house, then head down to The Fishery market or Catalina Offshore Products. In both markets you can find an enormous selection of fish and seafood, all fresh out of the water.

5 Must-See Attractions in San Diego

1. San Diego Zoo

Although adults are sure to enjoy it too, the little ones are especially likely to enjoy a trip here. Home to over 3,700 animals, this zoo is the only place outside of the wild where you can see certain endangered animals, such as the giant panda. The open-air, cageless enclosures also help to give the impression of seeing the animals in their natural habitats. Fun and educational events such as the KinderNights, KinderTots, and Animal Encounters allow children to learn about the animals they see.

2. SeaWorld San Diego California

Family-friendly SeaWorld includes theme park rides, an oceanarium, aquarium, and marine mammal park. The sea lion and otter shows will leave you in splits. There are also thill rides and roller coasters for adrenaline junkies.

3. La Jolla Cove

Come here to catch families of sea lions creating a spectacle. Enjoy the cliff views, ice cream, and quirky souvenir stalls, and consider kayaking, snorkelling, or diving. La Jolla itself is charming and well-worth a visit.

4. Balboa Park

Despite being close to downtown, Balboa Park is America's largest urban cultural park. it houses 15 museums, performing arts venues, gardens, and a handy visitor's center. See it all using the free open-air tram.

5. USS Midway Museum

Located in downtown San Diego at Navy Pier, this maritime museum is best enjoyed via self-guided audio tour. Brace yourself for a few steep stairways and narrow passages as you navigate California's military history.