San Diego Foodie Vacation Rentals | Stay Near Top Dining

Discover San Diego foodie vacation rentals near top restaurants. Stay local with Select Stays’ premium short-term rentals in prime neighborhoods.

By Jay Ullrich on 1/7/2026

Taste Your Way Through San Diego

What if your San Diego vacation didn’t start with a hotel lobby—but with fresh espresso from a café downstairs, tacos from a Michelin-recognized taqueria around the corner, and sunset cocktails just steps from your front door?

San Diego is one of the most exciting food cities in the country, blending coastal flavors, multicultural influences, and chef-driven creativity. And for travelers who plan their trips around memorable meals, where you stay matters just as much as where you eat.

That’s why more food lovers are choosing San Diego vacation rentals in walkable, culinary-forward neighborhoods—places where you can live like a local and dine like one too. With Select Stays San Diego, you can stay in the heart of the city’s best food scenes while enjoying the comfort, space, and style hotels simply can’t offer.


Why Food Lovers Choose Vacation Rentals Over Hotels in San Diego

If your ideal day includes farmers markets, neighborhood bakeries, craft breweries, and chef-led dining experiences, traditional hotels often fall short.

Vacation Rentals Offer Food-Focused Advantages

When you choose a vacation rental San Diego, you get:

  • Prime locations in real neighborhoods, not tourist corridors

  • Full kitchens for farmers market finds or late-night bites

  • Walkability to restaurants, cafés, breweries, and dessert spots

  • Space to relax after indulgent meals

  • Local insight you won’t get from a front desk

Select Stays’ curated short-term rentals San Diego are specifically chosen for location, comfort, and lifestyle—making them ideal for travelers who want to eat well and explore effortlessly.


Best Neighborhoods for San Diego Foodie Vacation Rentals

San Diego’s food scene is neighborhood-driven. Each area offers a distinct flavor, vibe, and culinary identity. Here’s where to stay if food is at the top of your travel itinerary.


Little Italy: San Diego’s Culinary Capital

If food were the reason for your trip, Little Italy would be the answer.

Why Foodies Love Little Italy

  • Home to award-winning chefs and Italian-inspired dining

  • Weekly Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market (one of the best in California)

  • Walkable streets filled with wine bars, gelaterias, and bakeries

  • Waterfront views and vibrant nightlife

From handmade pasta to modern California cuisine, this neighborhood is a must for serious food lovers.

Stay With Select Stays in Little Italy

Select Stays offers luxury San Diego accommodations near Little Italy’s top dining streets—perfect for couples, solo travelers, and friends who want everything within walking distance.

Insider tip: Stay midweek for easier reservations at popular restaurants and quieter evening strolls.


Gaslamp Quarter: Dining, Drinks & Energy

For travelers who want high-energy dining, craft cocktails, and late-night bites, the Gaslamp Quarter delivers.

What You’ll Find in Gaslamp

  • Trendy restaurants and rooftop bars

  • Global cuisine options—from sushi to steak

  • Easy access to nightlife and entertainment

  • Ideal for weekend trips and celebrations

This area is especially popular with couples and groups who want to eat, drink, and explore without driving.

Vacation Rentals Beat Hotels Here

A short-term rental San Diego in Gaslamp gives you more space, privacy, and comfort than a standard hotel—especially after long dinners and late nights.


North Park: Craft Beer, Coffee & Creative Cuisine

If you’re a foodie who loves discovering what locals love, North Park should be on your radar.

Why North Park Is a Foodie Favorite

  • One of San Diego’s best neighborhoods for craft beer

  • Independent coffee roasters and bakeries

  • Chef-driven, casual dining with bold flavors

  • Walkable streets and a relaxed, creative vibe

This is where you’ll find some of the city’s most exciting food—without the tourist crowds.

Perfect for Longer Stays

Select Stays’ San Diego vacation rentals in North Park are ideal if you want to settle in, explore slowly, and eat like a local for a week or more.


La Jolla: Coastal Dining With a View

For travelers who want elevated dining paired with ocean scenery, La Jolla offers a refined foodie experience.

What Makes La Jolla Special

  • Upscale restaurants with coastal views

  • Fresh seafood and California cuisine

  • Easy access to beaches and coastal walks

  • A quieter, luxurious atmosphere

This area is especially popular with couples, families, and business travelers seeking both comfort and culinary excellence.


How Select Stays Elevates the Foodie Travel Experience

Not all San Diego vacation rentals are created equal. Select Stays stands apart by offering more than just a place to sleep.

What Sets Select Stays San Diego Apart

  • ✔️ Curated properties in prime food-centric neighborhoods

  • ✔️ Professional management and hotel-quality cleanliness

  • ✔️ Local recommendations you won’t find on Google

  • ✔️ Responsive guest support throughout your stay

When you book with Select Stays San Diego, you’re not just booking a rental—you’re gaining a local partner who understands how travelers want to experience the city.

Many guests mention in reviews how valuable Select Stays’ dining recommendations were—often leading them to hidden gems they wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.


Seasonal Food Events Worth Planning Your Stay Around

Timing your trip can unlock even better culinary experiences.

Best Times for Food Lovers

  • Spring: Farmers markets overflow with local produce

  • Summer: Rooftop dining, seafood, and beer festivals

  • Fall: Restaurant Week and wine-focused events

  • Winter: Cozy dining, fewer crowds, easier reservations

Booking early with Select Stays ensures you secure the best vacation rental San Diego options during peak food seasons.


Why Booking Direct With Select Stays Matters

Food-focused travelers value quality, transparency, and local expertise—and that’s exactly what direct booking delivers.

Benefits of Booking Direct

  • Best available rates

  • No hidden platform fees

  • Personalized local recommendations

  • Priority guest support

Skip the hotel and discover why travelers choose Select Stays for authentic San Diego experiences.


Ready to Experience San Diego Like a Local?

Your next unforgettable meal shouldn’t start with a long drive or crowded lobby. It should start just outside your front door.

Ready to experience San Diego like a local? Browse Select Stays’ curated collection of premium vacation rentals at selectstays.net.

Book directly with Select Stays for the best rates and personalized local recommendations—and stay where the culinary action is.


Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved.
Website by CraftedStays logo CraftedStays