Find the perfect San Diego vacation rental with our expert guide. Learn neighborhoods, tips, and how Select Stays offers the best short-term rentals in San Diego.
What if your San Diego trip could feel less like a getaway… and more like arriving at your home away from home?
That’s exactly why more travelers are choosing San Diego vacation rentals over hotels — more space, more comfort, and a more authentic local experience.
But with hundreds of short-term rentals in San Diego available, how do you choose the perfect one?
Whether you're planning a beach escape, a family adventure, a romantic retreat, or a business trip, this comprehensive guide will walk you step-by-step through the process. Packed with insider tips, neighborhood insights, and expert recommendations, this is your go-to San Diego Vacation Rental Guide — created by Select Stays, one of San Diego’s leading property management companies with over 40 premium rentals.
Let’s find the rental that fits your trip perfectly.
Before we dive in, let’s address the big question: Why are more travelers skipping hotels altogether?
Most San Diego hotels offer a tight room with limited amenities. But a vacation rental San Diego property gives you:
A full kitchen
Spacious living areas
Private bedrooms
Often a patio, balcony, or backyard
Zero shared hallways or noisy neighbors
Perfect for families, couples, remote workers, and long-term travelers.
Two hotel rooms in San Diego can easily cost more than a modern, spacious two-bedroom condo or a stylish beach home.
Short-term rentals in San Diego let you stay in real neighborhoods, not tourist-heavy zones. Imagine waking up steps away from a craft coffee shop, biking to the beach, or enjoying dinner at local-only spots.
With companies like Select Stays San Diego, you get professionally managed rentals with hotel-level standards — from high-quality linens to smart TVs, reliable Wi-Fi, and self-check-in.
Now for the fun part: finding the rental that matches your trip perfectly.
Below are the key factors to consider — including insider knowledge from locals who know San Diego inside and out.
San Diego has dozens of unique neighborhoods, each offering a different experience. Here's a breakdown of the top areas for travelers:
If you want the surf, sunsets, and boardwalk lifestyle, these are prime choices.
Perfect for:
Couples wanting ocean views
Families looking for beachfront properties
Friends planning an active getaway
Local Tip: Mission Beach tends to be quieter than Pacific Beach, which is known for its nightlife and youthful vibe.
Upscale, safe, and scenic — ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
La Jolla offers:
Calm beaches
Kid-friendly attractions (La Jolla Cove, Birch Aquarium)
Gourmet dining
Point Loma offers:
Coastal cliffs
Fishing and boating
Proximity to Liberty Station
If you're looking for family-friendly vacation homes San Diego, these neighborhoods should be at the top of your list.
For foodies, business travelers, or people who want to be in the center of everything.
Expect:
Walkability
Trendy restaurants
Rooftop lounges
Easy access to the Convention Center
If you’re attending Comic-Con or a business conference, look for San Diego accommodations in this area.
These areas give you the “live like a local” vibe.
You’ll enjoy:
Craft breweries
Indie boutiques
A strong arts and culture scene
Great for longer stays or travelers who want something more authentic than tourist-heavy areas.
Not all vacation rentals are created equal. Before booking, think about what’s essential for you.
Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi
Fully equipped kitchen
Free parking (important in many San Diego neighborhoods!)
Air conditioning
Smart TV / streaming services
Laundry (in-unit or on-site)
Ocean view or balcony
Pool or hot tub
Rooftop access
BBQ grill
Workspace or desk area
Pet-friendly options
Pro Tip:
Select Stays properties consistently include modern amenities, professionally cleaned interiors, and thoughtful touches designed for both comfort and convenience.
San Diego is one of California’s top vacation destinations, so prices vary depending on:
Season
Neighborhood
Size of the rental
Proximity to the beach
Local events (e.g., Comic-Con, summer holidays)
Studios & 1-bedrooms: $150–$275/night
2–3 bedroom homes: $250–$500/night
Luxury rentals & ocean views: $450+/night
To get the best rates:
Book early
Avoid peak holiday weekends
Book directly with the property manager to avoid platform fees
Tip: Select Stays offers direct-booking advantages such as better rates and exclusive promotions.
While individual hosts can be great, professionally managed short-term rentals San Diego offer extra layers of convenience and reliability.
✔ Consistent quality across all properties
✔ Hotel-level cleaning standards
✔ Clear communication and responsive support
✔ Easy check-in/out
✔ Local recommendations from experts
✔ Transparent pricing
Travelers appreciate dependability — and this is Select Stays’ specialty.
Don’t just look at star ratings — read what previous guests say about:
Cleanliness
Noise levels
Host communication
Parking availability
Actual proximity to attractions
Well-managed properties (like those by Select Stays) consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences and 5-star-level satisfaction.
Look for:
Multiple bedrooms
Outdoor space
Proximity to beaches or parks
Laundry machines
Kid-friendly neighborhoods (La Jolla, Point Loma)
Search for:
Balcony or ocean view
Walkable dining areas
Cozy, quiet neighborhoods (Mission Hills, La Jolla)
You’ll want:
Dedicated workspace
High-speed internet
Full kitchen
Walkable cafés (North Park, Little Italy)
Choose:
Larger homes with shared spaces
BBQ or outdoor seating
Beach proximity
With over 40 premium San Diego vacation rentals, Select Stays combines luxury, comfort, and local expertise. Here's how they stand out:
From beachfront condos to modern downtown apartments, every property is selected for quality and convenience.
Each rental is professionally cleaned, beautifully furnished, and fully equipped.
Need recommendations? Special requests? Local insights?
Select Stays offers streamlined communication and local expertise tailored to your trip.
Skip unnecessary platform fees by booking at selectstays.net.
Before booking, always:
✔ Confirm parking availability
✔ Double-check the distance to attractions you want to visit
✔ Look closely at the photos
✔ Check cancellation policies
✔ Book early for summer and major events
Your perfect vacation rental is just one click away.
Ready to experience San Diego like a local? Browse Select Stays' curated collection of premium vacation rentals at selectstays.net
Skip the hotel and discover why travelers choose Select Stays for authentic San Diego experiences.
Book directly with Select Stays for the best rates, highest-quality rentals, and personalized local recommendations.
Make your next San Diego stay unforgettable.
