San Diego holiday homes

Why visit San Diego

• Stunning Beaches: San Diego boasts beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
• Urban Parks: Explore expansive parks offering outdoor activities, picnicking, and scenic views.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with the city’s rich history and local culture through museums and historical sites.
• Coastal Neighbourhoods: Discover charming coastal communities with unique shops and vibrant atmospheres.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family.

Top attractions in San Diego

San Diego offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly adventures and outdoor escapes. Enjoy its stunning beaches, expansive urban parks, and engaging maritime museums, all within the city limits. Whether you're keen on cultural experiences or simply soaking up the sun, San Diego provides a perfect setting for a memorable holiday. Its diverse attractions promise something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for travellers from New Zealand seeking a delightful urban and beach retreat.

• Mission Bay: Enjoy the vibrant outdoor vibes with stunning bay views, sandy beaches, and a relaxed setting perfect for water activities and seaside picnics.
• Mission Beach: Experience a lively beach atmosphere with golden sands, ideal for swimming, boardwalking, and soaking up the sun.
• Balboa Park: Wander through this expansive private garden that features lush landscapes, cultural attractions, and serene paths ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Things to do recommended for couples

San Diego offers a romantic escape with a sunset walk at La Jolla Cove, where you can admire the stunning ocean views. Enjoy a couple’s massage at a beachfront spa or share a candlelit dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter for an unforgettable experience together.

Things to do recommended for families

Your family will love exploring the San Diego Zoo, where you can get up close with exotic animals. Enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Fleet Science Center, and unwind at the beautiful beaches of La Jolla. Don’t miss the fun at LEGOLAND California, perfect for kids of all ages.

Things to do recommended for groups

Explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, enjoy a thrilling day at Balboa Park's attractions, and soak up the sun at La Jolla Cove. Don't miss a group whale-watching tour off the coast for an unforgettable marine experience.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in San Diego

If you're travelling with a group, family, pets, or planning for an extended stay, it's essential to prioritise your preferences when filtering options. Here are some helpful Vrbo booking tips for you.

• Traveling to San Diego with a group: Consider how many bedrooms you require, along with features like a fully-equipped kitchen or an outdoor area suitable for a group gathering. Luckily, you can refine your search for all these amenities, and more, on Vrbo.
• Traveling to San Diego with young kids: Travelling with young kids can be a bit tricky. It's important to prioritise their comfort and safety, along with suitable amenities like a private swimming pool. Additionally, it’s wise to think about how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to San Diego: For many families, a getaway isn’t truly fulfilling without their furry companions. If this resonates with you, explore Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Most of these pet-friendly accommodations offer feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at ease.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting San Diego: If you're after holiday rentals offering discounts for month-long stays or more, you've come to the right spot. With the proper filters, you can effortlessly discover and save on monthly rentals. You might also want to include a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search.

Where to stay in San Diego

Discover San Diego, where family-friendly beaches, vibrant downtown streets, and scenic coastal neighbourhoods combine for an unforgettable getaway. Enjoy historical sites, outdoor adventures, and the charm of local culture as you explore the city's diverse districts, from bustling urban areas to serene beach escapes. San Diego offers a perfect setting for an outdoor, beach holiday filled with friendly atmospheres and memorable excursions.

• Downtown San Diego: Nestled in the vibrant centre of San Diego, Downtown San Diego offers a blend of urban excitement and cultural charm. This neighbourhood draws families and city enthusiasts alike with its myriad shopping centres, malls and educational venues. Visitors can immerse themselves in a city-themed experience by exploring local landmarks such as dynamic event conference venues, a bustling theme park and nearby beach areas, making it a well-rounded destination for a diverse range of interests.
• Pacific Beach: Pacific Beach exemplifies a laid-back coastal vibe with its scenic boardwalks and sun-kissed shores. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers, this neighbourhood invites travellers to enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, engaging in boardwalk activities and exploring local shopping hubs. Not far from the vibrant bay area, Pacific Beach promises a relaxed yet invigorating experience combining the best of beach and family holiday adventures.
• Mission Beach: Boasting a dynamic blend of outdoor and beach experiences, Mission Beach is a haven for those seeking a lively seaside escape. This neighbourhood offers ample opportunities for family fun with its bustling boardwalk, amusement park attractions and educational venues. With its proximity to both a family-friendly beach and scenic bay, Mission Beach provides an inviting setting that captures the essence of San Diego’s coastal allure, perfect for a memorable holiday exploration.

Booking with Vrbo is simple

Looking to save on your next escape? Consider being flexible with your travel dates, as prices can differ. Also, booking a longer stay might bring about significant savings. To find the ideal Vrbo property that fits your budget, simply use our filters to search by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Vrbo Trips: Effortless planning

Vrbo's clever Trip Board offers you a convenient space to plan new adventures, pick up from where you last left off, or manage your travel arrangements. You can easily find the properties you've saved and booked under Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To explore Trip Boards, simply visit: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Head to the theatrical city of San Diego

Come and experience San Diego and its museums, theatre scene and art galleries. Travellers to this walkable city praise the zoo, seaside and beaches. Take in top local attractions such as Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center. If you need more space to accommodate a family holiday or a trip with friends, rental homes often come with separate dining areas and spacious living rooms.

Activities and attractions in San Diego

Are you hoping to discover top things to see and do while you're in town? Venture out of your cosy holiday rental and check out everything that makes San Diego a fun spot to go on holiday. These are some of the top attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• San Diego Zoo (1.5 mi / 2.4 km)
• LEGOLAND® California (29.8 mi / 47.9 km)
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park (28.2 mi / 45.3 km)
• Belmont Park (6.5 mi / 10.5 km)
• Birch Aquarium (11.6 mi / 18.7 km)
• Sesame Place San Diego (12.4 mi / 19.9 km)

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in San Diego

Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, San Diego is a great place to get outside. Here are some of the area’s most eye-catching natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Mission Bay (5.7 mi / 9.2 km)
• Mission Beach (6.5 mi / 10.5 km)
• Balboa Park (1.5 mi / 2.4 km)
• La Jolla Cove (11.3 mi / 18.2 km)
• Rosarito Beach (26.5 mi / 42.7 km)
• Waterfront Park (0.7 mi / 1.2 km)

Seasonal weather in San Diego

If you're planning a holiday around warm-weather activities, August, September, July and October are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 22°C.

Transport options to and around San Diego

Fly into San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), the closest airport, located 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 6.6 mi (10.7 km) away.

If you're travelling by train, San Diego Santa Fe Depot, Old Town Transit Center and San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station are the main stations in the area. You can see more of San Diego by jumping on the metro at Civic Center Station, Civic Center Station or 5th Avenue Station.