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2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay

Family-friendly holiday home in San Diego

Photo gallery for 2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay

Your own house... with parking... and yard!
Street view-- nice, private setting with your own yard!
Bedroom #2 with double bed
Front yard with shaded sitting area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Old Town San Diego State Park
  • Place, Marine Corps Recruit Depot
  • Place, University of San Diego
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay

This adorable two-bedroom cottage has a delightful-- and very secure-- front yard for your four-legged companion(s) to feel right at home, as well as a roomy back area for al fresco dining or just relaxing amongst the foliage.
The cottage is in the heart of all the excitement, history, heritage, and charm of Old Town San Diego, just far enough removed to be a quiet, secluded retreat. Private and tropical, this darling cottage is located in the center of the birthplace of San Diego, walking distance from a plethora of delicious restaurants, quaint and eclectic shopping, Old Town State Historic Park, all in a fun and lively authentic Mexican atmosphere loaded with history.
Visit many FREE museums that explore some of the mysterious legends of early San Diego, offering tours of original historical sites, haunted tours, and more! In addition, you will discover Mariachi shows, music, dancers, live outdoor theatre performances and more surprises as you explore the streets of Old Town on foot.
Close proximity to beaches, Sea World, downtown, San Diego zoo, Coronado, and more-- this property is central to all! The Old Town trolley offers a delightful tour of America's Finest City and departs just two blocks away.
San Diego has some of the best public transit in the country, and the public transit depot is less than a half mile away with access to city buses, light rail, Amtrak, and the Coaster, San Diego's own train commuter which travels north and south along the coast. With eight stations between downtown San Diego and Oceanside, it provides breathtaking scenery while allowing guests to explore North San Diego County. Renting a car during your vacation is entirely optional!
Cottage features two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a double bed. Wall-mounted TVs, heat and air conditioning, full upgraded bath with oversized shower, queen-size foldout sofa in living room, completely upgraded kitchen with dishwasher, coffee station, and microwave. Well stocked with everything you need for cooking in if you choose!
Relax with a glass of wine and a book in your enclosed front yard surrounded by California's brilliant bougainvillea, or have a barbecue in the back with your Weber grill.
Also included is one OFF-street parking spot! Please let us know if you’re bringing a second vehicle and we’ll try to accommodate. For folks traveling with small children, we can provide a high chair and a pack and play. High speed residential WIFI is included, of course, as well as hundreds of cable channels. PLEASE NOTE: As we do have a very welcoming pet policy, please advise us ahead of time of any allergies or sensitivities so that we are able to make sure you are comfortable. Cottages are meticulously cleaned after each stay; however, some severe allergies can still be affected by the past presence of animals, so we will do what we can to remove any allergen before your stay. Thanks!

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 643061, STR-02328L

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

San Diego

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Old Town San Diego, a neighbourhood in San Diego. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Waterfront Park and USS Midway Museum. Travelling with kids? Don't miss San Diego Zoo and Belmont Park.
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Old Town San Diego State Park - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Marine Corps Recruit Depot - 1 min drive - 1.9 km
  • University of San Diego - 2 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Hotel Circle - 2 min drive - 4.1 km
  • SeaWorld - 4 min drive - 3.4 km

Getting around

  • Washington Street Station - 2 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 6 min walk
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe Coyote - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Old Town Mexican Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Miguel's Cocina - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cousin's Candy Shop - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rockin' Baja Lobster - Old Town - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at 2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 2 bd w/ yard in heart of Old Town-- WE LOVE PETS! Check our Insta @oldtownvacay located?

This family-friendly San Diego holiday home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Whaley House Museum and Old Town San Diego State Park. University of San Diego and Mission Bay are also within 2 miles (3 km). Morena - Linda Vista Station is 21 minutes by foot and Washington Street Station is 25 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 185 out of 190 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 190 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 190 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 190 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 190 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Saket B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location, location, location! Great stay in the heart of Old Town San Diego. Don't miss walking around the corner and having amazing tacos at Flor's Farm to Table. Start the day with a coffee from Flor and Seed Coffee Roasters. Grab tasty beverages from Old Town Tequila. All walkable while leaving your car in the driveway (yes off off-street parking). The cottage has a well-equipped kitchen for meals at home and a fenced yard for the dogs and humans to enjoy. Joan was there to greet us and get us situated. This is a definite return to property on future trips to San Diego.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and quiet

It was a short trip.1.5 days. The host was outstanding, and very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karel P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Place to Stay

Joan is always so kind and accommodating. Great location, comfortable and clean accommodations. Seriously one of my favorite places to stay. My dogs also feel like they are on a vacation too. They love it!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super cute home away from home

Perfect for our basketball tournament weekend away with our dog. Enclosed yard and having parking is key. We waked up and did the Whaley house evening tour and wandered around old town. A lovely weekend, thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a cozy yet central cottage

This cottage was just wonderful! Everything from cleanliness to decor to location and host were superb. We truly loved our stay and want to make a tradition of going each year. We appreciate that our pets were welcomed without insane fees. We highly recommend this cottage. It’s even so much better in person. Really exceeded our expectations.thank you so much for hosting us!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Wonderful location in the heart of Old Town with easy access to freeway and other parts of San Diego. Perfect little yard for the dogs. We would stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerard Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

This property was cozy and in a great location! My kids loved Old Town, and Joan was great to communicate with.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place, great management

Stayed there with my dog, property manager was great to work with, place was very nice and dog friendly. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ramon L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best little spot in Old Town!

My wife and i been coming to sd for a few years now and this nice little cottage was the best we ever stayed at! Look forward to coming back in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl-Jon C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mini-Summer vacation in Old Town

We communicated easily with Joan, the property manager, before arriving at the vacation rental. The instructions to check-in and out, where to park, and how best to enjoy our stay were clear. The house sits right in the middle of Old Town and lets guests experience the sights, smells, and sounds of local businesses. We had a welcoming whiff of burgers and fries from the restaurant next door. Whether you need a caffeine fix, to satisfy a craving for Mexican food, or want to take a leisurely stroll into Old Town State Park, this vacation house provides a base camp for such activities.Something to keep in mind when staying in the 2-bedroom rental in the front, or the smaller unit toward the back. Both rentals share a driveway that can be a little snug if your car is larger. We have a mid-size SUV and renters in the other unit had the same vehicle. We had to maneuver the car a few times to ensure we could easily reverse out of the driveway. We spoke briefly with the other renters and asked if they had enough room. They appreciated the consideration and thanked us. A little courtesy goes a long way. This is not a deal breaker, just awareness to best enjoy the unit.The sofa and ottoman were comfortable. The kitchen made for easy meal prep and the filtered water next to the sink was a nice touch. The bed and bathroom shower were refreshing after a day of sightseeing. Joan and Dove, the owner, really made this vacation rental feel like home. A perfect place for a mini-vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shana S., Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unbeatable Perfection!

The lication is fantastic. The accomodations and friendliness towards pets are ideal. We look forward to our next stay here.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nadia E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best hosts ever!!!!

We enjoyed staying at this location. Everything was great. Particularly the hosts were super! Very accommodating people. They did everything possible to make us feel comfortable at their place going above and beyond what was required.
Stayed 55 nights in Jan 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patricia K., Mesa, Az

Perfect location and experience

Located right in the heart of Old Town and close to everything, this lovely little haven is a home away from home. Our hosts were onsite when we arrived, gave wonderful restaurant recommendations and made sure we had everything we needed. Pristine home with everything you could possibly need. Would and have recommended to our friends and family. Thanks again for making our visit perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Naomi E., Fort Mill, SC, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

We really enjoyed our stay in this little house. It was within walking distance to everything in Old Town. Joan was very attentive and helpful while we were there. Only one word of caution--don't bring a large truck! Fortunately, we were able to work out parking with the other family. Everyone was so nice and accommodating. Would stay here again if coming back to San Diego.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect little cottage

This was the perfect property in Old Town San Diego. Close enough to walk to everything, but quiet and secluded as well. The property manager was kind enough to letus checkin early which was .uch appreciated. The kitchen is fully stocked with cooking needs, and the property was spotless. The outdoor courtyard was lovely, a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring San Diego. The privided parking space was a bonus. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Chandra S.

Our Favorite Place in Old Town 💙

My best friend and I get away twice a year and stay in old town San Diego. We have stayed in Dove's properties multiple times and absolutely love everything about it. It was like having a home away from home. The outdoor patios or so cozy and private and the two bedrooms are perfect for us. We love cooking in the little kitchen or having the freedom to go out for a meal with old town only a few steps away. Dove and Joan are wonderful people. We will always keep coming back to this place as long as it's here!

8/10 Good

Salvador M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Old town stay

House was nice, A lot of noise daily early in the morning due to business next door so no sleeping in. Parking requires planning but doable. Don’t bring a big vehicle may not fit. House was clean and comfortable. Yard needed som maintenance. But was quaint.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tina B., Elk Grove

Perfect place to stay in Old Town!

We had a wonderful stay at this cute place in San Diego's Old Town. The house is located right near all the restaurants and shopping (literally on the same block and surrounding blocks). The inside of the home is nicely redone and quite comfortable. The kitchen & bath furnishings were very helpful to make our stay just like home. We brought our four dogs and cat and the yard was just perfect. So nice to be able to let them out in the secured yard at anytime. Since parking is a challenge in that area, it was great to have a driveway and parking spot for our vehicle as well. The owners were quite pleasant and we appreciated their hospitality immensely! We will definitely visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quant & Wondrous Getaway Rental

We loved our stay at this cottage during out most recent trip to San Diego. We love to stay in Old Town since we take full advantage of the San Diego Flyer (to/from airport) and the trolley/buses to all of our favorite places - SD Zoo, Petco Park, La Jolla, Seaport Village, Little Italy, and Coronado! Check-in was seamless despite our super late arrival (due to numerous flight delays outside of our control). The hostess of the mostest even offered fantastic local restaurant recommendations so we knew where to try our first dinner in the area. We loved all of their succulents outdoors, their beautiful & in bloom garden, and the homeless kitties that we waved hello to every morning. It would be a great trip if you were travelling with 3 or 4 people - master bedroom has a queen bed & 2nd bedroom has a full size bed. You can sit on the patio for a night dining in! Cannot say enough about this wonderful experience. Thanks again for accommodating us~ We will recommend your place to everyone!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nikki S., Pearl City, HI

An Amazing Home-Away-from-Home!

Previously, our family of four enjoyed staying in the 1-bedroom cottage. We were taken with its charm and the warmth of Joan of Dove. On this trip to SD, we were bringing along Grandma and Papa, so we needed more space . . . though my hubby and I (and the kids) kept imagining ways to cram us all into that little 1-BR. We were ECSTATIC when we saw the 2-bedroom cottage listed on VRBO and were able to reserve it for our week in SD. There's so much to love about this cottage! My parents were blown away by the location: in the heart of Old Town, with so much within walking distance. We had a rental vehicle, so we loved the off-street parking. And, with the fence, you have your own private oasis when you're home! Joan and Dove provide everything you need--and ample amounts, too! The bathrooms, linen/towel areas, and kitchen are stocked. Toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, toiletries, dishwashing liquid, laundry items--everything is there. And they don't scrimp on quality, either! Joan is wonderful about giving you a tour to get you acquainted with the space. She and Dove are incredibly warm and welcoming, easily accessible, and always happy to help in any way. My mother was impressed by how clean and tidy the cottage is. I had the same reaction over the 1-bedroom, especially since the properties are dog friendly. (We're an animal-loving family sans pets and with allergies, so we prefer our accommodations not have residual fur or scents from four-legged guests. Hahaha!) We were fans of the huge shower (big enough that my kids--ages 8 and 6--would often jump in with me). Having the private outdoor spaces was a treat. The front yard saw some water play days with a little splash pool and the beach toys Joan and Dove provide. The front lanai was our spot for morning coffee and conversations about that days' plans; the back lanai was for happy hour and dinners at home (we enjoyed lots of take-out from nearby eateries so we could relax at "home," as my kids preferred). It was so peaceful to sit outside and watch the sky melt into a sunset and listen to the breeze rustling leaves on the nearby tree. Having central A/C helped us with allergens. Also, with the A/C on and windows closed, the cottage is wonderfully quiet. We had no problem enjoying restful sleeps! And the FULL SIZE W/D is a huge plus. You can cut your packing down and return home with clean laundry! We had a magical stay here and are already planning our next. Thank you, Joan and Dove!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Melissa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location

We had a great stay! Joan and Dove were so accommodating and lovely when we wanted to add an extra night to our trip. Joan greeted us upon check-in and was very welcoming. The home had everything we needed. It was so nice for our family to be able to spread out - for less than the cost of a hotel room! The location is absolutely fantastic! It was a two minute walk to the trolley to take us to and from downtown San Diego. We loved being able to walk to shops and restaurants. The off street parking was so helpful, and we were able to drive to other attractions quickly and easily (Balboa park and the zoo - 10 mins, La Jolla - 15ish mins, Cabrillo / Point Loma - 15ish mins). To be truly transparent, we stayed over a weekend so there was a bit of noise at night but, honestly, that is because of the excellent location. We absolutely would not have changed a thing about the trip and would stay here again if traveling to San Diego because of the location and the space. As a plus - we really appreciated access to laundry and a full kitchen! (Ralph’s supermarket and Target are about a 5 min drive away - also very convenient!) Many thanks to Joan!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage in the heart of Old Town

Cottage was comfortable clean and had everything that you would need. Check-in process was easy and the description was great. If you enjoy Old Town San Diego this is a great location. You can walk to everything. My family and I were there for 2 nights and didn't have a car. I would highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert and Sherry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We always enjoy staying in Joan’s homes. Location, location, location! Walk to everything in Old Town and close to so much in San Diego. Homes are well stocked and we love that we can bring our fur baby Dexter with us. Very comfortable beds! Both homes have outdoor seating areas to enjoy. Joan is a delight and goes out of her way to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need. Looking forward to our next stay! Robert, Sherry and Dexter
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful vacation spot

This house is in a great location. It’s very clean and relaxing and the hosts are extremely helpful. This was our second time staying there and I’m so glad we did. What a great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

About the host

Hosted by Dove Braunstein

Host profile image
I have been a San Diego resident for close to 20 years now and absolutely LOVE my city. I would love the entire world to have the chance to experience the beautiful place I call home-- even better if they do so from our cottages! :)
I live & love the SoCal lifestyle; am into fitness, animals, and travel-- although no matter what amazing places in the world I may visit, I always love to come home. There is nothing like the San Diego sunshine!
My mother and I manage these cottages with joy; it is a pleasure working together with my mom on something we love so much!
I believe in leaving the world better than we found it, spreading joy and loving one another.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with these precious cottages on sight. Walking by them, we saw that they were for sale and knew that they would make for delightful vacation rentals. Old Town is one of the most visited destinations in San Diego and there isn't much in the way of a residential area, much less vacation rentals. What better location than the heart of one of the most vibrant, sought after hot spots in San Diego? The beautiful, lush property sits hidden amongst brilliant bougainvillea and tropical landscaping, and though you are steps away from all kinds of activities as well as some of the best Mexican food in San Diego, you're also tucked just enough away to feel a true sense of quiet & privacy.

What makes this property unique

One of few residences in central Old Town. You could spend your entire vacation without getting into a car if you so choose! Public transit depot is just down the street and there is so much to do within steps of your door.
I fell in love with these cottages on sight, knew they would make wonderful vacation rentals, being so close to so much and right in the middle of San Diego's #1 tourist destination!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests