Entire home

Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill!

Vacation home near Balboa Park in San Diego

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill!

Property grounds
Smart TV
Exterior detail
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroom650 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Petco Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

You may also like

About the neighborhood

San Diego

Golden Hill stay.A stay at this Golden Hill vacation home places you within half a mile (1 km) of Balboa Park and 2 miles (3 km) of Petco Park. San Diego Zoo and San Diego Convention Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Petco Park - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • San Diego Convention Center - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • San Diego Zoo - 3 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Port of San Diego - 4 min drive - 2.6 miles

Getting around

  • City College Trolley Station - 2 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 11 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Adalberto's Mexican Food - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Humberto's Taco Shop - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Harland South Park - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Pizzeria Luigi - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪55 Thai Kitchen Golden Hill - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill!

Welcome to your oasis in the heart of the vibrant Golden Hill neighborhood in sunny San Diego! This delightful home is the perfect retreat for both business travelers and vacationers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay.

*Please be sure to read the "IMPORTANT NOTE", House Rules & cancellation policy information that is included at the end of this description before submitting your booking online.

"Balboa Bungalow" is a single-family dwelling comprised of two separate 1 BR/1 BA apartments. This listing is dedicated to the larger apartment rental option that we call “Balboa Bungalow I” (1 BR/1 BA).

NOTE: We do not rent the other smaller apartment to guests. Since we live in Denver, CO we reserve the use of the small apartment as our own lodging when we are in San Diego visiting our family.

PERFECT FOR ONE OR TWO PEOPLE

As you step through the keyless entry gate, you'll immediately feel at home in this secure and private sanctuary. The interior boasts modern amenities and stylish furnishings that ensure a cozy and enjoyable stay. Sink into the comfortable queen-size bed in the bedroom, unwind in the living room while watching or streaming your favorite shows on the large flat screen 43" Smart TV, or catch up on laundry using the convenient washer and dryer. If you need to work staying connected won’t be a problem with the high-speed internet connection. During the warmer summer months, you'll be able to keep cool with the refreshing air conditioning.

NOTE: This house includes a basic cable package. If you want to watch premium channels or services such as Netflix or Prime Video you will have to stream them on your mobile device.

Quality linens, bedding and fluffy bath towels, hand towels and washcloths are provided for your use. There is a hair dryer in the bathroom. The kitchen is stocked with dishes, glassware, flatware, pots & pans, coffee maker & Keurig maker, toaster, blender, and crock pot.

Step outside to the charming patio, where you'll find comfortable seating to relax and soak up the California sunshine. Sip your morning coffee or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening while enjoying this private outdoor space.

Off-street parking for one vehicle is included with your booking.

The entrance to our house is from the alley, not the street. This is not uncommon in San Diego but it might be surprising to guests from other parts of the country. You will receive clear instructions on how to find and access our property with your Check-in packet that will be emailed to you.

GOLDEN HILL - GREAT LOCATION

Golden Hill is a quiet, historical neighborhood of San Diego with lots of craftsman bungalows and architectural charm. The location can't be beat for convenience to all of the things that San Diego has to offer!

When it's time to venture out, you'll find yourself surrounded by an array of fantastic cafes, restaurants, and pubs just a short walk away. Explore the neighborhood and discover the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast at the Golden Hill Cafe, a satisfying lunch at Pizzeria Luigi or Adalberto's Mexican Food, or a memorable dinner at the iconic Turf Supper Club. Indulge in local flavors, from trendy coffee shops (including Starbucks 2 blocks away) to vibrant eateries serving a variety of cuisines.

In under 5 minutes you can visit Balboa Park, Balboa Golf Course, the San Diego Zoo, North & South Park, and more. Very close to Downtown (5-10 minute drive or Uber ride), the Gaslamp District & Little Italy. The Convention Center, Petco Park, Sea World, Liberty Station, Old Town and local beaches are just 10-15 minutes away.

If you're in the mood for some outdoor activities, Golden Hill has plenty to offer. Take a leisurely stroll through nearby parks and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline. Visit local art galleries and immerse yourself in the thriving creative scene. For those seeking a bit of excitement, the proximity to downtown San Diego means you're just moments away from a vibrant nightlife, live entertainment, and a host of cultural attractions.

Traveling is a breeze from this prime location, with easy access to the airport. Whether you're arriving or departing, you'll appreciate the convenience of a short commute, allowing you to spend more time exploring the city or enjoying your comfortable home away from home. Be aware that as is true for most of this area you can hear the airplanes flying overhead as they approach & take off from the airport. If you are sensitive to noise you should keep this in mind when considering staying in Golden Hill.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the best of San Diego from this charming home in Golden Hill. Book your stay now and make unforgettable memories in San Diego!

ATTENTION IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN INSTANT/BOOKING ONLINE:

Please be sure to read our "House Rules" below before booking.

HOUSE RULES

We would welcome your reservation if:

*You are over the age of 25 years & are willing to provide a copy of your valid ID
*You are willing to sign a copy of our rental agreement which will be presented to you after your booking is confirmed.
*You are not a smoker.
*You do not want to bring a pet.
*Your party does not consist of more than 2 people.


CANCELLATION POLICY

*100% refund at least 30 days before arrival
*50% refund at least 14 days before arrival
*No refunds after 14 days before arrival

CHECK-IN TIME: 4:00 PM local time
CHECK-OUT TIME: 10:00 AM local time

San Diego Short Term Rental License Number: STR-00561L

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a zoo
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Theme park nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 650 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

Minimum age requirement: 25 years
Must be willing to sign a copy of our rental agreement & send a copy of your ID
No Smoking, No Pets

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: All ages allowed

Events

No events allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number 633021, STR-00561L

Property is also known as

orp5b3ca10x
Vrbo Property

Frequently asked questions

How close is Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! to the airport?

This vacation home is 4.3 mi (15-min drive) away from the San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! to the beach?

This vacation home is 9.3 mi (18-min drive) from Mission Beach and 5.3 mi (12-min drive) from Coronado Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill!?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill!?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! to downtown San Diego?

This vacation home is 1.4 mi away from San Diego.

Live Like a Local, Explore Like a Tourist in San Diego's Golden Hill! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Hiram C., Houston Tx

Liked: Cleanliness
First impression was such a cute cottage! Privacy fence, front porch and personal parking spot Living space was just right. Bedroom had the perfect bed and pillows for my wife. LOL. Kitchen had full size stackable washer and dryer which came in handy. Was able to walk to many places top eat and drink nearby. Great place and highly recommended!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
This was a cute little apartment stocked with everything you could want. Clean, private, comfortable and great location to every where you want to venture to.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place in Golden Hill

We had an excellent stay visiting family in Golden Hill. The apartment has everything you need for a comfortable stay in a beautiful neighborhood and is very well located for doing things around San Diego. For anybody that hasn't been in Golden Hill before, just keep in mind for the neighborhood that you are right under the approach to SAN and that walking to the main part of Balboa Park requires traversing a deep canyon.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay!

The unit was all that was advertised. Clean, bright and well situated.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marianne O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location in Golden Hill

Our stay was very pleasant for many reasons, but mainly, because of how close it was to our son’s apartment. The rental was very clean and comfortable for the two of us. The keyless entry made coming & going extremely efficient and we felt safe with added security of the gate. We had everything we needed for the week right there.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maureen O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Labor Day weekend stay

Met all expectations.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Balboa bungalow

Love the back porch, sitting out and having dinner that we picked up locally. Found a variety of offerings from a delicious Mexican bakery Thai food and great tacos all within a few blocks. Could not have been better. Ubers took us to the places that were further distance or on 26 street due to construction. Instructions were easy to follow, and had no difficulties at all.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness

This is a wonderful place to stay and in a great neighborhood.

We stayed here for five days. It is close to everything and we had no problems getting transportation to this location in ten minutes or less. We walked the neighborhoods and felt very safe and people were friendly . The host had great communication and we had everything we needed . We used the market nearby for groceries and we were also within walking distance of target about ten blocks away. This is a great quiet place to stay and if we stay in San Diego again we will happily stay here again. Thanks Rodgers Hosts.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Will be coming back!

I thoroughly enjoyed staying at this rental. It was spacious, comfortable, well kept, clean and had the extras I was looking for (washer and dryer, parking spot). The owner, Valerie, gave me all the info I needed ahead of time but still made herself available if I had any questions. Good location; not downtown proper so it was peaceful, but still close to all the places I wanted to go (Balboa Park, Chicano Park/Barrio Logan, close to the 5 so easy to get around). I have family in San Diego and plan on staying at this rental when I visit again. I stayed by myself but it would be ideal for a couple’s getaway too.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tami K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing property, great location.

Great little gem in a wonderful location. Central to everything fun there is to do in San Diego. Would absolutely love to stay here again and again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Elisabeth R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Good things come in small packages

We enjoyed our 4+ week stay at Balboa Bungalow in Golden Hill.The unit was spotless, small though efficiently arranged and close to Balboa, downtown and many wonderful San Diego attractions, including the beaches. We did not rent a car ( though parking at Valerie's is included) and found buses, the Coaster and other public transport to be fun and easy. Definitely consider this sweet spot for your stay!
Stayed 30 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

laura g.

Liked: Cleanliness

Just Right

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Balboa rental. The place was nice and clean and beautifully equipped. The front loading washer and dryer were easy to use and did laundry fast. I loved how the place was decorated. It was light and airy. The homeowner was readily available for any questions and communication was excellent. I hope to stay there again
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022