See all properties
Entire home

Life is better by the pool

Family-friendly stay with outdoor pool in Valley Center

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Life is better by the pool

A modern house with a swimming pool, large windows, and outdoor seating.
A statue of a child holding a flower, surrounded by rocks and plants, with a wooden fence and a tree in the background.
A spacious living room with a fireplace, large windows, and a high ceiling fan.
An outdoor patio with a pool, seating, and a barbecue area.
A spacious kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a chandelier.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Valley Center, CA
  • Place, Castle Creek Country Club
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, The Oaks Course
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Pala Casino Spa Resort
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Valley Center

In Valley Center .Stay at this Valley Center vacation home and you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of The Oaks Course and Cal-a-vie. Bates Nut Farm is within 9 miles (15 km) and Valley View Casino is within 12 miles (20 km).
View more Vacation Homes in Valley CenterOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Castle Creek Country Club - 11 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • The Oaks Course - 13 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • Pala Casino Spa Resort - 20 min drive - 11.8 miles
  • Bates Nut Farm - 20 min drive - 11.3 miles
  • Valley View Casino - 22 min drive - 11.1 miles

Getting around

  • Carlsbad Village Station - 33 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Market at Hidden Meadows - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Side Yard Public House - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Valley Center Deli - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Country Junction Deli - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Life is better by the pool

Enjoy our Sun-Drenched Oasis with a private infinity salt water pool that is heated to the 80s all year. Soak your worries away in the salt water 102 degree spa. Have fun checking out our artistic landscape, hiking trails, picking fruit, enjoying farm fresh eggs, playing Horseshoes, Disc Golf, Corn Hole, Pool Basketball & many more games. Finish up your day enjoying a beverage with a lazy afternoon swim under the sun taking in the breathtaking views of a little slice of paradise. The "chef’s kitchen," and BBQs are waiting for you to create a delicious meal. This is the perfect, relaxing getaway for families and friends.
San Diego county is the perfect place to rest and relax. This is the 'Hidden Gem' of Valley Center with breathtaking views of the San Diego Mountains. We strive to have everything you need for a perfect getaway. Enjoy our secluded private 5 ac estate, it is absolutely fantastic with a infinity salt water pool and spa, fully fenced, walking trails, picnic areas, meditation spots.
Foosball table, Disc Golf, horseshoe's at the top of the property next to the view deck. Enjoy our organic fruit trees boasting the best orange juice you will ever taste.
San Diego County is a world class tourist destination best known for its excellent climate. The temperature is usually between 60 and 80 degrees in the winter and 70-90 degrees in the summer.
San Diego attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy:
- beaches Oceanside and Carlsbad are only a 30 min drive
- ocean activities such as - surfing, canoeing, scuba diving, ocean fishing, boating, yachting, windsurfing, water skis, kite surfing and more
- Balboa Park - built a century ago for 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition
- Museums - art, history, technology, aviation, marine and many more.
- World Famous San Diego Zoo
- World Famous SeaWorld theme park
- World Famous Legoland
- Wild animal park a short 25 min drive
- Charming seaside villages - Seaport, Coronado, LaJolla, DelMar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Pacific Beach.
- Casinos with world class restaurants
- Near Fallbrook the World capital of Avocados
- Hot air balloons
- Temecula wine country isa 30 min drive - many wineries and wine tasting

Similar properties

Interior
California Dreamin by Avantstay Private Pool + Fire Pit Near the Beach
Barrio
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
California Dreamin by Avantstay Private Pool + Fire Pit Near the Beach

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Fully-fenced
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Picnic area

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Only outside in designated area

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Foosball table
  • Heated pool
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Canoeing nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Winery tours 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

  • Composting
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Electric car charging station
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Property located in a resort
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 2,300 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 35

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Only outside in designated area

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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. 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.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Life is better by the pool to the airport?

This vacation home is 25 mi (39-min drive) away from the Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Life is better by the pool have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Life is better by the pool offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Life is better by the pool?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Valley View Casino (17-min drive) and Harrah's Resort Southern California (20-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Life is better by the pool?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Life is better by the pool?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Life is better by the pool have a pool?

This vacation home features an outdoor pool.

Does Life is better by the pool have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Life is better by the pool to downtown Valley Center?

This vacation home is 4.1 mi away from Valley Center.

Life is better by the pool Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

karen m.

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

Peaceful getaway😊

Enjoyed our stay. House is beautiful.. property is so nice . the view of the sunrise over the mountains is amazing! Would definitely stay here again😊
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

RJ H.

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

Great stay

Had a great stay. House was clean and nice. Pool and hot tub were perfect. Picked oranges and made fresh OJ every morning. Perfect place to get away.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David S.

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

Wonderful Stay

EVERYTHING you need is here to enjoy whatever kind of stay you desire. It couldn’t have been more convenient visiting both the top-notch San Diego Wildlife Safari or the LegoLand Park along with Wohlford Lake and Daley Ranch for morning hikes. We loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Perfect. Just as avertised.

Perfect get away for solitude. Beautiful property. Great host.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2016
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melinda M.

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

Excellent!

Beautiful house stocked with everything you need. Property is beautiful. Perfect for our family visit!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

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

Fabulous all around

Great house pool spa and view!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second stay at this property. Our favorite feature is the heated pool and the spa that faces the incredible view. Since our last visit, the owner upgraded the heating system. I appreciate that the owners provided a device for controlling the pool instead of forcing us to download an app. Plenty of pantry items and paper products. Comfortable beds. It’s truly one of our favorite places. Thank you Tom and Cindy!!
Stunning sunrise every day
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Agustin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Phenomenal! We felt right at home from the moment we arrived. The amazing pool provided endless fun and relaxation. A delightful bonus of picking up fresh oranges from the trees added a unique and memorable touch to our experience. Our stay at this house was truly exceptional!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kristin R.

So much fun!!

The house was gorgeous. Perfect for the six of us to stay before a wedding. The wonderful owner and housekeeper were so sweet and it was stocked with everything we could need! We had so much fun. Go Bears!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jayson K.

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

Fantastic pool

Celebrated a birthday with extended family and kids. House was as advertised in the pool is amazing fantastic view. Tom was incredibly easy to reach and we enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Angiie D.

Absolutely Amazing!

Everything about our stay was perfect! The house was beautiful; the pool was clean and warm; the spa was hot and amazing at night when the fog rolled in; and the owners were easy to get hold of and very accommodating! It really could not have been any better! I highly recommend this rental for anyone wanting to escape the world for a few days to relax in quiet paradise!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Colton H.

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

Sunny Retreat

Awesome property outside San Diego (30-40 minutes to the beach) with beautiful gardens and large heated pool/ spa with views of the Palomar mountains. Spacious house was very clean and well-stocked with everything we needed during our week stay, including a juicer for the fresh oranges! Easy communication with Tom & Cindy, who were great hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lena

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a fantastic stay. Tom is a great host, very friendly with good communication. The house is more beautiful than all the pictures can express. A wonderful pool, the kids had a lot of fun.The kitchen is very well equipped, there is everything you need.Another highlight are the orange trees in the garden.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

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

Girls Trip Oasis

This property was absolutely stunning! My daughter, two friends and I stayed here for 4 nights and it was wonderful! The house was clean and well stocked, the pool was beautiful and a very comfortable temperature. I would highly recommend this place to everyone I know and would go back in a heartbeat! Tom and Cindy were easy to communicate with and you can tell they take very good care of their home and their guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marsha S.

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

Beautiful View

We had a great experience at this rental. It is located in an area that is private and the property is very well maintained. Our host was very helpful and attentive. Upon our arrival we found several welcome gifts that were much appreciated. The space was clean and inviting. We hope to be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

Wanna getaway and unwind? You've found the place!

Stayed for 3 days for our annual chick trip and everyone loved this beautiful home. Tucked into the hills with a most amazing view, you truly feel like you are away from it all. Clean and comfy with a well equipped kitchen, we all agreed we would come back to this lovely and inviting home, no one wanted to leave! Besides being a few loungers short for all that wanted to lay out by the pool, we couldn't have asked for more, thanks Tom!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James S.

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

Peaceful, family friendly retreat

Absolutely beautiful home, photos do not do it justice! Gorgeous pool and spa area. We enjoyed the trails and citrus orchard. Only 30 minutes to SD Safari Park. Very much appreciated the paper products and pantry staples. Beds were clean and comfy. Would definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl K.

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

Gorgeous, peaceful, over the top house

Beautiful, fully equipped house. Everything was super comfortable, from the living room furniture, to the dining room table and our bedrooms. Backyard just spectacular. Tom was great, answering questions right away. Very quiet, peaceful area. Pool and hot tub probably our favorite way to spend a vacation ever. Thanks so much.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl E.

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

Great getaway!

House was well-appointed, spacious and clean! Kitchen is well stocked with more than basic necessities. Property was huge and have available private walking trails! Views from the backyard and pool area are amazing! Neighborhood is super quiet and is perfect for a getaway!! Lastly, freshly squeezed OJ every morning can’t be beat❤️❤️❤️Host is easy to communicate with. Thank you very much for the stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Monique F.

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

Simply beautiful!

Our family had the absolute best time at this home! The pictures online only gives you a glimpse. The view in the backyard is breathtaking. You can see it from the living room, the kitchen even the master bedroom. The house was very clean and stocked with more then we expected. Definitely would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Steve P.

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

Wonderful Home

My family really enjoyed staying here. It is a beautiful home with a great swimming pool and hot tub. The area is quiet and the weather was great. My kids loved playing foosball in the loft and they even have a horseshoe game set up. They have lots of orange trees on the property so we had fresh squeezed orange juice every morning. The kitchen is fully stocked with every utensil or pan needed, the bathrooms were fully stocked, and the beds were comfortable. We loved our stay at this house and would fully recommend it to all.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jim S.

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

Perfect views with peace and quiet

We loved this spacious property that lived up to the posted images and description. Most enjoyable was the pool, the views and opportunity to squeeze fresh orange juice each morning from fruit picked from trees in the yard. The perfect place for peace and quiet and privacy. Be prepared to travel 20 + minutes for restaurants and activities. This rental appeared in search for La Jolla which was misleading.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeff J.

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

We had a wonderful time!

We were greeted with a thoughtful "Welcome Basket" of wine and fresh citrus from the owner which was a perfect start to our vacation. We quickly accommodated ourselves to the beautiful property and fantastic views with a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. What a great time! Reasonable driving distance to beaches, Wild Animal Park, and Sea World. In fact it was only an hour drive to Thousand Steps in Laguna Beach (which I highly recommend). When we weren't enjoying activities kids and adults both enjoyed the beautiful pool and relaxing spa. This property will be at the top our list to book the next time we visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carianne M.

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

Best One Yet!!

Normally, our vacations are on the beach or very close to one, so we were a little concerned about being so far away from everything. I have to say, it was the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation I have ever had! The pool and hot tub were fantastic and the view was just amazing! Tom and Cindy were excellent hosts. The house is exactly as the description states. It was very clean and the beds were so comfortable. Made going home very hard! We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Iris

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We really enjoyed our stay at this gorgeous house. Lots of space for a family for 4. Every amenity you could think of. If you enjoy cooking, you are in heaven in a beautiful kitchen. The pool was very much enjoyed by all of us, but especially my kids. The spa was great to soak in at night after a long day out visiting the sites of San Diego. The best thing were the little extra touches that I've never seen in any other VRBO rental - the bottles of wine, the pizza, the full pantry. We especially enjoyed having the small orange orchard on the property and had fresh orange juice daily. If we're ever in this area again, we'll definitely rent this house in a heartbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

Explore More Ways to Travel with Travelocity