If you’re hoping to spend your week in a beautiful beach town, how are you going to find the perfect vacation rental? Will it be expensive? Are you going to have many options to choose from? Can you rely on the information being presented? Below we’ll see why Pacific Beach, CA is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
The type of vacation rental we have available depends on the time of year you are planning to visit, as well as your specific desires. The scenic beach town of Pacific Beach is a favorite among tourists looking to rent a condo or beach house. This seaside community has everything from restaurants and nightlife to hiking and outdoor markets. When you want to get away to an urban area, consider renting a prominent downtown San Diego vacation rental, where there are plenty of attractions including Balboa Park, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. We will base our discussion today on – San Diego Pacific Beach Vacation Rentals. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: pacific beach vacation rentals beachfront and san diego beachfront rentals
San Diego Pacific Beach Vacation Rentals
Find waterfront fun with a Pacific Beach apartment for rent
Pacific Beach is one of the most iconic destinations in the entire Mission Beach area. While primarily popular with young college students and surfers, the older generations are adding an air of affluence. That means you can enjoy all the thrills of a surfing beach alongside high-end clothing stores and restaurants. Given its appeal to college students, however, booking an apartment for rent near Mission Beach won’t require you to break the bank. Additionally, this region makes it easy to access Mission Bay Park and surrounding natural areas, all perfect for mountain biking and hiking.
Things to do
Tourist attractions near Pacific Beach vacation rentals
Visitors and year-round residents alike know how to enjoy the simple things: sand, sun, and sea views, but your Pacific Beach vacation rental will be close to some major attractions as well. SeaWorld San Diego is just a couple miles south in Mission Bay, and its animal habitats, rides, and shows are designed to fascinate marine enthusiasts of all ages. Sidle west of SeaWorld and you’ll be in Belmont Park, right on the water. This vintage amusement park has arcade games, a zip line, and a throwback roller coaster built in 1925.
Activities
Things to do near Pacific Beach vacation homes
It would be a shame to show up in P.B. and shun the outdoors, so get out there. Pacific Beach itself is the most popular and has plenty of watering holes nearby. North Pacific Beach is a quieter stretch, backed by cliffs up to 75 high that prop up its scenic boardwalk. At its north end is Tourmaline Surfing Park, reserved for surfers, windsurfers, and kite boarders. Kate Sessions Park is further inland and the perfect place for a bike ride with a view, while Fanuel Park on the bay is ideal for picnicking and kayaking.
Weather
Local weather near your Pacific Beach summer rental
Visitors can enjoy the Pacific Beach beaches year-round. The best weather for sunbathing and ocean swimming will grace you from July to October, when highs are in the 70s or 80s and water temps are around 70°F. The winter and spring are a little less reliable, with lows in the 40s and 50s, and occasional rain, but the emphasis here is on occasional. Sunny days are the norm in P.B. If you’d like to snag a Pacific Beach vacation rental and stick to a tighter budget, book during winter and beat the crowds.
Natural features
See rabbits, rare birds, and watch out for a rattlesnake
Set on the Pacific Ocean, just north of Mission Bay and cut by the Rose Creek Watershed, Pacific Beach is surrounded by wetlands, marine plant life, and the creatures who love them. The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve, on the south side of P.B., offers high marsh and mudflats, and is home to one of California’s rarest birds, the light-footed clapper rail. Kate Sessions Park, further inland, has a wild side, too, and hikers can spot squirrels, rabbits, and rattlesnakes under a mix of native and exotic trees.
Family friendly
Kid-friendly attractions near Pacific Beach vacation homes
Pacific Beach has an endless array of family attractions. Vacation rentals put you within reach of places like Kate Sessions Park, a dog-friendly recreation area with sweeping views, sports fields, and a playground, and Crown Point Park, a bayside park that’s popular for boating and fishing. Kids will also like Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve, a wetland area with tidal channels, salt flats, and varied habitats for animals.
What are the top vacation rentals in or near Pacific Beach?
The heart wants what the heart wants, and right now it’s longing for a vacation. Now’s the time to pack your suitcase and zip off to one of these top vacation rentals in or near Pacific Beach:
- “Balboa Park Super Luxe Tropical Hideaway Minutes To The Zoo” is a popular choice. Around 7 miles from Pacific Beach, it has 2 bedrooms and lots of amenities to help you feel at home, including a TV and coffee and tea making facilities.
- Another great option is “Kennebeck Ct, 30 Seconds To Sand”, which is around 2 miles from Pacific Beach. Offering 3 bedrooms, nearby museums and a travel crib, it has everything you need to keep you content and comfortable.
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Pacific Beach vacation rental for you.
What are the best tiny house vacation rentals in or near Pacific Beach?
For a memorable experience, book one of Vrbo’s tiny house rentals in Pacific Beach. Be warned though — after you’ve lived the tiny house life, the temptation to move into one of these pint-sized digs will be hard to resist!
- Leave the everyday behind and disappear to “Travelers Tiny Home Oasis With Private Hot Tub”. This property in San Diego packs plenty of comforts into its small space, such as coffee and tea making facilities and a dryer.
- “Tiny House In The Clouds, Perfect For Couples” in Grant Hill is another superb pick. A separate dining area and a nearby bay will make your time here extra comfortable.
What are the top-rated vacation rentals for weekend getaways in or near Pacific Beach?
There’s nothing better than a quick escape to reenergize your batteries. Pack your overnight bag and take five at one of these superb weekend getaways in and near Pacific Beach:
- Escape the daily grind at “Fort 1 Craftsman On The Woods – Quiet”, which is around 5 miles to the southeast of Pacific Beach. There’s lots of nature and adventure to keep you busy here. Go kayaking and rock climbing or just appreciate the sights of San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and Lake Jennings.
- Alternatively, get into vacation mode at “Right On The Beach Exquisitely Remodeled 3br”. Approximately 2 miles south of Pacific Beach, fun activities around here include skiing and rafting. More into sightseeing? Make a beeline for Reidy Creek Golf Course and Waterfront Park.
Can I find studio apartments for rent in and around Pacific Beach?
Get a taste of the culture and lifestyle of Pacific Beach from the comfort and privacy of your own studio apartment. Whether you’d like to unwind on your own or have fun with a few buddies, we’ll help you find the perfect studio apartment for rent in or near Pacific Beach:
- Make “Treetop Luxury Suite At Tropical Resort” your home for a couple of days or more. This sought-after property features amenities including WiFi and cable/satellite TV services.
- Alternatively, switch to vacation mode at “50′ From Ocean – Amazing View – Private Cottage”, which comes with conveniences including free toiletries and beach sun loungers.
With the cash you save on your studio apartment, you can afford to see even more of Pacific Beach. Cultural attractions like Starlight Bowl and Sculpture Garden will help you get a feel for the character of this destination.
Can I find short term rentals in or near Pacific Beach?
Sure can. Vrbo’s short-term rentals in Pacific Beach are an excellent alternative to a lackluster hotel room. Offering many conveniences of home, you’ll effortlessly shift into vacation mode the moment you arrive. Try these terrific rentals on for size:
- Book a few nights at “100 Five Star Reviews For A Reason. 1700sf 3br” in central Pacific Beach. Here, you’ll enjoy easy access to popular attractions such as San Diego Zoo.
- Or perhaps “Bright 1735 Sf, 2 Suits. Centrally Located From The Bay To The Sea In Min’s” is a better match. Check out nearby sights such as San Diego Convention Center during the daytime and then relax and unwind in your comfy rental at night.
What are the best romantic weekend getaways in or near Pacific Beach?
Whether spent in a rustic cabin or a luxury condo, a romantic weekend getaway is an excellent way to add some fire to your relationship. Whisk your sweetheart off for a couple of leisurely days at one of these sought-after escapes in or near Pacific Beach:
- Sneak off on Friday afternoon for a couple of nights of passion at “Balboa Park Super Luxe Tropical Hideaway Minutes To The Zoo”. Located roughly 7 miles from Pacific Beach, this property comes with lots of nice touches, like a fireplace and a restaurant dining guide.
- “Kennebeck Ct, 30 Seconds To Sand” is another popular option that’ll woo you. It’s about 2 miles from Pacific Beach and has a nearby bay and beauty services.
Are there mansions for rent in or near Pacific Beach?
If you’re after somewhere to reconnect with your nearest and dearest this vacation, why not a place with a little glitz and glamour? These mansions for rent in or near Pacific Beach will fit your whole crew while doing it in serious style:
- Around 6 miles to the southeast of Pacific Beach is “New Stunning Mansion Amazing Location”. As well as its magnificent design, you’ll also love its top-notch amenities, such as golf and beauty services.
- Alternatively, step your vacation up a notch and stay a week or two at “San Diego’s Tuscan Villa Mansion On The Beach”. It’s located approximately 2 miles to the southwest of Pacific Beach and offers amenities like golf, beauty services and more.
What are the best large group vacation rentals in or near Pacific Beach?
Big groups mean big-time fun. They also mean finding someplace that’ll comfortably fit your entire gang. Browse our large group vacation rentals in or around Pacific Beach and get everybody together under the same roof:
- Providing comfort, space and privacy, you’ll get everyone’s tick of approval at “A Rare Find In Northpark”. Up to 12 people can be accommodated at this retreat which has 5 bedrooms, a garden and a water park. You’ll find it around 7 miles to the southeast of Pacific Beach.
- “Storybook House 2 Blocks From Ocean Or Mission Bay” is another excellent option. It’s around 1 mile to the southwest of Pacific Beach, has 5 bedrooms and sleeps as many as 12 guests. An ocean view and a water park are among the things that’ll help make your group vacation even more memorable.
What are the best houses for rent with a pool in or near Pacific Beach?
Having access to a pool is always a bonus when you’re on vacation, especially if you’re bringing the kids. Splash the days away at one of these houses with a pool in or near Pacific Beach:
- At the top of our list of cool pool escapes is “Prime View Location, 1 – House Back From Boardwalk Traffic”. Traveling families will feel at home here, with convenient amenities like cable/satellite TV services and a barbecue grill also at hand.
- Alternatively, stay at “Storybook House 2 Blocks From Ocean Or Mission Bay” and spend your days poolside. A barbecue grill and a TV are other things your fam will love about this vacation home.
What are the best large family vacation rentals in or near Pacific Beach?
Whether your perfect escape is up in the mountains or by the ocean, you’ll have a lot more fun if you share it with people you love. Look up these large family vacation rentals in or near Pacific Beach and bring along the whole gang:
- Sleeping as many as 10 guests in 3 bedrooms, “Kennebeck Ct, 30 Seconds To Sand” is the ideal place to vacation with the family. This escape is 2 miles to the southwest of Pacific Beach and has creature comforts such as a living room and a TV.
- Another popular choice is “Right On The Beach Exquisitely Remodeled 3br”. This vacation rental is 2 miles south of Pacific Beach and comes with a theme park, a living room and more. With 3 bedrooms accommodating up to 8 people, there’s no need to leave anyone off your invitation list.
When it’s time to step outside your front door, there are loads of family-friendly attractions in the area to keep everyone entertained and happy. San Diego Zoo, Hotel Circle and Belmont Park should be at the top of your agenda.
If you’re planning a trip to San Diego any time soon but don’t want to stay at an impersonal hotel or resort, consider renting from us instead! Our selection includes everything from beachfront condos that sleep up to eight people (perfect if you have kids) all the way down to simple studio apartments that fit just one person comfortably or two people if they’re close friends or family members
Pacific Beach Vacation Rentals Beachfront
Pacific Beach vacation rentals are located within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean, making these units perfect for those wishing to experience the beach more than once during their stay.
Pacific Beach San Diego
Pacific Beach is located on the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, CA. It’s just a few miles north of the downtown area and can be easily accessed by car or by public transportation. Once you’re there, there are plenty of things to do!
How to Get There: Public transportation is not very reliable in San Diego so it’s best to drive down instead. If you do take public transportation, check out Google Maps for your journey as this will give you all of the information that you need including real-time arrival times for buses/trains and how long it takes from one destination to another.
The weather here varies throughout the year with warm days being followed by cool evenings – especially during springtime when temperatures can range from 70°F (21°C) during daytime hours but only reach 50°F (10°C) at nightfall!
airbnb pacific beach san diego
Airbnb is a great way to find great deals on accommodations in the Pacific Beach area. In addition to offering a wide range of properties, Airbnb allows you to book directly through their website without having to contact the host or owner directly. You can even pay for your stay using PayPal for extra convenience!
There are many different types of Airbnb rentals available in the Pacific Beach area, from apartments and houses to condos and beachfront properties. All of these options allow you access to all of the amenities that come with renting a home while also allowing access to public transportation routes like buses and trains so you won’t have any trouble getting around when it’s time for some exploring outside your home base once everything has been unpacked after check-in time arrives at 3:00 PM PST (5:00 PM EST).
san diego vacation rentals
San Diego vacation rentals are available in many areas and neighborhoods, including Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla and more. The best part about San Diego vacation rentals is that they are all close enough to the beach so you can easily walk there or drive your car.
Many different types of places offer San Diego vacation rentals: homes, apartments and condos are just a few examples. You may also find that some hotels have private rooms available for rent as well!
You can find many different home styles when it comes to finding your perfect San Diego vacation rental home: bungalows, condominiums and even cabins!
san diego beachfront rentals
Beachfront rentals are the most expensive, most popular and luxurious, most private and convenient.
airbnb san diego beach
The best way to find a place to stay in San Diego is through Airbnb. With over 7,000 listings in the area and counting, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. If you want something centrally located so you can walk everywhere, look for rentals near Pacific Beach or La Jolla. If you want more privacy and peace and quiet, look for homes or condos along San Diego Bay or Mission Beach. The only downside of using Airbnb is that it isn’t always clear how many people will be living in each home; however this may be offset by lower prices than hotels offer at peak times like summer vacation season (July-August).
Cool pacific beach vacation rentals that are close to the ocean.
Pacific Beach is a great place for vacation rentals. Here are some awesome vacation rental options that are close to the ocean:
- [Beachfront rentals](https://www.airbnb.com/s?i=aKZTlzC9ctvx8W3nU6-M&s=jg2vhPwRcbb)
- [Airbnb beachfront](https://www.airbnb.com/s?i=aKZTlzC9ctvx8W3nU6-M&s=fCB5X5mWDbBJp0dlrOe1YkA)
- [San Diego vacation rentals](https://www.airbnb.com/s?i=aKZTlzC9ctvx8W3nU6-M&s=_ybXEMsxQjgE7anLks-HZI)
These cool pacific beach vacation rentals are close enough to walk anywhere in town, but still far enough away that you can enjoy peace and quiet in your own home away from home!
So there you have it! There are many different vacation rental options in Pacific Beach. I hope this article helped you decide on the best one for your needs. If you still need some more information, feel free to contact me directly at (858) 554-1315 or email me at [email protected]
VRBO
Vrbo is a popular vacation rental site with entire homes listed around the world — here’s what to know before you book
Although it’s commonly pronounced as “verb-oh”, Vrbo is actually an acronym that stands for “vacation rentals by owner,” which tells you a lot about the rental site right off the bat.
These days, travelers are pretty accustomed to direct communication with hosts thanks to the rise of online booking platforms like Airbnb, but when Vrbo first launched in 1995, it was a relatively new concept that helped homeowners bypass the cost of a management company. Today, the site boasts over two million private homes in over 190 countries.
While HomeAway and Vbro used to be separately branded sites that shared the same listings and were both run by Expedia Group, as of a year ago, HomeAway has been entirely folded into Vrbo.
For those more familiar with Airbnb, Vrbo has many similarities, but there are a few key differences when it comes down to the booking experience, service fees, and COVID-19 protocols.
The main distinction between the two websites is that homeowners on Vrbo only rent out the whole property, which means you won’t find anyone else sharing the space with you. This is unlike Airbnb where you may also book a room in a shared house. There are a few other factors that set Vrbo apart and we break down exactly how the rental platform works below.
How booking on Vrbo works
The booking experience of Vrbo is very similar to what you’d find on Airbnb and other booking platforms. You may filter by the number of bedrooms, property type, house rules, and amenities.
But, it gets a little finicky when it comes to pricing. Prices won’t populate on the page unless you specifically filter by price, and unlike Airbnb, you won’t know the total price of your stay until you click through to the main listing page where you can then see a breakdown of the total price and fees.
Each property is given an overall rating out of five stars and you’ll be able to read reviews at the bottom of the page. If you like a place but aren’t ready to commit, you can save it to a “Trip Board” and come back to it later.
Once you book and the homeowner accepts your booking, you’ll be able to communicate directly with them about the property’s details and check-in process.
Vrbo also offers a Book With Confidence Guarantee, which provides every traveler with payment protection against fraudulent listings and access to a team of re-booking specialists. If the owner cancels at the last minute or you can’t get into the house for some reason, the re-booking specialist can help you find somewhere else to stay. Bear in mind that this is not trip insurance and if you decide to cancel your trip on your own accord, you won’t be refunded unless you purchase additional trip insurance.
How is Vrbo different from Airbnb?
In many ways, the experience of sorting through properties on Vrbo is exactly like Airbnb. The main distinction between the two platforms is that Vrbo is strictly for entire home rentals and you will always have the entire home to yourself. Airbnb, on the other hand, tends to emphasize hospitality and market the value of a good host, while Vrbo is strictly about the property.
In fact, hosts and travelers do not have their own profile pages like they do on Airbnb. This means you can’t click through to a reviewer’s profile to see whether or not they leave overly negative or positive reviews, nor can you click through to a host’s profile to see the other properties they have and read the reviews on those.
However, Vrbo does have its own version of Airbnb’s Superhosts, which they call Premier Partners. These are owners with a low rate of cancellations and an average guest rating above 4.5.
However, even these qualifications are not quite as strict as Airbnb where Superhosts must average a 4.8 rating to earn Superhost status. Additionally, it’s more difficult to compare prices on Vrbo than on Airbnb. For many Vrbo listings, you must click through to the final listing page to see the full breakdown of costs, while Airbnb is more upfront about this information on its listings.
What is pricing on Vrbo like?
The pricing is very reasonable on Vrbo when you compare similar properties in the same area across rental sites.
In some cities, you can find apartments for as little as $78 per night, like this designer bunaglow in Austin, Texas or you might splurge on a unique property like a home built by a famous architect or a actual castle.
Nightly rates will vary depending on where you’re searching and the time of year, but prices are rarely lower than $50 per night or higher than $500 per night, unless it is an exceptionally large or unique home, or located in a coveted area in peak season.
A good way to judge whether or not the rate is competitive for the area is to compare the rate to nearby hotels. For example, in New York City, even shoebox-sized hotel rooms typically start at $100 per night, but on Vrbo, you can find some apartments for less than that in all five boroughs.
Generally, the nightly cost for standard-quality listings is competitive with other listing sites like Airbnb and often cheaper than hotels. However, keep in mind that like Airbnb, the base listed price on Vbro doesn’t include fees. Those fees can add up, so be sure to take that into consideration when browsing listings with a budget in mind.
How much is the service fee on Vrbo and what does it cover?
When you’re comparing properties in the list view, you’ll only see the cost per night. But when you click through the listing, Vrbo will show you the total cost of your trip based on the dates plugged in and the applicable fee and taxes.
Beneath the price, you may click “View details” to see how this total cost is broken down. Owners can charge varying fees for cleaning, taxes, and even pets, but the service fee will be applied by Vrbo for every booking. The owner has no control over how much the fee is and does not have the power to waive it.
According to the Vrbo, the service fee goes towards providing “a safer and more secure booking experience coupled with 24/7 customer support throughout your trip.” The fee is based on a sliding scale, although it is unclear how exactly they are calculated.
On some listings, it can be as low as 5% of the total rental amount, and on others, it may be as high as 12%. There’s no way to avoid paying the fee on Vrbo, but if you really fall in love with a place, you may be able to find it for a lower price on another booking platform. However, you won’t get the benefit of Vrbo’s Book With Confidence Guarantee.
Is Vrbo safe to book right now?
Vrbo does not have any mandatory cleaning procedures for hosts. However, they have released guidelines for homeowners that encourage:
- Having a proactive plan to manage and minimize risks.
- Implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfecting between stays.
- Providing sufficient hand sanitizer and soap for guests, as well as cleaning and disinfecting products.
Among listing resources to health authorities and outlining the proper way to clean the property, the information is pretty thorough — but they’re just guidelines. While Vrbo encourages its owners to communicate their cleaning measures in the listing itself and with their guests, there’s not much they can do to enforce or guarantee that the guidelines will be followed by hosts.
You might compare this approach to Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, which is requiring all hosts to follow a five-step cleaning process developed in partnership with health and hospitality experts.
With Vrbo it’s up to the travelers to look into each listing’s sanitation measures before they book. You can also looks specifically for listings recent users have rated highly for cleanliness by sorting for “Highly rated for cleanliness” under the “More filters” section.
Neither booking platform can guarantee safety, but Vrbo’s guidelines do mean that you must have good communication with the homeowner to properly ensure that the property will be clean and safe for your arrival. If the host does not outline their cleaning regimen in the description of the home, try to contact them directly before you pull the trigger and book.
What is Vrbo’s cancellation policy?
Much like with Vrbos cleaning policies, you’ll need to check individual listings’ cancellation policies, which include the following options according to Vrbo:
- No Refund – This is the strictest policy and means no refund is offered at all for any reason.
- Strict – Bookings must be canceled at least 60 days before the start of the stay to receive a full refund.
- Firm – Bookings canceled 60 days or more before the start of the stay will receive a full refund. Bookings canceled between 60 days and 30 days before the start of the stay will receive a 50% refund.
- Moderate (recommended) – Bookings canceled 30 days or more before the start of the stay receive a full refund. Bookings canceled at least 14 days before receive a 50% refund.
- Relaxed – Bookings canceled 14 days or more before the start of the stay will receive a full refund. Bookings canceled at least 7 days before the start of the stay will receive a 50% refund.
You can compare this to the Airbnb cancellation policy here.
Are vacation rentals safe right now?
The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US.
Experts also consider private vacation homes, such as those on Vrbo, one of the safer lodging options, especially when compared to hotels. This is because you are booking an entire home protected from interaction with others.