Traveling with a family means you’ll pay more for, well, just about everything! With so much to see and do in America’s Finest City, you’ll want to make sure your hotel isn’t eating up your entire travel budget. SO! I’ve gathered 10 cheap, but surprisingly awesome, Airbnbs for families in San Diego!
Hope you enjoy! ❤️
1. Oceanside | Sleeps 1-2 Kids + Baby
This north county charmer has the cutest sleeping nook for little ones! No kitchen (just a fridge, microwave + coffee maker), but it has an outdoor space and is just steps away from the beach & restaurants. Who needs to cook on vacation anyway, eh?
Bonus Points: Beach gear is provided! Chairs, umbrella, cooler, boogie boards & sand toys.
The Neighborhood
Oceanside is a clean, laidback, beachy paradise! Six miles of white sandy beaches, a fishing pier, and the cutest shops & restaurants. Located only 10-15mins from Legoland, and about an hour north of Downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and Sea World.
2. Hillcrest | Sleeps 1-4 Kids
This one has all the essentials for families with young kids… crib, high chair, blackout curtains, w/d and a bathtub.
The Neighborhood
Hillcrest is a walkable, urban, artistic, wellness-minded, and dog-friendly neighborhood. It’s also the central LGBTQ+ community of San Diego. Be sure to go to the farmers market on Sundays, it’s one of my favorites (tied with Little Italy’s Saturday market)! And for coffee, go to Better Buzz and thank me later!
3. Mission Beach | Sleeps 1-2 Kids + Baby
This casual beach house has all the essentials for families with young kids… pack ‘n play, high chair, blackout curtains, a baby bath, and the host even provides babysitter recommendations.
Bonus Points: It’s on a peninsula so the beach is a few steps in one direction, and the bay is just a few steps in the other! 🤯Surf & boogie boards, bikes, beach chairs & towels are included.
The Neighborhood
If you’re into water sports, lazy beach days, amusement parks, and walking to restaurants, Mission Beach has everything you need!
4. Fashion Valley | Sleeps 1-6 Kids + Baby
📣 Calling all larger families! 📣 This house is centrally located and would make the perfect spread-out space to come home to. Beds galore, a garage turned playroom, 2 bathrooms, walking distance to a grocery store… it may not look like the most luxurious, but the value-factor for this one sure sets it apart. (Save on lodging, spring for some San Diego Zoo passes?)
The Neighborhood
This quiet residential area is just minutes to shopping malls, golf courses & restaurants and is so centrally located that you could get anywhere in San Diego within 10-15mins.
Have you tried Airbnb with your family?
Join today and you’ll get up to $55 off your first booking.
5. North Park | Sleeps 1-5 Kids + Baby
This home offers all the features of a kid-friendly space, with the amenities that adults can appreciate! It has a private backyard with BBQ grill, twin beds for the kiddos, and is situated in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in San Diego.
Bonus Points: Kids’ books, games & toys are included, as well as kids’ dinnerware!
The Neighborhood
What’s not to love about the walkable, succulent-rich, crafty, hipster neighborhood of North Park? (Well, parking can be tricky sometimes, but this house already has that covered for ya! 😉) Be sure to check out one of my favorite local gift/everything-beautiful shops called Pigment while you’re there! They offer free Toddler Time on Wednesdays, as well weekend workshops for mom on everything from calligraphy, floral arrangements, and weaving.
6. South Park | Sleeps 1-2 Kids + Baby
This cozy and spacious listing offers families a great value for the quality and high ratings it has. The location is especially convenient, with a Target 1/2 a block away (cue the choir of angels!), quick access to just about everything, and tons of local flair.
The Neighborhood
South Park! 😍 Historic homes, sweeping canyons, walkability, cafes, craft breweries & restaurants, and quick access to Balboa Park and Downtown… South Park is the cutest little pocket of awesome! Be sure to check out Station Tavern, voted Best Kid-Friendly restaurant year after year by San Diego Magazine, and once dubbed Best Restaurant for Hipster Parents. (Hah!)
7. San Carlos | Sleeps 1-6 Kids
Modern meets nature meets WOW! This gorgeous house would make a great choice for a family getaway. There’s plenty of space, even enough for 2 families to share. The serene indoor-outdoor living space, the huge kitchen (hello 10ft. island!), and assortment of games & toys would make it hard to leave, but if you choose to venture outdoors, you’ll have some of San Diego’s best trails in your backyard.
The Neighborhood
San Carlos is a quiet, family-friendly community that is nestled among hills, hiking trails, and beautiful Lake Murray. It’s an accessible oasis… still just 15-20mins to downtown and beaches, but removed enough to feel like you’re on a getaway retreat! 😍 Be sure to hike to the top of Cowles Mountain for one of the best views of the entire city. And while you’re at it, hit up Pure Press at the base of the mountain for a fresh açai bowl, juice or smoothie to refuel!
8. La Mesa | Sleeps 1-8 Kids + Baby
This house has tons of indoor space for living, sleeping, playing and eating, but the real selling point is that backyard! Feel like lounging under the stars and roasting marshmallows with the kids? How about going for a swim? Or grazing from the edible garden? Do it all!
The Neighborhood
La Mesa is an adorable community where small-town charm meets up-and-coming appeal. It boasts rolling hills and palm tree-lined streets, a charming downtown experience, and a great selection of restaurants. Be sure to stop in Carnitas Uruapan for some of the best (and most affordable) Mexican food you’ve ever had. And for your coffee, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is a must!
9. Kensington | Sleeps 1-3 Kids
This craftsman house in the heart of upscale Kensington blends original vintage charm with modern amenities (hello master bathroom!).
The Neighborhood
Kensington is a trendy and upscale neighborhood, marked by its beautiful Spanish and Craftsman style homes built in the 1920s. Go for a walk and you’ll bask in palm trees and succulents everywhere, and be greeted by plenty of cute cafes and shops. Be sure to make a brunch date at the Kensington Cafe while you’re there!
10. Ocean Beach | Sleeps 1-5 Kids
This beach-vibe bungalow is steps away from the sand and just a few blocks from all of Ocean Beach’s best shops and restaurants! It’s was made for the ideal family beach getaway with a patio + picnic table, twin beds for the kids, and did I mention you can walk to the beach? 🙌 Enjoy any of Ocean Beach’s local eateries or stay in for game night and cook a cozy dinner in the fully stocked kitchen.
Bonus Points: The host includes beach chairs and umbrellas, and also a white noise maker + earplugs to make sure any overhead airplane noise doesn’t disturb your family’s sleep!
The Neighborhood
Ocean Beach is for the funky, the unpretentious, the good-vibin’ beach lovers. It is all about staying homegrown and local. Here you’ll want to bypass Starbucks for OB Beans Coffee Roasters or Newbreak Coffee & Cafe. Then pick up some life-changing sandwiches from local staple Poma’s and head down to the beach! Oh and be sure to get in line early for equally life-changing burgers and shakes at Hodad’s.
