As the biggest California city between Los Angeles and the Mexican border, San Diego is home to miles of beautiful beaches, multicultural cuisine, top U.S. companies, monuments, and famous neighborhoods. If you’re busy planning a San Diego trip, there are a lot of things to consider before making a booking. San Diego vacation rentals can take so many different shapes and sizes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most from your chosen accommodation.
Things to Do in San Diego
Go to the Beach
San Diego is home to numerous beautiful beaches with many of them, being only a few minute’s drive away. Mission Beach and Ocean Beach are two well-known stretches of sand that bring San Diego to the ocean. Also, if the sudden urge to go surfing strikes up. Be sure to rent a board and try out some of the world-class breaks that are offered up while enjoying a relaxing day in the sun before and after. With plenty of vacation rentals in mission beach available check out a rental and turn the vacation into a sun-filled relaxing getaway.
Explore Downtown
With some of the largest events and parties as well as some of the hottest nightlife occurring here. Downtown San Diego as well as its famous Gaslamp Quarter will be sure to have all the action you could desire while on vacation in San Diego. Explore what seems to be a colonial-style city like Philadelphia and find a world-class restaurant to dine in. Feeling like getting a taste of Mexico while on vacation in San Diego? Numerous delicious street taco vendors line these streets so it’s more than easy to get a serving of south of the border cuisine without the need for a passport.
Visit the Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the entire world. Get up close and personal with many animals that have only been seen in magazines and reconnect with the natural world at this state-of-the-art and one-of-a-kind facility. Boasting numerous animals from around the world and conveniently put together so it can seem as if you have traveled the whole globe in just a couple of hours this zoo is the perfect place to get away from city life whether flying solo or with the entire family in tow. Complete with its very own Safari as well this zoo is a must-see attraction while on vacation in San Diego.
Tips for Your Trip
San Diego’s many attractions are spread out all over the city, so no single neighborhood is likely to have everything you want to see.
Expect to Commute
Expect to commute during the day, and decide how best you’d like to do that. Cabs are fine, but they can get costly. You might prefer to find a hotel or rental home near a public transportation stop, or you can rent a car for personal use.
Research the Location
Mission Beach vacation rentals in San Diego make it simple to add some sightseeing and attractions to your vacation. Close to Belmont Park and SeaWorld San Diego, this area of the city is ideal for a family adventure. Pick your beach location carefully to ensure you see everything San Diego has to offer while you enjoy your beachfront rental. Remember the busy season means more crowds at the amusement parks and the beaches.
Ask About Hidden Accommodation Fees
Does your hotel or apartment come with parking, or will you have to pay for your vehicle? Are you expected to pay a fee for the fitness room, regardless of whether or not you use it? Another big hidden cost is often Wi-Fi. Internet access is not always free, nor is it easy to connect to at every location. If Wi-Fi is important to you, double-check how it works in the places you’re considering renting.
Beaches in San Diego
When taking a vote for the best beach in San Diego, one of these beaches would likely take first place. Pacific Beach is popular with locals, and it features a pier and boardwalk. Fish from Crystal Pier, have a picnic on the sand, or enjoy window-shopping in nearby shops. Coronado Beach is another popular beach in the area. Well suited for families, lifeguards are on duty. The sand and surf conditions are stellar, and beachcombing is also popular there. Check out Ocean Beach, not only for the surf and sand but also to take in breathtaking views of San Diego. The pier at Ocean Beach features fishing, and no license is required.
Pack Accordingly
Once you determine where you’ll be staying or have a general idea, pack clothing suited to the trip. San Diego has a warm climate year-round, so you’ll probably need a swimming suit, especially if your rental home has a pool or hot tub. If you want to shop at Seaport Village or do sightseeing around the city, pack comfortable walking shoes.
Make Reservations Ahead of Time
San Diego is a busy place — busier than a lot of visitors realize. Make sure you don’t miss out on anything; call ahead to reserve your place in tour groups, table bookings, and zoo photo tours. It’s better to call when unnecessary than to go all the way across town and be denied entrance.
Be Picky About Where You Eat
Sometimes the most popular parts of the city (Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town, for starters) are full of mediocre menus. For something tastier and better-priced, book a table in one of the Hill Crest, North Park, or Kensington restaurants.
Groceries
San Diego is loaded with top-notch restaurants, including Campfire and Craft & Commerce, but there will be times when you want to eat in. Look for grocery delivery options or do grocery shopping on your way to check-in. Having bagels and coffee on hand for breakfast makes the mornings easier. It’s one of the luxuries of renting a vacation home.
Try the Trolley Cars
Even if you prefer to drive during your vacation, give the San Diego trolley system a try. It’s affordable and dependable, no matter what street traffic looks like. During rush hours, it’s your best bet for arriving on time, since the streets fill up fast and sometimes traffic doesn’t move for a long time.
Beach Chairs
Beach rentals will usually let you use their beach chairs and umbrellas. This is a great perk to ask property managers before you book! It will come in handy when you want to hit the beach, but don’t want to spend on something you can’t fit in your luggage after your trip.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Mission Beach
As mentioned before Mission Beach is one of San Diego’s premier destinations as well as one of its most famous beaches. With plenty of vacation rentals in Mission Beach available finding a perfect spot on the beach is only a few clicks away on Vacationrenter.com. Whether it’s finding a spot in the sand and soaking the day away in the sun or riding a thrilling rollercoaster, Mission Beach is certain to have something for everyone. Fishing is also another major attraction at this famous beach so be sure to grab the fishing pole before leaving or rent one while there to get your very own catch of the day.
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is the place to be if parties, entertainment, and nightlife are to be the focal point of the vacation. Restaurants, food trucks, and cocktail bars can be found around every corner in this section of San Diego. With some of them being world-class establishments there is sure to be a menu that fits perfectly with the Southern California vibe of the vacation. Horton Plaza Park is also situated in this beautiful quarter of San Diego so if grabbing an ice cream cone and spending some time in the shade under a tree on a hot day sounds like a great idea then the Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be.
Little Italy
New York City isn’t the only place that has a world-famous little Italy. The Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego boasts some of the finest shops and restaurants on this side of the United States. Dig into some cuisine that will make it seem as if Italy has somehow walked across the world and landed in San Diego. Walking the beautiful lit streets while deciding where to eat or shop will be the perfect night for couples or as a solo traveler. Combine that with fun interactive events that take place here regularly. Little Italy in San Diego could potentially be the perfect place to stay in San Diego for a relaxing yet centrally located vacation rental.
San Diego Awaits!
Sun, surf, and endless entertainment await in the sunny southern California city of San Diego. Whether it’s spending some relaxing quality time soaking up the sun at one of its numerous world-famous beaches or dancing the night away at an electrifying party in the Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego has a little bit of something for everyone that chooses to make this sun-drenched and culturally diverse city the place to go for vacation. Book a rental home here now and prepare to be immersed in a city that will leave anyone in awe and wonder as they ask themselves when the next time to return will be.