When is the best time to visit San Diego, CA?

San Diego is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in San Diego chosen?

Each property in San Diego is hand-picked for genuine waterfront access, not water view, not a short walk from the beach, but doors-to-water. Listings are selected from public booking platforms (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay) for genuine waterfront access and accurate location. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Airbnb?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay, or the host's own booking system. We curate from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes San Diego different from other beach towns?

Seventy miles of Pacific beach from Imperial Beach to Oceanside, with a boardwalk in the middle of it.. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

San Diego

Seventy miles of Pacific beach from Imperial Beach to Oceanside, with a boardwalk in the middle of it.

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5418 waterfront rentals·26 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12

San Diego County has 70 miles of coast, and the rentals sit right on it. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach share a three mile boardwalk with houses that open onto the sand. La Jolla is cliffs, coves and sea lions. Coronado has the wide flat beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado. North of the city, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside are surf towns strung along the old coast highway, each with its own stretch of sand and a train station a short walk from the water.

StateCA

Peak seasonJune to September

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured7 rentals

The curated list · 7 rentals

Where we would stay in San Diego.

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Shore

Nightly rates are the ones each partner listed when we last read them. The partner gives the final price for your dates. A rental with no rate shown is left out of the price filters.

No. 01

Pool & Hot Tub VIEWS. Ocean Front Building. Steps to Everything

Condo

1 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $143 a night

SUMMARY *7 NIGHT MINIMUM* Discover the rarity of ground-floor luxury in the heart of North Pacific Beach. Perfectly positioned just steps from the iconic Crystal Pier and the sun-drenched Boardwalk, this pool-view sanctuary offers the ultimate resort lifestyle. Spend your days lounging by the heated pool or soaking in the hot tub, then retreat to a home designed to capture the natural Pacific Ocean spirit. Open the windows and let the famous San Diego ocean breezes cool your space. *Note - there is no A/C but fans are provided. Max Occupants: 4 INTERIOR Your Pacific Beach Oasis awaits!

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Bright Coastal Retreat with Modern Decor - Charming California Haven

Apartment

1 bedroom sleeps 3 private pool about $162 a night

Need more space? The home is one of 7 similar units in a building complex at Prospect. Photos feature our layout and furnishings, specific designs may vary. Prospect Street is where La Jolla puts its best face forward, a slow curve of galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk tables set high above the Pacific, with the water flashing between the buildings and sea lions barking somewhere below. Seashore I sits right on it, which means the village doesn't require a car, a plan, or much effort at all. You walk out the door and you're already in it.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

Spacious Living and Year-Round Heated Pool - Charming Tropical Haven

Condo

1 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $179 a night

THE VIEW: Tropical garden view KITCHEN AND DINING: Fully stocked kitchen and enough seating for 4 LIVING AREA: Plenty of comfortable sitting arrangements for 4. Flatscreen TV with Cable provided free of charge. BATHROOM: 1-bath unit. Walk-in shower SLEEPING: Sleeps 4. Cali-King in the Primary bedroom. Queen Sofa Sleeper in the living room. EXTRAS: High-Speed Internet, 1 assigned parking space, standard beach equipment, all included THE VIEW C109 Sea Breeze is a North facing condo and has a tropical garden view inside the complex. KITCHEN AND DINING C109 - Sea Breeze has an open kitchen plan with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and additional built-in cabinetry.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 04

Pacifica Shores - SHORES19

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $188 a night

Air-Conditioned condo - Pet Friendly, 30 day minimum length of stay in a lush, beautiful and private community on the ocean bluff in Solana Beach. Pacifica Shores is an economy Solana Beach vacation rental offering a simple, affordable month-long coastal stay. This two-bedroom condo provides all the essentials, featuring an open floorplan, a well-stocked kitchen, and comfortable living space. Located in a quiet community with a pool, spa, and private beach stairs, plus AC, ocean breezes, and secure garage parking. A budget-friendly option for extended Solana Beach stays. 30-night minimum. For any reservation that includes pets, guests must contact the office for approval.

Check rates on Whimstay →

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No. 05

Swimming Pool and Tennis Courts - Charming Coastal Getaway

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 5 private pool about $191 a night

Ocean Dreams in Solana Beach & Tennis Club with elevator access, pool, tennis courts, beach stairs, and walkability to Cedros Avenue, Belly Up Tavern, and top San Diego attractions. Ideal for a relaxing coastal getaway. Ocean Dreams - Condo in Solana Beach & Tennis Club Located in a charming oceanfront community atop the bluffs of Solana Beach, this thoughtfully upgraded two-bedroom condo offers a spacious layout and all the essentials for a relaxing San Diego getaway. 6-night minimum stay per Solana Beach regulations Property Highlights. Spacious floor plan with large kitchen, two bedrooms, and coastal-inspired decor. Two private balconies with seating to enjoy fresh ocean air.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 06

Extra Large Double Balcony and Stunning Interior - Luxurious Oasis

Condo

1 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $194 a night

This unit just underwent a complete head-to-toe remodel in September 2023 THE VIEW: Garden view, just a short walk down to the waves. KITCHEN AND DINING: Fully stocked kitchen and enough seating for 4 LIVING AREA: Plenty of comfortable sitting arrangements for 4. Flatscreen TV with Cable is provided free of charge. BATHROOM: 1-bath unit. Walk-in shower. SLEEPING: Sleeps 4. King in the Master bedroom, Queen Murphy bed in the living room. EXTRAS: Cable and High-speed internet, PacknPlay Travel Crib, Extra large double balcony, luxury remodeled interior, Desk area, and beach equipment all included.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 07

Stunning Pool and Spa Amenities Await - Gorgeous Bayfront Oasis

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $198 a night

Enjoy breathtaking views from this 1559 sq. ft. bay front condo that overlooks the sparkling pool and hot tub. Located on the 4th floor, this 2 bed/ 2 bath condo comes fully equipped with everything you need for your perfect getaway. This unit can sleep four comfortably as there is a King bed in the master bedroom and 2 twin beds in the second bedroom. There is one assigned parking spot in the underground garage that allows a maximum clearance of 6 feet. This is a quiet complex that is primarily occupied by owners. Great for couples, snowbirds etc. Not for those looking for a 'party' place. No pets are permitted and smoking is prohibited on the premises.

Check rates on Whimstay →

Search every stay in San Diego on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

Search stays → Flights to San Diego Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.