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10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.

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Photo gallery for 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.

A kitchen with white cabinets, a stove, and a refrigerator.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a television mounted above it, and a decorated Christmas tree.
A café with outdoor seating, red awnings, and large potted plants.
A storefront with a sign reading "TRAXS MARKETPLACE" and "Healthy Foods Alternative Sodas". There are outdoor tables and chairs, and potted plants around the entrance.
A spacious living room with a large rug, a dining area with a table set for two, and a kitchen in the background.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Park Golf Course
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego City College
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

With a stay at this vacation home in San Diego (South Park), you'll be a short 3-minute walk from Balboa Park and within 4 minutes by car from Petco Park. .This vacation home is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from San Diego Zoo and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Port of San Diego.
View more Vacation Homes in San DiegoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Whistle Stop - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Balboa Park Golf Course - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • San Diego City College - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • The Soap Factory - 5 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • 32nd - Commercial Station - 3 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 13 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bock - A Neighborhood Bar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Humberto's Taco Shop - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Coffee Drop - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Harland South Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Intazza Coffee Mug & Grub - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.

Urban Cottage recently totally remodeled. Oak floors. Working fireplace. Air Conditioning. Open concept kitchen --- French doors access large deck. Keurig coffee maker. Laundry. Ironing board. Iron. King poster bed in Master bedroom. Twin beds in bedroom two. Queen hide-a-bed with luxurious mattress (used by Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, Hilton). Bathrooms with showers. WiFi. Smart T.V. Off-street parking. Located in historic South Park area of San Diego.

Note: Pak and Play available upon request for families with childen age 2 and under.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Absolutely NO smoking of any kind.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Whale watching 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

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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 and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please replace any furniture you might have moved to the original position
Fold and stack deck chairs
Close drapes and curtains
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

1. Please be considerate of neighbors.
Please remove shoes to protect floors on the house.
10:30 pm quiet time on the deck

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Pak and Play is available on request.

Events

No events allowed
Quiet after 10:00 p..m.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely NO smoking of any kind.

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
Note from host: Quiet after 10:00 p..m.
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
Property Registration Number STR-00552L, 617321

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

10 Minutes Balboa Park Gas Lamp District Public Beaches House
10 Minutes Balboa Park Gas Lamp District Public Beaches
10 Minutes Balboa Park Gas Lamp District Public Beaches House
10 Minutes Balboa Park Gas Lamp District Public Beaches House
10 Minutes Balboa Park Gas Lamp District Public Beaches

10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 130 out of 138 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 138 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 138 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 138 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 138 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved staying here. Beds are super comfortable! We appreciated the “Ocean Tub” for beach supplies! Definitely would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amir A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tim K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a wonderful home. Comfy, nicely furnished, well stocked, great location and nice support! A memorable experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cindi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is very clean with a well stocked kitchen.
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ilene B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home; well equipped; great location; wonderful, responsive host.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

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

Wonderful stay

Great location, fantastic house, great communication with the hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Diane J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Urban Cottage was perfect for our stay in San Diego. It is well-equipped and very clean. The location is great (quiet neighbourhood with restaurants and grocery stores nearby).Dorothy is an excellent host!
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I love the Urban Cottage and have stayed many times over the last several years. We return time after time because the cottage is exceptionally welcoming, super clean, has all the amenities anyone could hope for, and is very well-outfitted for cooking and entertaining. Moreover, the cottage is located in a pleasant residential neighborhood but is only minutes walking distance from restaurants, cafes and wine bars, shopping for groceries, books and boutique items, public transportation, and many walkable neighborhoods. And with its free private parking, it is a perfect base for San Diego sightseeing!The design of the cottage is spacious and comfortable. The living room area, dining area and fully-outfitted kitchen, the two comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms are all on the same level. There is also a back deck with a dining table overlooking a back yard. The cottage’s air-conditioning and heating work well for all seasons.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine F.

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

Great Location for Family

Amenities and location were amazing! Couldn’t have asked for a better stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brigette L.

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

So nice we did it twice!

This is our second stay at the Urban Cottage. Dorothy is great, the place is fantastic. It has a great location, its safe, walkable and overall lovely. I would do it a third time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

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

Spacious home in a great location

We loved our week stay at Dorothy's cottage for our family of 5. The home is really spacious, which suited our teenagers well, and it was the perfect location for exploring San Diego and its amazing beaches.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

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

Confortable stay in prime South Park location

The Urban Cottage is a terrific VRBO choice. Well-furnished with a completely outfitted kitchen, as well as a deck overlooking a lovely backyard, it is our first choice for San Diego vacations. It is located in a quiet residential neighborhood that is very close to numerous great restaurants, shops, pharmacy and grocery stores.and
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

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

Lovely place

Aboveboard. Clean, great layout, kitchen has absolutely everything you need! Nice outdoor space, walkable neighborhood and easy access to highway. This home also has a lot of windows, so light and airflow are great.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alane K.

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

SanDiego vacation

This house is spotless and has everything you need. The bed was very comfortable. The neighborhood was great and we walked to a little Italian Restaurant that the host recommended. Wonderful food! Very close to Balboa Park and the zoo.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Constantina Z.

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

Charming cottage

Comfortable and enjoyable!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laquisha D.

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

Work with a little fam fun time

Was in town for a Nurse practitioner conference but wanted to also spend time with family so got this cozy home. Description was 100% accurate home was perfect! Clean, cozy and backyard was peaceful and refreshing!! I sat on the patio each morning and drank my coffee!! Loved it here and will definitely be back!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Great location, great property

We really enjoyed our stay! The house is very roomy, and is fully stocked with the odds and ends (condiments, spices, laundry detergent, etc) The location cannot be beat, and the neighborhood seems very safe. I would recommend this rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Courtney A.

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

Great space!

Everything you needed to make it an easy stay - washer/dryer, plenty of clean towels, coffee, blankets, utensils, pots & pans, books, access to Apple TV, etc... Space was very large, but very cozy in decoration. Great for a family! Loved our stay and would stay here again when visiting!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jaime J.

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

Great Cottage in a Cute Neighborhood

We enjoyed our stay at this cute cottage. Centrally located in a historical neighborhood, with great restaurants nearby, we explored San Diego with most destinations being just a short drive. Really comfortable beds, well supplied kitchen, nice outside space. Would definitely stay here again. Five stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jim B.

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

Wonderful cottage near Balboa Park

This cottage exceeded our expectations. A wonderful historic home that has been updated. Our party of 3 adults and 1 child had plenty of room to relax after taking in a day of activities. Great to have a deck and backyard to enjoy. Would stay here again for sure!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great neighborhood and host

The neighborhood was close to things we wanted to do and see—most within 10 minutes. And the house met our needs for occasional cooking very well. Quiet streets. Accommodating hosts.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Irma A.

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

Beautiful cottage!!!

This home was totally amazing!! Loved every bit of our stay!! House was perfectly clean, our host was amazing!! Dorothy was constantly in touch with us making sure our experience was perfect!! Would highly recommend this home!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

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

Perfect stay in San Diego

We loved our stay at this beautiful historical house. The neighbourhood was perfect, close to the city and the sights, but very quiet and safe, with lots of beautiful trees and flowers. We enjoyed sitting on the back porch and taking daily walks. There is some noise from planes flying over the house, it didn't bother us, but you might want to bring earplugs. The house is spotless, very well equipped and the beds very comfortable. Thank you Dorothy and Jerry!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

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

Enjoy this cottage

Lovely cottage. Fully equipped. We have stayed here many times. Great neighborhood with quiet residential streets, excellent restaurants, shops and grocery stores within walking distance or a few minutes of driving.We highly recommend.
Stayed 35 nights in Dec 2024