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Entire home

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.

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
Interior
Exterior
Outdoor dining

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

Located in South Park within a 5-minute walk of Balboa Park, this vacation home is within a few miles (5 km) of other popular sights like San Diego Zoo. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.
View more Vacation Homes in San DiegoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Balboa Park Golf Course - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • San Diego City College - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Balboa Stadium - 4 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Morley Field Sports Complex - 8 min drive - 3.3 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
  • ‪Harland South Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 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.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

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Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG
Downtown San Diego
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 1,655 reviews
$152 nightly
The price is $176
May 10 - May 11
Total with taxes and fees
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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
Strip any used beds, 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
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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • 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 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25
Property Registration Number STR-00552L, 617321

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Note from host: Quiet after 10:00 p..m.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of this vacation home?

This vacation home is situated in South Park, just steps from Balboa Park. You'll also find San Diego Zoo and Petco Park within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.?

As of Apr 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches. on May 4, 2026 start from $515, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

How close is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 5 mi away (15 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 9.5 mi away (17-minute drive).

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 130 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 130 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 130 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 130 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 130 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Tim K.

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

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Stayed 30 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindi G., San Jose, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
The house is very clean with a well stocked kitchen.
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ilene B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely home; well equipped; great location; wonderful, responsive host.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane J.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay

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

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was great
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amir A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Laquisha D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Brigette L.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A relaxed getaway in the middle of San Diego

This was our first trip to San Diego. This gem of a house is in South Park. Each delightful house on these quiet streets is unique and beautifully landscaped. We could walk around the shady, quiet streets to get to fantastic restaurants like Piacere Mio (we went there twice). It is right next ot a Target so that you can pick up any food items at the same time. Dorothy, the host, sends you a list of excellent restaurants nearby. We were about 2-3 miles from most places we wanted to visit. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen was well-stocked with dishes, pots, and silverware, and there was a toaster and a coffee maker. The house is so beautifully decorated, you can tell someone with an artist's eye decorated it. There is a washer, a dryer, and a dishwasher. The yard had a picnic table and a glider swing, and since the tangerines were in season, we picked some for breakfast. It is a quiet neighborhood, but conveniently close to everything you want to access. We used Uber and Lyft to get around. It is under the flight path of the airport, but I think most of San Diego is. I brought a travel white noise machine, and that took care of the noise at night. There is a selection of books for children and adults. There were children's board games. The TV also had an Apple TV connection for streaming. If you have any questions or problems, Dorothy responds quickly and is so helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Ann R S K., Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful house, wonderful neighborhood!

We loved this sweet, welcoming house! We felt so at home there! The house has a great back deck looking out over a lovely little yard with a bird feeder and so many pretty birds! The interior of the house was so open and inviting and the beds were all very comfortable with high-end bedding. The neighborhood is just the best, with so many great restaurants within walking distance. Harland’s was just three blocks away, with the most wonderful breakfast tacos. Such a great stay!
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alane K.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Cindi G., San Jose, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming home in South Park

This 2-bedroom home was just what we were looking for. Close to so many things in San Diego. Quiet street. Perfect for walking or catching the bus 2 blocks away. Hope to return again.
Stayed 22 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Cottage

This was the perfect place. It was beautifully decorated and had every amenity you could need. Dorothy was quickly responsive and very helpful in finding us places to eat, see and shop. We made fresh juice from the oranges in the backyard almost every morning. It is centrally located and easy access to everywhere you might want to go. This is now in my favorites for when we come back to San Diego.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent!

Our stay was fantastic! The cottage was so cozy and clean. There was plenty of space to eat and cook if you want. I was impressed by the location and how convenient the restaurants and grocery stores were. There are an abundance of things to do like Downtown San Diego, the Zoo, and Balboa park. I would recommend this cottage to anyone visiting San Diego.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trudy F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very nice

Everything was clean and nicely organized
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A magical place

Dorothy's place was absolutely wonderful. It was out first time in San Diego. We had three generations in the house for a wedding. Everything we could possibly need was in the house. If we forgot something at the store or at home we ended up finding it there. The house was in a beautiful location, clean, and comfortable for our 4 adults and two children. Kitchen had everything you needed and bathrooms were clean. The house was very charming. We hope to visit again and plan to stay at the cottage again. Thank you!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura W., North Vancouver, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness

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