Located in University Heights within 2 miles (3 km) of San Diego Zoo, this vacation home is within a few miles (5 km) of Mission Valley Mall. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Kindred Hospital San Diego - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Diversionary Theatre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
J.A. Cooley Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Fashion Valley Mall - 3 min drive - 2.1 miles
Mission Valley Mall - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
Getting around
Mission Valley Center Station - 4 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 11 min drive
San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
TapRoom Beer Company - 6 min walk
Lestat's on Park - 2 min walk
Sonny’s - 5 min walk
Live Wire Bar - 8 min walk
Park & Rec - 6 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.
Historic Julia Wilson House
Welcome to University Heights! It’s super walkable, full of character, and dangerously close to great restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bars, and wine bars.
Centrally located, it's minutes from San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, beaches, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and other San Diego attractions. It's adjacent to North Park, Hillcrest, and Normal Heights, great neighborhoods with their own personality.
The downstairs and upstairs are separate 1-bedroom units, each with their own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. Perfect for groups traveling together who want to be close but have their own space!
The Julia Wilson House is a designated Historic Home. It was built in 1908, and is one of the last examples of Folk Victorian architecture in University Heights. This is a unique space, because it combines two units. The downstairs and upstairs have separate private entrances. Each has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. It’s a perfect set up for a family or group traveling together who want to be close to each other, but also to have their own space!
Have a dog? Perfect. There are tons of dog-friendly patios, pleasant streets for walks, and a nearby dog park if your furry friends need to let off some steam.
Please note: This is a very upbeat, high-foot-traffic area. We're right next door to Stella Jean's Ice Cream, a popular ice cream store, and one door down is Pop Pie Company, a restaurant offering savory and sweet treats. Sometimes it smells like waffle cones when they're making a batch! It's a great place for people watching and feels very alive, but please expect people to be passing by on the sidewalk! Both restaurants close by 10:30, and things quieten considerably afterward. There's a white noise machine in the bedroom to block out the street noise if you are a light sleeper.
The space is open, bright, and airy.
The downstairs has a large, luxurious tub, and a gigantic couch that pulls out to make a large sleeping space, perfect for movie nights! There’s also a cot and crib for flexibility. The dining area has a large dining table where everyone can eat together. The table converts to a ping pong table and pool table! The kitchen has a medium-size fridge under the counter and there’s a freezer just outside the back door.
The upstairs has a balcony, a washer and dryer, and a full-size fridge in its kitchen.
The upstairs has an air conditioner and ceiling fans. The downstairs has an air conditioner and heater.
Each unit is fully equipped. Together, the two spaces are perfect for longer stays to explore San Diego.
Please note: the stairs to the upper unit have narrow, winding steps in the corner, typical of older homes.
You have full, private access to the entire house, and exclusive use of the driveway for parking.
A separate studio guesthouse is located at the back of the property, with its own entrance via the side gate. Guests staying there may also use the shared backyard. As a courtesy, please don't use the backyard space after 10:00 PM.
We’ll get you started with everything you’ll need for the first few days of your stay. For everything else you’ll need, there’s a CVS not a block away and a Sprouts just three blocks away! Trader Joe's and other supermarkets are just around the corner in Hillcrest.
If you're driving, there's room for two vehicles in tandem in the driveway, and there are free parking spaces along Park Boulevard, Meade Avenue, and North Avenue. We parked on the street without issue when we lived here.
Not driving? University Heights is very walkable! Rideshares are easy to grab, and public transit is readily accessible. Bus routes 1, 11, 215, and 6 have stops in easy walking distance.
The Unit A short-term rental license is STR-11267L.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
Similar properties
Renovated Blue Cottage 5 mins from Downtown San Diego
Renovated Blue Cottage 5 mins from Downtown San Diego
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)
General
100% renewable energy
Recycling
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
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:
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Turn off air conditioners and televisions.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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: 18
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.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in University Heights, close to San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and Port of San Diego. You'll also find Petco Park and Marine Corps Recruit Depot within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
Is this vacation home associated with a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
Is Historic Julia Wilson House a good place to stay for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a jetted bathtub, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Are there hot tubs at Historic Julia Wilson House?
No, but all accommodations at this vacation home have jetted bathtubs.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How far is the airport from this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 5.4 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 7.4 mi away (14-minute drive).
Are there rooms with balconies at Historic Julia Wilson House?
No, you won't find accommodations with balconies at Historic Julia Wilson House.
Historic Julia Wilson House Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews
10 - Excellent
2
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Patrick C.
Nov 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The house was fantastic!
Patrick C.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Deb S.
Aug 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely historic property in comfortable neighborhood