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Serenity Hillcrest

Vacation home near Balboa Park in San Diego

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Photo gallery for Serenity Hillcrest

Interior
Outdoor dining
Exterior detail
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
TV

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 670 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Natural History Museum
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

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About the area

San Diego

Hillcrest stay.Within a 15-minute walk of this Hillcrest vacation home, you'll find Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. Petco Park and Port of San Diego are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Diego Natural History Museum - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • San Diego Museum of Art - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Old Globe Theater - 4 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

  • City College Trolley Station - 4 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 11 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Rich's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hua Mei Cafe - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Sydney's Grill - ‬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.

Serenity Hillcrest

This beautiful duplex (upstairs unit) located one block away from the world renowned San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park with its 17 museums and cultural institutions. It is within a 10-15 min drive/Uber/Lyft to the Airport, Downtown, Gaslamp District, La Jolla, etc. Our place is newly remodeled with new appliances and beautiful finishes and details. It features two bedrooms, one bath, a beautiful deck and yard that overlook a spectacular canyon in a quiet and safe neighborhood.

The Space:
High speed Internet 300Mbps up and down, designated parking spot.

The Neighborhood:
Hillcrest is a neighborhood in San Diego located northwest of Balboa Park. It is an accepting urban village with a small town feel. Hillcrest is known for its tolerance, diversity and locally-owned businesses including eclectic restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and boutique shopping. It is also known for its salons and spas, medical offices, two major hospitals and the largest concentration of LGBTQ+ owned businesses in the city.

Balboa Park is a cultural oasis that includes 17 museums, gardens galore and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of North America’s most iconic urban parks and a must see on any visit to San Diego

Getting Around:
Hillcrest is among the most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego with a neighborhood Walk Score of 87. Rideshare easily accessible. Many Bird scooters and bikes near by. Nearby public transportation by bus and citywide trolley. Very convenient via Uber/Lyft.

Other Things to Note:
Pet friendly, $99 per stay!

Interaction with Guests:
Host available 100% of the time.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Optional golf privileges
  • Water park
  • Theme park 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

General

  • Unit size: 750 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

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

Rules

Our standard cancellation policy applies. If a refund is eligible under that policy, the total processing fees charged will be withheld and are non...

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number STR-12306L, 636184

Property is also known as

684b1ffd64714a001078591a

Frequently asked questions

How close is Serenity Hillcrest to the airport?

This vacation home is 5.5 mi (16-min drive) away from the San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Serenity Hillcrest have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Serenity Hillcrest to the beach?

This vacation home is 8.4 mi (17-min drive) from Mission Beach and 7.2 mi (17-min drive) from Coronado Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Serenity Hillcrest offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Serenity Hillcrest?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Serenity Hillcrest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Serenity Hillcrest?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Serenity Hillcrest have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Serenity Hillcrest have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Serenity Hillcrest to downtown San Diego?

This vacation home is 2 mi away from San Diego.

Serenity Hillcrest Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We really enjoyed our stay at Serenity! The property is clean and tidy. The location is fantastic and quiet. And the dedicated parking spot was very convenient! If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kacey O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and host was very responsive to any questions
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Matt M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Audra P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice stay.. good communication and clean and tidy premises.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Delaney l.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super easy street parking and great location the apartment is great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location north of Balboa Park and close to the Zoo. The apartment is clean, nicely furnished and had coffee. The street is quiet. We really enjoyed it for our group of four. The host is really responsive and made it easy.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frances Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host was extremely welcoming . Very laid back. Didn’t give us a hard time about anything and made us feel comfortable and at home. They had snacks waiting for us sodas and waters which was really nice and kinda . It was super cozy. Super cute . Very clean ..
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angelica P., Glendale

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the area and comfort. The complimentary coffee was fantastic!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhiannon R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place! Exactly how it was advertised. Within walking distance from restaurants and shops. Parking was easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blake G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean property. Nice off the street parking space.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Staircase

My only issues were the distance from the door and staircase. I'm over 70, so I would have liked, perhaps a sliding gate. I missed having a coffee table and end table, but generally it was what it promised to be. I left early NOT because of my stay, but even though there is good parking at the Airb&b, but the city streets. I cant walk miles to see this very special area.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Jana S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet and Quaint but Some Opportunities For Improvement

The neighborhood was quiet, safe and within good proximity to everything we wanted to do (zoo, beach, La Jolla). Check in was super easy.Things we really liked: comfortable beds, abundance of hot water, high capacity washer/dryer in unit, updated appliances all around, complimentary laundry pods and dish soap.Improvement opportunities: kitchen is lacking fundamentals such as pot holders, measuring cups, oven dishes, salt and a mixing bowl. I found it difficult to cook, which is the reason I rented a VRBO as opposed to a hotel. The items mentioned are standard in hotels with kitchenettes because they are basic cooking needs. They are fairly cheap additions that would go a long way.Im not sure what was going on with the mini split AC/heat but when the vent rotates, it starts a high pitch squeal so loud that it's easily heard from outside. We had to turn it off in order to sleep.We were on the upper floor of the duplex, and the first morning we were woken up by pounding and screaming from below. I have no idea what was going on, but I suspect a young child was slamming doors/cabinets and hitting the wall. I dont know what can be done for that other than invest in some sound deadening materials or find tenants who aren't oblivious to others. The pullout couch is incredibly uncomfortable with a bar that pokes through when lying down. I believe this was mentioned in prior reviews.I hope the owners see this as constructive feedback as opposed to criticism as they seem n
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Namita A., Yuma,AZ

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful place, neighborhood and host!

the area is convenient to everything. We’ve stayed at Efrain’s properties multiple times and have never been disappointed. The communication is always good and the place is always clean and as described with everything in working order. Would highly recommend and stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

A. R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location; Comfy Accommodation

This property has all the amenities needed and was clean and comfortable. There is a lovely outdoor space that overlooks one of San Diego's many canyons. The hosts were exceptionally responsive with communications. The property is located near historic Marston Hills, with beautiful homes and gardens. It is also very close to Balboa park as well as publicly accessible canyons. Shopping is mere minutes away and having a dedicated parking space made coming and going very easy!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Host was so helpful and attentive!

We had a great stay at our place. The location was so central we could walk many places…including bird watching and grocery shopping. Our host Efrain was also wonderful. He was very kind helpful and very quickly answered all our questions!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Zoo trip

This was the perfect place for our zoo vacation. We loved the location. It is within easy walking distance to Balboa park and the zoo as well as all the restaurants/cafes on University. The two bedroom was clean, well supplied and cute. While small, it was a good size for me, my wife, our adult daughter, her friend and her service dog. We greatly appreciated the complimentary snacks and sodas provided by the host. Overall, a great experience. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great little spot!

Everything you could want at a reasonable price! Whole place was clean and open; balcony surrounded by trees was perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family weekend in SD

Great place to stay with the kids. Cute neighborhood. Close to the zoo and walkable to restaurants, shops, and public transit. The stairs up to the apartment are steep but were fine for our bigger kids.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for our family

This was a great place to stay in the Balboa Park area. Our family of 4 (two parents, two kids- age 10 and 7) stayed comfortably. The neighborhood was quiet and safe. This was an easy driving distance to the activities we wanted to do. Overall, would recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Accommodations

Nice Condo
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon R.

Liked: Cleanliness

A welcome rest

Quiet neighborhood. Walk to the zoo and trader Joe's. Comfortable beds and nice amenities. Hot water was very hot!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing, charming place

We had a lovely stay here - proximity to Balboa meant there was plenty to enjoy car-free. The place was clean and a very nice space. We especially loved the little patio where we could see an avacado tree, lemon tree and lots of beautiful greenery. We'd stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim D., St. Paul, MN

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location

The place was located in a great neighborhood. Easy to get to so many places - Zoo, downtown, Coronado Island. Everything within 15 minute drive.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Leslie L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Get Comfortable

This sweet little apartment is straightforward and cozy; if you're seeking a place, however, for a louder bunch, you may want to consider a different abode. However, we'll keep this one in mind for ourselves in the future -- it suited our needs well, and the locale to Balboa Park is prime!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024