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Serenity

Vacation home near Balboa Park in San Diego

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Photo gallery for Serenity

A historic building with ornate architecture, a central courtyard with a reflective water feature, and lush greenery.
A sign for San Diego Zoo with a large number '200' and a lush garden in the foreground.
A modern living room with a grey sofa, orange cushions, a grey ottoman, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
Private kitchen
A modern living room with a TV, sofa, and artwork, leading to a kitchen with a dining area.

Reviews

9.4 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, Old Globe Theater
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • 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 Black Ensemble Theater - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Diego Natural History Museum - 19 min walk - 1.6 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 - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Sydney's Grill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Hua Mei Cafe - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬12 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

Summary:

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, Gasslamp 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!



All reservations are subject to our stated cancellation policy. Please note that certain fees, including processing, administrative, and service-related charges, are non-refundable for direct bookings as well as channels like Vrbo. We strongly recommend reviewing your travel plans carefully and considering travel insurance for added flexibility.



*Please be aware that we are not liable for any personal items left behind from your stay* If any personal items are left at the property, we will do our best to recover them. There will be a charge of $50 plus the cost of handling, packaging, and/or shipping for any items that need to be shipped back to you from your stay (prices may vary for large items).

* Rental Agreement required for all non-Airbnb guests

*Damage Protection Fee of $65 is required for all stays - Our damage protection fee helps protect both guests and hosts by providing coverage for accidental, unintentional damage that may occur during your stay. It gives everyone added peace of mind and helps resolve minor issues more smoothly, while guests remain responsible for any intentional damage, negligence, or violations of house rules.

*Our location alongside the park and surrounding canyon areas also means we are part of San Diego’s natural environment. Depending on the season and weather, guests may occasionally encounter local wildlife or insects such as ants or flies, particularly when doors or windows are left open. This is a natural part of the Southern California climate and our unique location.



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)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

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 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 have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Serenity 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 offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Serenity?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Serenity?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Serenity?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Serenity have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Serenity have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Serenity to downtown San Diego?

This vacation home is 2 mi away from San Diego.

Serenity Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 39 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Is nice place to stay, near to zoo . Loved the goodies for the kids and us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and host was very responsive to any questions
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super easy street parking and great location the apartment is great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the area and comfort. The complimentary coffee was fantastic!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place! Exactly how it was advertised. Within walking distance from restaurants and shops. Parking was easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean property. Nice off the street parking space.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Accommodations

Nice Condo
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A great place to stay

We had a wonderful time in San Diego and this place was clean and comfortable for my family of 4. The beds are comfortable, including the pull out sofa bed. The kitchen had everything we needed and the snacks that were left were very much appreciated. It's a great location, walking distance to Balboa Park and grocery stores.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful and quiet!!!

This is a gem. Close to everything and very clean and quiet!! Couldn't believe how quiet! Amenities are 2nd to none and communication with the owner was perfect. We will definitely book again for our next trip!! Thank you, Efrain!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The "just right" welcome to San Diego

The property was extremely clean and comfortable, in a peaceful neighborhood. During the day there was lots of bright California sun to soak up, inside and out. We picked this spot for it's convenient location near Balboa Park, which I was able to explore all on foot! Timely and helpful responses were given to all of our inquiries from the time we made our reservation, including multiple changes in our itinerary. Overall this was an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Place for Our Weekend Getaway

This VRBO was everything we needed for a long weekend! It was very generously and thoughtfully appointed with a basket of snacks and some drinks in the refrigerator, and the bathroom was well-stocked with enough toilet paper for our trip. The place was tidy and located near the things we wanted to do. Something that the listing left out is how incredible the view from the patio is! Definitely take the time to have your morning coffee while enjoying the lush canyon, playful birds, and gorgeous avocado tree. We wouldn't hesitate to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024