Entire home

Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park

Photo gallery for Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park

Living area
Living area
Interior
Room
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 688 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
San Diego, CA
  • San Diego Zoo
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Balboa Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Hotel Circle
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Common spaces

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park

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.

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

Host available 100% of the time.

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

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.

Pet friendly, $99 per stay!
Being in the heart of the city, Balboa Park and Hillcrest are accessible by a number of major streets. Additionally, Hillcrest is among the most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego with a neighborhood Walk Score of 87. Rideshare is easily accessible. Many Bird scooters and bikes nearby.

Property manager

Efrain Cabas
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 636184, STR-04339L

About the area

San Diego

Located in Hillcrest, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for USS Midway Museum, a top attraction not to be missed.
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • San Diego Zoo - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Balboa Park - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Hotel Circle - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Petco Park - 5 min drive - 4.5 km
  • San Diego Convention Center - 6 min drive - 5.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Sydney's Grill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Hua Mei Cafe - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Rich's - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The New Gossip Grill - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Hillcrest SERENITY: Canyon views | walk to San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park located?

Located in Hillcrest, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park and Petco Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Jana S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

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.

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

10/10 Excellent

A. R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Heidi T.

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Nathan J.

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

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lauren L.

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

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

Great Accommodations

Nice Condo
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

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

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.

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

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, 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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice property in lovely neighborhood.

Overall the property was nice and was in a lovely and safe neighborhood. We stayed for 2 nights and it was comfortable. However when we 1st entered the property, there was a really overwhelming musty smell. We had to open all the windows to get rid of that smell. All in all.. good value for money except the one problem I mentioned.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim C.

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

Great place to stay in San Diego

Lovely 2 bedroom apartment in quiet neighborhood, accurately described in the photos. Good access to most San Diego attractions. Comfortable beds, nice outdoor patio. Kitchen was adequate for eating in..
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Paula h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

stars to enter very sleep for older person,microwavenot reachable, nocoffeemaker,just kerig

TV not connected.emailed ownerbut issuenot resolved. difficult unit to stay in if notfitto walkupsteepsteps.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie D.

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

10/10 Excellent

Leigha C.

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

comic con stay

Location was perfect for comic con
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Gerald B.

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

Great Location

Location was great, walking distance to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. The neighborhood was nice and quiet. The apartment was cute and clean. I had to contact the owner one time for a question and he was quick to respond. I would recommend staying here as I would definitely stay again the next time I visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Kara R.

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

About the host

Hosted by Efrain Cabas

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests