Apartment

Romantic Private Canyon Retreat

Apartment with patio, near Old Town San Diego State Park

Photo gallery for Romantic Private Canyon Retreat

Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
Room
Bathroom
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Hotel Circle
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, University of San Diego
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Studio

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

About this property

Romantic Private Canyon Retreat

A unique private canyon retreat located in one of San Diego's most coveted historic neighborhoods of Mission Hills. Enjoy this peaceful studio, it's amazing outdoor space and stunning views over Mission Valley and beyond.

This studio is part of a historic home noted for its Spanish Renaissance architecture and designed by world famous architect William Templeton Johnson in 1922. Many of his other works can be found in San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Coronado and Balboa Park. Widely regarded as one of San Diego's finest neighborhoods, Mission Hills features elegant homes along tree-lined streets, a thriving business district, and above all, a strong sense of community. Adjacent to the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest and perched above Old Town and Mission Valley, Mission Hills is located just a few miles northwest of downtown. With its lush landscaping and winding canyons, driving into Mission Hills is like entering an oasis. However, its central location and easy transportation access means you are just minutes from all that San Diego has to offer.

Mission Hills has come to be synonymous with some of San Diego's finest examples of historic architecture. Its first home, Villa Orizaba, was built in 1887 and subsequent subdivisions such as Avalon and Inspiration Heights were developed in the early 20th century. Now collectively known as Mission Hills, these homes were built in a variety of styles including Craftsman Bungalows, Prairie Homes, and Spanish and Mission Revival, just to name a few. Some of San Diego's finest architects worked in the area, such as William E. Hebbard and Richard Requa. The architectural diversity of the neighborhood is one of its finest features today.

This enchanting studio is accessed down a short flight of stairs to a lower part of the lush canyon which provides tranquility and privacy.

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Amenities

Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
No children
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Events

No events allowed
No, maximum # of guests is 2 at all times.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking of any kind anywhere on the property.
No smoking of any substance, no animals allowed anywhere on the property or you will forfeit your deposit. Max occupancy is 2 at all timesno exception
There will be a $25.00 fee for lost key. They are do not duplicate and both studio and gate will need to be rekeyed.

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
Note from host: No, maximum # of guests is 2 at all times.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number 620324, STR-03437L

About the area

San Diego

Located in Mission Hills, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this apartment is next to a golf course and near the beach. 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 natural beauty can explore Mission Bay and Old Town San Diego State Park. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for Waterfront Park, a top attraction not to be missed. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and cycling nearby.
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Hotel Circle - 1 min drive - 0.8 km
  • Old Town San Diego State Park - 3 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Marine Corps Recruit Depot - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • University of San Diego - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 6 min drive - 5.2 km

Getting around

  • Washington Street Station - 4 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 10 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Crust Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hampton’s “On The House” Breakfast - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Communion - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪The Remy - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Waffle Spot - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Romantic Private Canyon Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Romantic Private Canyon Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Romantic Private Canyon Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Romantic Private Canyon Retreat located?

Located in Mission Hills, this golf apartment building is within 3 miles (5 km) of Whaley House Museum, Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Mission Bay. Old Town San Diego State Park and UC San Diego Health are also within 2 miles (3 km). Washington Street Station is 27 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.8

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. 60 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emily T.

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

Would stay here again!

The location and neighborhood was absolutely perfect for this studio. We really enjoyed the outside space and setting. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greenfield Google

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

Beautiful, peaceful place to stay

I absolutely loved staying at the Canyon Retreat. The bed was very comfortable and the room was nicely decorated with a lot of character. I loved having the private outdoor space overlooking the canyon. I felt like I was in a tree house. I am routinely in SD and I look forward to staying with William and Kelly at my new favorite spot!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hector G.

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

Hidden get away

Great property! Cozy and private. Excellent hosts and amazing location.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana B., Guadalajara, Mexico

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

Jungle hideaway

The casita is nestled in a beautiful jungle-like garden. The indoor space is small but opens up onto a beautiful patio with comfy chairs, blankets and sparkly lights. We loved staying here!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

John M., Boston

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

Excellent cozy place

Excellent communication with host, safe neighborhood, a cozy spot small but well kept with a lovely outdoor porch. Nice to be away from yet accessible to the gas lamp district (by Uber)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

Cute little studio

Nice little place at a beautiful historic home
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Austin R.

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

Great place

Great place. Awesome location. Friendly hosts. Place is older and has aspects of it that show that, in the bathroom for example. However, we enjoyed our time there and would be glad to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angelina C.

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

Loved!

This property was super cute and perfect for what we were looking for. I would definitely recommend! We for sure want to rent again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

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

Steal at Off Peak

I literally drove 5 hours just to see the ocean and needed just a small and no frills place for the night. I of course wanted it to be memorable though and felt lucky to be able to book this VRBO. It had everything I needed for the time and was on a gorgeous property. though
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Michael W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Unique Studio

Enjoyed our stay. Unfortunately, the nearby highway noise was a bit much and the mini-kitchen amenities were lacking. The hosts were great, very quick to respond to our questions. The neighborhood was beautiful with its historic homes and beautiful landscaping.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillip K.

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

Cozy Canyon Retreat

Fantastic place. We were in the San Diego area for a wedding and decided to make it an extended vacation. William and Kelly were fantastic hosts. The extensive list of things to do in the "Blue 3-Ring Binder" is a must read. The labor put into that list would make any Chamber of Commerce blush. Thanks William and Kelly - we loved our stay and cannot wait for a return visit. Cheers!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Liet C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The room was very clean, I really appreciated the coffee that was included in the room. It saved trying to locate a coffee shop in the mornings. The hosts were amazing and were really easy to communicate with. Overall our stay there was amazing! It made our trip all the better
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Small studio was in a nice neighborhood with good grounds. This is a good option if you are avoiding the high hotel costs in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay here! The owners were extremely kind & helped make our stay smooth & easy. The view on the back patio was beautiful! We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay for our first trip to San Diego!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zu unserer Honeymoon Reise war San Diego mit dieser Unterkunft die erste Station.Die Gegend und auch die Unterkunft waren gehobene Klasse. Das Studio Apartment war wirklich wunderschön und sehr individuell. Es hatte einen sehr gemütlichen und auch alten Flair was uns persönlich sehr gut gefallen hat. Die Gastgeber waren sehr zuvorkommend und haben alle Fragen immer sofort beantwortet. Es hätte wirklich nicht besser sein können.Wir würden diese Unterkunft definitiv weiterempfehlen.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This guest house felt like a little slice of paradise—almost like being transported to Italy! It was beautifully designed, peaceful, and had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The hosts were kind, responsive, and incredibly accommodating. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would love to stay here again the next time I’m in San Diego.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ramon

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

Wonderful placd

Would stay here again multiple times. Magical quaint space.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meagan C.

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

Beautiful location, stunning view

This property was in a fantastic location with the best back yard for morning coffee. The property itself is stunning and well cared for. The rental is small but very cozy and lovingly maintained and thoughtfully put together. The property owner communicated very well. Thanks so much for a beautiful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kennedy M.

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

Weekend getaway

Such a beautiful place to relax and enjoy San Diego. Super cute and clean bedroom and bathroom, and I loved our little patio area. Downtown, old town, and the zoo are all a quick drive away. Loved our stay and hope to return again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

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

Cozy stay in Mission Hills

Absolutely love this place. It is definitely a small space but that’s probably the best part. The patio and garden are beautiful. The perfect location as well, very private and in a nice quiet neighborhood and only 10-20 minutes into the heart of San Diego. Overall a very easy process to get in and out, hosts are easy to contact and are helpful. Definitely will stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kok G.

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

Great stay!

Beautiful location and great host! A+++++ Would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Manikham Management, Inc.

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

Peaceful

The unit was all I needed for a business trip. It was a one bed studio with a bathroom. The bed was comfortable. The water pressure and temperature for showering was fantastic. The unit has a mini fridge and a microwave only, which was not an inconvenience for me since I ate out my entire stay. The neighborhood was very quiet and the unit is on the backside of the main home, opposite the from the street, which made the stay peaceful. The location was perfect in a nice residential area but was only a short drive to any main strip for convenience. The street parking was also easy and convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Veronica K.

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

Amazing stay!

Such a beautiful property with lots of amenities that made the stay comfortable and a great place to come back to after traveling. The hosts are great communicators and made sure my stay was great. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

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

Perfect for quiet and rejuvenation

After moving my daughter in to her dorm I need quiet and a place to put my feet up. Even though this space is part of a larger home I felt very secluded, safe and peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David C.

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

Great Experience!

This was a fantastic property and exactly what I was looking for. It's kept clean and has everything you would ask from a rental property. The owners are responsive and accommodating. I would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by William

Host profile image
We feel blessed to have lived in San Diego for the past 30 years. Our wish is to create unique spaces so that our guests can experience the best that San Diego has to offer.

Why they chose this property

Our 600+ reviews speak for themselves as found on other platforms. We are excited to be part of the VRBO community. The Private Canyon Retreat does not disappoint.

What makes this property unique

A true sanctuary from the bustle of the city.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests