Entire home
Travel Writer's Pad
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 1 bathroom Sleeps 6 102.2 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
La Mesa, CA
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center19 min walk
- San Diego State University4 min drive
- Viejas Arena4 min drive
- San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)17 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Travel Writer's Pad
Hello, Bonjour, Hola, Ciao, Ni Hao!
Welcome to Travel Writer's Pad. It’s a pleasure to have you as my guest.
For the past two decades my career as a travel journalist has taken me around the globe. I’ve stayed at thousands of accommodations, where I learned personal touches create a comfortable home away from home. Certain places I visited offered extra special amenities. Green tea at a Japanese Ryokan; chardonnay infused bath salts at a Mexican posada; pink sugar at California’s Madonna Inn; and more. I’ve collected many goodies on my travels for you to enjoy at this vacation rental.
The house was built in 1946. My family lived in it for 25 years. We added modern day amenities and appliances, but kept the historic integrity of the sweet bungalow. The property has a 1/3-acre park-like, fenced backyard surrounded by citrus, fig, and persimmon trees, whose fruit you’re welcome to enjoy. Adirondack chairs sit nearby for you to relax, sip coffee and watch your children or dog run around the lawn.
A secluded patio extends outside the dining room French doors. Vine covered walls, blooming flower beds, and a Mexican terra-cotta chiminea are the perfect setting for grilling and dinner at the outdoor table.
The kitchen is equipped for all your cooking needs. There are five TVs, including one in the bathroom. Central air conditioning and heat throughout the house. Linens and towels provided. Washer, dryer, and dishwasher, also.
The location is easily accessible to San Diego highlights — the San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado, beaches, Balboa Park museums, Petco Park, Seaworld, and the airport. Yet, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Plus, the added benefit of being close to hiking and mountain biking trails.
Our house is a five minute drive to popular La Mesa Village with it’s trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Grocery stores and Starbucks are within walking distance. And, San Diego State University is two miles away, with concert venues and sports stadium.
Enjoy!
Welcome to Travel Writer's Pad. It’s a pleasure to have you as my guest.
For the past two decades my career as a travel journalist has taken me around the globe. I’ve stayed at thousands of accommodations, where I learned personal touches create a comfortable home away from home. Certain places I visited offered extra special amenities. Green tea at a Japanese Ryokan; chardonnay infused bath salts at a Mexican posada; pink sugar at California’s Madonna Inn; and more. I’ve collected many goodies on my travels for you to enjoy at this vacation rental.
The house was built in 1946. My family lived in it for 25 years. We added modern day amenities and appliances, but kept the historic integrity of the sweet bungalow. The property has a 1/3-acre park-like, fenced backyard surrounded by citrus, fig, and persimmon trees, whose fruit you’re welcome to enjoy. Adirondack chairs sit nearby for you to relax, sip coffee and watch your children or dog run around the lawn.
A secluded patio extends outside the dining room French doors. Vine covered walls, blooming flower beds, and a Mexican terra-cotta chiminea are the perfect setting for grilling and dinner at the outdoor table.
The kitchen is equipped for all your cooking needs. There are five TVs, including one in the bathroom. Central air conditioning and heat throughout the house. Linens and towels provided. Washer, dryer, and dishwasher, also.
The location is easily accessible to San Diego highlights — the San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado, beaches, Balboa Park museums, Petco Park, Seaworld, and the airport. Yet, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Plus, the added benefit of being close to hiking and mountain biking trails.
Our house is a five minute drive to popular La Mesa Village with it’s trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Grocery stores and Starbucks are within walking distance. And, San Diego State University is two miles away, with concert venues and sports stadium.
Enjoy!
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Large, fenced backyard for kids to run and play.
Events
No events allowed
Inform owner if having party. Ten attendees max.
Pets
Pets allowed: limit 2 total
$100 pet fee per dog, per stay.
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
Note from host: Inform owner if having party. Ten attendees max.
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
About the area
La Mesa
Located in La Mesa, this holiday home is in the city centre and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Balboa Park and Mission Bay, while San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are popular area attractions. Waterfront Park and Belmont Park are not to be missed. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling.
La Mesa, CA
What's nearby
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
- Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater - 3 min drive - 3.4 km
- San Diego State University - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- Viejas Arena - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- San Diego Zoo - 13 min drive - 18.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Starbucks - 14 min walk
- Denny's - 14 min walk
- Chuy's Taco Shop - 15 min walk
- Sunshine Pancake House - 10 min walk
- Penelope’s Mexican Food - 6 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Maggie Espinosa

My career as a travel journalist has taken me all over the world. I love visiting new countries, learning about new cultures, and meeting new people. I've been warmly welcomed around the globe, so I opened this sweet bungalow to welcome people to my city.
Why they chose this property
This VRBO is the house my husband and I purchased when we were first married in 1992. We lived in it for 25 years, before moving to a place three miles away. We love La Mesa's community and small town feel.
What makes this property unique
We fell in love with the property's charm and the huge backyard. It is like a private park.
Languages:
English, Spanish
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