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Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!

Photo gallery for Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!

A living room with a blue sofa, a yellow armchair, a coffee table, and a patterned rug.
A living room with a yellow armchair, a blue sofa, and a coffee table.
A two-story house with a red pathway leading to the entrance, surrounded by small trees and shrubs.
A patio with a table and chairs, a sofa, and a large umbrella.
A living room with a blue sofa, a yellow armchair, a coffee table, and a large plant.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Situated close to a museum, this 2-bedroom vacation home accommodates 4 guests with 1 bathroom. It welcomes pets and offers nearby hiking and biking activities. Explore attractions like Marston House and Spanish Village Art Center during your stay.

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Private garden
    A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Balboa Park
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Globe Theater
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!

Welcome to your perfect getaway in Hillcrest! This delightful Spanish-style home is ideally situated within walking distance to the stunning Balboa Park, and just a quick 3-minute drive to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. With its unique charm and character, this fully equipped retreat offers everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay.

Bedrooms: 2 cozy bedrooms await you, featuring a luxurious king bed in one room and a comfortable queen bed in the other. Please note that access to the second bedroom requires walking through the first bedroom, or you can conveniently use the back patio door for direct access.

Outdoor Oasis:
Step outside to discover a serene backyard filled with abundant fruit trees, including orange and lime trees, as well as green grape vines. Enjoy sunny afternoons grilling on the BBQ and dining al fresco with our outdoor dining and lounge set, all set on lush astroturf for a touch of fun in the sun!

Parking & Accessibility:
The property includes a detached garage and a long driveway, providing ample parking for your convenience.

Additional Information:
This charming unit is part of a duplex, so you may encounter guests in the neighboring unit. However, rest assured that the only shared space is the backyard, ensuring your privacy and comfort. Experience the best of San Diego from this charming home, where comfort meets convenience! Book your stay today and make unforgettable memories in this vibrant neighborhood.

Check-in is virtual, as you`ll be provided with a digital Guest Portal and a personalized door code. Vacation Rentals by Aaron is a full-service property management company, and will be available 24-7 in case you need anything during your stay.

Hillcrest is one of the hippest & most fabulous neighborhoods in San Diego. Rated as the most walkable neighborhoods in town with scores of bars, restaurants and cafes in close proximity. Plus you are mere minutes from the beach, airport, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the Gaslamp, Little Italy and Petco Park.

This unit is part of a duplex; there is a one-bedroom unit on the right side of the house. The backyard is shared with other guests

For stays longer than 30 days, I require a deposit in the amount of one month`s rent to be paid offline due 60 days prior to arrival as well as a formal lease agreement.

Pets are welcome! Our standard pet fee is $150 (this may vary dependent on length of stay & type of pet). Please let us know if you will be bringing along your furry friend!
Important notes/house rules:
-Quiet Hours: 10pm-6am (weekdays); 11pm-6am (weekends).
-Absolutely no parties or gatherings are permitted at our properties--being overly disruptive to neighbors will result in the immediate cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of any monies paid (including your refundable deposit).
- There is no smoking permitted at any of properties.
- Please treat our properties and, more importantly, our neighborhoods as you treat your own. Keep San Diego vacation rentals vibrant and thriving!

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 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
Charge may apply
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Important notes/house rules: -Quiet Hours: 10pm-6am (weekdays); 11pm-6am (weekends).

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 645453, STR-05224L
Property # 3086174vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

San Diego

Hillcrest, a neighbourhood in San Diego, is home to this holiday home. Seaport Village and Fashion Valley Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Petco Park or Snapdragon Stadium. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Old Globe Theater - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Diego Natural History Museum - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • San Diego Museum of Art - 4 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

  • City College Trolley Station - 4 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 13 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Rich's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Hua Mei Cafe - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Sydney's Grill - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!?

As of 24 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo! on 19 Oct 2026 start from AU$869, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Light & Bright Spanish-Style Beauty, 3 min to Zoo! located?

Located in Hillcrest, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. Petco Park and Port of San Diego are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 32 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 40 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

4.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Could use some updating and minor repair. But overall, an excellent value for the neighborhood. Great location.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2026
Hi Marc. Thank you for the honest feedback! We appreciate you letting us know about the updates and minor repairs needed — we'll look into that. So glad you found it to be an excellent value with a great location. Thanks for staying with us, and we hope to host you again soon! -Vacation Rentals by Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Communication was excellent. Very responsive host.About a third of the garage had items stored making it impossible to park the car there. The driveway to the garage was quite narrow. Parking on the street was always available right in front of the property.Well maintained property though quite dated.Clean rooms, bedding and towels.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2026
Hi Ravindra. Thanks for the review! Glad communication was smooth and everything was clean. Good notes on the garage storage and narrow driveway — helpful that street parking out front was reliable. Appreciate you staying with us! -Vacation Rentals by Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay; the location was very convenient and allowed us to walk to the zoo and avoid any parking hassle. We found the home to be small but not cramped with thoughtful appointments and comfortable sitting and sleeping arrangements. Everything was as described and communication was easy and reliable. We would stay again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and convenient.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay

This is a lovely little property, perfect for our family during our trip to explore San Diego.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2024
Thanks for leaving us a great review! We will be delighted to have you back! Stay safe! :) -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Home was clean, the bed was fine and everything seemed to work OK. Note to owner… The outlet in the kitchen where the coffee machine was located is not working, but the one on the other side of the room does. Also, you may want to get some Drano in the bathroom sink… It’s a little slow draining other than that. Everything seemed fine.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Property was not that clean. Dirt collecting on the blades of the ceiling fans as one example. A few other annoyances; Driveway is so narrow it's hardly useable unless you have a compact car, washer and dryer located in the garage rather than in the house, house was poorly stocked with essentials, one decent pillow in the main bedroom on the king bed, the other pillow was small and useless and beds were not that comfortable and overall the house was outdated and in need of a fresh coat of paint or major remodel which was mentioned in the previous rating. On two separate occasions our stay was interrupted by workers wanting to replace he batteries on the lock on the front door.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback Gary. We’re sorry the home fell short of expectations, and we’ve shared your comments with our team for review. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the home and overall experience, as it helps us identify areas where we can improve. We hope we have the opportunity to provide you with a better experience in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, comfortable, convenient
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
Hi Julie. Thank you! We're so happy you found everything clean, comfortable, and convenient. We hope to host you again soon! -Vacation Rentals by Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very pleasant stay. Fully stocked kitchen and lots of thoughtful details. Loved the vibes and the artwork. Big back yard. Great location. Responsive host.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2025
Hi Noel. Thank you so much! I'm glad you appreciated the thoughtful touches, kitchen setup, and artwork. The backyard and location really are special. So happy you enjoyed your stay and hope to host you again! -Vacation Rentals by Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My teenage daughter and I stayed at this property for spring break. The set up was absolutely perfect for us. The neighborhood is wonderful and walkable, the property was clean and well-appointed, and there’s a beautiful outdoor space. We appreciated being within walking distance of great restaurants, grocery stores, and Balboa Park. Our stay was quiet and we spent wonderful evenings resting up at the property after long days adventuring around San Diego. The host was easy to reach and allowed us to store our bags in the property’s garage before check-in so we could explore the neighborhood. We were so grateful!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2026
Hi Anna. So glad you and your daughter had a wonderful spring break stay! Hope to welcome you back for your next San Diego adventure.
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Definitely would NOT return. While technically "clean", the property itself is extremely rundown and in desperate need of a refresh. The bathroom was moldy, and all the cupboards were original to the home (1927?). The furniture was very low end, and the beds were so cheap my spouse slept on the couch every night. Only one kitchen outlet worked (coffee maker vs. toaster). The whole home needs at least a coat of paint, if not a total rehab. The backyard was really run down with dirty chairs, a broken umbrella, and fallen/rotting fruit. That being said, the AC and laundry was good, and we liked the location. As a former VRBO host, this is property does not meet the bare minimum standards of a reasonable vacation rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. While we're proud of our overall 9.4 rating, we take every review seriously, including yours. We're committed to addressing the maintenance and update issues you identified. We will prioritize having these items inspected and repaired to ensure the property meets the standards our guests deserve. Thank you for your detailed feedback. It helps us continue to improve.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As described the stay was light and bright and appropriately breezy. The location was perfect for our trip to adventure in Balboa Park and to dine at great restaurants in Hillcrest. The place was vibrant and energetic yet ideal for the quick siesta before heading out to explore more. Thank you for a clean and convenient stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug 2025
Hi Molly.Thank you for the wonderful review! We're delighted the space lived up to its description - light, bright, and breezy just as promised. It's fantastic that the location worked so well for your Balboa Park adventures and Hillcrest dining experiences. We love that you found the perfect balance between vibrant energy and a peaceful retreat for those much-needed siestas. Thanks for choosing us and for highlighting the cleanliness and convenience! -Vacation Rentals by Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was very clean and pleasant. Please note you have to go from one bedroom to get to the other one.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept 2025
Hi Tanja. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! I'm so glad you found the property clean and pleasant. I really appreciate the helpful note about the bedroom layout - that kind of detail is invaluable for future guests to know exactly what to expect when they arrive. Hope you had a wonderful stay overall! -Vacation Rentals by Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Walk to zoo

We loved our stay. This property met our needs- quiet,walkingdistance to zoo and Balboa Park,near shopping and hikes.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 July 2024
Hi Bernice. Thank you so much for giving us a stellar five-star review! We're thrilled you had an amazing stay and enjoyed the location. We can't wait to have you back with us soon! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome place to stay

It was absolutely awesome. Super close to the zoo and easy to get on and off the interstate. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2023
Hi Jodie! We appreciate the 5 star review! We are glad you love the location and had a great stay. Hope to see you again soon. -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great Location!

Walking distance to the zoo and Balboa Park. Convenient to most other places by car. Not fancy but clean and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

5 star

Great had a ball will stay at this property again
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2024
Hi Latasha. Thank you for the 5-star review! We can't wait to have you back soon! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
good
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec 2025
Hi Zaixi. Thank you for the 5 star review! We can't wait to have you back soon! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent location

Great location if you’re in town for activities in Balboa Park like the zoo and museums. House was clean and comfortable for our stay. Parking in SD is terrible so it was great to have off street parking if needed.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 May 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a nice stay with us, enjoyed our clean rooms, and found our location convenient for your trip. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Disliked: Amenities
amazing location, cannot be beat! you can walk to the zoo and skip the parking nightmare
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect location and charming home

The location makes this an ideal jumping off point for all San Diego adventures. You can walk to the zoo, and proximity to the zoo means there's lots of Ubers nearby. The house is comfortable and clean and the hosts were so easy to work with. I would definitely stay here again on my next visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Mar 2024
Hi Kirstin. Thank you so much for giving us a stellar five-star review! We're thrilled to know that you had such an amazing time during your stay and enjoyed the location. We can't wait to have you back with us soon! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very nice property

Nice home, well stocked. Great to have a garage and driveway. Easy walks to balboa park. Great communication with property manager! Really enjoying our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
Hi Chris. Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star review! Making sure our guests are happy is our top priority, and we're thrilled you loved your stay at our place. We can't wait to welcome you back soon! - Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Upas

Beautiful location, very nice and comfortable home away from home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb 2024
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for the 5 stars! We are glad you had a great stay. Hope to see you again soon! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Zoo trip

Great little house in Hillcrest area. walking distance to the zoo and Balboa Park trails.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2023
We'd love to continue providing great service to awesome guests like you, Victor! Thank you and see you again next time! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Sunny San Diego

This place was great for the family & our dogs. Beautiful back yard was great to let the kids and dogs play. Close proximity to Balboa Park and all it has to offer meant less time driving & more time playing. Hope to be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2024
Hi Andrew. Thank you for the 5-star review! it's awesome to hear that you and your awesome dogs had an amazing time staying with us. Feel free to visit us again anytime - we'd love to have you back! -Vacation Rentals By Aaron

About the host

Hosted by Aaron Beard (Guesty)

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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