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10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.

Photo gallery for 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.

Fun open kitchen serves deck, dining room, and living room.
Autumn sun
Kitchen as viewed through dining area from living room
King bed showing footboard below the mattress surface.
Sunny front bedroom-- 2 single beds

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Park Golf Course
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego City College
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living Room Sofa Bed

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.

Urban Cottage recently totally remodeled. Oak floors. Working fireplace. Air Conditioning. Open concept kitchen --- French doors access large deck. Keurig coffee maker. Laundry. Ironing board. Iron. King poster bed in Master bedroom. Twin beds in bedroom two. Queen hide-a-bed with luxurious mattress (used by Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, Hilton). Bathrooms with showers. WiFi. Smart T.V. Off-street parking. Located in historic South Park area of San Diego.

Note: Pak and Play available upon request for families with childen age 2 and under.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Pak and Play is available on request.
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Events

No events allowed
Quiet after 10:00 p..m.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely NO smoking of any kind.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please replace any furniture you might have moved to the original position
Fold and stack deck chairs
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
1. Please be considerate of neighbors.
Please remove shoes to protect floors on the house.
10:30 pm quiet time on the deck

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR-00552L, 617321
Property # 770361vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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: Quiet after 10:00 p..m.
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

San Diego

Located in South Park, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks. USS Midway Museum and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for Sesame Place San Diego, a top attraction not to be missed. Looking to get your feet wet? Water tubing, fishing and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
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Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Balboa Park Golf Course - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • San Diego City College - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Balboa Stadium - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Morley Field Sports Complex - 8 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • 32nd - Commercial Station - 3 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 13 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bock - A Neighborhood Bar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Humberto's Taco Shop - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Coffee Drop - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Harland South Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Intazza Coffee Mug & Grub - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 10 minutes from San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp District, Public Beaches. located?

Located in South Park, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and Petco Park. San Diego Convention Center and Port of San Diego are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

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. 122 out of 130 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 130 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 130 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 130 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 130 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a wonderful home. Comfy, nicely furnished, well stocked, great location and nice support! A memorable experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2026
Thank you for the lovely review. Come again soon .
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I love the Urban Cottage and have stayed many times over the last several years. We return time after time because the cottage is exceptionally welcoming, super clean, has all the amenities anyone could hope for, and is very well-outfitted for cooking and entertaining. Moreover, the cottage is located in a pleasant residential neighborhood but is only minutes walking distance from restaurants, cafes and wine bars, shopping for groceries, books and boutique items, public transportation, and many walkable neighborhoods. And with its free private parking, it is a perfect base for San Diego sightseeing!The design of the cottage is spacious and comfortable. The living room area, dining area and fully-outfitted kitchen, the two comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms are all on the same level. There is also a back deck with a dining table overlooking a back yard. The cottage’s air-conditioning and heating work well for all seasons.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is very clean with a well stocked kitchen.
Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amir A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2025
Thank you Amir for your review. We appreciate it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ilene B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home; well equipped; great location; wonderful, responsive host.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Dec 2025
Thank you for this helpful review, We look forward to your return. we will keep the lights on!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

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

Wonderful stay

Great location, fantastic house, great communication with the hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Urban Cottage was perfect for our stay in San Diego. It is well-equipped and very clean. The location is great (quiet neighbourhood with restaurants and grocery stores nearby).Dorothy is an excellent host!
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2025
We loved providing a place for you who traveled from UK and Australia —such a long way! Our door i will be open for your return . Wishing you happy landings!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brigette L.

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

So nice we did it twice!

This is our second stay at the Urban Cottage. Dorothy is great, the place is fantastic. It has a great location, its safe, walkable and overall lovely. I would do it a third time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine F.

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

Great Location for Family

Amenities and location were amazing! Couldn’t have asked for a better stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun 2023
So glad you have happy memories of your stay in San Diego. Thank you
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laquisha D.

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

Work with a little fam fun time

Was in town for a Nurse practitioner conference but wanted to also spend time with family so got this cozy home. Description was 100% accurate home was perfect! Clean, cozy and backyard was peaceful and refreshing!! I sat on the patio each morning and drank my coffee!! Loved it here and will definitely be back!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul 2025
thank you Laquisha and family for this kind review. We look forward to your return. Dorothy and Jerry
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

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

Lovely place

Aboveboard. Clean, great layout, kitchen has absolutely everything you need! Nice outdoor space, walkable neighborhood and easy access to highway. This home also has a lot of windows, so light and airflow are great.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2025
Thank you for this great observation. You have. noted valuable assets that will encourage other guests. Thsnk you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

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

Confortable stay in prime South Park location

The Urban Cottage is a terrific VRBO choice. Well-furnished with a completely outfitted kitchen, as well as a deck overlooking a lovely backyard, it is our first choice for San Diego vacations. It is located in a quiet residential neighborhood that is very close to numerous great restaurants, shops, pharmacy and grocery stores.and
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

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

Perfect stay in San Diego

We loved our stay at this beautiful historical house. The neighbourhood was perfect, close to the city and the sights, but very quiet and safe, with lots of beautiful trees and flowers. We enjoyed sitting on the back porch and taking daily walks. There is some noise from planes flying over the house, it didn't bother us, but you might want to bring earplugs. The house is spotless, very well equipped and the beds very comfortable. Thank you Dorothy and Jerry!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alane K.

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

SanDiego vacation

This house is spotless and has everything you need. The bed was very comfortable. The neighborhood was great and we walked to a little Italian Restaurant that the host recommended. Wonderful food! Very close to Balboa Park and the zoo.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2025
Hello Alane. Thank you for your generous review. We are happy that you enjoyed the neighborhood and San Diego. Come again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

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

Spacious home in a great location

We loved our week stay at Dorothy's cottage for our family of 5. The home is really spacious, which suited our teenagers well, and it was the perfect location for exploring San Diego and its amazing beaches.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2024
Thank you for your generosity in responding to the rug issue. We welcome your return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great neighborhood and host

The neighborhood was close to things we wanted to do and see—most within 10 minutes. And the house met our needs for occasional cooking very well. Quiet streets. Accommodating hosts.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2025
Hello Margit. Thank you for your nice review. I hope your memories of Urban Cottage are special. Cheers Dorothy and Jerry.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann R S K.

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

Wonderful house, wonderful neighborhood!

We loved this sweet, welcoming house! We felt so at home there! The house has a great back deck looking out over a lovely little yard with a bird feeder and so many pretty birds! The interior of the house was so open and inviting and the beds were all very comfortable with high-end bedding. The neighborhood is just the best, with so many great restaurants within walking distance. Harland’s was just three blocks away, with the most wonderful breakfast tacos. Such a great stay!
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Apr 2025
Thank you Ann for your communication skills which kept us in touch during your stay. Thank you too for this helpful review. We will have to try Harland’s!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

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

Enjoy this cottage

Lovely cottage. Fully equipped. We have stayed here many times. Great neighborhood with quiet residential streets, excellent restaurants, shops and grocery stores within walking distance or a few minutes of driving.We highly recommend.
Stayed 35 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Constantina Z.

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

Charming cottage

Comfortable and enjoyable!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindi G.

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

Charming home in South Park

This 2-bedroom home was just what we were looking for. Close to so many things in San Diego. Quiet street. Perfect for walking or catching the bus 2 blocks away. Hope to return again.
Stayed 22 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jan 2025
Thank you for your lovely review. We look forward to your next visit. Dorothy and Jerry.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney A.

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

Great space!

Everything you needed to make it an easy stay - washer/dryer, plenty of clean towels, coffee, blankets, utensils, pots & pans, books, access to Apple TV, etc... Space was very large, but very cozy in decoration. Great for a family! Loved our stay and would stay here again when visiting!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2024
Thank you Courtney. it was a delight to host you! i’m so glad you enjoyed your stay. We will keep the lights on for your return
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaime J.

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

Great Cottage in a Cute Neighborhood

We enjoyed our stay at this cute cottage. Centrally located in a historical neighborhood, with great restaurants nearby, we explored San Diego with most destinations being just a short drive. Really comfortable beds, well supplied kitchen, nice outside space. Would definitely stay here again. Five stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Great location, great property

We really enjoyed our stay! The house is very roomy, and is fully stocked with the odds and ends (condiments, spices, laundry detergent, etc) The location cannot be beat, and the neighborhood seems very safe. I would recommend this rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
Thank you for these nice words and thank you for choosing to stay with us at Urban Cottage. I hope you had a great time visiting the sights. Dorothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim B.

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

Wonderful cottage near Balboa Park

This cottage exceeded our expectations. A wonderful historic home that has been updated. Our party of 3 adults and 1 child had plenty of room to relax after taking in a day of activities. Great to have a deck and backyard to enjoy. Would stay here again for sure!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jun 2024
Thank you Jim for your well written review. We appreciate the 5 Star rating. we hope to accommodate you in the future, however the Rates may change.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Irma A.

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

Beautiful cottage!!!

This home was totally amazing!! Loved every bit of our stay!! House was perfectly clean, our host was amazing!! Dorothy was constantly in touch with us making sure our experience was perfect!! Would highly recommend this home!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun 2022
Thank you Irma for this excellent review. We so appreciate that you took the time to write. It helps us keep on our toes. We would welcome your return.

About the host

Hosted by Dorothy Gager

Host profile image
My husband and I are retired civil engineer, and educator, now artist. We have traveled China, Nepal, Lhasa, France, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Tangiers, Thailand, Cambodia, and most of the National Parks in the USA. My husband is a mountain climber and has climbed over 50 Sierra peaks including several in Yosemite. I read to Senior Centers Without Walls via a conference call. I also do art, and have a bronze piece (Junior Birdman) in the Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park. We are a long way from our roots which are in South Dakota, Indiana, and Montana. !!!

Why they chose this property

My husband's family moved from South Dakota to this San Diego home which we inherited. In 2014, it survived a fire which resulted in a fun total renovation. We love the persimmon tree which offers shade over the deck and abundantly produces fruit in October and November. Our father planted that tree 40 years ago. He also planted the sweetest naval orange tree whose fruit ripens in December through February.

What makes this property unique

In the soft San Diego evenings, you will love to sit in the glider on the back deck to watch the sun set over the palm trees. If you are a winter guest, you may enjoy the Persimmons and Naval and Mandarin oranges in the back yard, or a cozy fire in the living room. The flag on the desk in the living room is from our father's service in the Seabees during WWII. He served on Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific. Legend has it that the house served servicemen in another way. After our parents purchased the house, several return "guests" knocked on the door requesting "Evelyn". We think she was a great patriot!

Infrequently, guests have mentioned air traffic noise, but it does not bother most travelers. A white noise machine is available for the most sensitive.

Languages:

English

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