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For various reasons, more and more people are opting for non-traditional vacation rentals over hotels these days. And while staying in a stranger’s home may seem a little, well, strange at first, the accommodations typically end up being roomier and more comfortable than a hotel room. And with access to a full kitchen and other comforts of home, you’ll be able to save money while you travel.

San Diego has some wonderful options for AirBnB rentals located a few blocks or less from the beach. These are a few of the amazing deals we discovered.

Waterfront Apartment in the Heart of Pacific Beach

Photo credit: AirBnB

This one-bedroom apartment, which sleeps three, is in an amazing location. You can park your car when you arrive and not drive for the duration of your stay, because you’ll be able to walk to restaurants, bars, attractions and, of course, Pacific Beach.

Amenities include a full kitchen, a fireplace, free WiFi AND no extra charges for extra guests. The place is also air conditioned, so you can use it to escape the heat. Best of all, you’ll be steps away from the ocean.

The fee for this apartment averages $136 per night. Book here.

Kelly’s Kottage by the Beach

Photo credit: AirBnB

Can you believe you can sleep by the beach in San Diego for less than $100 per night? Kelly’s Kottage is a small (500 square foot) one-bedroom abode located just three blocks from Ocean Beach. The cottage has all the comforts of home, including a French press in the kitchen and a comfortable queen bed. This is definitely a no-frills accommodation, but when you’re staying in the Ocean Beach neighborhood, you’ll want to be out in the sun as much as possible.

Book Kelly’s Kottage here.

Another Charming Ocean Beach Bungalow

Photo credit: AirBnB

This one-bedroom beach bungalow has a queen bed, a futon that converts into a bed, and an air mattress. Five people can stay here comfortably, and the onsite lockable storage unit makes it a great vacation rental for surfers or families with beach equipment. The average cost of this charming place is $150 per night.

Book the beach bungalow here

A Spanish Casita in Coronado

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This beachy studio apartment is perfect for families or a girlfriends’ getaway. With one king bed and a set of bunk beds, four people can sleep here comfortably (and a fifth can take the couch). It’s close to all the best parts of Coronado, like Hotel del Coronado and the beach.  This place offers a free parking spot onsite, and it’s also pet-friendly.

The average cost of the Spanish casita is $229 per night. Check it out.

If You Want to Stay in Little Italy…

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San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood is located downtown. It’s filled with classic Italian restaurants, charming patio cafes, art galleries and shops. And this one-bedroom apartment is in the middle of it all, plus you’ll be close to Balboa Park and the Bay.

This apartment has two beds, so it can accommodate four. It’s kid-friendly and rents for around $100 per night. Book here

Live the Dream in Pacific Beach

Photo credit: AirBnB

For around $181 per night, this beautiful three-bedroom dream home can be yours. Impeccably furnished and beautifully designed, this house sleeps up to six comfortably (with extra air mattresses in case you want to make it eight) and is within walking distance of all Pacific Beach has to offer. Although with amenities like a backyard grill, a workspace, cable TV, an indoor fireplace and skylights, you may not want to leave.

Stay in Del Mar at this Magical Paradise

Photo credit: AirBnB

Del Mar is a prosperous beachfront community in San Diego County. If you’d prefer a quiet stay in a luxurious setting, this beautiful three-bedroom house is an ideal vacation rental. It’s just a block from the beach, and it’s within walking distance of plenty of restaurants, shops and parks. This picturesque home is in a gated community with a communal pool and hot tub and all the comforts of home.

To book this Del Mar paradise (typically for $350 nightly), get the details.

One of the best experiences you can have in San Diego is to grill your dinner on the beach. Check out some of the best spots for a beach BBQ.