In the heart of Golden Hill, San Diego, this home offers a unique retreat. Explore the walkable neighborhood with its beautiful homes and sense of community or relax in your own tropical oasis with a Koi pond and pier. Enjoy access to a full gourmet kitchen, two baths, BBQ area for outdoor dining and plenty of natural breeze.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5102 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown
Welcome to Serenity House — your peaceful tropical retreat in the heart of San Diego’s beautiful Golden Hill neighborhood.
Tucked into one of San Diego’s most charming and walkable historic neighborhoods, Serenity House offers a quiet escape just minutes from downtown, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Petco Park, Gaslamp, beaches, and more.
Step outside and enjoy the best of Golden Hill: - Walk 2 blocks to Starbucks or Dark Horse Coffee - Grab a famous slice at Luigi’s (locals love the “White Girl”) - Experience the vintage atmosphere of the Turf Club steakhouse - Be at Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo in minutes
Golden Hill is one of San Diego’s hidden gems — filled with beautiful historic homes, mature trees, local restaurants, and neighborhood charm.
The Space
Your private first-floor guest suite features:
✔ 2 bedrooms / 2 full bathrooms ✔ Full gourmet kitchen with granite countertops ✔ Fast hot water ✔ Comfortable living space for families, couples, or business travelers ✔ Pet-friendly outdoor area ✔ Cool ocean breezes that drift through the property
One of the most unique parts of Serenity House is the lush tropical yard, complete with an active koi pond and peaceful sitting areas. Guests often comment on how relaxing and refreshing the outdoor space feels — it’s typically several degrees cooler than outside the gate.
I built “The Barn” in 2010 and have lived on the property for over 20 years. I live upstairs on the second and third floors, while your guest space is completely on the first floor.
Guest Access
You’ll have access to: ✔ Your private first-floor unit ✔ Tropical patio & seating areas ✔ BBQ area ✔ Pet relief area ✔ Full kitchen and all amenities
Interaction With Guests
I live upstairs and am available if you need anything during your stay. I’m happy to answer questions, share neighborhood recommendations, or point you toward some local favorites.
A Few Things to Know
Like many neighborhoods near Balboa Park and downtown San Diego, we are under a flight path. Planes are part of city life here, though activity is generally much quieter later in the evening.
Parking is city-style and can occasionally be limited, so rideshare services like Uber/Lyft are often a great option for getting around quickly and affordably.
If you enjoy exploring like a local, Golden Hill is wonderfully walkable — coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and neighborhood gems are all nearby.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
In-room accessibility
No lift (single-level property)
Single level property
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking area is on exterior back patio
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the bay
Near the marina
Things to do
Golf
Basketball nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Note from host: Must clean up after pets, fees apply for items
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
No late nite outdoor activities as in triplex
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking area is on exterior back patio
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 late nite outdoor activities as in triplex
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number STR-00674L, 624342
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Golden Hill, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Balboa Park and San Diego Bay, while USS Midway Museum and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for San Diego Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails. Visit our San Diego travel guide
Is Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown located?
Located in Golden Hill, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of San Diego City College and Balboa Park. Petco Park and San Diego Zoo are also within 3 miles (5 km). City College Trolley Station is 20 minutes by foot and 25th - Commercial Station is 22 minutes.
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Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Enjoyed our stay and was only an 8 minute drive from downtown. Having a parking spot was very convenient and communication with the owner was great. Checking in and out was very easy too.
Stayed there two nights and it was very comfortable. Really close to many things and for us, super quick drive to Petco Park, North Park, etc… would recommend
Daniel was very communicative and helpful throughout our stay. In spite of its stated size, its layout was great and provided enough space for all 5 of us. We loved the outdoor spaces to hang out and the beds were really comfortable. Thank you so much!
A pleasant stay but a little rough around the edges
We were a group of four adults and 1 toddler. Furniture and linens/towels were in good condition. We found the beds comfortable. Pleasantly surprised to find a high chair available to use! FYI: The AC is a separate unit located in the kitchen, it is not controlled by the wall thermostat. We didn't realize this the first day/night and got quite warm. A few items did need attention: the shower doors are not attached at the bottom so they swing back and forth when being moved, also the rail on the exterior of the door does not stay attached, the tub/shower diverter in the hallway bathroom is not working properly and the water is always split between the shower head and the spigot, some windows could not be opened due to missing hardware, some damaged blinds
This felt like home for me. Took a mini vacay to visit my daughter and it was perfect for relaxing. The patio was why I rented it and it did not disappoint. I am a plant lover, so I felt at peace. Will definitely be renting this again for a longer stay and I loved the host.
So enjoyed meeting Daniel and his dogs, he was super friendly.. His place is charming, spacious and clean. Loved the outdoor sitting area with so many different kinds of plants and shade and fountains. Walking distance to restaurants and a grocery store and coffee shops and you have free parking…I’ll definitely be back
The owner, Dan, was attentuve ti our needs and friendly to speak to. He gave an overall view of the property's history. I would recommend this property. However, the amount of greenery throught out the outside was a bit much for our taste.
Spacious accommodations, and the location was perfect for our itinerary. Glad to have a designated parking spot. Would suggest a few more dishes/bowls/cups in the kitchen and fixing the bedroom door that sticks a bit. Overall a nice place to stay. We appreciated the tip to eat at Luigi's!! Also, be sure to check out Panchita's Bakery across the street. Your sweet tooth and wallet will be happy. :)
Knowing we would stay here again, truly wraps us our thoughts.
Patricia B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Juan manuel M.
28 Sept 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
En los detalles está la diferencia
Es una pena que con muy poco esfuerzo y dedicación el lugar hubiese sido perfecto. La ubicación es de auténtico diez, la casa tiene todas las comodidades necesarias, las camas son muy cómodas , habitaciones, baños y cocina limpias. El propietario agradable pero a penas tuvimos trato. Nos trajo una caja de botellas de agua.
A mejorar:
La entrada con la fuente de agua es un pasillo de acceso a un porche común que realmente es inservible para la estancia en la casa, todo lleno de trastos, muy sucio, comederos de gatos... El jardín es muy bonito pero no se puede disfrutar son todonestrechos pasillos de acceso, las plantas llenas de hojas secas, la fuente con figuras caidas. Sólo se dispone realmente de un pequeño patio con acceso desde la cocina que tuvimos que fregar el primer día, lleno de telas de araña y suelo con excrementos de aves. Las moscas y los mosquitos realmente son a cientos, hemos vuelto llenos de picaduras a casa. El menaje de cocina realmente escaso, mucha tapa de tupper y cacharros inútiles por todos lados. Las sartenes tuvimos que fregarlas el primer día con estropajo de aluminio ya que estaban negras.
Es una pena que sin invertir dinero, solo mejorando los detalles la casa estaría perfecta.
Great location as far as being close to Seaport Village Balboa Park San Diego Zoo
and downtown. You will also be amazed at how busy San Diego Airport is. An excellent place to come back to at the end of a long day.
Check-in was a breeze, as was check-out. We did have an incident where someone opened the door with our code at
3:24 am Monday morning...apparently, it was the next guest. I'm thinking the code needs to be changed between guests. Comfortable place, and the location is great - Luigi's Pizza, (meatball sub & calzone) is delicious!
We had a great stay! My two tween daughters and I came for a girls night together and really enjoyed ourselves. The property is in a charming neighborhood with lots of character. Location is perfect, close to everything, but nestled in a quiet spot. The hosts take excellent care of the place. A+++
We wanted a spacious house close in and this fit the bill perfectly. Daniel was very accomodating in allowing us to park in front and unload our large RV earlier than normal check in. Thank you for a wonderful visit!
Amazing location for our family holiday! Communication was prompt and easy. The lights on the porch area were such a nice welcome after a long days drive. The sleeping set up was great for a family of five with more space if needed. Beach chairs, toys and laundry access were added bonuses.