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North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues

Photo gallery for North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues

A living room with a wooden cabinet, a television, a gray sofa, and a window with blinds. - North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues (San Diego)
A residential building with a two-story structure, a visible staircase, and a clear sky. - North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues (San Diego)
A bedroom with a bed, bedside table, and a shelf with items. - North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues (San Diego)
A gated entrance with a metal gate, a tree with bare branches, and a pathway leading to a building with a white facade. - North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues (San Diego)
A kitchen with a sink, stove, refrigerator, and a window with a view. - North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues (San Diego)
Minutes from downtown San Diego, this retro cottage apartment offers a relaxing getaway. Enter through a private gated entrance to your cozy bedroom with queen bed and private bath. Unwind in the beautiful large garden or stroll down University Avenue to engage all your senses.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Add dates for prices

About this property

North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues

  • 1-bedroom perfectly situated among award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shopping & coffee shops.

    Minutes from Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, downtown & popular beaches, you'll have easy access to the city's best attractions while enjoying the unique charm of a true local neighborhood. Whether you're visiting for work or leisure, you'll love the energy, convenience & character that make North Park one of San Diego's favorite destinations. Book your stay, experience it for yourself!

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Street parking available
  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating
  • Portable fan

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Please do not smoke on the premises

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Whale watching 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)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
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

Rules

Please be respectful of the neighbors and tenants in the building. Please read street parking signs to avoid tickets: 4th Tuesday of the month.
Quiet time after 10:00, if you are looking for a party place this is not the spot
Enjoy every moment of your stay

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please do not smoke on the premises

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
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 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 12340, STR-12340L

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Located in University Heights, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this apartment is near theme parks. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for USS Midway Museum, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby jet skiing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling. Visit our San Diego travel guide
View more Apartments in San Diego
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • A historic building with ornate architecture and a reflective pond with lily pads.
    Balboa Park
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • A zoo entrance with a panda sculpture, ticket booth, and people.
    San Diego Zoo
    4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • J.A. Cooley Museum
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • San Diego Black Ensemble Theater
    10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • The Observatory North Park
    19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Mission Valley Center Station
    4 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center
    11 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    20 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    9 min walk
  • Colima's Mexican Food
    7 min walk
  • 7-Eleven
    11 min walk
  • Pecs Bar
    4 min walk
  • Denny's
    11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues located?

Located in University Heights, this apartment building is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Balboa Park and 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from San Diego Zoo. Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego and San Diego Museum of Art are also within 2 miles (3 km).

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North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues Reviews

Reviews

Excellent

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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 43 reviews

9.2

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne S.

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

Great spot! Great host!

We had a very good time here, the host was lovely and gave us some great recommendations :) The space was clean, well looked after, and comfortable. So close to lots of fun things and good food. We would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Cindy M.

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

Good location, clean, adequate

This little old cottage was just what we needed, had more than we needed and was clean. Wish the parking was better and the heater was updated.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ardys D.

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

Excellent location and comfy rooms!

The cottage was perfect for two people and the host was exceptional. Francesca made us feel most welcome, almost part of the family. It was an easy walk to Morley Field, to University Heights, Hillcrest, and South Park. We walked home from the Zoo and Balboa Park Museums, but drove to the Maritime Museum and the Library downtown. We'll definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jennifer B.

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

Great apartment, great location

The apartment was fully appointed, spacious, clean, and comfortable, and easy walking distance to 2 bus lines and Balboa Park itself, as well as coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. The patio was pretty bare of plants and greenery so did not particularly have an inviting garden feel, but did offer plenty of seating.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

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

Quaint cottage in North Park

Great location near all the eats, drinks, and entertainment. Parking is rough in the evenings. Area is flat so walking from car to cottage was easy. Suggest ubering. Hotspot at the Lafayette Hotel within walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

joni p.

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

Warm get away

We arrived late at night, really difficult to find the little house with out a porch light on.Otherwise just fine. The rain had made the patio kinda messy but we still enjoyed the sunshine.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John A.

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

Perfect for What I Need

As a senior, I need a quiet place to rest in the afternoon and sleep at night. Visiting my son in North Park we were out early and walked 5-8 miles a day exploring different places. Everything (including my son) was an easy walk from this rental. I plan on returning.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Toni H.

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

San Diego

Apt was as i expected; perfect location as it was literally 6 blocks from my other daughters apt and walking distance to coffee etc. Had all the amenities that we needed for our short stay. There was an unusual heat wave of 89 degrees and there was a fan but somehow it didnt work that well as it think it needed to be cleaned.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emma D.

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

Conference stay

My friend and I stayed here for a few days while attending a conference in town. The cottage is small but super cute, nice neighborhood, walkable to restaurants and coffee. The only slight issues were that the heater, even when off, produced some heat. The shower had very low water pressure and felt like it couldn't fully rinse of soap/shampoo etc. Otherwise the host was quickly responsive and the cottage was very clean!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patty K.

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

Nice apartment in North Park

This is a small apartment but clean and comfortable. We stayed in this area because our daughter lives close by. It’s residential so I’m not sure if there are places to walk to but it’s a good location. Easy check in with a code. There are a couple of other units. There was good communication. It was quiet. We didn’t have any problems finding street parking.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melodi H.

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

Felicity

I had originally booked for an August trip, and was unable to make the trip, Francesca worked with me to push my reservations to this weekend. Was sent a door code a few days before, it was about 15 mins from airport. The unit was spotless, I am in love with the old kitchen cabinetry. I did at one point have a problem with the Wi-Fi but after checking with Francesca and a few people I knew in SD, it’s turned out that it was my provider. (AT&T) Looking forward to a return trip & hoping to try one of the upstairs units.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Russ R.

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

Awesome stay for near but out of downtown!

I was going to stay in a hotel downtown and I am SO VERY GLAD I chose instead to try a VRBO outside of downtown. This was a perfect experience. The location was perfect! Walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops (you must try Baja Betty’s) and a very calm and quaint neighborhood. The communication from the property owners was great. They were even flexible and when my dates shifted by a day, since there was availability, they said “No problem! “ and made the change for me. Internet worked great! Roomy shower with really hot water which was great too! Plenty of room for two! If you have a car, be aware of the parking restrictions…posted ONLY at the corners. No parking on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 7 am to 10 am for street sweeping. Got hit with a $56 parking fine. If I have to stay in the area again, I will look for Francesca’s properties!! Thank you so much for a great VRBO experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an excellent stay in this room! It felt like a home away from home. Location was perfect for our trip, nearby North Park and all the shops we wanted to visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Payton C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice spot for two people! Cozy bedroom with lots of natural light!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Molly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a lovely place! And the neighborhood was great too. Close to lots of things (park, Hillcrest, food, etc.). Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Simone R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was so cute, clean, and well maintained. The host was very kind and responsive. The property is also in a great location, so close to lots of fun places! We had a blast. Thank you so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amos D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute little apartment. Perfect for our short trip to San Diego!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Karen R.

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

Cute place and neighborhood

We enjoyed our stay in this very convenient one bedroom. Very close to restaurants and nice neighborhood. Parking is a bit tricky but we managed just fine. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Eric S.

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

Close to everywhere I wanted to go.

Attending my son's graduation and a little vacation while there. Minutes from airport, balboa park, San Diego zoo. Very pleasant cottage like dwelling, great for two. Coin operated washer and dryer on premises. On street parking available. Just make sure your back to your VRBO by 4/5pm. Just inherit to this area of San Diego.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

batbara r.

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

Tiniest of tips

This is a perfectly lovely place to stay and I will come again. You may wish to have a small fan available for bedroom. It was hot this weekend and that would have been the very best thing to have.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lauren R.

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

Great little place to stay

Great place to stay, my only complaint was a hair dryer was listed under amenities but couldn’t find one in unit. Also there were some hanging ornaments above bed that kept bumping into each other at night and making noise, I’d recommend moving these out of the bedroom. Other than that, great location and unit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

kelly k.

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Communication

Review

Very noisy in the area and the unit itself especially the furnace. Thin walls could here neighbors.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

GIGI M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Cute dwelling, nice neighborhood

The property is duplex, not a stand-alone cottage. It was a good size for two people, and close to our family member living nearby. Many restaurants, shops, bars etc. within walking distance. The site exterior photos need to be updated. There is not a garden anymore, it is all paved with patio chairs. Guests need to be told the name of the dwelling as well as the address. Confusing otherwise, but a nice neighbor showed us to the door.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Wade T.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Cancelled hours before stay

I received a cancellation a few hours before my stay was scheduled to begin and had to scramble to find another place for the night. Being a holiday weekend, this was not easy or cheap. Will not attempt to stay here in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Lorraine B.

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

Double Booked/Did not stay at unit

We booked the unit in July to be close to our daughter when she gave birth in October and arrived to find out the unit had been long-term books and we had not been cancelled. I am unable to say anything about the condition of the unit but the rating system only allows for 1-5 stars. The owner was contacted and apologized profusely, but it did take several hours of phone calls and emails to resolve. Overall, we were disappointed, but VRBO staff did find accommodation for us that first night and we were able to book a hotel instead of a VRBO for the remainder of our visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023