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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

TV
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
TV
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 20 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, San Diego Black Ensemble Theater
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

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The U
North Park
  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Microwave
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About the area

San Diego

With a stay at this apartment in San Diego (University Heights), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. .This apartment is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Hotel Circle and 3.9 mi (6.3 km) from Petco Park.
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What's nearby

  • San Diego Black Ensemble Theater - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Diversionary Theatre - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Balboa Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • San Diego Natural History Museum - 5 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

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

Retro cottage apartment sleeps 2- 3. Thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between stays with contactless check-in. Perfect for a romantic getaway or road trip destination, a relaxing place to stay close to everything San Diego has to offer. Within minutes of downtown, walking distance to the world famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. 15 minutes from my favorite beach, Ocean Beach (OB).
You will walk into a private gated entrance on the community, which leads your private entrance. The cozy bedroom with a queen bed, with private bath, full kitchen, and a beautiful large garden to be enjoyed by all after a long day visiting all the amazing sights San Diego has to offer. BTW- North Park was voted as one of the hippiest communities to live in by Forbes magazine, do come and enjoy!

You will be able to stroll down from the complex to University Ave and engage all your senses in every delight and sight. No matter which direction you may head, you'll find yourself immersed in the pulse of San Diego. Enjoy!

Mosey down 30th street, walk over to the world famous Balboa Park, or catch a show at the Observatory. Check out the popular farmers market on Thursday, maybe visit one of the many new microbreweries in the area. Take advantage of the one-of-the-kind dining experiences North Park has to offer.

The property is very unique and unlike anything in the area. There is a lovely, large community garden with outdoor seating to enjoy the amazing weather that San Diego had to offer.

I live close by, but you will not see me. Myself and my assistant can assist you with any of your needs. Of course, you are welcome to text or call us anytime.

Uber, Lyft, Bird, run, walk, or stroll minutes to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. 15 minutes to the beach, 5 to 10 minutes to downtown, and only 15 minutes from the San Diego airport. Come enjoy!

There is no A/C but there is a portable fan (stored in the closet).

If this unit isn't available, please check my other units at this same property. Thanks!

https://www.vrbo.com/1353709?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=earned:vrbo:sharecopylink:USA&utm_content=1353709

AND

https://www.vrbo.com/1678969?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=earned:vrbo:sharecopylink:USA&utm_content=1678969
Make yourself comfortable in this apartment, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Take in the views from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

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

Living spaces

  • Living room

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
  • Unit size: 1 square foot

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 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

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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 transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Park Balboa Park Secret Oasis

New North Park Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis Apartment

New North Park Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis San Diego

New North Park Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis

New North Park Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis Apartment

New North Park Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis San Diego

Apartment New, North Park, Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis

New North Park Balboa Park Secret Garden Oasis Apartment

New North Park Balboa Park Secret Garden Oasis San Diego

Apartment New, North Park, Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis

New, North Park, Melanie's-2nd Secret Garden Oasis San Diego

New North Park Melanie's 2nd Secret Garden Oasis

New North Park Balboa Park Secret Garden Oasis

Apartment New, North Park, Balboa Park, Secret Garden Oasis

New, North Park, Balboa Park, Secret Garden Oasis San Diego

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Park Balboa Park Secret Oasis

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New North Park Melanie's 2nd Secret Garden Oasis

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

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 41 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Simone R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Payton C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice spot for two people! Cozy bedroom with lots of natural light!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne V.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Molly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Amos D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little apartment. Perfect for our short trip to San Diego!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Emma D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Eric S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Toni H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

GIGI M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

joni p.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

John A., Eugene, OR

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Ardys D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Gwyneth C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

batbara r.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

6/10 Okay

kelly k.

Liked: Cleanliness

Review

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

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Cindy M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

2/10 Terrible

Lorraine B.

Disliked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Melodi H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Russ R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Patty K., SAN FRANCISCO

Liked: Cleanliness

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

2/10 Terrible

Wade T., Denver, CO

Disliked: Cleanliness

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