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Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Outdoor dining
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5102 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
San Diego, CA
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego City College
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Petco Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

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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.
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Balboa Park. Laundry facilities are available. The vacation home offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • 5 minutes by foot from Balboa Park and a 3-minute drive from Petco Park
As a guest of this vacation home, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,101 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 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 welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • 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

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No late nite outdoor activities as in triplex
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
Property Registration Number STR-00674L, 624342

Property is also known as

Golden Hill Serenity House Gas Lamp
Serenity House Gas Lamp
Golden Hill Serenity Gas Lamp
Serenity Gas Lamp
Golden Hill Serenity House Near Gas Lamp San Diego
Golden Hill Serenity House Near Gas Lamp Private vacation home

Tropical Oasis Near Zoo, Petco & Downtown Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Mary K.

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

Great place

Quite neiborhood. Close to many attractions.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula O.

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

Gaslamp area San Diego

Great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donae M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Troy S.

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

Great stay

Enjoy the location for the gongs we planned to do. Plenty of food options around the neighborhood. Place had everything we needed for the weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip N.

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

Nice property in good location w/parking spot.

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 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie J.

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

Excellent experience

Daniel is amazing and the location is perfect. Feels like a family members house. The beds are soooooo comfy too!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlos M.

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

Dodger vs Padres Game

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
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn C.

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

Great cozy place

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jonathan V.

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

Nice

The place was nice. Beds were excellent. The owner is very responsive any time I had a question.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna A.

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

Perfect LOCATION

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
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Sally C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Golden Hill

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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Karla M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Comfy

It had enough beds. A little concerned with a couple of critters. Since it hosted 5 it would be nice to have had 5 towels.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Betsy H.

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

Good choice

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. :)
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Bethany A.

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

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
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia B.

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

Perfect Area / Nice. stay

Knowing we would stay here again, truly wraps us our thoughts.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Juan manuel M.

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.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

James S.

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

Flight Path

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael B.

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

Nice house in nice neighborhood, close to Balboa Park.

An oasis of calm in a great location with off-street parking and friendly owners. Short drive to the zoo and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Janice M.

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

A Nice Stay

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

charles m.

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

Family visit

Great location and comfortable accommodations
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lee f.

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

perfect! so clean had everything we needed and more. beds sooo comfy.

we had a blast, wish we could have stayed longer, walking distance to everything! very responsive and friendly. hope to come back next year thanks
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

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

Great Stay

Spacious and clean property with everything you need Wonderful location, central to everything. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

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

Girls Night In

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+++
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judi S.

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

The location could not have been better

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!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing location for our San Diego stay

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022