We have just returned from spending 2 weeks in Belinda's studio. It is very cosy and is like a really good size hotel room with the advantage of a kitchen area and private outside area where you can sit and relax. It has everything you need and Belinda is the perfect host leaving you to enjoy your holiday but is also able to answer any questions and suggest places to go.
She is a genuinely friendly person is passionate about California which is infectious. We would recommend the studio to anyone and our only problem was that 2 weeks was not enough!
The studio is close to the airport and you do not need a car to be able to get around. The trolley station and bus stops are just several minutes walk away and all of the main attractions - sea world, zoo, malls, beaches, downtown, harbour etc. are within reach by this excellent public transport system. The trolley will take you as far as the border with Mexico and just before the border you can visit the popular outlet village where many bargains can be had. The $5 day pass is great value as it can be used on both bus and the trolley which travels from as far south as the border way up to Santee north of San Diego.
The studio also has the main benefit of being centrally located yet in a quiet area so you can escape the hustle and bustle if you need to.
San Diego has a variety of areas to visit, the harbour is realy interesting and the gaslamp quarter is very cosmopolitan and a great place to eat and drink. You can even take in a Padres game downtown. The beaches are lovely and sandy and not overcrowded and there are so many to choose from.
We went whale watching (two for one tickets on Tuesdays!) and although we didn't see any whales on the day we went we did see a pod of about 800 dolphins who swam very close alongside the boat. Sea World is a must along with the zoo. If you like shopping there are several malls including Fashion Valley which has a Cheesecake Factory with a fantastic variety of food and great service.
There are also really good places to eat and bars locally within 5 - 15 minutes walk. The Regal Beagle has craft beers and a great sausage menu, Starlite bar has great Mac & Cheese and cocktails, and you can get Thai, Mexican, and Japanese food aswell as virtually anything else nearby. All have friendly staff and service is excellent.
If you are from Texas you can even get bottled Shiner from the local liquor store!
We would definitely go back to San Diego and Belinda's studio again and both come highly recommended.