So, this being our first trip to San Diego from Arizona, we wanted to avoid super touristy areas like Mission Beach, but I should have researched a little better about family friendly areas. Ocean Beach is a really neat eclectic area and if I were younger and not older with a toddler, it would have totally been my jam. But other than the beach itself there wasn’t a lot of family friendly options in the area, mostly bars. It also didn’t feel super safe walking downtown with our toddler when a number of homeless people we were walking by and trying to talk to her. If I were younger and there to do more partying, I would have loved that area. That being said, I would have probably also have loved the AirBnB if I had been there to not sleep much.
Cons: The light and the noise—paper thin walls in a very high traffic (both car and foot) area, plus planes going right overhead, plus a very loud window a/c unit in the bedroom. All of those together made it very very noisy. Really bright lights and no way to make it dimmer in there. I would bring a mask and earplugs if you like dark and quiet. The bathroom—weird sewer smell that permeated the rest of the place the longer we stayed there, non-existent shower pressure (it took like 10 minutes to rinse conditioner from my hair), and a huge wad of hair on the drain when we got there. The hose out front to rinse sand off we couldn’t get to work. We weren’t given a wifi password. Listing said beach chairs and stuff were provided but there was only one adult chair. Parking was a huge pain, we had to park pretty far away most nights, my husband got extremely agitated circling and circling for parking.
Pros: Great price for right on the water. Other than the shower hair, the place seemed very clean and smelled like bleach when we got there. Cute and plenty of room. Beds were comfortable. Plenty of kitchen supplies. Toiletries were provided, I especially appreciated the makeup wipes as I forgot mine! Also appreciated the beach towels. We also appreciated the washer and dryer as the toddler got super messy at the beach and we were able to wash some clothes.
All in all, it’s definitely a great price for right on the water, but it could use a little love. If you’re not there with a toddler or to sleep a much it would be perfect!