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San Diego Vacation Homes We Think Are Seriously Underpriced

By Maya Stewart January 16, 2026
San Diego Vacation Homes We Think Are Seriously Underpriced

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San Diego is the kind of place that spoils you with options. Perfect weather year-round, 70 miles of pristine coastline, world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to extend your stay the moment you arrive. Whether you’re chasing waves in Pacific Beach, exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter, watching sunsets in La Jolla, or simply soaking up that endless California sunshine, America’s Finest City delivers on every front.

But here’s the thing about San Diego: accommodations can get pricey, especially during peak season. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you, hunting down vacation homes that offer incredible value without sacrificing the experience. We’re talking about properties where the price tag doesn’t match the luxury level, where you get more space, better amenities, and prime locations for significantly less than you’d expect to pay.

We’ve curated a collection of San Diego vacation homes that we genuinely think are underpriced right now. These aren’t budget properties with corners cut. They’re well-appointed homes with pools, ocean views, modern kitchens, and thoughtful touches that make you feel like you’re getting away with something. From beachside bungalows perfect for couples to spacious family compounds near top attractions, these homes prove you don’t have to choose between quality and value. So pack your sunscreen, grab your flip-flops, and get ready to discover San Diego stays that deliver way more than their price tags suggest.

Entire Private Home with 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms, Hot Tub, King Bed, Garage, and Grand View

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Here’s where the value conversation gets real. This spacious San Diego family home sleeps up to 16 guests across four bedrooms with a perfect 5.0 rating from 35 guests, and here’s the kicker: there’s a $0 cleaning fee because the family personally takes care of their home. That alone saves you 15% compared to most other listings, making this one of the smartest bookings you’ll find in San Diego right now.

The property delivers on every front with mountain and pool views from every room, a gated backyard featuring a pool, hot tub, grill, and seating for 16+ guests. The master bedroom on the ground floor includes a king bed, baby crib, smart TV, ensuite bathroom with bathtub, and direct pool views. Three additional bedrooms offer two queen beds and another king bed in a spacious loft area, all equipped with smart TVs. With 2.5 fully stocked bathrooms including shampoo, body wash, hairdryers, and fresh towels, this home handles large groups with ease.

Entertainment options are seriously impressive. The living room features a 75-inch flat screen smart TV with cable (100+ free local channels), Smart Roku for Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, plus an Xbox game console. Fast 500 Mbps Wi-Fi makes remote work effortless, with dedicated workspace areas in multiple rooms. The modern kitchen comes fully equipped with all appliances including a coffee machine, plus essentials like coffee, cooking oil, sugar, and salt already stocked. Indoor and outdoor dining tables accommodate at least 16 people, perfect for group meals with those stunning views.

Parking is a dream with a secured garage and driveway space for four or more cars, plus ample street parking. Pets are welcome in the gated front and back yards, providing safe spaces for furry friends and kids to play. Located just five minutes from Mira Mesa and Poway, and 10 minutes to Escondido, you’re perfectly positioned to explore San Diego while enjoying a peaceful residential setting. Self check-in via lockbox makes arrival seamless, and the responsive hosts consistently earn praise for their communication and hospitality.

Ready to score serious value with a spacious San Diego home that costs way less than it should? Book this family retreat and discover why guests keep coming back for the unbeatable combination of space, amenities, and zero cleaning fees. See all photos and check availability here.

Sun-Setter

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When you find a ground-floor oceanfront condo directly on the Mission Beach boardwalk with guests saving an average of 26% compared to other platforms, you’ve hit the San Diego jackpot. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom coastal retreat sleeps up to eight guests and delivers the classic Southern California beach experience at a price that makes you wonder if there’s been a mistake. With a 4.9 rating from 30 guests praising the beautiful location, cleanliness, and spaciousness, this is where smart travelers come to maximize both experience and savings.

The ocean views are the star of the show, visible from the living room, dining room, kitchen, and private patio. Warm sunlight and sea breezes fill the open-concept main gathering spaces, creating that effortless coastal vibe you came to San Diego to experience. The fully equipped kitchen features bar seating perfect for casual meals, while the ground-floor oceanfront patio puts you right on the boardwalk for sunset watching and people-watching without ever leaving your rental. It’s the kind of setup where you can sip morning coffee while watching surfers catch waves, then transition seamlessly to evening cocktails as the sun dips into the Pacific.

Three bedrooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements with a queen master bedroom, a secondary retreat with two twin beds, and a third bedroom with a queen bed adjacent to the living room. A queen sleeper sofa in the living area accommodates two additional guests. Please note the front bedroom uses curtains for privacy rather than a door. Two full bathrooms handle morning routines smoothly, while the in-unit washer and dryer add convenience for longer stays or beach-heavy days. The outdoor shower is perfect for rinsing off sand before heading inside.

Practical perks include one designated parking spot in the carport (suitable for mid-size vehicles or smaller, with dimensions approximately 7.7ft H x 8ft W x 16ft L), a BBQ grill with propane for beachside cookouts, and a responsive management team consistently praised for their availability and assistance. The location is unbeatable: three miles from SeaWorld, eight miles from San Diego International Airport, 10 miles from the San Diego Zoo and downtown, and close enough to explore everything from Legoland to Temecula’s wine country. Like most coastal properties, this condo doesn’t have air conditioning but the ocean breezes keep things comfortable year-round.

Ready to score oceanfront Mission Beach living at 26% below market rate? Book Sun-Setter and discover why guests call this the perfect home base for San Diego adventures. Click to see more photos and reserve your dates today.

Luxurious Mediterranean Escape

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Here’s a property that punches way above its price point. This Mediterranean-inspired Pacific Beach retreat sleeps up to eight guests across three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, delivering Restoration Hardware sophistication and resort-style outdoor living for significantly less than you’d expect in this prime location. With a 4.3 rating from seven reviews and positioned just one mile from the sand, this home offers the kind of California lifestyle most people only dream about.

The backyard oasis is where this property truly shines. Picture a sparkling pool (optional heating available), a pergola-covered outdoor dining area perfect for long lunches, a fire pit for s’mores and stargazing, and a BBQ grill ready for sunset cookouts. The open-concept chef’s kitchen features a breakfast bar and modern appliances that make meal prep feel effortless, while the sun-drenched interiors blend sophisticated design with comfortable living spaces. On cooler evenings, gather by the indoor fireplace and enjoy that cozy California vibe that makes you never want to leave.

Three beautifully appointed bedrooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements: a master with a king bed and ensuite bathroom, a second bedroom with a queen bed, and a third with a twin-over-full bunk bed perfect for kids or younger travelers. The home comfortably sleeps seven in beds, with space for eight total guests. Modern amenities include Wi-Fi, washer and dryer, air conditioning (available for $35/day), and thoughtful starter packs of essentials like soaps, paper products, dishwasher detergent, and laundry supplies. Beach chairs and towels are provided, so you can head straight to the sand without any extra stops.

The Pacific Beach neighborhood location is unbeatable, with Trader Joe’s, eateries, and shops all within walking distance. You’re just a mile from beach access, putting you close enough to enjoy ocean breezes and beach days while having a peaceful residential retreat to return to. Street and driveway parking eliminate the usual beach parking headaches. Optional pool heating runs $100/day plus tax with a three-day minimum, heating the pool to a comfortable 75-80°F. Please note this home is in a quiet neighborhood with a strict no-tolerance policy for excessive noise, making it ideal for families and quieter groups seeking relaxation over party vibes.

Ready to live the Mediterranean dream in Pacific Beach without the Mediterranean price tag? Book this luxurious escape and discover your own backyard paradise just steps from San Diego’s best beaches. Browse all photos and secure your stay here.

The Sleek Retreat

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When a property wins “House of the Year,” gets featured on HGTV’s House Hunters On Vacation and ABC’s Sweet Retreats, and has housed celebrities, you’d expect it to cost a fortune. But The Sleek Retreat delivers 3,000 square feet of jaw-dropping luxury on the Mission Bay boardwalk for way less than its pedigree suggests. Sleeping 10 to 12 guests across three bedrooms and three bathrooms with a 4.8 rating from 10 reviews, this is where you experience San Diego like the stars do without the star-level price tag.

This state-of-the-art property is dripped in luxury from the moment you walk in. A stained glass wall designed by a prominent New York artist whose work has been shown at the Met creates a striking statement piece in the sunken living room. Black granite floors flow throughout, complemented by a 25-foot stainless steel feature back-lit by blue neon, a 75-inch HD LCD TV, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the back patio where water views and sand between your toes become your daily reality. Professional massage chairs, a Lutron electronic lighting system, multiple zone sound systems with iPod hookups in each room, wet bars throughout, and an electronic fireplace that changes colors create an atmosphere of pure indulgence.

The master bedroom is a true masterpiece that deserves its own spotlight. An adjustable king-size Purple foam memory bed, massage chair, full blackout curtains, large HD LCD TV, spacious closets, wet bar, refrigerator, and microwave ensure you have everything at your fingertips. The showstopper is the sunken Roman Carrara white marble tub measuring eight feet by nine feet, fully equipped with golden fixtures and a beautiful stained glass skylight, all with bay views as your backdrop. Two additional bedrooms upstairs plus one downstairs offer flexible sleeping arrangements with a mix of king, queen, and double beds, plus a sofa bed in common areas.

The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Mission Bay, perfect for sunbathing, sunset cocktails, or simply taking in the California scenery that makes this location so special. The stunning high-end black granite kitchen looks out over the living room, making meal prep feel like part of the entertainment. A large two-car garage plus plenty of extra parking in nearby lots (including free parking at El Carmel Parking Lot) eliminates beach parking stress. Walking distance to Mission Beach, Belmont Park, Pacific Beach, and SeaWorld puts you at the center of San Diego’s best attractions. Wireless internet, fax machine, printer, scanner, and fully equipped office make this ideal for digital nomads or anyone mixing work with coastal living.

Ready to stay in San Diego’s #1 celebrity beach house at a fraction of what you’d expect? Book The Sleek Retreat and experience award-winning luxury on the Mission Bay boardwalk. Click here to view more photos and book your escape.

Deluxe Dover Retreat

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When you find a brand-new, sun-drenched tri-level home in one of South Mission Beach’s most coveted pockets positioned perfectly between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, you expect to pay top dollar. But Deluxe Dover Retreat delivers all that coastal luxury for significantly less than comparable new builds in this prime location. Sleeping up to 13 guests across five spacious bedrooms and 4.5 modern bathrooms with a 4.7 rating from three reviews, this is where families and friend groups discover the best of San Diego beach living without the usual price tag.

The location alone is worth the booking. You’re steps from morning beach walks, sun-soaked surf sessions, and paddleboarding on the bay, with unforgettable sunsets as your daily backdrop. The front patio features new landscaping, comfortable seating, and a firepit perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Inside, airy layouts and coastal-inspired details create spaces where gathering feels effortless and relaxing comes naturally. The spacious living room centers around a fireplace and flatscreen TV, while the modern kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar seating for four. The dining area seats six more, giving you room for the whole crew to enjoy meals together.

Five bedrooms offer incredible flexibility with a first-floor king bedroom with ensuite bathroom and TV, a second-floor queen with ensuite bathroom, balcony access, and TV, plus three third-floor bedrooms including two queens (one with ensuite bathroom, balcony, and TV) and a fun bunk room with a twin-over-full bunk bed plus twin trundle. The loft area adds even more sleeping space with two twin-size pullout sofas and two oversized lounge sacks, making this home perfect for larger groups or multi-family getaways. The second-floor balcony includes a BBQ for outdoor cooking with bay views.

Air conditioning split units and ceiling fans throughout keep everyone comfortable, while strong Wi-Fi and cable handle entertainment and remote work needs. Two laundry areas (pantry and garage) add serious convenience for longer stays or beach-heavy days. The home comes stocked with beach gear including chairs, umbrella, towels, boogie boards, and a wagon, plus starter packs of essentials like soaps, paper products, and detergents. Private garage parking for two vehicles eliminates the usual beach parking headaches, with nearby street parking along Mission Blvd if needed. The iconic boardwalk, charming local eateries, and endless beachside adventures are all just moments from your front door.

Ready to experience brand-new South Mission Beach luxury between the ocean and the bay? Book Deluxe Dover Retreat and discover why this prime location and modern design deliver way more value than the price suggests. See the full photo collection and reserve your coastal escape today.

Ocean Beach Retreat One Block From The Sand

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Here’s where value meets location in the best possible way. This brand-new remodeled beach home sits just one block from the white sandy, swim-friendly Pacific Ocean and the world-famous Ocean Beach Dog Beach, delivering prime coastal access at a price that feels almost too good to be true. With a perfect 5.0 rating from its first review and sleeping up to four guests (maximum two adults) across one bedroom and one bathroom, this charming single-family home is ideal for couples or small families seeking a peaceful Ocean Beach escape.

The interior is fresh from a head-to-toe remodel with new furniture, furnishings, and coastal-inspired décor throughout. Natural hardwood floors flow seamlessly through the space, while new windows flood the home with California sunlight. The main living area features a Smart TV with cable, a plush queen-size sleeper sofa, and a dining nook with seating for four. The fully stocked kitchen boasts new stainless steel appliances, crisp white cabinets, and sleek counters perfect for preparing meals after beach days. The bedroom includes a queen bed and large armoire for storage, while the full bathroom features an enclosed shower.

What truly sets this property apart is the rare large fully fenced yard, a serious find in Ocean Beach and perfect for furry friends. The new large patio leads down a couple of steps to the lush backyard, complete with a BBQ, dining set for four, additional seating, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off sand. The home welcomes one large or two small dogs (friendly breeds only, no barkers please), making this a dream rental for travelers who refuse to leave their four-legged family members behind. Beach essentials include two beach chairs, four beach towels, complimentary boogie boards, and sand toys.

Located in a quiet Ocean Beach neighborhood just blocks from Newport Ave’s endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options, you’re perfectly positioned to experience everything this laid-back beach community offers. World-class surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking rentals are all minutes away. The washer and dryer on the back patio add convenience for longer stays. Please note this home does not include reserved parking, but overnight street parking is available nearby at no fee (watch for street sweeping restrictions). Guest requirements include a minimum age of 30 to book, and the home maintains a strict good neighbor policy with noise kept to appropriate levels.

Ready to score a brand-new Ocean Beach retreat one block from the sand with a fenced yard for your pup? Book this charming coastal home and discover why prime location doesn’t have to mean premium prices. Click to view more photos and book your beach getaway.

Hillside Hideaway I

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When you stumble upon a property designed by renowned modernist architect Homer Delawie at an underpriced rate, you book it immediately and ask questions later. This lower-level 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom architectural gem sleeps up to four guests and delivers a perfect 5.0 rating from 13 guests who recognize they’ve discovered something truly special. Delawie, a master of elegant simplicity and post-WWII design, is celebrated throughout San Diego with many of his works now designated as historical landmarks. This home is a noteworthy and unique example of his iconic style.

The signature Delawie touch is immediately apparent in the vast glass windows that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, creating that seamless California indoor-outdoor living experience that defines mid-century modern architecture. Natural light floods the space, showcasing clean lines and thoughtful design that has stood the test of time. Two bedrooms each feature queen beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for couples or small families, while the shared bathroom serves the space efficiently in true modernist fashion.

Modern amenities include air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, washer and dryer, and a fully equipped kitchen, ensuring comfort alongside architectural significance. Parking is included, eliminating one of San Diego’s typical headaches. The fact that you can stay in a piece of San Diego architectural history designed by a master whose other works command premium prices makes this property an absolute steal for design enthusiasts, architecture buffs, or anyone who appreciates staying somewhere with genuine character and story.

The 13 perfect reviews speak to guests who understand they’ve found something rare: a chance to live inside a work of art without paying gallery prices. Whether you’re an architecture student studying Delawie’s work, a design lover seeking inspiration, or simply someone who wants a beautiful, well-designed space in San Diego, Hillside Hideaway I delivers an experience you won’t find in cookie-cutter vacation rentals.

Ready to stay in an architectural masterpiece designed by a San Diego legend? Book Hillside Hideaway I and experience mid-century modern design at a price that makes this historical gem accessible to everyone. View photos and reserve your stay here.

Mission Hills

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When you find a Mission Hills apartment with harbor views in a quiet, historic neighborhood that’s still minutes from San Diego’s top attractions, you’ve hit the location lottery. This elegant 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom retreat sleeps up to six guests and delivers a 4.9 rating from 20 guests who appreciate the unbeatable combination of peaceful residential charm and easy access to everything San Diego offers. At a price point well below what you’d expect for Mission Hills living, this is where smart travelers come to experience one of San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods.

The apartment offers comfortable sleeping arrangements with two queen bedrooms plus a sofa bed in the common area, perfect for families or small groups. Modern amenities include air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, washer and dryer (shared with three other units on the property), and a fully equipped kitchen with microwave. The real draw is the outdoor space with stunning sunset harbor views from the shared front deck, creating that quintessential San Diego indoor-outdoor lifestyle. A grill adds the option for cookouts while taking in those water vistas that make this location so special.

Mission Hills is one of San Diego’s most walkable neighborhoods, and this property puts you right in the heart of it. Stroll to rooftop restaurants, boutique shops, or Old Town landmarks without ever needing your car. Quick access to freeways, public transit, and the bay makes exploring downtown, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and other San Diego highlights effortless. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, the location delivers convenience without sacrificing the peaceful residential vibe that makes coming home at the end of the day feel like a true retreat.

The property is pet-friendly with advance notice at $200 per pet per stay, making it ideal for travelers who refuse to leave furry family members behind. Please note there are three other units on the property that share only the front deck and washer/dryer, and the home maintains strict quiet hours after 10pm to respect the peaceful neighborhood. Exterior security cameras and noise decibel detectors protect guests, the property, and neighbors. A valid ID matching the reservation name is required at check-in, and a short-term rental agreement with virtual ID check must be completed before arrival.

Ready to experience Mission Hills living with harbor views at a price that feels like an insider secret? Book this elegant retreat and discover why guests consistently rate this peaceful yet perfectly located apartment nearly perfect. Click here to see more photos and secure your dates.

Elegant Coastal Haven

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When you find a newly built modern house just two blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach with ocean and city views, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and six separate outdoor spaces, you expect to pay a fortune. But this luxurious entertainer’s delight delivers approximately 2,500 square feet of upscale interior space designed with thoughtful attention to detail for significantly less than comparable new builds in this prime location. Sleeping up to 14 guests (10 adults max) with a stellar 4.9 rating from 37 reviews, this is where California dreaming becomes reality without the California price shock.

The ground level sets the tone with a wonderful open floorplan featuring a gourmet kitchen with sleek quartz counters, high-end Viking stainless steel appliances, and bar seating for three. Coffee lovers rejoice with a French Press, Nespresso machine, and drip coffee maker all provided. The dining area accommodates 8 to 10 people, while the living room boasts a cozy gas fireplace, plush sectional, 82-inch smart TV, and Sonos speaker system throughout. Fully retractable pocket sliding glass doors lead to a spacious patio with seating for six and a BBQ. A coastal chic bedroom on this level features a king bed, curved smart TV, and modern accordion doors opening to an exclusive patio with fire pit seating.

The second level delivers the master retreat of your dreams with sliding glass doors to a private sun balcony, spacious walk-in closet, curved smart TV mounted above a gas fireplace, work desk, and ensuite bathroom with dual vanity sinks, soaking spa tub, and separate shower. Two additional bedrooms include one with a Restoration Hardware adult full-size bunk bed and another nautical-inspired room with a queen bed, both with ensuite bathrooms and smart TVs. The third level sky loft is where indoor-outdoor living reaches its peak, featuring two full-size West Elm platform beds, 65-inch smart TV, wet bar, beverage refrigerator, full bathroom, and sliding glass doors opening to two individual rooftop areas each with seating and outdoor gas fireplaces. A Peloton streaming fitness bike adds convenient in-home workouts.

Health and wellness amenities include yoga mats, light hand weights, foam roller, diffuser, white noise and meditation sound therapy, Breville juicer, and Blendtec blender. Beach gear provided includes boogie boards, beach chairs, sand toys, and a beach wagon. The detached garage offers side-by-side parking for two vehicles with additional overnight street parking permitted. Located in a beautiful family-friendly area of North Pacific Beach where the locals hang, you’re walking distance to Java Earth Café, Leilani’s Hawaiian cuisine, Fig Tree Café, The Fishery, and Gelson’s grocery market. Within minutes you’ll reach SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, downtown, and the airport.

Ready to experience brand-new North Pacific Beach luxury with ocean views and six outdoor spaces? Book this elegant coastal haven and discover why 37 guests have rated this entertainer’s dream nearly perfect. View the full photo tour and book your California escape now.

Haines Heaven

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When you find a brand-new 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in Pacific Beach with bay views, a scenic rooftop with fire pit, and just a short walk to both the beach and town, you’ve discovered something special. This modern coastal oasis sleeps up to nine guests (with a maximum of nine adults) and delivers a 4.9 rating from 15 guests who consistently praise the excellent location, cleanliness, rooftop deck, and variety of beach equipment provided. At a price point well below what you’d expect for a new build in this prime Pacific Beach location, this is where smart travelers come to experience California coastal living.

The entry level features three spacious bedrooms including a master suite with a king bed, ensuite bathroom, and private patio complete with seating and a hammock for ultimate relaxation. The guest bedroom offers a queen bed with shared ensuite access, while the second guest bedroom provides a queen bed plus an off-set twin loft bed. Downstairs, kids will love the cool bunk room with two twin bunk beds (four twins total), a futon, and a large screen TV with fun coastal wall design. The third floor is where everyone gathers, featuring an open-plan space with jaw-dropping views, a fully stocked chef’s kitchen, and a large dining table perfect for shared meals.

The rooftop deck is the crown jewel of this property, featuring a cozy fire pit, canopy daybed, and love seats creating the ideal spot for soaking up summer sun, watching magical sunset colors, being awed by SeaWorld summer night fireworks, or gazing at stars. The ground-level patio offers al-fresco dining with seating and a grill, making outdoor entertaining effortless. Modern amenities include washer and dryer, central air conditioning, private garage parking, and all the beach gear you need including beach chairs, beach towels, boogie boards, and sand toys.

The prime Pacific Beach location puts you just one block from the Mission Bay boardwalk and a short walk to the beach, shopping, dining, and all the attractions this vibrant community offers. Whether you’re here for morning beach walks, afternoon paddleboarding on the bay, or evening strolls through town, everything is within easy reach. Please note this home is located in a high-density neighborhood suitable for quieter groups, with a minimum age requirement of 25 or family groups, exterior security cameras and decibel meters, and a strict no-smoking policy anywhere on the property including exterior areas.

Ready to experience brand-new Pacific Beach living with rooftop views and steps-to-everything convenience? Book this stunning coastal oasis and discover why guests consistently rate this modern retreat nearly perfect. See all photos and reserve your dates here.

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