Family-friendly vacation rentals in Lake San Marcos

Helen's home was a perfect fit for our family trip to San Diego. The house was extremely clean and well stocked with all of the basics that we needed in the kitchen (spices, zip lock bags, condiments, etc.) and the bathroom (shampoo, conditioner, body wash). The beds were all comfortable and all were well made with extra blankets and pillows. The living room areas were cozy yet functional. The hot tub was a wonderful way to unwind after running around all day - it was hot a ready to go for us when we arrived. Helen was very responsive and communicated well with us before and during our stay. We would love to stay here again! Bonus tip - There's a Dry Bar and Sephora in the shopping center down the street if you need to get hair/make up done for an event. We were in town for a family wedding and it was nice treat for us to get our hair and make up done.

Three Oaks was a lovely getaway! It was nice being a bit outside of town, very quiet & peaceful. The host was friendly, attentive & very welcoming. The bed was comfortable, something I have a problem with at most hotels I stay in. Will definitely come back on future visits to the area!

We enjoyed our stay at Kimberly's place. It was nice to be able to park in the garage. The upstairs area with the master bedroom, family room, kitchen was nice for hanging out. We enjoyed some of the board games that were at the house.

Absolutely stunning views and by far the best stocked place for a family that you can find. Very well laid out with lots of space and views. A home away from home with a much better view! A very fun town and not far from San Diego attractions. We would love to come back!!

I recently stayed at Dawn’s charming mountain cottage that felt like a hidden oasis. The breathtaking views and serene atmosphere captivated me from the start. The cottage was gorgeous, with rustic yet elegant decor that created a warm and inviting space. Large windows offered stunning panoramic views of the landscape. What impressed me most was how well-supplied the cottage was. The kitchen had everything I needed to prepare meals, and the cozy living area was perfect for relaxation with plenty of blankets and entertainment. Sipping coffee on the porch while enjoying the fresh mountain air was blissful. Overall, my stay was magical, and I highly recommend this beautiful getaway for anyone seeking comfort, tranquility, and stunning scenery. I can't wait to return!

Cynthia was easy to communicate with and the home was very welcoming. Had a wonderful stay.

This home was stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. Well laid out back patio, fire-pit, hot-tub. The garden space was beautiful. Flowers. Lots of greenery. Beds are totally comfortable. Excellent Pillows, soft, fluffy yet still great volume. Excellent newish appliances. The "Ice Bites" from the freezer are so cute. Silly right, but you gotta try them. The home is well laid out. Lots of privacy. Great gathering spaces. The kitchen was well equipped. I love this AirBnB and will keep my eyes on it in the event that more friends or family come to visit us here in San Diego.

I had a pleasant stay at this Airbnb! The space was exceptionally clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully organized. Everything from the linens to the kitchenware felt fresh and ready to use. The décor was simple yet inviting, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The host was attentive and provided detailed instructions for check-in and checkout, which made the process smooth and stress-free. The location was another highlight—perfectly situated near restaurants, shops, and parks, making it convenient to explore the area. Parking was straightforward, and the neighborhood felt safe and quiet. It’s clear the host puts a lot of care into making this property a great place for guests. However, one thing to note is the neighbor in the upstairs apartment. She keeps a very close watch on what’s happening outside, which felt a little intrusive at times. While it didn’t detract from the overall experience, it’s something to be aware of if privacy is a concern. Overall, I’d recommend!

Staying at Nancy's place was a fantastic experience for my family, a family of four including two children. The house is beautiful and Nancy was very helpful, friendly and accommodating. The kitchen is very well equipped, the front and back yards are lovely to sit in. The only difficulty we encountered was that we didn't have longer to stay! We would definitely stay here again and would recommend it to others.

Beautiful and peaceful home. Would definitely come back. Jeffery responds quick if anything is needed 🤩

We had a wonderful time spending Thanksgiving at Isabelle’s place. The house is so cozy and the beds were very comfortable. She had everything you would need to prepare a meal and a beautiful backyard to enjoy the weather. We brought our dog who had a great time exploring the yard and taking walks in the neighborhood. There are tons of great restaurants within walking distance and a couple of stores if you need to pick up groceries. Isabelle was a very responsive host and even left us some fresh baked cookies for us. We would definitely stay here again!

We had a great stay. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Great location to be near my daughter who lives near there. Fully stocked kitchen! Very clean. Good parking. Very communicative owner. Very clean. Comfy beds. Good cable tv. Overall, we are very satisfied. The price is very steep esp with all the added taxes and fees from the company. But that’s not because of the owner. I will rent again next year, too.

Though the room was a part of the house, it felt like a separate studio. The area was in a nice location and the host was very friendly. I couldn't find the remote and the host purchased and delivered the next day; very kind and responsive. They even had complimentary wine and beer to enjoy the stay. This place is a hidden gem and I do recommend if you're visiting or a quick getaway. Thank you so much!

Accommodations were spacious, clean, quiet and comfortable. They suited our needs (visiting daughter and husband in Kensington) perfectly. Parking was always available in a driveway, an important consideration where street parking is prevalent. Shower water was hot, climate controls easy to use. When we return to San Diego, this will be the first place we try to book.

The elephant in the room is the train. Let’s get that out of the way. You’re not going to stay anywhere close to the beaches or all the restaurants and shops available to you off the 101 in Encinitas and not deal with the train noise. With that aside, Lance’s place was the perfect little cottage for our long weekend. My wife and two teenage daughters had plenty of space available to us. The kitchen was well appointed. There is a washer and dryer outside in a shed attached to the house with easy access. I saw someone’s comment on another review of this place, and they said that having the washer and dryer outside was inconvenient in the event that it rains. 😏 I guess they’ve never been to Southern California before. Anyway, awesome fenced-in front yard with chairs, plenty of space for two vehicles in the driveway. Ultimately the access to all the shops restaurants and the beach was the driver and we scored with what the house had to offer. Will stay again.

We are so grateful to have been able to stay at Gwynn's place, it is so peaceful and lovely. Like a secret garden getaway. We loved all the small touches, and beauty of the space. Gwynn made us feel very welcome and comfortable! The pool is amazing and the outdoor spaces are delightful. Can't wait to stay here again.

Vanessa was very communicative & answered any questions right away. The location is PERFECT! A short walk to the beach. The house had so much for our kiddos to do & was fully equipped! Definitely kid friendly. The kitchen had everything you could need! The pool and hot tub were beautiful & clean! The downfall to the hot tub, is you have to turn it on an hour before you use it each time. I believe it’s new so they’re still working out some kinks with the buttons. Vanessa was helpful with this though. There are also apartment complexes that look down into the yard, so not much privacy. I would rate this a 5, but there are a few cons. We had 8 people in our group, 3 being children. Thankfully we were all family so we snuggled in, but I think it’s more like a 6 person house or you are on small cots. You’re kind of on top of each other. The floors are creaky so no sleeping in once someone is awake & the furniture could use some updating. It was torn. Overall the location makes it 5 stars

Place is perfect for two adults or family with young kids. Good location. Beautiful surroundings. And very pleasant hosts. We will return when in the area. Highly recommend this place. Everything as listed and more.

Nima’s Airbnb is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the tranquility and beauty of the space. The home is impeccably clean, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with everything you could possibly need for a relaxing stay. The serene atmosphere made it feel like a true retreat, and every detail reflected care and consideration. Whether we were lounging in the cozy living space or enjoying the peaceful surroundings, it was clear that Nima has created something truly special. Nima himself is an exceptional host—responsive, thoughtful, and committed to ensuring a flawless experience. We’re already looking forward to our next stay and can’t recommend this place enough to anyone seeking a perfect getaway. Thank you, Nima, for sharing your beautiful space with us!

Highly recommend this host! We are a family of three and truly enjoyed our stay. The location is very convenient, has an upscale feel, and boasts a pleasant view of the bay from the balcony. The home was clean and well appointed. We appreciated the ease of entering the home and the prompt responses from the host whenever we had a question. We especially enjoyed the kitchen appliances, layout of the unit, and thoughtful amenities/accessories which allowed us to save on expenses by eating-in and planning our meals out. The neighborhood is safe and we felt secure in the home. The host was proactive in making sure it met our needs and ensuring the pool was ready for our stay. The pool was quite warm and kept clean. This is a home we'd certainly consider renting again. The furniture in the living room is a bit worn, but quite comfortable, and there are TVs throughout. WiFi was easy to connect with and all instructions are clear and easy to follow. Don't miss out on this one!

Wonderful home! Nick's place is very bright, open, spacious and quiet. Great location and very comfortable. Nick was an incredible host and we already plan on being back to stay again!

We really enjoyed our stay! The host was responsive to any questions I had. The place was clean and well kept. The property itself was great- dog friendly, close by to different restaurants and beaches. We will definitely be back!

Micki was a terrific host! She provided lightning fast communication, clear instructions, and helpful recommendations. The flat was cozy, the beds (including the sleeper sofa) were VERY comfortable. And the deck, pool, and hot tub were simply amazing. I HIGHLY recommend her Airbnb, and should we ever return to San Diego, we will stay with her again without hesitation. Our stay—from start to finish—was perfect! Thank you, Micki, for a fantastic stay!