On Top of Sunset Cliffs

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Condo

Looking south-west along the cliffs from the master bedroom.

The mile long 'Ocean Beach' with the west coast's longest pier in the background

Watch the ocean or the 42 inch HD TV from the living area

Open floor plan with second bedroom in background.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 492.9 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Air conditioning
Hot tub
Washer
Outdoor space
Kitchen

Explore the area

San Diego, CA

SeaWorld
‪8 min drive‬
Mission Beach Boardwalk
‪9 min drive‬
Mission Beach
‪18 min drive‬
San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Balcony

Dining area

About this property

"I have to say, I dream of your condo daily…seriously! Our trip to San Diego just would not have been the same without our stay there. I even put the photo from the balcony on a photo Christmas ornament so that my sister and I could remember. " Julie K, guest from September 8, 2021.

If you want to enjoy the ocean and the amenities of San Diego, there’s no better place than On Top of Sunset Cliffs. Sitting right on top of the beginning of the cliffs, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo provides views and sounds of the waves from every room. If you get tired of being amazed by the pelicans flying by at eye level, counting the surfers riding the waves, or watching the superlative sunsets from your bedroom, balcony, or living room, there's always the oversized jetted tub to relieve your stress or watch one of the two HD televisions.

The stainless steel kitchen and open floor plan provides a wonderful ambiance for entertaining or simply for enjoying your time at home. All furnishings were purchased new in 2011.

It's close to all the attractions: Less than 3 miles to Sea World, 4 miles to the Trolly, 5 miles to Belmont Park, 8 miles to the San Diego Padre's ballpark and downtown San Diego, 9 miles to the San Diego Zoo and museums of Balboa Park, or 10 miles to the San Diego Charger's stadium.

It's all here.

Come and see why our guests love this place.
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Notes: From February 1 to April 15, a 14 night minimum is required. If you stay 31 days or more, you do not pay the City Transit Tax of 10,5% and you also receive a 8% discount on the nightly rate (stays for 7 nights receive a 5% discount). Children ages 8 and over are welcome.

Keywords: ocean front, ocean view, condo, surf, beach, Pacific, San Diego, Ocean Beach

Property manager

Donn Ritchie

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

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Ocean view
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Suitable for children: Pack and play and high chair are available at no charge.

Important information

You need to know

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

Property Registration Number STR-00662L, 600961

About the area

San Diego

Located in Ocean Beach, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this condo is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Seaport Village and Westfield UTC are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mission Bay and Mission Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Pechanga Arena or Petco Park. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.

San Diego, CA

What's nearby

Ocean Beach Pier - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
SeaWorld - 8 min drive - 5.9 km
Mission Bay - 8 min drive - 6.6 km
Mission Beach Boardwalk - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
Mission Beach - 18 min drive - 7.3 km

Getting around

Washington Street Station - 7 min drive
San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 17 min drive
San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

‪South Beach Bar & Grill - ‬14 min walk
‪Hodads Restaurant - ‬13 min walk
‪Kilowatt Brewing - ‬10 min walk
‪Pizzeria Luigi - ‬13 min walk
‪OB Noodle House Bar 1502 - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is On Top of Sunset Cliffs pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at On Top of Sunset Cliffs?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at On Top of Sunset Cliffs?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is On Top of Sunset Cliffs located?

Located in Ocean Beach, this condo building is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Mission Bay. Ocean Beach Pier and Ocean Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

laszlo v.

22 April 2025

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

Location, Location, Location

My adult son and I spent eight days at this property, and it was an excellent place for our reunion. The neighborhood itself is quiet, but only a few blocks away from the hip area of Ocean Beach, full of bars, restaurants, and beaches. The beds were comfy, the towels fluffy, and the views from the balcony unbeatable. I can't comment on the kitchen appliances, coffee maker, pots, and pans as we didn't use any. Bring along soap, shampoo, etc., as there was none when we arrived.

Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

15 March 2025

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

Sublime Sunset Cliffs Stay

A restorative week atop the Sunset Cliffs at this beautiful, comfortable condo.We didn't want to leave! Communication with Donn, our host, was easy,comprehensive and very helpful. The condo was spotless, well stocked and convenient to many wonderful restaurants, shopping and activities, notably the quirky farmer's market where we found delicious berries and fragrant flowers! We appreciated the security of a designated parking space in the garage, the ability to do our laundry in the basement using the laundry baskets provided by the host and the ease of access once we memorized the codes.My only suggestion is to provide a little stool for those of us who are vertically challenged. Saving the best for last, the most amazing feature of this lovely home is the balcony overlooking the cliffs and the ocean!! The design of the building affords you complete privacy when out there. It was mesmerizing to watch the waves crashing against the cliffs, the changing tides, the fearless surfers even on chilly days and the flocks of pelicans passing right in front of you! We hope to return soon...

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

21 May 2024

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

Perfect

The views are fantastic. Surfers right in front of you . Waves crashing . Perfect !

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne B.

8 May 2024

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

Breathtaking view

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Donn and Barb’s condo, “On Top of Sunset Cliffs”. The VIEW is amazing; so close to the water. We fell asleep listening to the ocean waves and woke up hearing the waves and seeing the beautiful blue water from the extremely comfortable bed. The condo is perfectly stocked and it’s apparent that the Ritchies thought of every need their guests may have. They provide you with a carefully detailed packet with loads of helpful info like nearest restaurants and grocery stores. Also suggested places to go and things to do. The pelicans fly by so closely you feel like you could touch them. We saw lots of dolphins and enjoyed watching the surfers, as well. Garage parking is an added bonus. We faced an unforeseen snag upon arrival (affecting the whole building, not just their unit) and Donn was quick to reply. He was even out of the country. He had not been informed and had no idea about the situation but began investigating. As he was waiting to hear back from authorities, he offered to reimburse us for a hotel room if it came to that, until the situation could be resolved. After we were given the “all clear”, we had a wonderful stay. Although this was totally out of his control, his quick response and willingness to reimburse us was awesome. He even credited us $100 for the inconvenience. The ordeal was quickly forgotten upon entering their lovely home. We have already booked a MONTH’s stay in the fall to celebrate our 45th anniversary. 🤗

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl A., AZ

29 November 2023

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

Amazing time at Top of Sunset Cliffs!

Our family had a wonderful experience at Donn & Barb’s beach apartment. The apartment was SPARKLING clean and stocked with all the necessities needed for a week-long vacation; plenty of paper products, soap and general kitchen items (sugar, salt/pepper, etc.) The view was beyond our expectations. The balcony was very roomy and outfitted with 4 very comfortable and sturdy balcony chairs (I usually am not a fan of these style of chairs, but these were so easy to just hop on and comfortable enough to read a book for hours). Thanks for the extra attention to making the balcony inviting and comfortable. Excellent vacation rental… one of the best…in my opinion. Thanks Don & Barb- We will be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie L., Birmingham, England

13 October 2023

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

Fabulous view

We loved our stay and spent many a happy hour on the balcony watching the sunset with pelican and surfer spotting added in. The property has everything you need and it was great listening to the waves crashing whilst going to sleep. We liked the location as it is convenient for getting around anywhere in San Diego whilst seeming a world away from city life.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

chris p., Casa Grande AZ.

24 September 2023

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

A Room with a View

What a beautiful unit. So private and the ocean views are spectacular. The pictures in VRBO are exactly as they are. Listening to the ocean waves crashing on the rocks was so soothing. I couldn’t get to sleep when I got home as I missed those sounds. The unit had everything anyone would need for a vacation get away. Definitely want to come back again.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

21 August 2023

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

Great place to stay

Very nice condo for up to four people. Fabulous location, very close to a lot of great restaurants and beaches. Easy trip to get into San Diego and all San Diego has to offer. We were there during the impending hurricane and they were enormously helpful and worked with their next guests to have an extra night there if we could not get a flight out sooner. They responded quickly and showed a lot of concern for our safety and comfort. I would highly recommend this as a place to stay. Ocean Beach is charming. We did rent a car and found having our own car very helpful.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcello R.

14 August 2023

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

Ocean beach - Great getaway

The condo is in a very good location; it is clean and large, We were a family of four adults and plenty of space to move around and share moments together on the balcony watching the sunset. Local eatery is fantastic, I would suggest Nico's Mexican and Luigi Pizza; the people are friendly and I would not hesitate to return.

Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M., Austin, Texas

11 August 2023

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

THIS IS THE PLACE!

If you want to stay in Ocean Beach, this is the place to be. The views are even better than in the photos, and you can pretty much walk to anything you want to do in the area. The owner was extremely nice and easy to work with.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vickie C.

4 August 2023

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

Sunset heaven

We had everything we needed. The condo views were perfect. Loved sleeping with patio doors open all night. Kept them open all day while there. It was just perfect. Close to food, geoceries, area attractions. Contact with Donn and Barb was easy if needed. They were always able to answer quickly. Will have to see availability and plan another trip just to be here again. Vickie from Kentucky

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James H., Yucuipa

1 August 2023

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

Fantastic Vacation

We had an amazing stay at this oceanfront condo! The host was fantastic, always attentive and helpful. The view from the balcony was breathtaking, and the condo was spotlessly clean. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend this place!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lana C.

12 July 2023

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

View can’t be beat

It was an easy check in, very attentive owners, and best of all, view was so beautiful from balcony.

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawn P.

16 June 2023

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

Excellent Place to Stay

As the title says excellent place to stay. When we arrived the condo was very clean. Spacious. Great location. Beautiful views from the balcony. Exterior of the building is being worked on, but never bothered our stay. It was nice having a private parking space. Owners were very helpful when we had questions. Within walking distance to Newport ave. Easy access to major highways. We enjoyed coffee every morning on the balcony. Hearing the waves crash against the cliffs was one of the highlights of the trip. We will definitely be staying again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris J., Seattle, WA, USA

26 April 2023

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

Ocean on your doorstep

As our guest remarked, "This condo isn't so much on the ocean as IN it!". It must have among the finest water views in San Diego. Truly mesmerizing.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wayne B., St Cloud, USA

31 October 2022

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

Great place

Great location to: restaurants, shopping and beach. Walking distance to most as well as safe area. Hosts were very responsive and accommodating. Enjoy the view from the balcony and listening to the waves. Would like to return in the future to relax and enjoy the area!!

Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Garnette C.

22 September 2022

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

Hot, hot, hot in San Diego!

Despite the abnormal heat in San Diego we had a great time! The view from the family room is a dream come true. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook and to enjoy our wine from Paso Robles.. We may make this a yearly trip!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ron S.

31 August 2022

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

Oceanfront

Great stay, spent two weeks no problems, wonderful host

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

26 August 2022

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

Great place to stay

Awesome view of the ocean. Nice unit. Was under renovation so a little loud, but the view more than made up for it.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Helen M.

29 July 2022

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

Sunset cliffs condo. 5 night stay

The host was very communitive and always answered back quickly. They made sure we had plenty of info for our stay and made us feel very welcome. The elevator was out of commission during our stay through no fault of the host and they even gave us a credit back on our stay for the inconvenience. The condo was very nice and beds were super comfy. I saw dolphins frolicking on several occasions from the balcony over looking the ocean. It was cool watching the boats and helicopters that would go by or the surfers. Bring binoculars with you to see whats out there. Overall we really enjoyed our stay there and i highly recommend this place and couldnt of asked for a better host. We stayed for 5 nights.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

4/10 Poor

Jennifer M., United States

23 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, location

Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

Great View But Too Many Issues - Checked out Early

Shortly before our arrival the host informed us in advance of problems that had arisen. Specifically, that a planned elevator renovation project was underway and the WiFi was non-functional. In both cases the host clearly wanted to downplay the implications of these issues and offered to credit us a an amount for each. These were not trivial issues. Even though the unit is on the 2nd floor, the garage is basically in the basement, so this is effectively a 3rd story climb every time you enter or leave the property, including for every load of laundry you need to do. The owner also indicated that noise caused by the elevator renovation was negligible (based on the input of a previous renter). It was not negligible. The unit has a security screen door with deadbolt, so you can safely leave the front door open to allow air to flow through during the day. Even when the high temps are in the 70’s outside, you need that airflow to keep it comfortable in the unit due to the humidity. This is because the advertised A/C does not exist in their unit. At the time of our booking, this was a listed amenity, and when we reached out to ask about it on arrival, we were first told that no units in the building had AC and then a later message stated that it was an old listing after we shared a screenshot of the listing. When the front door was open, it sounded like the hammering and radial saws were right in the unit with us. We texted 2 video clips to the hosts so that they’d understand what we were experiencing; hopefully they’ve since better communicated this to future guests. At the time of this review, we can see that the AC as an amenity has since been updated/ removed from the listing. Regarding the WiFi issue, the owners’ initial suggestion was that we take in the wonderful views and sounds of the ocean (which was fine) and then wait around the first morning of our stay so a technician could come in and complete a repair in the unit (not fine). He then made arrangements for us to use a neighbor’s WiFi, and arranged to have an acquaintance come stay in the unit while we went out. The WiFi was appreciated, but we didn’t feel comfortable leaving our belongings to a stranger, so we spent our morning waiting for the technician to complete his work. Also, the master bathroom tub's temp control only allowed for hot water, so we ended up using the smaller shower in the hall. Lastly, there are 3 beach towels, so be prepared to launder those or bring more.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maggie C.

18 June 2022

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

Great property, wonderful view, and the best host ever!

My daughter and I stayed here for a week. The view was spectacular. We enjoyed watching the surfers from the ample, private balcony. This place is a 5 minute walk to a cove and tide pools. Another 5 minutes will take you to Ocean Beach with sandy beach, shops and restaurants. The hosts were above and beyond anything I had ever experienced. Since there was no one before us we were able to check in early. They gifted us a 6 pack of microbrews plus a bottle of wine. And, when I accidently left my medications the cleaner mailed it to me. I would highly recommend a stay here.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Lisa R.

4 June 2022

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

Great views

We loved the view of the ocean and the sunsets. We also left window open in the master bedroom and fell asleep to the sound of the ocean. Nothing better. One recommendation is to put an actual light in the second bedroom

Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacy P.

17 May 2022

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

Amazing Views and Superb Hosts

The unobstructed ocean view is the first thing you notice when your walk through the front door. The first thing you hear is the sound of waves crashing up against the sheer cliff walls. #NeverGetsOld There were times when we didn’t even leave the condo because we were too busy enjoying the sunset and listening to the waves crash. It doesn’t get much better than that. #Paradise Donn and Barb were the perfect hosts. Communication throughout the entire rental process was quick, responsive. And the welcome wine and the and variety of local beers was definitely a nice touch! The furnishings were well maintained and supplies were plentiful — TP, towels, garbage bags, soap, Windex, sponges, etc. Donn and Barb paid close attention to details and successfully attempted to anticipate their clients’ needs — blow dryer, beach chairs, water bottles, cooler, and common spices in the spice rack. Simply put, I would rate my experience here a 20 out of 10. Can’t wait to come back someday!!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

28 April 2022

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

Ocean!

We could not have been any closer to the ocean and still on land. The hosts are fantastic! Above and beyond

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Donn Ritchie

We are both educators. We started our careers in Ohio, spent 10 years in Wyoming, and eventually moved to San Diego in 1990. Although we love to travel, once you visit here you'll see why we now live in San Diego. We now spend the winter months in the condo and the rest of the year traveling and living in Colorado.

Why they chose this property

Being teachers for over 30 years, we know how important it is to get away from 'normal life' and forget about work while relaxing in a new environment. We looked for a condo in San Diego for over 2 years before finding this gem. Ocean breezes, the sound of the waves, pelicans being so close that you can almost touch them, and the closeness to so many attractions make this a great place to live.

What makes this property unique

It takes about 1 minute to walk to the closest beach (just the time to walk down the stairs). A five minute walk south takes you to the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, and a five minute walk north takes you to downtown Ocean Beach, one of the most famous and unique communities in San Diego. With its farmer's market / street fair every Wednesday, it's a great place to pick up flowers, locally grown food, snacks, and see live entertainment.

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On Top of Sunset Cliffs

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property