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Just 20 miles south of U.S.-Mexico border, Rosarito is an easy day trip from San Diego. But it’s worth sticking around longer, particularly when factoring in the border crossing – and all the things to do.
The San Ysidro Border Crossing, where Interstate 5 crosses into Tijuana, is the world’s busiest land border crossing. But if you leave during the early morning, you can usually get in fairly quickly — coming back into the states can take a bit longer, though. For some people, flying in and renting a car is easier.
But once in Rosarito, you’ll find this Pacific Coast city enjoys the same idyllic weather as southern California: cooler in the summer thanks to the ocean breeze, with plenty of sun shining down year-round. It also boasts gorgeous beaches, with a laid-back and relaxed vibe to remind you you’re in Mexico, not hectic San Diego or L.A.
These Rosarito airbnbs provide the perfect spot for relaxing in the sun and sand, enjoying cold cervezas with friends, trying mouthwatering cuisine, and otherwise enjoying the low-key vibes of this fun coastal town.
1. Majestic Panoramas at K38
Why you should stay: A beachfront condo with some of the most helpful staff you’ll find in Mexico.
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $79/night
This 1,750-square-foot condo boasts a wrap-around balcony with 270-degree views of the Pacific. So you can watch surfers ride the K38 swell while keeping an eye out for passing grey whales or and marvel at the colorful sunsets to ensure every day ends on a high note. Security guards not only ensure safety but provide insider tips, arrange for reliable taxi services, and might even show you around town.
While the space includes all the essentials like a fireplace, washer and dryer, and full kitchen, you won’t want to miss dining at nearby Restaurante Popotia, just a few minutes away on the water.
Check Availability2. Vacation Home With Rooftop Patio
Why you should stay: Accommodating host and a rooftop patio to rival any beachfront hotel.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $203/night
Walk to the beach from this tranquil Baja vacation home in a gated community that comes complete with a gorgeous ocean view. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Rosarito, it comes with all you need for a fun escape, including a fabulous rooftop patio with a BBQ grill for cooking against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
You’ll have lots of options when it comes to dining. The kitchen is roomy and inviting, but you’ll have incredibly tasty tacos available just next door at Chile. If you’re looking for a lux dining experience, your host can arrange a private chef to come to the home. Massage services and guided tours of Guadalupe Valley wine country are possible, too.
Check Availability3. Villa Felicidad
Why you should stay: An ocean view, semi-private beach, and three bedrooms for under $100.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $99/night
Villa Felicidad is a luxurious villa in Rosarito’s Playa Arcangel community, far enough from the urban noise but close enough to town to easily go back and forth. Part of a gated complex, it comes with 24/7 security as well as access to a semi-private beach, oceanfront pool, and hot tub. You won’t have to worry about stocking up on bottled water, as you have to some places in Mexico, since filtered water is provided from every tap in the house. Of airbnbs in Rosarito, this is one of the most affordable, especially considering it sleeps three couples.
Check Availability“The view of the ocean is amazing and pictures don’t do it justice! The place was very clean, modern and comfortable. Beds were on point, pillows were great!”
4. Big Beautiful House Near Beach
Why you should stay: A high-end home for huge groups, complete with a dedicated caretaker.
- Sleeps: 16+
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $536/night
Ideal for a large group stay, this Rosarito house has nine bedrooms. But if that’s not enough, there’s another home on the property; an interior patio divides the two. Rent both, and as many as 26 guests can comfortably stay.
You’ll be just a mile from the beach and Papas and Beer, a popular beachfront venue with highly rated food and drink, along with live music on two stages, an ocean-view pool, and more.
The home comes with all the essentials, including a caretaker. Charlie will ensure you have everything you need, provide recommendations for restaurants, and otherwise assist with whatever you need to have a great time.
Check Availability5. Luxury Beachfront Home
Why you should stay: One of the best airbnbs in Rosarito for surfers (or anyone who likes lux amenities and design.)
- Sleeps: 13
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $638/night
Located in a gated, guarded community between Rosarito and Tijuana, this luxury beachfront home provides the ultimate retreat. You’ll have access to a swimming pool, tennis courts, four restaurants, and a market, with the sand just steps away. In fact, a private beach sits just below the home with direct access to outstanding surfing. It even comes with complimentary use of surfboards, boogie boards, and beach chairs. Or, just relax on the balcony watching others ride the waves while keeping an eye out for the dolphins and whales that frequently pass by.
The 4,000-square-foot estate is magnificent and comes with lots of upscale amenities, including two fireplaces and a player piano. It’s one of the pricier airbnbs in Rosarito, but if you have a group of friends who surf, it could be the ultimate way to take a friends vacation to Mexico.
Check Availability6. Modern Casita in Las Gaviotas
Why you should stay: Stunning ocean views from inside and out in a home with lots of Mexican flair.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $175/night
This quintessential Mexican casita with modern comforts is located in Las Gaviotas, a private gated community. A hilltop condo with floor-to-ceiling sliding bay doors, it provides spectacular ocean views and is just a five-minute walk to a private sandy beach. You’ll have access to the community’s other amenities too, like an oceanfront pool and spa. It has an extremely open-air feel, so it may not be the best choice for travelers with concerns about bugs or friendly little lizards.
Check Availability7. Casa de Alexia
Why you should stay: Extra-spacious, clean, and in a convenient location with amazing ocean views.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 night
- Rates from: $250/night
Located just a hop, skip, and a jump from Puerto Nuevo — the famous “Lobster Village” which draws visitors from across the globe for its langosta and unique shops — Casa de Alexia boasts jaw-dropping ocean views from every room and two balconies. It’s filled with beautiful Mexican beach-style decor and has access to a shared pool.
Check Availability“The host is such a nice person ! The place is beautiful and gorgeous. You won’t regret booking here. The views are to die for and had a great time with my friends. Thank you Claudia for everything!”
8. El Descanso
Why you should stay: Rooftop terrace, beautiful decor, and all the necessary extras for the perfect day at the beach.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $160/night
A beautiful home inside and out, El Descanso offers both ocean and mountain views on a lot just 10 minutes to Puerto Nuevo and 20 minutes to Rosarito Beach. Located in a private community with 24/7 security, it has a warm, welcoming feel, plenty of space to stretch out, and a kitchen with everything you need to cook – though there’s an outdoor grill if you prefer to spend your evenings outside instead.
Sparkling clean, guests often note the home’s tranquil feel, fabulous outdoor patio, stunning view from the rooftop terrace and the outstanding host. Beach accessories like towels, chairs, and umbrellas are complimentary with your stay.
9. Casa Sanchez
Why you should stay: Surf in the a.m., enjoy fresh lobster for dinner, then fall asleep to the sounds of the waves.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $225/night
Located in the private, gated development of Las Gaviotas with 24/7 guarded security and friendly residents, Casa Sanchez is close to all the top surf spots and is just steps from the sand. It’d probably take about 25 seconds to go from breakfast to feet in the ocean. It includes just about every imaginable amenity, from ultra-comfortable beds to an outstanding Bose speaker system. But the true highlights are the two huge balconies with panoramic ocean views.
You can wake up to views of the Pacific then take advantage of all the community offers, like the oceanfront pool and tennis and volleyball courts. And Taco Surf, a French bistro, and a market are just across the street. Or in just five minutes, you can be ordering a lobster dinner at Villa Ortega in Puerto Nuevo.
Check AvailabilityPlan Your Trip to Rosarito
- Rent an ATV to ride on the beach and through the towering dunes just outside the village of Primo Tapia.
- Hike to the top of Cerro El Coronel for an incredible view of Rosarito and the endless blue of the Pacific. Guided hikes are available through multiple outfitters like Baja Coast Hiking and Adventuras en la Baja.
- Indulge in mouthwatering lobster at Puerto Nuevo, the “Lobster Village,” which hosts dozens of eateries and shops catering to lobster lovers.
- Explore the Arts and Crafts Marketplace in downtown Rosarito with dozens of shops selling unique artisan items, silver jewelry, leather, art, and much more.
- Surf the world-class waves at famous K38 or take a surfing lesson near the Rosarito Beach pier to learn to stand on a board for the first time.
- Check out Baja Studios, a famous movie set over the hill next to Popotla, built to film many of the scenes in 1997’s “Titanic.” It’s also been used to shoot scenes from famous movies and T.V. shows like “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Master and Commander” and “Pearl Harbor.”
- End your days by watching a brilliant golden orange sunset over the Pacific.
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Seen in: Mexico, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Mexico