Not all the best outdoor living in San Diego is on the beach.
Apartment hunting in San Diego can quickly get overwhelming. There’s so much to consider. Even beyond location, you have to think about what on-site amenities make up the perfect home.
As you look at killer pools, amazing rooftops and even high-end fitness centers, don’t forget to consider what kind of outdoor space is important to you. Maybe you need a nice, green courtyard where you can hang out with friends. You may want to try your hand at gardening and need somewhere to plant fresh veggies. Either way, the apartment communities featured on this list are just for you.
Tierrasanta Ridge
Source: Rent. / Tierrasanta Ridge
Grow fresh herbs and vegetables in the raised beds at the Tierrasanta Ridge community garden. One of this community’s many outdoor amenities, you’ll find this gardening space beside the tennis courts. With San Diego weather being so ideal, there’s not much you can’t grow here.
Situated in Tierrasanta, this community is an oasis in the urban bustle of San Diego. A park-filled neighborhood, living here puts you close to the largest municipal regional park in California. Mission Trails offers miles of hiking while giving you ample space to get in touch with nature.
Arcadia at Stonecrest Village
Source: Rent. / Arcadia at Stonecrest Village
It’s more of a multifunctional green space at Arcadia at Stonecrest Village. You get nice, tall trees, manicured bushes and a garden-like atmosphere to start. But, there’s also a biking/running path right through the middle. With a combined amenity like this, you’ll enjoy your exercise all the more.
Instead of the beach, when you live in Eastern San Diego, views are of canyons, hills and mountains. This diverse area gives outdoor enthusiasts a long list of recreational activities, from mountain biking to fishing, rock climbing to camping and so much more. This area is more than just an outdoor paradise. It has all the restaurants, shops and entertainment venues you’d expect out of the city, compacted into one convenient pocket.
Mariner’s Cove Apartments
Source: Rent. / Mariner’s Cove Apartments
Creating a soothing space between units, this courtyard area at Mariner’s Cove Apartments is green and vibrant. Manicured grass and tall trees give the entire area a park-like feel. It’s a tranquil space to spend a sunny day in San Diego for sure.
Beyond this green space, you’ll get serious beach vibes calling Ocean Beach home. This super chill, bohemian neighborhood is perfect for those who prefer to surf or sunbathe in their free time. You can even head down to Ocean Beach Pier for some fishing, or simply walk along the sand and listen to the water crash onto the shore.
Club Torrey Pines
Source: Rent. / Club Torrey Pines
Though it’s not officially a garden, there is ample greenery and nice landscaping around Club Torrey Pines. It provides plenty of local natural beauty to enjoy as you walk out of your apartment. The green space gives you nice views and establishes a more suburban atmosphere throughout the community.
Although the suburb of Carmel Valley isn’t known for its green spaces, this area is a great place to live because of its location. It’s a convenient spot to hop on the highway and go almost anywhere, whether you’re heading into San Diego, or up to Orange County. You’re also relatively close to the beaches of Del Mar and the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.
The Overlook at Bernardo Heights
Source: Rent. / The Overlook at Bernardo Heights
A mixture of hardscape and plant life makes the garden area at The Overlook at Bernardo Heights dynamic. Graveled sections contain more desert-friendly plants, while tall trees sit on the border casting shade throughout the entire area.
Locals consider Northeastern San Diego a great place to live because of its scenery. Here you’re surrounded by rolling hills and a sprawling landscape that’s dotted with gorgeous wineries (and breweries). For those who like to spend their outside time on the links, you’re also close to The Heights. This is a premier championship, 18-hole golf course and golf club.
Fashion Terrace
Source: Rent. / Fashion Terrace
The greenery may not be on the terrace at Fashion Terrace, but it’s hard to build a functional garden on the side of the hill. Instead, you’ll have to settle for this wild, colorful view of nature while chilling on the couches or enjoying a freshly grilled meal.
Living in Linda Vista gives you a solid mix of everything San Diego has to offer. Home to the University of San Diego, you’ll get a little slice of college life in addition to a vibrant local scene. The neighborhood also sits up on a mesa, allowing you to see all the way to the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay.
La Jolla Canyon
Source Rent. / La Jolla Canyon
Full of tropical vegetation, the courtyard at La Jolla Canyon makes walking to and from your apartment a delight. Bright Birds of Paradise add pops of color to the lush greenery which includes everything from palm fronds to leafy bushes. It’s almost hard to see the ground between the walking path at times because it’s so full of plants, trees and flowers.
Close to the University of California, San Diego, in University City, this area is definitely much more than a college town. Going right down the center, you’ll find Rose Canyon Open Space Park, with excellent hiking trails. The neighborhood also sits alongside a canyon. This area is rustic, peaceful, full of plant life and wildlife and provides a spectacular place for scenic views and picnicking.
Villas at Camino Bernardo
Source: Rent. / Villas at Camino Bernardo
Enjoy the courtyard area at Villas at Camino Bernardo by bringing along your favorite protein to girll and few hungry friends. Settle into the stone table and get the charcoal going on the grill to deliver an excellent alfresco meal. With green grass curving along the path and super-tall trees all over, you’ll dine in a little earthy wonderland.
If a gas grill is more your thing, follow the lawn to the pool area. Here’s where you’ll find another table` and propane grill outside the fence. This Northeastern San Diego community will then further entice you to stay outside thanks to its two heated swimming pools, spas and outdoor lighted tennis court.
El Dorado Hills
Source: Rent. / El Dorado Hills
An expansive courtyard gives you plenty of room to stretch out at El Dorado Hills. Another fantastically green Tierrasanta community, this area has it all. Among the large and bushy trees, you’ll find a gazebo-covered hot tub. Just beside this luxury amenity, there’s also a gas grill and umbrella-covered table for grabbing a freshly cooked bite to eat.
Beautiful landscaping flows throughout this community. It moves around other outdoor amenities that include a play area and pool. You’ll notice plenty of pine and eucalyptus trees as you wander through. Keeping to the outdoors is easy when you live here. This is thanks to its proximity to the beach, local parks and more than one popular outdoor mall.
Cresta Bella
Source: Rent. / Cresta Bella
Taking full advantage of the hardscape trend you’ll find across San Diego, Cresta Bella does a fine job of creating courtyard and garden space. Although there’s less greenery, the long rows of flowers add something special to this Northeastern San Diego community’s outdoor space.
Beyond the flower-lined path, you’ll also find an amazing stone fireplace. This area creates an ideal gathering place. There are multiple couches and chairs all facing the oversized fireplace. You’ll even find meticulous landscaping around the pool and cabanas, making it feel like you’re swimming in a typical San Diego garden as well.
Grab an apartment with one of the best gardens in San Diego
If outdoor space is what you crave, but you need more than just the beach, these San Diego apartments are great options. Within each, you’ll find some of the best gardens in San Diego.
This is true whether they manifest as a manicured courtyard or an actual garden where you can plant your own produce. Adding an amenity like this to your next home is a serious win.
