Carlsbad, CA–With the sour economy and drug-inspired violence and kidnappings in Mexico, more and more Americans are opting for vacations on home soil.
They like the clean beaches of Del Mar, La Jolla, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside. They love the lush golf courses at Torrey Pines, La Costa and Aviara. Then there’s the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Wild Animal Park, Museums and Legoland–to name just a few of San Diego County’s attractions.
In addition to our ongoing San Diego Real estate practice, we also manage vacation rentals and are seeing strong reservation activity in this segment of our business. The vacation rentals we manage at Del Mar Beach Club stay booked almost all the time. San Diego vacationers from all over are stunned by the ocean views and love being so close to the Del Mar Race Track, local restaurants and and activities.
The condos at the La Costa Chateaus are also staying booked most of the time. Many of our guests are enrolled in one of the programs offered by the Chopra Center at La Costa Resort, while others simply love Carlsbad along with its beaches, tennis and year round golf opportunities.
Friends with an oceanfront unit at Oceanside’s North Coast Village also report strong vacation rental activity and are staying busy throughout the year.
Husband and partner Mike Murphy and I chat with a number of these visitors, and find that many return to San Diego each year and wouldn’t consider going any place else. Another group might have traditionally gone to Mexico or Europe for vacations, but have decided to play it safe and vacation in the United States instead. They are saving money–and their sense of security.
A number of local parents we know urged their college kids to take spring break at home in San Diego–and compromises were reached with trips to Palm Springs, Big Bear, Mammoth–or cruises where partying could be contained.
None went to Mexico this year–nor will they until Mexican drug violence and kidnappings are under control.
In the meantime, the vacation rental niche in the San Diego real estate market seems to be holding its own–if not actually thriving. This will be a segment of the market to watch in the coming months. If you are interested in Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad or Oceanside vacation rentals, call Mike Murphy at 760-402-9102
–by Roberta Murphy