The Murray House | San Diego Vacation Rental

The Murray House | San Diego Vacation Rental

House Manual

House Manual

The House Manual

Welcome to our San Diego vacation rental home! We hope you have a wonderful stay with us. Please take a few minutes to read through this house manual to ensure you get the most out of your stay.

Check-In and Check-Out: Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 10:00 AM. If you need to request an early check-in or late check-out, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

House Rules:

Our home is in a residential community populated by families and working professionals. We pride ourselves on being good neighbors and ask that you treat the home and our neighbors as you would your own.

We strictly enforce the following rules:

  • No smoking
  • No parties
  • No pets
  • Quiet time on the back patio after 10 p.m.
  • No firearms
  • No drug use, including marijuana

Amenities:

  • Wifi Network Name: themurrayhouse
  • Password: greatstay

Cue sticks, chalk and triangular rack are hanging on the wall behind the pool table. If you’re missing chalk or the triangular rack please let me know so I can send more over.

PLEASE DO NOT move the pool table, it takes time to level it when it gets moved. 

The hot tub temperature is set to 103 degrees. If you prefer a different temperature, kindly inform me. To remove the cover, pull one side onto the other and lift the entire cover towards the left. It will hang on the metal bar above and off the ground. Please replace the cover when the hot tub is not in use.

To light the fire pit:

  1. Push the knob in and turn a quarter to the left
  2. While holding the knob in push the igniter button
  3. Once fire is lit continue holding down the control knob for an additional 5 seconds
  4. Let the control knob out and continue turning to the left until desired flame size

If you run out of propane there is an additional tank in the beige container in the garage. The code to the lock on the container is 0000.

There are two thermostats in the house, one in the living room and one in the primary bedroom.

  • The thermostat in the living room controls the temperature of the west side of the house. This is the living room, dining room, kitchen and west wing bedroom.  
  • The thermostat in the primary bedroom controls the temperature of the rooms on the east side of the house. 

You are free to use the washer and dryer, they are located in the garage. Detergent is in the cabinet above the washing machine. Please do not wash more than 5 towels at a time. 

There are boogie boards, beach chairs and an umbrella in the garage. Feel free to use whatever you’d like. 

Where things are:

There are multiple fire extinguishers in the house. One is in the utility closet in the hallway and the other is under the sink in the kitchen. 

The microwave is in a labeled cabinet in the kitchen. 

Extra towels are under the sink in the vanity in the half bathroom off of the living room. 

If for some reason a breaker pops (this sometimes happens when large groups are there) there are two breaker boxes. One is on the east side of the house outside and there’s another in the shelf right in front of the door that leads to the garage. 

Trash

The trash cans are on the outside of the house on the west side next to the garage. The trash bins are moved out to the street Monday mornings and brought back in Tuesday morning. The blue bins are for recyclable materials and the gray one is for general trash. 

Emergencies

In case of an emergency, please dial 911 immediately. For non-emergency issues, please contact me (Josh) at 858-218-4799 or send an email to thebigmurrayhouse@gmail.com

Where to eat

The area around the house has a great dining scene with a variety of options to choose from. If you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in the area, here are a few you should check out:

  • Surf Rider Pizza – Known for its delicious pizza and extensive beer selection, Surf Rider Pizza is a must-visit spot in La Mesa.
  • Casa Gabriela – an upcoming Mexican restaurant that creates beautiful, delicious authentic Mexican food while creating the best pairings of a variety of drinks.
  • Farmer’s Table – Offering farm-to-table fare, this restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers and offers a seasonal menu that’s always changing.
  • Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano – If you’re in the mood for Italian food, Nonno’s is the place to go. With a menu featuring traditional Italian dishes, this restaurant is sure to satisfy.
  • Sheldon’s Service Station – This unique restaurant is housed in a former gas station and serves up delicious American comfort food, such as burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
  • The Hills Local Pub – A popular spot for craft beer and American pub fare, The Hills Local Pub also offers outdoor seating and live music on the weekends.

  • The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli – This cozy, family-owned cafe serves up breakfast and lunch classics with a personal touch, and has been a local favorite for years.

  • Casa de Pico – This festive Mexican restaurant serves up flavorful dishes and signature margaritas in a colorful, hacienda-style setting. Don’t miss their tableside guacamole or their sizzling fajitas.

What to do

As a long-time resident of this city, I know its nooks and crannies like the back of my hand. I have seen it grow and change over the years, and have discovered many hidden gems that visitors often miss. I am always excited to share my knowledge and help suggest activities that will make your stay here truly memorable. Whether you are looking for the best local cuisine, scenic hiking trails, or unique cultural experiences, I am happy to offer my insights and recommendations, please don’t be afraid to shoot me a message if you’d like suggestions 🙂

Here is a list of some of my favorite places:

  • Balboa Park: A 1,200-acre park in downtown San Diego featuring museums, gardens, theaters, and the San Diego Zoo.
  • USS Midway Museum: A maritime museum located on the decommissioned USS Midway aircraft carrier, offering interactive exhibits and guided tours.
  • San Diego Zoo: A world-renowned zoo located in Balboa Park, with over 3,700 animals representing over 650 species.
  • Seaport Village: A waterfront shopping and dining destination featuring local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Coronado Beach: A picturesque beach located on Coronado Island with golden sand and clear waters.
  • Gaslamp Quarter: A historic neighborhood in downtown San Diego with Victorian-style buildings, lively nightlife, and restaurants.
  • Old Town San Diego: A historic district featuring museums, restaurants, and shops showcasing San Diego’s early history.
  • La Jolla Cove: A scenic spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing with crystal-clear water and abundant marine life.
  • Birch Aquarium: An aquarium located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography showcasing marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
  • Cabrillo National Monument: A historic site featuring the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, hiking trails, and panoramic views of San Diego Bay.
  • San Diego Museum of Art: A fine arts museum located in Balboa Park, featuring European, Asian, and American art.
  • Belmont Park: An oceanfront amusement park in Mission Beach featuring a historic roller coaster and other rides.
  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: A coastal state park with hiking trails, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, and unique flora and fauna.
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum: A museum in Balboa Park featuring exhibits on aviation and space exploration.
  • San Diego Natural History Museum: A museum in Balboa Park featuring exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur fossils.
  • Museum of Photographic Arts: A museum in Balboa Park featuring exhibits on the history and art of photography.
  • Liberty Public Market: A public market featuring local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food.
  • Mission San Diego de Alcala: A historic mission established in 1769, the first of the 21 Spanish missions in California.
  • Snorkeling with the leopard sharks in La Jolla: During the summer months, hundreds of these docile sharks gather in the shallow waters near the Marine Room, creating an incredible opportunity for up-close encounters. 
  • Glider Port in La Jolla: The Glider Port in La Jolla is a popular spot for adrenaline seekers and spectators alike. Perched atop the cliffs, the Glider Port offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can watch as paragliders and hang gliders launch off the cliffs, soaring through the air and performing aerial maneuvers. For those feeling adventurous, tandem flights with experienced instructors are also available.