San Diego Airbnb Review: Temple of the Toad and Mushroom

across one with a rather intriguing title: Temple of the Toad and Mushroom: Beachside Abode. Nestled into a quiet corner of the As We Wake community, this property is part of a non-profit aimed at connecting people with nature, health, and unity. The cottage, described as a “ceremonial experience,” features unique decor and vibrant wall art that reflect the spirituality of the community and invites transformation.

The listing offered exactly what I wanted: a three-minute walk to La Jolla Cove and downtown La Jolla’s shops and restaurants, tucked inside

a peaceful, private community. Booking it was an easy decision.

The process was simple. The host was responsive and communicative, and check-in was straightforward — they sent a door code upon booking. The cottage itself is over 100 years old. Its age is visible, but everything was in working order, and it offered all the amenities you’d need for a comfortable stay in the heart of La Jolla: a fully equipped kitchen, a large dresser, and a TV in the bedroom with streaming services like Disney+. There’s even a shared laundry room on-site. To the right of the cottage is a semi-private seating area, perfect for an intimate meal in the sunny San Diego weather.

Like most homes in the area, the cottage doesn’t have air conditioning, but there are plenty of windows that let in a lovely sea breeze during the warmer parts of the day. That said, the curtains are sheer, so privacy is a bit limited. There’s also a furnace in the living room that’s incredibly easy to use and quickly fills the house with warmth — in fact, we ended up getting a little too warm with it on!

At the center of the cottages is a grassy courtyard shared with the other guests, complete with a hammock and picnic benches. On some days, a friendly dog from the community might wander out

to play. In the evenings, the space is gently lit by the soft glow of lanterns hanging from each cottage, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind and recharge.

Another big selling point of the Temple of the Toad and Mushroom: its location. When you book this property, the host sends you a packet filled with nearby attractions and restaurant recommendations, fantastic for individuals less familiar with the area. On a whim, my boyfriend and I set out to find the hidden swing near La Jolla Cove, something neither of us had ever done. I’ll let you scour the internet for directions to the not-so-secret secret swing if you desire, but for us, half the fun was getting lost and figuring out where to go on our own. All you really need to know to get started: it’s along the La Jolla Cove Coast Walk Trail, just a short stroll from the cottage.

Pro tip: If you plan to make your way down to the secret beach, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty — and be prepared to feel like a rock climber as you cling to a rope and scramble your way down.

All in all, our weekend getaway was a success. We got out of the house, explored a part of La Jolla neither of us had seen before, ate dinner by the ocean, and enjoyed a cozy night in at the Temple of the Toad and Mushroom — complete with a working fireplace, a movie marathon, and a bottle of wine.

Just remember: when work picks up and life gets busy, make time for yourself, too. It may seem

impossible at times — especially if you’re working a full-time job or pursuing a degree — but I promise you, it’s not. Sometimes, you just have to get a little creative with maximizing your days off.

Hi! I’m Lindsay, a recent college grad turned full-time office worker in sunny San Diego. But I don’t let my day job stop me from exploring the world. How? Weekend getaways, holiday travel, and a clever use of time off. When I'm not editing copy or planning my next vacation, I'm on here, sharing my adventures and honest reviews with a bold community of travelers. Feel free to take a look around!