Famous People Who Call San Diego Home
Celebrities, Rock Stars, Athletes & Billionaires
Greg Ross
CEO / Owner - Nancy's Vacation Rentals
Hollywood may be two hours north, but plenty of famous people have chosen San Diego over Los Angeles. From rock stars and Oscar winners to legendary athletes and some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, here's a look at the celebrities who live — or have lived — around San Diego County.
When people think about celebrity homes in Southern California, they usually think of Beverly Hills, Malibu or Hollywood.
But there's another place celebrities have quietly been escaping to for decades:
San Diego.
And honestly, can you blame them?
We have the beaches.
The weather.
Golf.
Surfing.
Large private estates.
And perhaps most importantly for someone famous:
It's possible to live here without feeling like you're living in Hollywood.
From La Jolla and Del Mar to Rancho Santa Fe and Encinitas, San Diego County has attracted an impressive collection of musicians, actors, athletes, entrepreneurs and other recognizable names.
Some were born here.
Some moved here.
Some maintain second homes.
And others lived here during important parts of their lives.
So let's take a tour through San Diego's surprisingly star-studded neighborhoods.
Tony Hawk — North County's Skateboarding Legend
We have to start with perhaps the most authentically San Diego celebrity on the list.
Tony Hawk.
Hawk grew up in San Diego and became one of the most influential skateboarders in history.
His connection to the region isn't simply that he bought a house here after becoming famous.
San Diego helped create Tony Hawk.
The region's skateboarding culture was part of the environment in which he developed, and he has maintained deep ties to North County throughout his career.
He's also the kind of celebrity San Diegans have occasionally encountered doing completely ordinary things around town.
For a city with skateboarding embedded in its DNA, it's appropriate that one of the sport's greatest icons still calls the area home.
Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz — La Jolla
One of San Diego's most spectacular celebrity properties belongs to music superstar Alicia Keys and producer Swizz Beatz.
The couple purchased the extraordinary La Jolla property commonly known as the Razor House.
Perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, the futuristic residence is one of the most recognizable pieces of modern residential architecture in San Diego.
The couple has referred to the property as “Dreamland.”
And once you see the setting, it's not difficult to understand why.
Jason Mraz — North County
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz didn't simply buy a big San Diego house.
He became a farmer.
Mraz has maintained a large agricultural property in North County known as Mraz Family Farms.
Among other things, the property has been associated with growing:
- Avocados
- Coffee
- Passionfruit
It's about as different from stereotypical rock-star life in Los Angeles as you can imagine.
Which may be exactly the point.
Bill Gates — Rancho Santa Fe Area
One of the world's most famous technology entrepreneurs also has significant ties to San Diego County.
Bill Gates has been associated with properties in the Rancho Santa Fe area, including equestrian property originally connected with his daughter's competitive riding.
Rancho Santa Fe makes sense for someone seeking privacy.
The community is known for:
- Large estate properties
- Equestrian facilities
- Gated communities
- Large lots
- Privacy
Unlike Beverly Hills, many Rancho Santa Fe estates aren't particularly visible from public roads.
For extremely recognizable residents, that's probably a feature rather than a bug.
Steve Perry — Del Mar
Yes.
That Steve Perry.
The legendary former lead singer of Journey has long been associated with the Del Mar area.
Perry possesses one of the most recognizable voices in rock history.
His songs include classics such as:
- Don't Stop Believin'
- Open Arms
- Faithfully
- Separate Ways
And instead of living permanently in the middle of Hollywood, Perry has been reported as making his home around coastal San Diego.
Bill Murray — San Diego County
This one surprises a lot of people.
Bill Murray has repeatedly been reported as owning property in inland North County.
The actor behind Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Caddyshack and Lost in Translation is famous for appearing unexpectedly in everyday situations.
So discovering Bill Murray somewhere in San Diego would somehow feel perfectly appropriate.
Kawhi Leonard — Rancho Santa Fe
NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard has strong San Diego roots.
Leonard played college basketball at San Diego State University before becoming an NBA champion and Finals MVP.
He later returned to Southern California and has been associated with a home in Rancho Santa Fe.
For Aztecs basketball fans, Kawhi isn't merely another celebrity with a San Diego property.
He's part of San Diego sports history.
Phil Mickelson — Rancho Santa Fe
Golf superstar Phil Mickelson has long had deep connections to San Diego.
He grew up here.
He attended University of San Diego High School.
And Torrey Pines became closely associated with his career.
Mickelson has also been a longtime Rancho Santa Fe-area resident.
For golfers, he's another celebrity whose connection to San Diego goes considerably deeper than simply owning real estate here.
Troy Polamalu — Rancho Santa Fe
Former Pittsburgh Steelers superstar and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu has also been associated with Rancho Santa Fe.
His instantly recognizable flowing hair made him one of the most visually distinctive players in NFL history.
After a career spent playing in Pittsburgh, Southern California offered a considerably different place to call home.
Deepak Chopra — La Jolla
Author and wellness figure Deepak Chopra has long-standing connections to the San Diego area and has been reported as residing in La Jolla.
His connection to San Diego also makes sense professionally, given the region's concentration of medical research, biotechnology and wellness organizations.
Pauly Shore — La Jolla
Comedian and actor Pauly Shore has also been reported as owning a home in La Jolla.
Known for films including Encino Man and Bio-Dome, Shore became one of the most recognizable comedy personalities of the 1990s.
La Jolla is a considerably quieter setting than the Sunset Strip world associated with his family's legendary Comedy Store.
Zandra Rhodes — Del Mar
International fashion designer Zandra Rhodes has long divided her time between England and Del Mar.
Rhodes became famous for her colorful designs and has dressed an extraordinary list of entertainers and public figures.
Her connection to Del Mar adds a bit of international fashion history to San Diego's celebrity population.
And Then There Are San Diego's Famous Former Residents
The list gets even more interesting when we include celebrities who once called San Diego County home.
Bing Crosby — Rancho Santa Fe
Few entertainers are more closely connected with old San Diego than Bing Crosby.
Crosby helped establish the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and became closely associated with the Del Mar racetrack.
His Rancho Santa Fe home became famous for celebrity gatherings.
Crosby's presence helped transform Del Mar into a glamorous destination for Hollywood celebrities during the 1930s and 1940s.
Howard Hughes — Rancho Santa Fe
The famously eccentric billionaire, aviator and filmmaker Howard Hughes also spent time in Rancho Santa Fe.
Given Hughes' legendary desire for privacy, Rancho Santa Fe was an almost perfect fit.
Gregory Peck — La Jolla
Academy Award-winning actor Gregory Peck wasn't simply someone who moved to La Jolla.
He was born there.
The future star of To Kill a Mockingbird was born in La Jolla in 1916.
His San Diego roots predate Hollywood fame entirely.
Cliff Robertson — La Jolla
Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson also had deep La Jolla connections.
Robertson grew up in the community and attended La Jolla High School before building a successful Hollywood career.
Jenny Craig — Rancho Santa Fe
Fitness and weight-management entrepreneur Jenny Craig became another well-known Rancho Santa Fe resident.
Her success helped make the Jenny Craig name internationally recognizable, while she and her husband also became prominent figures in horse racing.
Why Do So Many Famous People Choose San Diego?
The answer becomes obvious when you compare San Diego with Los Angeles.
A celebrity can live in La Jolla, Del Mar or Rancho Santa Fe and still be within reach of Los Angeles when work requires it.
But when they come home, they get something different.
Privacy.
Space.
Beaches.
Golf.
Excellent weather.
And considerably less of the celebrity culture surrounding Los Angeles.
Rancho Santa Fe: San Diego's Celebrity Hideaway
If there is one community that repeatedly appears on celebrity lists, it's Rancho Santa Fe.
And the reason isn't difficult to understand.
Rancho Santa Fe isn't about being seen.
It's almost the opposite.
Many estates sit on large parcels behind gates, landscaping and long private drives.
The community also has a long equestrian tradition.
Over the decades, residents and property owners have reportedly included:
- Bing Crosby
- Howard Hughes
- Bill Gates
- Phil Mickelson
- Kawhi Leonard
- Troy Polamalu
- Jenny Craig
- Bill Murray
For celebrities who don't particularly want to live like celebrities, Rancho Santa Fe has obvious appeal.
La Jolla: The Celebrity Oceanfront
Rancho Santa Fe offers acreage.
La Jolla offers the Pacific Ocean.
Dramatic cliffs, oceanfront architecture, excellent restaurants and proximity to downtown have attracted notable residents for generations.
Its celebrity connections stretch from Gregory Peck and Cliff Robertson to more recent names such as Alicia Keys.
Del Mar: Where Hollywood Came to Play
Del Mar's celebrity history goes back generations.
Bing Crosby helped put the community on Hollywood's social map through horse racing.
The famous slogan said it all:
“Where the Turf Meets the Surf.”
Hollywood stars traveled south for racing season, parties and beach life.
That tradition of wealthy and famous visitors never entirely disappeared.
Don't Turn This Into a Celebrity House Tour
There's an important distinction worth making.
These are people's homes.
We intentionally aren't providing exact residential addresses or directions to private properties.
The interesting story isn't which driveway a celebrity uses.
It's why San Diego has attracted so many accomplished and famous people in the first place.
Explore the neighborhoods.
Enjoy the beaches.
Eat at the restaurants.
Visit the places that made these communities famous.
And let the people who live there enjoy the same San Diego lifestyle everyone else came here for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do celebrities really live in San Diego?
Yes. Numerous entertainers, athletes and prominent business figures have maintained primary residences, second homes or other properties throughout San Diego County.
Where do most celebrities live in San Diego?
Three communities appear particularly frequently in reports about celebrity residents: Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla and Del Mar. Encinitas and other North County communities also have notable residents.
Does Tony Hawk live in San Diego?
Tony Hawk grew up in San Diego County and has maintained strong residential and professional ties to North County for decades.
Does Alicia Keys have a house in San Diego?
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz purchased La Jolla's famous Razor House, an architecturally significant residence overlooking the Pacific.
Does Bill Gates own property in San Diego?
Bill Gates has been widely reported as having property interests in the Rancho Santa Fe area, including property associated with his family's equestrian activities.
What famous musicians have lived in San Diego?
San Diego County has been associated with musicians including Steve Perry, Jason Mraz, Alicia Keys and many others. The region has also produced numerous internationally successful musicians and bands.
What famous actors came from La Jolla?
Gregory Peck was born in La Jolla, while Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson grew up there and attended La Jolla High School.
San Diego's Biggest Celebrity May Be San Diego Itself
There's something interesting about this list.
Many of these people could live almost anywhere.
They have the money to choose Malibu.
Beverly Hills.
Manhattan.
Miami.
London.
Or practically anywhere else.
Yet generations of successful entertainers, athletes and entrepreneurs have chosen San Diego.
Maybe that's the real story.
You don't need to be famous to understand why.
Spend a sunset in La Jolla.
Walk the beach in Del Mar.
Drive through the rolling hills of Rancho Santa Fe.
Watch surfers in Encinitas.
And suddenly the decision makes perfect sense.
Discover San Diego Like a Local
At Nancy's Vacation Rentals, we've spent more than 25 years helping visitors experience San Diego's coastal communities.
Our San Diego Hidden Gems — A Local Guide series explores the neighborhoods, restaurants, history and unexpected stories that make San Diego much more interesting once you get beyond the usual tourist attractions.
And apparently we're not the only ones who think this is a pretty great place to live.
Live Like a Celebrity — At Least for Your Vacation
You don't need a Rancho Santa Fe estate or a multimillion-dollar La Jolla mansion to experience the San Diego lifestyle.
Stay near the coast and explore the beaches, restaurants, neighborhoods and hidden gems that have attracted people here for generations.
Explore Nancy's Vacation Rentals
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Discover famous people who live or have lived in San Diego, from Tony Hawk and Alicia Keys to Bill Gates, Steve Perry, Jason Mraz, Kawhi Leonard, Phil Mickelson and Hollywood legends.
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