9 Best Hostels in San Diego

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel is your ultimate San Diego base, just steps from Mission Beach and a short walk to Sail Bay Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a shared kitchen for cooking up snacks, and a lounge with nightly entertainment.

Close to SeaWorld, Old Town, and Sunset Cliffs, ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel keeps you near all the must-see spots. Rooms come with shared bathrooms and fresh linens.

With the University of San Diego 8.6 km away and San Diego International Airport just 7 km from the hostel, it’s a convenient and comfy spot for exploring the city.

Samesun Ocean Beach is the newest addition to the Samesun family, previously known as USA Hostels Ocean Beach. This award-winning hostel is located in the heart of Ocean Beach community in California.

Samesun Ocean Beach offers a range of private and dorm rooms with large common spaces and an open-air concept. The local staff are knowledgeable about the area and can help arrange bike and board rentals for further exploration. The beach, great restaurants, and breweries are all nearby, and with easy transport to other neighborhoods in San Diego, Ocean Beach is a great base for exploring.

Samesun Ocean Beach has a strict policy regarding guest age, ID requirements, and outside guests. The kitchen is open from 7am-10am, providing coffee, tea, and snacks.

Gaslamp Hostel is tucked inside a historic 1880s building right in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The hostel’s Victorian atrium channels old-school Wild West vibes while providing modern comfort.

Steps from outdoor cafes and San Diego’s year-round sunshine, Gaslamp Hostel puts you close to top spots like the San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, and Coronado’s pristine beaches.

Inside, enjoy privacy panels on dorm beds, a sleek communal kitchen, cozy bedding, and air conditioning. Extras include fast WiFi, spa-like bathrooms, complimentary breakfast, and handy amenities like lockers with outlets. Early check-in and late check-out are available, adding to the convenience of your stay.

Stay Classy, located in San Diego, offers guests a comfortable stay with amenities such as a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is conveniently located near popular attractions such as the San Diego Convention Center, USS Midway Museum, and Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Guests can enjoy playing billiards, and Stay Classy provides luggage storage and a shared kitchen. Each room includes a shared bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, located 5 km away.

HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel is located in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp quarter, and it offers a renovated and modern urban hostel experience for travelers seeking shared and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable social spaces to meet new people. The friendly staff is dedicated to ensuring that guests have an enjoyable stay in San Diego.

Amenities include free coffee and tea, 24-hour front desk, self-guided tours and activities, game room with pool table and arcade games, free linens and towels, bicycle parking, luggage storage, and more.

HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel is conveniently located within walking distance from the Amtrak and Greyhound Station and accessible by public transportation from the airport or beyond.

ITH San Diego Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel aims to provide travelers with memorable, authentic, and unique experiences by connecting them with local culture, neighborhoods, and adventures. At ITH San Diego Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel, guests can enjoy a passion for community and exploring the city together, starting each day with a complimentary breakfast and advice on local activities.

Located on the sand in Pacific Beach, the hostel offers a private outdoor deck for socializing, taking in the waves and sunshine, and is in walking distance to amazing restaurants and popular bars. The bungalow-style building provides a friendly and fun atmosphere with plenty of outdoor and indoor lounge spaces for guests to relax or work from. Hosted social events are organized daily to encourage guests to connect with one another.

ITH San Diego Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel offers female-only and dorm-style rooms as well as private rooms with free Wi-Fi, and surfboard and wetsuit rentals available. By staying at ITH San Diego Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel, guests become part of a community dedicated to creating global, cultural, and sustainable relationships while supporting the implementation of sustainable measures in all hostels.

ITH San Diego Adventure Hostel brings San Diego’s essence to life from its charming Victorian digs in Little Italy. This adults-only hostel is your launchpad for downtown’s best spots and local secrets.

Unwind in style with options ranging from dorms to private rooms, all featuring free Wi-Fi and access to communal kitchens and lounges. Enjoy a free breakfast and swap stories with fellow explorers at one of the hostel’s organized social events.

With a commitment to sustainability and cultural immersion, ITH San Diego Adventure Hostel is all about forging connections and eco-friendly living. Just remember: proof of onward travel and a credit card for incidentals are required for your stay.

California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach offers an exciting and affordable hostel experience in the laid-back neighborhood of Ocean Beach in San Diego. With its excellent customer service, cleanliness, and comfortable amenities, it's the perfect place for backpackers to meet like-minded travelers from all over the world.

California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach is conveniently located near public transportation, supermarkets, and popular attractions, making it an ideal spot for beach and outdoor activities, great food, and making new friends.

Guests can rent surfboards, wetsuits, and bikes at the front desk to make the most out of their visit to sunny Southern California.

HI San Diego Downtown Hostel is a perfect base for backpackers who want to explore San Diego without spending too much. Located in the heart of downtown, it is within walking distance of Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and the waterfront. Public transport is easy to access, making it simple to reach Balboa Park, Old Town, or the beaches. The hostel offers both shared dorms and private rooms, so travelers can choose their level of privacy.

The social spaces at HI San Diego Downtown Hostel make it easy to meet other travelers. There is a communal kitchen, lounge area, and regular events like movie nights or local tours. It’s great for solo travelers who enjoy chatting and sharing experiences with people from all over the world. Clean bathrooms, lockers, and laundry facilities make longer stays convenient.

Guests love the friendly staff at HI San Diego Downtown Hostel, who are always ready with tips for local attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The hostel is safe, well-maintained, and provides free Wi-Fi, making it easy to plan your next adventure. Overall, it’s a reliable, social, and budget-friendly choice in San Diego.