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Last update: Mar 27, 2024
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San Diego, where the beaches are as warm as the local tacos are spicy and the surfers are as chill as the craft beers are cold. But you don’t need to own a beachfront mansion to soak up the SoCal sun; the best youth hostels in San Diego are here to save your wallet. These places are more than just a spot to crash; they're your surfboard to ride the wave of local culture, adventure, and perhaps a burrito or two.
Short and crisp: Hostels in San Diego
#1 Top Rated Hostel in San Diego! Rating: 9.2
California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach stands out as the quintessential best youth hostel in San Diego for those craving a mix of sun, surf, and socializing. Nestled right in the heart of Ocean Beach, this gem offers easy access to sandy shores and bustling local eateries, making every day an adventure. With its vibrant communal areas and rooftop terrace, California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach is a magnet for backpackers looking to connect and share tales of their travels. Whether you’re here to catch waves or sunsets, California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach embodies the laid-back Californian dream with a dash of hostel camaraderie.
Prices start from $35.78 for a dorm and $89.48 for a private room.
Breakfast
Bike Rental
City Tours
Bike Tours
Board Games
Evening Entertainment
Gameroom
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Kitchen
Laundry
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Swimming Pool
Table Tennis
Themed Dinner Nights
Walking Tours
Rating: 9.0
ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel captures the spirit of San Diego’s surf culture, placing guests smack in the middle of the vibrant Mission Beach community. It’s more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to water sports, beach bonfires, and boardwalk escapades. The hostel’s social events and tours encourage guests to bond and explore together, making it a top pick for solo travelers and groups alike. With its friendly staff and cozy, colorful dorms, ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel is the go-to for those seeking the ultimate beach backpacker experience.
Prices start from $35.70 for a dorm and $105.27 for a private room.
Breakfast
Evening Entertainment
Gameroom
Kitchen
Rating: 8.9
Stay Classy is not just a hostel; it's an experience, offering a unique blend of comfort and social vibes in San Diego. Located in a quieter part of town, it’s perfect for travelers looking to explore San Diego’s attractions while having a tranquil base to return to. The communal kitchen and lounge area provide a great setting for making new friends, and the hostel’s variety of organized activities ensures there’s never a dull moment. Stay Classy is ideal for those seeking a classy yet affordable hostel stay, combining the best of both worlds.
Prices start from $54.48 for a dorm.
Board Games
Gameroom
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Pool Table
Rating: 9.0
Set in the heart of the city, International Travelers House Adventure Hostel is where adventure meets community. This hostel is famed for its daily free activities, ranging from sailing trips to pub crawls, designed to immerse guests in the local culture and foster friendships. The vibrant interior and communal spaces, including a cozy fire pit, make International Travelers House Adventure Hostel a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration. It’s the perfect spot for travelers eager to dive into San Diego’s rich tapestry of experiences with like-minded adventurers.
Prices start from $40.33 for a dorm and $80.16 for a private room.
Breakfast
Bike Rental
City Tours
Board Games
Evening Entertainment
Gameroom
Karaoke
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Pool Table
Rating: 8.9
California Dreams Hostel, situated in a bustling neighborhood, offers a serene haven with a friendly vibe. It’s all about the little luxuries here, from plush bedding to meticulously designed communal spaces, ensuring a comfortable stay. The hostel’s location makes it a strategic base for exploring San Diego’s famous sights and hidden gems. California Dreams Hostel stands out for its warm, inclusive atmosphere, inviting guests from all walks of life to come together, relax, and create memories. It’s an ideal choice for those who value both comfort and community.
Prices start from $38.09 for a dorm and $123.37 for a private room.
Breakfast
Bike Rental
City Tours
Bar
Bike Tours
Board Games
Evening Entertainment
Gameroom
Kitchen
Laundry
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Walking Tours
Rating: 8.7
In the pulsating heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Gaslamp Hostel offers an urban retreat for young travelers. This hostel is perfectly placed for nightlife enthusiasts, with easy access to the city’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants. The blend of historical charm and modern amenities, coupled with the friendly, outgoing staff, makes Gaslamp Hostel a favored spot for those looking to experience the city’s vibrant culture. It’s the ultimate urban hostel experience, where stories are shared and friendships are forged in the glow of neon lights.
Prices start from $38.82 for a dorm and $122.73 for a private room.
Breakfast
City Tours
Board Games
Evening Entertainment
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Walking Tours
Rating: 8.4
HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel serves as a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego. Offering a blend of historical elegance and contemporary comfort, this hostel provides a unique staying experience. Its prime location allows easy access to iconic landmarks and the waterfront, making it ideal for explorers. The hostel’s array of social spaces and activities foster a sense of community, ensuring guests have both the adventure of urban exploration and the warmth of new friendships. HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel is perfect for those seeking a mix of city life and hostel culture.
Prices start from $38.84 for a dorm and $119.27 for a private room.
Breakfast
City Tours
Bike Rental
Board Games
Gameroom
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Pool Table
Rating: 8.3
Located directly on the oceanfront, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel offers an unrivaled beach hostel experience. Guests can wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The laid-back, surf-inspired decor and the hostel’s commitment to providing a genuine San Diego experience make it a standout. With surfboard rentals and beach activities galore, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the surf culture and laid-back lifestyle of San Diego’s beach communities.
Prices start from $37.35 for a dorm and $138.14 for a private room.
Breakfast
Bike Rental
City Tours
Evening Entertainment
Gameroom
Kitchen
Laundry
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Walking Tours
Rating: 7.9
HI San Diego Downtown Hostel is where modern amenities meet the social heartbeat of San Diego’s downtown scene. Situated within walking distance to the Gaslamp Quarter and a variety of cultural hotspots, this hostel is a haven for travelers eager to dive into the city’s rich cultural and nightlife offerings. The hostel boasts a vibrant, friendly atmosphere with plenty of communal spaces for guests to mingle and share their stories. With a calendar packed with social activities and tours, HI San Diego Downtown Hostel ensures that guests have every opportunity to explore the city’s highlights together. Whether you’re here to enjoy the urban landscape or make new friends from around the globe, HI San Diego Downtown Hostel stands as a beacon for dynamic and engaging hostel life in San Diego.
Prices start from $40.12 for a dorm and $126.80 for a private room.
Gameroom
Kitchen
Pool Table
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in San Diego. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character
| 👨👩 Youth Hostel: | |
| 🏆 Overall Best Hostel: | |
| 🙋♀️ Female Solo-Traveler: | |
| 🤹 Solo-Traveler: | |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel with Kids: | |
| 🎉 Party Hostel: |
Let us talk about prices. Here is a graph showing you average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Still not sure? Pick this!
This is the overall best rated hostel in California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach. The overall rating is 9.2. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach starts from $17.89.
FAQ about San Diego Hostels
We've collected the most common questions for hostels in San Diego. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?
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