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The 10 Best California Hostels - Hostels in California, United States

Check out our pick of great hostels in California

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Samesun Ocean Beach 2 stars

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Facing the beachfront, Samesun Ocean Beach offers 2-star accommodation in San Diego and features a shared lounge and terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides an ATM, and luggage storage for guests.

Ocean Beach is 300 metres from the hostel, while Sunset Cliffs Beach is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, 6 km from Samesun Ocean Beach. I've stayed in various hostels in the past but never did I stay at a hostel that offered so much to its residents. The staff was immensely friendly and helpful, the hostel cute and colourful. I particularly enjoyed the back terrace where we could have breakfast or enjoy the still warm evening air. I felt safe from the level of security put in place, and all the utensils (in the kitchen) and the beach commodities (towels, surf boards, etc) put at our disposition made the hostel feel welcoming and full of adventures. Plus it was really clean! The location is great if you want a beach holiday, but there are many buses that would take you to the town centre, and the airport.

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9
Superb
1,638 reviews
Price from
£29
per night

Stay Classy

Downtown San Diego, San Diego

Stay Classy is well located in the centre of San Diego, and provides a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is located 1.4 km from San Diego Convention Center, 2.8 km from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station and 3.1 km from USS Midway Museum. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests.

The shared bathroom is equipped with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At the hostel each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the hostel. Without a doubt, it is not just one of the best, but unequivocally the best hostel I've encountered in my 20 years of travel experiences. The gentleman at the reception was exceptionally professional and friendly. Regrettably, I forgot to inquire about his name, but I do recall he hails from Argentina. The bed curtains and lockers ensured a 100% sense of privacy. Fortunately, my roommates were incredibly quiet during my two-night stay—no snoring or disturbances. I managed to sleep a solid 16 hours on my first night after a grueling 15-hour flight. Thanks to the hostel for providing such a conducive environment for a restful stay. One of the remarkable features was the balance between socializing and privacy. You could easily connect with someone if you felt like it, yet maintain your solitude when not in the mood for socializing. For those seeking interaction, the common area was perfect, and for those feeling weary, the pods offered a cozy retreat. A grocery store conveniently located just around the corner proved to be a blessing. This meant that even if you needed to purchase something after dark, there was no need to venture into the downtown area, ensuring your safety. The well-equipped kitchen catered to all the needs of a traveler. Overall, I have a deep appreciation for this hostel. I would undoubtedly return if I find myself in San Diego again.

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9
Superb
1,026 reviews
Price from
£41
per night

THE SECRET GARDEN

South Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Situated conveniently in the South Los Angeles district of Los Angeles, THE SECRET GARDEN is situated 1.4 km from California Science Center, 1.6 km from Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and 5.4 km from Staples Center. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set less than 1 km from LA Memorial Coliseum.

Microsoft Theater is 5.4 km from the hostel, while LA Union Station is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport, 16 km from THE SECRET GARDEN. Very comfortable and quiet house. The hostess very attentive to any need at all times

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9.2
Superb
10 reviews
Price from
£74
per night

Bodhi House, Joshua Tree National Park

Twentynine Palms

Situated in Twentynine Palms, 8.8 km from Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, Bodhi House, Joshua Tree National Park features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge. The property is set 22 km from Arch Rock Trailhead, 23 km from Skull Rock and 29 km from Pine City. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.

At the hostel rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. The property was fully equipped, comfortable, and near Joshua tree national park. The hosts were gracious and welcoming.

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9
Superb
77 reviews
Price from
£51
per night

Ocean Front Vortex Female Hostel private rooms Free bikes

Venice Beach, Los Angeles

Located in Los Angeles, 300 metres from Venice Beach, Ocean Front Vortex Female Hostel private rooms Free bikes provides accommodation with free bikes, private parking and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a patio. Fantastic spot to stay at when traveling solo! Location is right by the Venice beach and the area is safe, the room has access to private bathroom, heater and is tidy and clean - haven’t heard much outside noise either. Gary is a terrific host, makes you feel very welcomed and comfortable

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9.9
Exceptional
27 reviews
Price from
£108
per night

Samesun San Francisco 2 stars

Marina District, San Francisco

Samesun San Francisco features air-conditioned rooms with cable flat-screen TV in the Marina District district of San Francisco. This 2-star hostel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.6 km from Crissy Field East Beach. LOVELY facilities, amazing staff I asked for something to do and they suggested really cool and fun stuff, amazing customer service and amazing hotel

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8.4
Very good
3,056 reviews
Price from
£32
per night

Gaslamp Hostel

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Ideally set in the Downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Hostel features air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is around 3.3 km from Balboa Park, 5 km from San Diego Zoo and 7 km from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The property is 10 km from University of San Diego and 11 km from SeaWorld San Diego. I definitely recommend this hostel for anyone but especially solo travellers. I met such great people here and would come back in a heartbeat! The place is vibrant, welcoming and right in the middle of the very cool Gaslamp district. It's very clean and any issue with facilities (such as a blocked toilet) was dealt with immediately. They even offer breakfast (though it is simple). Thank you to the great hostel team for an awesome stay!

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8.6
Fabulous
1,679 reviews
Price from
£39
per night

Orange Drive Hostel

Hollywood, Los Angeles

Located within 4 minutes' walk from Dolby Theater, Orange Drive Hostel offers free WiFi . Entertainment venue the Hollywood Bowl is 1 km away, while Capitol Records is 1.4 km away.

Melrose Avenue is 2.3 km from the hostel, while Universal Studios Hollywood is 3.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Hollywood Burbank Airport, 11 km from the property. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is 4 minutes' walk from the property. Beautiful location right in the middle of everything

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8.6
Fabulous
1,542 reviews
Price from
£42
per night

HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel 1 stars

Marina District, San Francisco

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this Fisherman’s Wharf hostel features free WiFi throughout the property. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests and daily activities are offered.

Shared bathroom facilities are offered for both dormitory-style guest rooms and private guest rooms at HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel. Towels and linens are provided. The incredible value you get for the price is insane. Plus the location could not have been better. Definitely very easy to go around anywhere. Also they have postcards you can send from right there. Highly recommend for anyone on a budget visiting sf.

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8.3
Very good
1,641 reviews
Price from
£27
per night

HI San Diego Downtown Hostel 3 stars

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Accommodation at HI San Diego Downtown Hostel includes heating and a fan. Private air-conditioned rooms are available with en suite bathrooms and hairdryers. Personal lockers are available for each dorm bed. Free high-speed WiFi is included in public areas. Peaceful, beds comfortable, perfectly airrated in common areas, plenty plenty of windows in dinning, place always clean, plenty utensils, very spacious rooms enough separation from roommates, front desk kind n helpful, feels very secure and day time quiet… bonus ear plugs for street noice but windows n curtains help to decrease it… This is my go to place downtown San Diego. Great value for money It’s very central to literally everything I just got out Afew steps n there was CVS etc Place is perfectly situated in convenient location downtown

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8.1
Very good
1,338 reviews
Price from
£36
per night

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