Skip to main content

The 10 Best Hostels in San Diego, USA

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Diego

Filter by:


Review score

Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest price first Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

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.

It is about 10m from the airport, it is very clean and it has a great atmosphere.

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,671 reviews
Price from
€ 36
per night

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 really dislike staying at hostels, but this place really has exceeded my expectations, it has privacy, the facilities are really nice and clean for a hostel. Staff is super friendly and helpful. I have enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back.

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,053 reviews
Price from
€ 53
per night

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.

Very nice building, big comfortable sleeping place and soft bed sheets, from all hostels I’ve been in this one is top! Enough space in room, no tight feeling. Sleeping was really super-comfortable

Show more Show less
8.6
Fabulous
1,706 reviews
Price from
€ 46
per night

Set in a Victorian house in the heart of Central San Diego's Little Italy Neighbourhood of Downtown, this hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms with free Wi-Fi, breakfast and hosted social activities.

Great breakfast and very friendly staff. We were able to leave the bags in the morning before check-in, and also pick them up later after check-out time, which is really useful if traveling by train/bus.

Show more Show less
8.2
Very good
1,053 reviews
Price from
€ 42
per night

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.

Everything seemed nice and clean

Show more Show less
8.1
Very good
1,364 reviews
Price from
€ 37
per night

Set in San Diego, within 200 metres of Mission Beach and 1.4 km of Sail Bay Beach, ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel provides accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is around 3.8 km from SeaWorld San Diego, 6.6 km from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and 6.6 km from Sunset Cliffs. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.

This hostel is comfortable and clean. The staff are friendly and helpful. The location is close to beach and buses. Perfect place to stay.

Show more Show less
8.6
Fabulous
197 reviews
Price from
€ 37
per night

Situated in San Diego, 2.7 km from Ocean Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a tour desk.

Staff were brilliant, young friendly vibrant and very helpful. All were great to mix with, especially Laney. Karaoke night with the team was brilliant. Breakfast was supplied and adequate. Location was good close to shops and public transport.

Show more Show less
8.5
Very good
692 reviews
Price from
€ 41
per night

Situated in San Diego, 100 metres from Pacific Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a tour desk.

The position is perfect and everyone are so kind and helpful! For a solo traveller is amazing finding a place and people like that!

Show more Show less
8
Very good
373 reviews
Price from
€ 37
per night

Located in the centre of San Diego, PodShare San Diego is set 1.1 km from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station and 1.1 km from Maritime Museum of San Diego. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site.

USS Midway Museum is 2 km from the hostel, while San Diego Convention Center is 3.2 km away. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, 2 km from PodShare San Diego.

Staff was great. Friendly and professional. The location was in a great location close to restaurants and bars and public transit.

Show more Show less
7
Good
184 reviews
Price from
€ 63
per night

Situated directly on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel San Diego offers oceanfront accommodation 3 km away from world famous Belmont Amusement Park. This eco-friendly hostel features BBQ facilities, a garden and a shared lounge.

Friendly staff, very close to the beach

Show more Show less
7.9
Good
953 reviews
Price from
€ 43
per night

Most booked hotels in San Diego in the past month

Hotels located in the centre of San Diego

  • Stay Classy
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,051 reviews

    Stay Classy is well located in the centre of San Diego, and provides a shared lounge and free WiFi.

    The staff and the ambience at the hostel were superb!

  • Samesun Ocean Beach
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,671 reviews

    Facing the beachfront, Samesun Ocean Beach offers 2-star accommodation in San Diego and features a shared lounge and terrace.

    One of the coolest places I've ever stayed in :)

  • ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 197 reviews

    Set in San Diego, within 200 metres of Mission Beach and 1.4 km of Sail Bay Beach, ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel provides accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi.

    Great staff, good community vibe of people, very clean

  • California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 692 reviews

    Situated in San Diego, 2.7 km from Ocean Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

    The setup was great and everybody was friendly and helpful

  • ITH San Diego Adventure Hostel
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,053 reviews

    Set in a Victorian house in the heart of Central San Diego's Little Italy Neighbourhood of Downtown, this hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms with free Wi-Fi, breakfast and hosted social...

    Friendly staff, great location, safe neighborhood.

  • HI San Diego Downtown Hostel
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,363 reviews

    Situated in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this non-profit hostel, has a fully-equipped kitchen and offers free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water 24-hours a day. Balboa Park is 4.8 km away.

    the location and that it's clean and organized

  • California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 373 reviews

    Situated in San Diego, 100 metres from Pacific Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace.

    Literally a beachfront property, only a 2 minute walk .

  • ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel San Diego
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 953 reviews

    Situated directly on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel San Diego offers oceanfront accommodation 3 km away from world famous Belmont Amusement Park.

    Nice weekly schedule, friendly staff and great location.

  • Lucky D's Youth and Traveler's Hostel
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 738 reviews

    Located 5 minutes’ walk from the Gaslamp Quarter, this East Village San Diego hostel offers free Wi-Fi. A common room features a DVD player and XBOX system.

    it was super clean and the staff were always nice!

FAQs about hotels in San Diego








Hostels that guests love in San Diego

  • 7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 446 reviews
    The hotel is in a great location, close to the park. I felt very safe there. The hosts were very kind and allowed an early check-in. Everything was very clean, and the room was much better equipped than I expected.
    Stefan
    Serbia
  • From € 754.65 per night
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,171 reviews
    Hotel was in a great location with the bars and restaurants of Gaslamp district and trolley stop only a couple of mins walk away. The room was well equipped with a coffee machine, fridge, safe and large TV, even the windows opened which is a rarity in hotels these days. The beds were so comfy, you literally just melted into it which was bliss after a days sightseeing.
    Suzannah
    United Kingdom
  • From € 64.38 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,051 reviews
    One of the best hostels ever: clean, safe, in a great location, providing both privacy and community spirit. Lives up to the name!
    Julia
    Poland
  • From € 194.26 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,671 reviews
    Friendly people both staff and hostel dwellers. Bars a bit cheaper than LA with proper pints and free entry. Good competitive yet friendly welcoming pool playing at bars just up from the beach.. Winstons club had a truly great band playing with large group of banging musicians and multiple happening vocalists, great after a skin full of Hazy IPA, makes you dance on the wind, you just don't want it to stop...
    Peter
    United Kingdom
  • From € 96.18 per night
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 692 reviews
    I think one of the best Hostel I have ever stayed in. Very clean, good facilities, amazing breakfast that's included, super friendly and helpful staff. Great location, pretty close to the beach and to the Airport. I definitely recommend it and would come back.
    Tina
    Germany
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,706 reviews
    The hostel was nicely decorated and pretty chill. Some days there are events where you can get free drinks a meet new people. The restrooms and showers were newly renovated and clean. This establishment is perfect for lone or budget travelers.
    Maroš
    Czech Republic
  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 373 reviews
    It was super close to the beach, the people was nice, and it’s in a safe area. The breakfas was good, they have baggel, fruits and cereals, coffe and teas. What I loved is they had a rental shop aswell, so you can rent bikes, surfboards, and lots of other outdoors stuff. they also have a schedule in the main room where it shows different (free or super cheap) activities. I went to a free yoga class infront of the ocean, and I also got fish tacos for $1.5 in the restaurant near the hostel
    Marta
    United States
  • From € 179.87 per night
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,363 reviews
    Great location, nice free breakfast, helpful staff, communal areas were clean. Hostel was quiet and the staff were very good with keeping the place safe and secure, generally all round it was very good.
    Charlotte
    United Kingdom
  • From € 194.26 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,671 reviews
    BEST hostel in the world. As a solo backpacker, 100% recommended. Comfortable beds, clean, amazing vibes, good breakfast included, amazing staff, great location... I only wish I could have stayed longer!!!
    Julia
    Spain
  • From € 96.18 per night
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 692 reviews
    California dreaming hostel in San Diego is the best hostel I have ever stayed in!! Everything was absolutely perfect from the first until the last moment. The area is absolutely safe and quiet. There are also some shops and restaurants near by.
    Bílek
    United Kingdom

Research, refine and make plans for your whole trip