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The 10 Best Hostels in San Diego, USA

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Diego

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Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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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.

Great location to go to Ocean Beach, specially if you want to surf there. The staff was more than friendly. The common spaces were nice and comfortable.

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9
Wonderful
1,654 reviews
Price from
$33.80
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.

The most privacy you could ever ask for in a hostel.

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9.1
Wonderful
1,035 reviews

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.

the ppl was really friendly. they allowed me to checking before, in my room just was me, it was so comfortable. the location was perfect. just 28 min away from the airport (BY BUS, i love it) the bus is 6 min walking. everything was really nice, they had different activities every night!! i love it. i would go again! even i saw they cleaning everyday! you feel like you’re home.💗💗

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8.6
Excellent
1,697 reviews

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 was perfect! Staff helpful and friendly! Great location with all you need very close! The hostel is very well organised and comfortable. Recommended 100%

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8.1
Very Good
1,348 reviews
Price from
$37.80
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.

the second time I stayed here :) Loved catching up with my fav Jessieeee. Everything is clean and comfortable! Nice place to stay!

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8.6
Excellent
194 reviews
Price from
$36.30
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.

lovely chill atmosphere, beautiful aesthetic, clean facilities. hostel mates were very nice and staff was super friendly and helpful - Vlad made some amazing pancakes and even taught a little guitar.

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8.5
Very Good
684 reviews
Price from
$42
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!

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8
Very Good
368 reviews
Price from
$36.75
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.

I loved everything! The colors, the staff was super friendly and fun, we had to cook our own breakfast and It was blessed! Me and my brother came for only one night and I wish I could've spent more time! It's right in front of the beach and they do a lot of stuff at night too!

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8
Very Good
941 reviews
Price from
$33.17
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.

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7
Good
182 reviews

Lockers are offered in each dormitory room at Lucky D’s Hostel. Two shared showers and toilets are available on each floor. Towels are provided for private room guests and available to rent for $1 to guests staying in dorm rooms.

Perfect hostel in downtown! Very nice staff and really comfortable beds. Also you can meet a lot of young people from every country of the world.

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7.4
Good
737 reviews
Price from
$82.30
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.
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Most booked hostels in San Diego this month

Hostels that guests love in San Diego

  • Avg. price/night: $162.94
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,654 reviews
    Very clean and comfortable. I’ve been feeling very safety. The rooms are really clean. There is everything you can need. The hostel’s workers are really friendly. I’m so happy about my time there!
    Federica
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $69.89
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,037 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
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $173.21
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,697 reviews
    As a solo woman traveller, i felt very safe and welcome at the Hostel. The beds were comfortable, the property was quiet (which was surprising considering it's in a bustling neighbourhood, close to everything), everything was clean including bathrooms, the staff was informative and helpful, they had amenities and laundry (!), the uniqueness of the building itself made the stay above and beyond staying at any other hostel.
    K
    Karina
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $162.94
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,654 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
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $104.42
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 684 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
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $173.21
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,697 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
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $162.44
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 369 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
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $116.57
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,348 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
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $162.94
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,654 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
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $104.42
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 684 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
    Solo traveler

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