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The best hostels in San Diego

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Diego

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Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Facing the beachfront, Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel & Hostel 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.

This hostel seems brand new with newly tiled showers and private bathrooms. The showers are very hot. The kitchen is large and set up perfectly for self-service and lots of space for storing your own food. The lounge areas are a popular place to sit quietly or visit with other guests. I was pleasantly surprised to meet all age ranges including quite a few retired people like myself. People from all over the country who were very interesting. I would be happy to LIVE HERE FULL TIME. I arrived late from Tijuana airport at 3 AM. The receptionist was so nice with me and gave me something to eat. I woke up after breakfast had finished, but the housekeeper, Yolanda, fixed me a nice breakfast and coffee. The art work and decor both inside and outside is amazing. Photos don't do it justice. I will return here on my next visit.

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9
Wonderful
1,695 reviews
Price from
£28
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.

One of the best hostels ever: clean, safe, in a great location, providing both privacy and community spirit. Lives up to the name!

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9
Wonderful
1,069 reviews
Price from
£40
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.

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
1,731 reviews
Price from
£41
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.

Great common spaces, location 10/10

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8.1
Very Good
1,387 reviews
Price from
£25
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
202 reviews
Price from
£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.

The staff was extremely nice. When we arrived, Laney showed us around the place and everything was perfect. Breakfast OK, there is a big kitchen where you can also cook, several shared bathrooms, a pool, laundry room, TV in the rooms, parking a few meters away. We really enjoyed the stay there and felt welcomed.

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8.4
Very Good
709 reviews
Price from
£33
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.

The staff is very friendly and do their best to help. The beds and sofas are very comfortable. A quiet place to relax and work at the same time or to explore the wonderful place little italy and indulge in culinary delights.

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7
Good
193 reviews
Price from
£47
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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7.9
Good
374 reviews
Price from
£31
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.

very sociable , beach, surf boards, friendly

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7.9
Good
958 reviews
Price from
£34
per night

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
744 reviews
Price from
£28
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

  • 7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 479 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
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £228.35
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,146 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
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £99.43
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,069 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: £242.93
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,695 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: £95.32
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 708 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
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,731 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: £160.69
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 374 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: £94.33
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,387 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: £242.93
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,695 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: £95.32
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 708 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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