Written by Undercover Phoenician| Last update: Sep 13, 2024
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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Welcome to San Diego, California, the quintessential beach town that's as laidback as it is beautiful. This city boasts a unique blend of surf culture, delicious cuisine, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from all around the world.
However, with high-end resorts and luxury hotels dotting the coastline, San Diego can be an expensive place to visit. But fear not – we've scoured the city to bring you the best cheap hostels that offer the perfect balance of affordability and convenience.
Here are the most affordable and cheap hostels in San Diego.
Sorted by Price: The Cheapest Hostels in San Diego
Located in the GasLamp district, Hostel on 3rd is a recently renovated historic building from the 1910s. Offering private rooms and female or mixed dorms, this hostel is perfect for travelers looking for an affordable and comfortable stay in San Diego. With a large common area, guests can meet other travelers and have a great time.
Conveniently located just one block away from the bar scene, Hostel on 3rd is situated in a quiet residential area, making it the perfect spot for a good night's sleep. Guests can also easily visit the great tourist spots San Diego has to offer such as museums, the zoo, and beaches, which are just a stroll away from the hostel - or head two blocks down to the Downtown Convention Center.
Compare all prices and availability for Hostel on 3rd on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
California Dreams Hostel offers backpackers from around the world an affordable and fun hostel experience in San Diego. With a friendly community atmosphere and excellent customer service, guests can also enjoy top-notch amenities and comfort. The hostel is ideally located in the heart of the Pacific Beach neighborhood, steps from the beach, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Guests can spend their days surfing, biking or taking in the stunning ocean views, and the helpful staff can assist with all their rental and travel needs. Plus, breakfast is included, and there are plenty of activities to keep guests entertained, like hiking, snorkeling, and movie nights.
Compare all prices and availability for California Dreams Hostel on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach is an affordable and fun hostel that welcomes backpackers from all over the globe. Located in San Diego's Ocean Beach neighborhood, the hostel offers plenty of outdoor activities, delicious dining options, and a chance to make new friends. With easy access to public transportation and just a 10-minute drive from San Diego Airport, the hostel is the perfect spot for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the best of Southern California. Guests can enjoy free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, as well as rental options for bikes, surfboards, and more.
Located at the heart of Mission Beach, ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel is your go-to place for affordable and enjoyable beach adventures in San Diego. With comfortable rooms and common spaces, this hostel offers a perfect place for travelers to relax and socialize while enjoying the beach. It provides free WiFi, shared kitchen, and evening entertainment to keep you entertained.
This hostel is just a 2-minute walk from Mission Beach and 1.4 km from Sail Bay Beach, and a short distance from other popular tourist attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and Sunset Cliffs.
5 HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel
Quick Overview:
Rating: 8.7
0.5 km to city center
Breakfast included
Prices
Dorm from $17.59 per night
Nestled in San Diego's Gaslamp quarter, this classy and renovated hostel offers shared and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and more amenities for an affordable stay. Ideal for backpackers and business travelers, guests can enjoy self-guided tours and activities, play arcade games in the game room, and mingle with other travelers. The enthusiastic staff of HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel will make sure that every guest's experience is awesome.
With easy access to public transportation and the Greyhound Station, HI - San Diego (Downtown) The Metropolitan Hostel is the perfect base for exploring all that San Diego has to offer.
Embrace the laid-back essence of San Diego at Samesun Ocean Beach. Nestled merely steps away from the captivating Ocean Beach, this hostel presents an irresistible haven for budget-savvy wayfarers. With a warm communal ambiance, it features snug dormitories and inviting common areas that effortlessly foster connections with fellow explorers. Your days can be spent riding the waves, leisurely browsing local shops, or simply basking in the perpetual California sunshine.
The hostel's economical appeal doesn't mean compromising on comfort; the affable staff ensures your stay is peppered with cherished memories. The added delight of a complimentary daily breakfast kickstarts your escapades. Samesun Ocean Beach stands as your portal to San Diego's beachfront culture, offering an authentic experience without straining your budget. Whether you're a surfer or a sun-seeker, this hostel lets you savor the city's coastal charm while keeping your expenses blissfully in check.
Compare all prices and availability for Samesun Ocean Beach on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
Located steps from the ocean, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel San Diego offers a laid-back vibe ideal for beach lovers and surfers seeking budget accommodations. Enjoy sunsets and beachfront barbecues with fellow travelers.
ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel San Diego provides essential amenities including free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and surfboard rentals, making it a practical choice for adventurers. The casual decor and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere.
Nearby, explore Belmont Park or join beach yoga classes. ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel San Diego is perfect for those who want a relaxed, affordable stay close to San Diego's famous surf spots.
Lucky D's Hostel, located just a 5-minute walk from the Gaslamp Quarter, offers affordable accommodations and great value with its many free extras. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, use of lockers in every room, and access to the shared kitchen and common room with a DVD player and XBOX system.
Additionally, the hostel provides free storage for luggage and bikes, cheap bike rentals, and even a weekly Pub Crawl. With a central location close to major attractions like Petco Park, San Diego Convention Center, and Balboa Park, Lucky D's Hostel's is the perfect spot for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore San Diego.
Compare all prices and availability for Lucky D's Hostel on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
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!
Let's talk about hostel prices in San Diego. This graph shows you typical, 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.
Average Dorm Price per Month in San Diego
Average Private Room Price per Month in San Diego
When to book a hostel in San Diego?
Let us have a closer look on some statistics and graphics.
The cheapest months to travel to San Diego is January. Hostels in San Diego cost $38 in January.
The most expensive month is July with $71.
Total number of hostels in San Diego: 13
Total number of Party Hostels in San Diego: 10
Total number of hostels in San Diego with a +8.5 top-rating: 10
Most hostels are located in the neighborhoods of Gaslamp Quarter.
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About the author: Undercover Phoenician
Hostelz.com is your #1 hostel guide to find the best prices for every single hostel worldwide. We show you all prices and hostels at a glance - save money by using the right booking platform.