California is a big bundle of everything one can expect on a vacation. It is home to the world’s first McDonald’s restaurant, the first blue jeans, and also some of the richest people in the world. It is the largest wine producer in the US and the birthplace of Disneyland, Barbie dolls, Apple computers, fortune cookies, frisbee, and video arcade games–the list goes on and on. If you are looking for an adventure, head to Yosemite National Park; if you are expecting ultimate family fun, head to Universal Studios Hollywood. Want an island getaway? Santa Catalina Island is the perfect spot for you. If you wish to experience a unique riding experience, go cycling across Golden Gate Bridge. With plenty of exceptional attractions and things to do, California is one of the most phenomenal tourist destinations in the world. It’s important to have a few accommodation options to consider before embarking on your trip. Here, let’s explore the best hostels in California, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Yogi's Mountain Hostel by ITH (from USD 33)
Overlooking Big Bear Lake, Yogi’s Mountain Hostel by ITH is an elegant accommodation with plenty of attractive features. The rooms offer either a lake view or a garden view to ensure a pleasant stay to its guests. You can indulge in free outdoor activities such as archery, horseshoes, boat rides, and hiking. The sun terrace is equipped with barbecue facilities. You can reach this hostel within an hour’s drive from Ontario International Airport. For families with kids, there are family rooms, game room, indoor play area, board games, picnic area, and kid-friendly buffet. In addition to this, amenities such as concierge service, luggage storage, tour desk, business center, banquet facilities, and many more are offered here. You can also bring your pets to this accommodation.
ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel & Retreat Center
Address: 657 Modoc Drive
131.46 km (81.7 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
2. Moderne Hostel (from USD 58)
Affordable rates for a convenient location near downtown and the slopes.
Well-stocked community kitchen, living area, and communal fridge. Jacuzzi available on the property.
Conveniently located within walking distance from the village and free public transit stop. Close to multiple restaurants and shops.
Great kitchen facilities, but some complaints about the lack of utensils and dishware. Some guests brought their own food due to cleanliness concerns.
Moderne Hostel offers a serene stay with the breathtaking backdrop of Mammoth Lakes and Village Gondola. Chair 8 and Poma are just 2.1 km (1.3 miles) away from the hostel. Within 3 km (1.8 miles), you can find a wonderful golf course. You can switch on your adventurer mode and go hiking around Mammoth Lakes conveniently from this accommodation. Treat your hunger pangs with a hot and tasty meal using the barbecue facilities at the hostel. Freebies include WiFi connectivity, shuttle service, and private parking.
Moderne Hostel
Address: 3905 Main Street
397.39 km (247.0 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
3. Lucky D's Hostel (from USD 40)
Walk for just five minutes from San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter to reach the wonderful Lucky D’s Hostel. Freebies in this accommodation include WiFi and daily continental breakfast. For entertainment, there is a TV with a DVD player and XBOX system. Every night, you can enjoy live events at this place. San Diego International Airport is just 4 km (2.4 miles) away. A shared kitchen and shared bathroom are available at the hostel. Other facilities such as bicycle rental, game room, on-site ATM machine, luggage storage, ticket service, tour desk, daily housekeeping, laundry, and a vending machine for snacks and drinks are offered here.
Lucky D's Youth and Traveler's Hostel
Address: 615 8th Avenue
190.47 km (118.4 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
4. Walk of Fame Hostel (from USD 35)
Reasonably priced hostel with free breakfast and convenient location near Metro station.
Equipped kitchen, free breakfast, clean facilities, and spacious rooms with lockers.
Prime location on Hollywood Boulevard, opposite the Metro station, and close to tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Complimentary breakfast with basic options, well-equipped kitchen, and close proximity to affordable dining.
Situated on the famous Hollywood Boulevard, Walk of Fame Hostel is a great accommodation option for fun-loving guests. You can enjoy movie nights, pub crawls, evening entertainment, nightclub, game room, hiking, and billiards while staying at this hostel. Get ready to relish the delicious, free continental breakfast during your stay. There is a shared kitchen equipped with refrigerators, a rice cooker, and a microwave to cook your meal. If you wish to explore the area, Hollywood/Highland Metro Station is just a few steps away. Dolby Theatre, TCL Theatre, and Universal Studios Hollywood can all be accessed within a few minutes from the hostel.
Samesun Hollywood
Address: 6820 Hollywood Boulevard
1.22 km (0.8 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel (from USD 39)
Reasonable pricing for a hostel in downtown SF, with free breakfast included.
Convenient location with easy access to public transportation, spacious lounge, well-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Great location in downtown SF, close to Union Square and public transportation, despite some street noise and homeless individuals in the area.
Complimentary breakfast with limited options, but ample for a good start to the day.
Located in the heart of San Francisco, HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel offers fabulous accommodation with its close proximity to many attractions. Some of them like Union Square, Chinatown Gates, and Westfield Mall on Market Street can be reached within seven minutes from the hostel. Each room is decorated with large windows, cool tones, and chic furnishings. The theatre room at this hostel is great for movie nights. If you wish to sightsee the area, you can use the bicycle rental service.
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
Address: 312 Mason Street
548.68 km (341.0 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
6. Freehand Los Angeles (from USD 30)
Reasonable pricing for a downtown location, but some rooms are pricier than others.
Clean and modern facilities, rooftop pool and bar, communal kitchen, but some areas are small and lack privacy.
Great downtown location with easy access to public transport and downtown attractions.
Lovely cafe and breakfast, but some areas lack dining amenities and breakfast options.
Freehand Los Angeles is a gorgeous hostel built with beautiful decor. LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles, Pershing Square, Microsoft Theater, and Staples Center can be accessed within 1 km (0.6 miles) from the hostel. The rooftop pool and bar offers breathtaking views of the city. You can also enjoy city views right from your room window. The Exchange Restaurant at the hostel serves delicious food options. Each room comes with 43-inch flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a minibar. A fitness center, shared kitchenette, cash machine, and a gift shop are the other amenities offered here.
Freehand Los Angeles
Address: 416 West 8th Street
10.66 km (6.7 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
7. Jackass Hostel (from USD 43)
Affordable pricing, good value for the area
Cozy and clean communal spaces, well-equipped kitchen, recently renovated bathrooms
Close proximity to Yosemite National Park, easy drive to Bass Lake, quaint small town setting
Access to coffee, fresh fruit, and drinks, fully equipped kitchen for cooking, some staples provided
Jackass Hostel offers a mesmerizing mountain view right from the patio of each room. If you are keen on cooking your own meal, you can make use of the shared kitchen with well-appointed equipment and kitchen essentials. Barbecue facilities are also available here. You can use free toiletries in the shared bathroom. Oakhurst and Bass Lake are located close to the accommodation. Outdoor activities like horse riding, cycling, hiking, canoeing, skiing, and fishing can be enjoyed in the nearby areas of the hostel. If you want to enjoy fun-filled nights, you can indulge in themed dinner nights, movie nights, and pub crawls organized at the hostel.
Jackass Hostel
Address: 32827 Road 222
361.85 km (224.9 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
8. USA Hostels San Diego - Downtown (from USD 34)
USA Hostels San Diego – Downtown is a historic hostel set in a building from the 1880s at Gaslamp Quarter. The hostel is gracefully designed with cool decor and interiors. Free WiFi and free breakfast are the added advantages of this accommodation. You can contact the tour desk to book tickets to the local attractions. Balboa Park, Petco Park, Seaport Village and a ferry stop to Coronado Island can be reached within 3.5 km (2.1 miles) from the accommodation.
USA Hostels San Diego - Downtown
Address: 726 5th Avenue
190.22 km (118.2 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
9. Hollywood Shine
Located in close proximity to the attractions such as Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dolby Theater, Hollywood Bowl, and Melrose Avenue, Hollywood Shine is a popular accommodation option in Los Angeles. Hollywood Highland Metro Red Line can be accessed within 1 km (0.6 miles) from the hostel. You can dine in the outdoor space admiring the lovely garden area. Facilities offered are free WiFi, yoga classes, airport transportation, private check-in/check-out, concierge service, luggage storage, safety deposit box, and many more.
Hollywood Shine
Address: 6817 De Longpre Avenue
1.77 km (1.1 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
10. HI Los Angeles - Fullerton Hostel
HI Los Angeles - Fullerton Hostel is just 10 km (6.2 miles) away from the popular attraction, Disneyland Resort Anaheim. You can find both dormitory and private room-type accommodations at this hostel. The hostel features a shared kitchen, shared lounge, laundry facility, lockers, mini market, and luggage storage. Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout the property. The 24-hour helpdesk offers wonderful assistance to the guests round the clock.
HI Los Angeles - Fullerton Hostel
Address: 1700 North Harbor Boulevard
45.53 km (28.3 mi) from Hollywood Bowl
California, a land of big surprises
California is an eclectic state which will dazzle anyone with its vibrant features. It is home to distinctive cities, lovely beaches, electrifying theme parks, and breathtaking nature. Get excited by visiting the fun and rejuvenating destinations of California. Explore its splendor by staying comfortably in any of our recommended hostels in California.
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