10 Best Hostels In California, USA - Updated 2024

Hemasudha
Hemasudha 
Updated
| 5 min read

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.

Stayed at this property?

ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel & Retreat Center

Wifi Available

Address: 657 Modoc Drive
131.46 km (81.7 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

Parking Pets allowed Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Laundry

2. Moderne Hostel (from USD 58)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Moderne Hostel

Wifi Available

Address: 3905 Main Street
397.39 km (247.0 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Hiking BBQ facilities Heating

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.

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Lucky D's Youth and Traveler's Hostel

Wifi Available

Address: 615 8th Avenue
190.47 km (118.4 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

Restaurant 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Laundry Games room Internet services Luggage storage WiFi Available

4. Walk of Fame Hostel (from USD 35)

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.

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Samesun Hollywood

Wifi Available

Address: 6820 Hollywood Boulevard
1.22 km (0.8 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Laundry Internet services Billiards Tour desk Heating Luggage storage

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

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)

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.

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HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Wifi Available

Address: 312 Mason Street
548.68 km (341.0 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Laundry Internet services Lift Heating Luggage storage WiFi Available

6. Freehand Los Angeles (from USD 30)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Freehand Los Angeles

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 416 West 8th Street
10.66 km (6.7 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace

7. Jackass Hostel (from USD 43)

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.

Stayed at this property?

Jackass Hostel

Wifi Available

Address: 32827 Road 222
361.85 km (224.9 mi) from Hollywood Bowl

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Fishing Skiing Free parking Internet services Canoeing

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.

Stayed at this property?

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.

Stayed at this property?

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.

Stayed at this property?

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.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hemasudha is a dedicated travel writer whose true passion lies in exploring the world. Traveling, for her, is not just a hobby but a profound spiritual experience that she is deeply passionate...Read more

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