CALIFORNIA🏖
CALIFORNIA🏖
California
California
Coastlines, Bunkbeds, and Endless Detours
California is big. Messy. Mythical. A state you can surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and sleep in a hostel on a cliff above the ocean that night. From redwoods to roadside tacos, there’s a thousand versions of California — and hosteling is how you find the ones most people miss.
Because while everyone else is blowing $300 a night on chain hotels, you’ll be swapping stories with strangers-turned-friends, sharing avocados in hostel kitchens, and waking up steps from something unforgettable.
Why Hostel Here?
Because California is best traveled with sandy feet and a flexible plan.
Because hostel bunkbeds leave room in your budget for beach burritos, surf lessons, and an extra day in Big Sur.
Because connection beats concierge service — every time.
Hostels in California aren’t just cheap beds. They’re pieces of a subculture: surfers, students, dirtbags, digital nomads, retired rebels. Everyone orbiting the same kitchen, drawn by the same magnetic coastline.
Hostels are sorted in alphabetic order and are listed in their city/neighborhood.
FIND HOSTELS 👇
FIND HOSTELS 👇
Los Angeles Hostels
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Los Angeles Hostels 👄
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Samesun Hollywood Hostel
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Samesun Venice Beach Hostel
San Diego Hostels
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San Diego Hostels 🌞
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Samesun Ocean Beach Hostel

San Francisco Hostels
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San Francisco Hostels 🌁
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Green Tortoise Hostel
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Samesun Hostel San Francisco
Central California Hostels
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Central California Hostels 🌊
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Monterey Hostel
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Santa Cruz Hostel
Near National Forest
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Near National Forest 🌲
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ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel
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ITH Joshua Tree Hostel
You’ll love California if You Are:
🏄♀️ The beach bum on a shoestring
🌲 The solo traveler looking for national parks and new friends
🛹 The post-grad taking a gap year on the coast
🎨 The artist in search of light, texture, and weirdos
🚐 The vanlifer trading tires for a real bed (just this once)
North to South: Stay Your Way
California doesn’t care who you are. It cares if you show up. Whether you’re hitching rides down Highway 1, taking the long way through wine country, or bouncing between national parks, hostels here keep you grounded, connected, and free to roam.
Expect:
Oceanfront dorms and forest-hidden cabins
Eco-hostels, artist-run spaces, and surf shacks
Access to beaches, trails, transit, and community
-
Can You Stay in Hostels Over 30? Yes, Here’s How
You’re never too old for bunkbeds and bad puns.
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West Coast Hostel Trail: From Seattle to San Diego
The ultimate hostel-powered road trip down the coast.
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What It’s Like to Stay in a Hostel for the First Time
Especially in California — where your bunkmate might be a pro surfer or a French puppeteer.

More on California:
Heading south, Los Angeles beckons as the entertainment capital of the world. LA is a sprawling metropolis where dreams come true and stars are made. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and spot your favorite celebrities' stars embedded in the sidewalk. For a quintessential California experience, head to Venice Beach, where street performers, vendors, and skaters create a lively boardwalk scene. The beaches of Malibu offer another iconic Californian experience, with legendary surf spots perfect for catching waves. Los Angeles also boasts some of the best budget-friendly hostels for adventure travelers, providing a comfortable and affordable base from which to explore the city’s myriad attractions.
California's natural beauty is unparalleled, offering numerous outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you can hike among ancient giant sequoias, some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth. The parks' breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains to deep canyons, provide endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. For those looking to combine outdoor adventure with budget travel, these parks offer some of the best hiking and camping trips for adventure seekers, with numerous affordable camping options available.
Further south, San Diego is another must-visit destination. Known for its idyllic weather and stunning coastline, San Diego offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Visit the famous San Diego Zoo, explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or spend the day lounging on the pristine beaches of La Jolla. San Diego's hostels are renowned for their hospitality and prime locations, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Central California, with its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, offers off-the-beaten-path adventures. The Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world, winds along the coast offering breathtaking ocean views. Stop in Monterey to visit the acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium or continue to Big Sur to marvel at the rugged coastline and tranquil redwood forests. This region is perfect for cheap adventure travel options, where you can find affordable accommodations and free or low-cost activities that showcase the natural beauty of California.
Adventure travel destinations on a budget are plentiful in California. From the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park, where surreal rock formations and starlit skies create a dreamlike setting, to the volcanic landscapes of Lassen Volcanic National Park in the north, the state’s diverse environments provide endless exploration opportunities. Whether you’re backpacking through the Sierra Nevada mountains or exploring the beaches of Santa Barbara, there are numerous affordable adventure travel packages available to help you make the most of your journey.
In addition to its natural wonders, California's cities are hubs of culture, innovation, and history. From the tech-savvy streets of Silicon Valley to the historic missions dotting the landscape, the state’s urban centers are as varied as its terrain. Hostels in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Central California provide excellent bases for exploring these dynamic areas, offering budget-friendly accommodations with a community atmosphere where you can meet fellow adventurers.
California's charm lies not only in its famous sights but also in its ability to offer affordable adventure travel in the USA. With its extensive network of budget-friendly hostels and a plethora of cheap adventure travel options, the state is a dream destination for those looking to experience its magic without overspending. So pack your bags and head to the Golden State, where unforgettable adventures and pure vibes await every traveler.
Book Direct. Stay Golden.
When you book through Hosteling.US, you’re not just scoring a deal — you’re keeping hostels alive. You’re skipping OTA fees and backing the people who still believe in shared kitchens, late-night convos, and the magic of the road.
No fees. No fluff. Just real travel.