Empty beach with lifeguard tower, distant mountains, and industrial buildings in the background.

CALIFORNIA🏖

CALIFORNIA🏖

Coastlines, Bunkbeds, and Endless Detours

California is big. Extravagant. Mythical. A state you can surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and sleep in a hostel on the ocean at 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.

FIND HOSTELS 👇

FIND HOSTELS 👇

  • exterior front entrance with wood work and bricks in Montana

    Two blocks from the Pacific, fifty beds for your crew!

  • colorful patio with hammocks on the beach

    Where flip-flops are formalwear and the ocean’s your morning alarm.

  • The ocean’s always within reach.

  • A cozy, bohemian-style living room with retro furniture, potted plants, sheer white curtains, and a keyboard, with sunlight streaming through the windows.

    Where backpacker buzz meets city beats.

  • Interior of ITH Mission Beach Hostel in San Diego, California, featuring a kitchen with green tiles, a stainless steel stove, and a woman working on a laptop at a dining table.

    Where boardwalk breezes and barefoot mornings set the tone.

  • Exterior of ITH Surf City Hostel in Hermosa Beach, California, with a large palm tree on the left and bicycles parked in front.

    The soundtrack is crashing waves and late-night laughter.

  • Decorated dining area at ITH Pacific Tradewinds in San Francisco, California, with balloons, rainbow flag, and themed posters on the wall.

    Stories unfold and strangers become your city crew.

  • A red wooden house with green roofs, large trees in the background, and a porch with wooden furniture at Big Bear Lake, California.

    Pine-scented mornings and firepit nights feel like a childhood summer camp but better.

  • A house in a desert landscape with sparse bushes, surrounded by a fence, in Joshua Tree, California. The house has a grey exterior and a metal roof, with a walkway leading to the front door. In the background, the desert stretches out with mountains in the distance.

    Wide open skies meet even wider open minds.

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.

  • Three young women holding hands and smiling while walking outdoors on a wooden pathway near water, with a city skyline and green trees in the background.

    Can You Stay in Hostels Over 30? Yes, Here’s How

    You’re never too old for bunkbeds and bad puns.

  • Sunset over a beach with purple and orange clouds, reflecting on the wet sand and ocean waves.

    West Coast Hostel Trail: From Seattle to San Diego

    The ultimate hostel-powered road trip down the coast.

  • People playing beach volleyball on a sandy beach with colorful buildings, palm trees, and a blue sky with some clouds in the background.

    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 deets 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 #bfr travel.