ITH Vibes Travel BlogDestinationsSan Diego

Pacific Coast Highway Hostel Guide for Backpackers

Zack Garhart
Untitled Design 501

California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is both a journey and a destination. Travelers from all around the world come to the West Coast to cruise the PCH and take in all the incredible sights along the way. For backpackers, we’ve put together a Pacific Coast Highway Hostel guide.

Pacific Coast Highway Hostel Guide for Backpackers

The length of the PCH runs over 600 miles of California’s coast. Whether you start from north to south is up to you. For this piece, we’ve compiled a list that starts from the most southern part of California and runs all the way north, past San Francisco. We recommend starting in San Diego since it is a fun and relaxing place year-round. This coastal gem has several hostels, so we picked out our favorites.

San Diego Hostels

  • Samesun – Ocean Beach: This funky hostel is the perfect place to bunk up after a long day of traveling. With ample outdoor space, a nice kitchen, and close proximity to the beach, Samesun is one of our top picks for hostels in Southern California. Address: 4961 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107 – Phone: 619-376-6477
  • ITH – Mission Beach: If you’re looking for a quaint and comfortable stay by the beach, look no further than our Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel. Our interior space is perfect for digital nomads to get work done before hitting up the town or exploring the many nearby beaches. Even better, we offer a free pancake breakfast every morning! Address: 3204 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 – Phone: 858-412-3660
  • California Dreams – Ocean Beach & Pacific Beach: With two San Diego locations, you have the option to choose if you’d rather be in Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach. For those who prefer nightlife and a more vibrant social scene, we recommend Pacific Beach. For artists, hippies, and surfers, we recommend Ocean Beach. Both pockets of San Diego offer different experiences, but both are worth checking out! California Dreams has affordable rates and nice amenities. Ocean Beach Address: 3790 Udall Street, San Diego, CA 92107 – Phone: 619-832-0327 – Pacific Beach Address: 743 Emerald Street, San Diego, CA 92109 – Phone: 619-832-1127
  • ITH – Pacific Beach: Another great ITH location, this surfer favorite is just steps from the beach. In addition to the free pancake breakfasts, we feature nightly activities for guests and provide an unmatched social environment. This hostel is perfect for those looking to meet other travelers, especially ones who like to party! Address: 707 Reed Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 – Phone: 858-412-5878

Hostels in Southern California

  • House of Trestles: On your way north, stop through San Clemente. This surf town is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the Southern California culture. Whether you’re there to ride some waves, or just get a good night’s rest, we recommend checking out San Clemente. House of Trestles is located close to several prime surf breaks and is located near plenty of cafes and restaurants. Address: 2717 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 – Phone: 949-257-2828
  • ITH Los Angeles Beach Hostel: Located in picturesque Hermosa Beach, our Beach Hostel is a perfect place to hang out and enjoy Southern California like a local. With several great cafes, bars, and restaurants within walking distance, our hostel offers a little bit of everything. Just steps from the beach, the hostel is also a great hub for surfers to catch some waves. Address: 26 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 – Phone: 310-798-2323
  • Samesun Venice Beach: Just like their Ocean Beach location, this Los Angeles hostel gives you a true taste of Southern California culture. With access to Venice Beach’s rich and diverse culture, Samesun is a great place to stop on your way up the PCH. We recommend booking for a few days and soaking in all that Venice Beach and Los Angeles have to offer. Address: 25 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291 – Phone: 310-399-7649

  • Stay Open Venice Beach: For those looking for extra privacy, check out Stay Open. Their single pods are perfect for solo travelers and give you a private and comfortable sleeping setup. As well as the ventilated pods, you’ll get access to a communal kitchen and high-speed WiFi. The hostel is also conveniently located near the beach, making it a perfect destination for those wanting to soak up some sun or catch some waves.:Address: 11 Brooks Ave, Venice Beach, CA 90291 – Phone: 301-517-9561
  • HI Los Angeles Santa Monica: With access to some of the best beaches in Los Angeles, and the vibrant Santa Monica neighborhood, this HI Hostel location is perfect for travelers. Santa Monica has a long history of culture, art, and music. Walking through the neighborhood, you’ll get to experience Los Angeles to its fullest and feel its vibrancy. Plus, it is conveniently located near train stops, giving you access to Los Angeles on the cheap! Address: 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 – Phone: 301-393-9913

Untitled Design 500Hostels Along the Central Coast

  • ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel: Our latest addition to the ITH family, this quaint hostel has become a favorite among travelers. This ITH location recently won an award for being the Best New Hostel in North America. It boasts new, clean facilities and a super-friendly staff. With nightly activities, a free pancake breakfast, and great beach access, our Beach Hostel is the perfect place to spend a few days as you make your way up the PCH. Address: 134 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 – Phone: 805-869-2154
  • Hostel Obispo: Located in beautiful San Luis Obispo, this hostel is a great getaway for those cruising the PCH. San Luis Obispo has so much to offer with its abundance of cool shops, incredible scenery, and rigorous hikes. We recommend spending a few days in town and checking out local digs like High Street Deli. For hikers, don’t miss out on Bishop Peak! Hostel Obispo has private and shared rooms available. Address: 1617 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 – Phone: 805-544-4678
  • Monterey Hostel: Recently opened, this central coast hostel has become a popular destination for travelers as they make their way through California. Located right off the PCH, this hostel has a sleek, modern interior and is newly renovated. With a location that is close to several great shops, restaurants, and awesome beaches, we recommend spending a couple of days hanging out here! Address: 778 Hawthorne St, Monterey, CA 93940
  • Santa Cruz Hostel: Heading even further north up the PCH, you’ll find the lovely Santa Cruz Hostel. The hostel is located just down the street from the beach, making it a perfect place to relax on your expedition up or down the California Coast. You can also easily access several hiking areas, as well as beaches, restaurants, and cafes. As well as shared dorms, they offer private rooms and also private cottages. Rates vary for the different accommodations and can fluctuate throughout the year. Address: 321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • HI Pigeon Point Hostel: Another location that is part of the HI USA Hostel company, this unique hostel is located inside a lighthouse. The property features shared dorms as well as private rooms and can be booked for private parties. With proximity to destinations like Big Sur, Monterey, San Jose, and Santa Cruz, this spot is a perfect stopover on your drive along the PCH. Address: 210 Pigeon Point Road, Pescadero, CA 94060 – Phone: 650-879-0633

  • HI Point Montara Lighthouse: Similar to the Pigeon Point Hostel by HI, this hostel is also located inside a lighthouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The location makes for an easy day trip up to San Francisco, as it is located just 25 miles south of the city. There is also plenty to do in the area, including hiking, birdwatching, and water activities such as kayaking. The hostel has certain requirements, such as two or three-night minimums, so check out their website before planning your stop. Address: 8800 Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA 94037 – Phone: 650-728-7177

Untitled Design 503Hostels in San Francisco

  • Chapter San Francisco: Once you land in San Francisco, there are plenty of hostels to choose from. This hostel features plenty of different options for rooms, from privates to shared dorms. One of the coolest things about this place is its designated workspaces on site, which make it easy for remote workers and digital nomads to do their thing while traveling. There is also plenty of natural light, and the beds are comfortable! Address: 1533 Franklin St 2nd Floor, Austin St Entrance, San Francisco, CA 94109 – Phone: 415-416-2437
  • Samesun San Francisco: Located near the historic Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown San Francisco, this hostel is perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant city life that San Francisco has to offer. You can walk to other historic neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Nob Hill, and North Beach, making it a perfect place to set up camp for a few days as you explore the city. The hostel is known for being clean, and they offer a free breakfast! Address: 1475 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123 – Phone: 415-441-6000
  • Green Tortoise: This spacious hostel is one of our favorite hostels in the city. Located in an old building with plenty of natural light and quirky furnishings, the Green Tortoise Hostel is one that you shouldn’t miss. While you’re there, plan a visit to Alcatraz Island, explore Golden Gate Park, or check out the historic Hait Street. Even better, they have a sauna on-site, as well! Address: 494 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133 – Phone: 415-834-1000
  • ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel: Your visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a stop at our Pacific Tradewinds Hostel. Our friendly staff, free pancake breakfasts, and nightly activities make your stay memorable at ITH. With a great central location, you can explore the city of San Francisco to the fullest. Our hostel is located right in the heart of Chinatown, giving you access to a huge cultural hub in San Francisco. Make sure to check out our rooftop for great views of the city! Address: 680 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111 – Phone: 415-433-7970

Mendocino County Hostels

  • OZ Farm: Last but not least, this hostel makes our list of top hostels along the PCH. Located in Mendocino County, which is roughly 130 miles north of San Francisco, this unique hostel is worth a stop. At the OZ Farm, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature. Surrounded by redwood trees, the hostel runs on solar and wind power for all of its operations. This hostel is ideal for those who want to get away and tap into nature. The set-up here is not your traditional hostel, so read over their suggestions to help yourself prepare for your stay. Directions to the hostel can also be found here. Address: 41601 Mountain View Road, Point Arena, California 95468 – Phone: 707-882-3046

Untitled Design 502Now that you have a full breakdown of all the great hostels along the Pacific Coast Highway, we recommend packing the car and hitting the road! Whether you travel with friends or go solo, a trip up (or down) the PCH is one for the memory books.

Make sure to sign up for our Traveler’s Club at ITH when booking your stay with us. We offer special discounts for members, and it’s free to sign up!

 

Leave a comment