ITH San Diego Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

San Diego, CA

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Plan Your Stay At ITH Mission Beach

Reservations by phone

+1.415.433.7970

reservations by email

[email protected]

Hostel Address

3204 Mission BLVD. San Diego, CA 92109

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Stay in the heart of mission Beach San Diego

Experience The ITH San Diego Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

Located in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood, the location doesn’t get any better for beachgoers! The ITH San Diego Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel offers modern cozy beds, relaxing communal facilities, and friendly hosts who have a passion for showcasing the local culture. Bring your flip flops, sunscreen, adventurous attitude, and prepare to explore San Diego from our cozy hostel.

The Hostel has been active in San Diego since the late 90’s hosting countless travelers and making meaningful memories for decades. The hostel changed hands a few times and eventually closed down around 2015. In September of 2022, the hostel was brought back to life by our team at ITH Hostels.

At ITH, we are proud to keep the vibes right and the energy high for all types of travelers regardless of your itinerary to create a social, friendly, and fun atmosphere. Make yourself at home, connect with new people, explore the city, and relax in our cozy spaces.

Welcome Home

Enjoy a Comfortable Stay

Hostel Gallery

The hostel has a cozy vibe and is perfect for travelers looking for a quieter and peaceful hostel to work from or relax at after a full day of exploring. The hostel has a multiple common spaces where travelers can socialize, and feel at home.

Key Amenities

Foam Bed
Steps From Mission Beach
Coin Laundry
Communal Kitchen
Cook it Yourself Breakfast
Free Daily Social Activities
CoWorking Spaces
Security Lockers

Things To Know

Check-In Time: 4:00 PM
Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
Bring Good Vibes
Embrace Global Cultures

comfortable beds for today's travelers

Rooms We Offer

We have several room options, including female-only rooms, coed dorm-style rooms, and private rooms. All rooms offer shared bathrooms only.

Please contact us for more details or specific room inquiries.

Alley, Street, or Courtyard View

Private Room

Double Room (Up To 2 Guests)

Free Cook-It-Yourself Pancake Breakfast
Shared Bathroom
Electric Plug
Private Workspace
TV
Mini Fridge

Search Available Rooms

Street View

Dorm Room - Single Bed

Co-Ed Mixed Dorms & Female Only Dorms

Free Cook-It-Yourself Pancake Breakfast
Shared Bathroom
Electric Plug
Privacy Locker
Towel Rental Available

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Delighting Our Travelers one at a time

Recent Guest Reviews

Hosting you with comfortable stays and personalized experiences

Google Reviews

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

4.8

Based on 141 reviews

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Randy Harbour

17:52 03 Mar 25

People are really cool here and they had meals for us to enjoy. The staff were fantastic and I will definitely come back and stay in the Queen room. One of the best nights sleep I’ve had in a long time!

Haven Kim

17:19 01 Mar 25

Honestly very satisfied. Clean and comfortable. Highly recommended.

courtney dupree

01:32 01 Mar 25

Mission beach hostel is a great place to stay. I enjoyed the clean rooms and common areas, privacy curtains for the beds and central location to the beach. The stay is very friendly and helpful and it’s surrounded by great restaurants.

Gregory Johnson

21:38 28 Feb 25

Awesome place. Nice staff. Comfortable beds.

Michelle Nanne

05:05 26 Feb 25

Absolutely incredible stay at this hostel! The real highlight? Ruben! His energy and enthusiasm are unmatched—he makes sure every guest has an unforgettable experience. He knows everyone by name, always ready with a smile and helpful advice. His hospitality truly sets the vibe of the place. If you’re staying here, you’re in great hands with Ruben!

Audrey King

16:53 19 Feb 25

It was my first ever solo hostel experience and the manager, Reuben, made me feel incredibly welcome and comfortable! The space was so charming and well-kept, and the location cannot be beat! Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and am hoping I can make it back someday 🙂

Natalie Sinclair

19:53 12 Feb 25

My partner and I truly enjoyed our stay here! We had a private room, which was clean, comfortable, and had plenty of closet space for our bags. Our room came with 2 towels but there are towels for rent as well in case you forget one. Everyone we interacted with was kind and respectful. The staff knew us by name and created a welcoming space. We aren't big breakfast people, so the hostel-provided pancakes, fruit and coffee were plenty for us. There is a small kitchen as well if you prefer to do your own cooking. With the hostel being only a block from the beach and 10-15 minutes walk to Pacific Beach, the location was a massive plus for us (who relied on walking to get around). We visited during the quiet season, which may have affected this aspect, but were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was in our room at night. I'd highly recommend a stay here and we will be back!

Lana Waddell

18:20 10 Feb 25

I stayed here in a private room for a weekend getaway and had a great experience. It was a great value for the money to have someplace to stay right near the ocean. The location is great in the sense of walkability to restaurants/attractions but on the flip side has a fair amount of street noise as a result. Earplugs were provided - problem solved. Shared bathrooms and showers were small but clean and well maintained. Staff was friendly and helpful. We had a late flight the day of checkout and Reuben was kind enough to let us hang out and use the facilities there after check-out time which really allowed us to maximize our time in town. Would definitely stay here again.

ignoretheobvious1

02:48 06 Feb 25

I wanted to give this place one star solely so no one finds out about it. My friend and I decided to make a last minute trip out to San Diego and were lucky enough to get a private room at this hostel. We got in very late and were welcomed in regardless of the time. The room was clean and very well decorated. The next morning they had a make your own pancake station set up in the communal kitchen (which they apparently do every day?)! We got to meet some more of the people staying there and everyone we came across was incredibly respectful and friendly. Our plan was to leave that day but we enjoyed our time so much that we booked another night. We were in a different room that was just as comfy and clean. We met the manager, Reuben (sp?), and he was such a lovely person with great recommendations for things to do in the area. I can't say enough good things about this place, the people we met here, and I'm so grateful we stumbled upon it.

Demmy Campbell

19:56 01 Feb 25

Great staff, great location, and really kept clean and organized. Ruben and Josue brought us out to play pool and as a solo traveler they made me feel really safe!

Brooke Burns

00:17 01 Feb 25

I had an exceptional experience at the Mission Beach hostel. I had a private queen room. It was exactly what I needed and the bed was super comfortable. Slept great every night. The hostel was a perfect place for a solo vacation, but also I was able to meet some great people who were also staying at the hostel. They had nightly activity nights if you wanted to hang out and meet people. Reuben, the manager, was absolutely great! I will definitely be back!

Eric Ra

01:43 27 Jan 25

Ej J

16:14 17 Jan 25

Exe B

22:52 03 Jan 25

Honest opinion, one or two stars, I felt unsafe. Cop came to the hostel for violent crime. After all the things happened, entrance code has never changed. The suspect could be get in anytime. Amigo and some staff I spoke were seem like good pplIt’s noisy from outside cars…. Kitchen is small even it’s off season but it’s crowded and bathrooms as well….Ummm

Rosa M

23:33 02 Jan 25

Diana torrez

18:24 25 Dec 24

First timer at a hostel. The staff was good and accommodating. They kept the shared areas as clean as they could but the showers are very small and outdated. There were smells that come with this building. The room was good with a comfortable bed. They provide complimentary ear plugs and grateful for them because it did get noisy from just people moving around at night time. The social aspect was good, met a few people but mostly focused on exploring the city. They have nighttime activities for the ones who wanted to join. Morning breakfast was available to make but same breakfast everyday, not sure if they change every week. Overall you get what you pay for. As for me, I would probably only return if I need to save extra money, that’s my personal preference. Overall I have no complaints except the smells and the outdated showers.

Christian Moran

23:58 16 Dec 24

The staff is amazing a for a beach front the price you can’t beat it! The connections you make the people you meet you can’t beat it. It’s like family and the people are very kinda and easy to be around! The vibes are great! Everything is close by anything you might need. They hold events and cook food have bonfires! Great time to connect a meet new people hear life stories a share your own. I would definitely recommend this place and plan on coming here every time I’m in Pacific Beach!!

M M-L

04:40 15 Dec 24

A hostel right where you need it, a 2-minute walk from Mission Beach, numerous restaurants, Starbucks, souvenir stores and Belmont Park.Plenty of free public parking around the hostel.Entrance to the hostel and room is secured by a code.Although very small, the hostel has beautiful, spacious private and comfy rooms (which we had), dormitories, a lounge, a mini patio and a very small self-service kitchen.Respect for nighttime quiet is one of the guests' top priorities. In fact, most of them seem to be workers, not tourists, so they need a good night sleep.The downside is that the common areas are really small and you end up stepping on each other. Also, a little dusting could go a long way.Alex and the "long red hair lady" were friendly with us (the other staff members, not that much!!). What's more, Alex accepted my small Amazon packets a few days before our arrival.Last but not least, the hostel offers a copious and tasty breakfast.Hotel room price is right for the area.

Colin Spradlin

19:47 04 Jan 23

This was one of my more enjoyable hostel visits. Marlin and the rest of the staff and volunteers are wonderful. Barbara and Nate were extremely helpful and friendly assisting me with check in and showing me around the hostel. Other volunteers do a great job of keeping the place clean throughout the day.Unlike other hostels, the beds were very comfortable and they provide you with 2 pillows and an actual comforter.I found Mission Beach to be a more quiet area, so this place is perfect for those looking for a nice place to work remote or just relax. For those who enjoy a party, the nightlife is only a 20min walk away. Expect to make friends and have good conversation here.My only negative was, the sinks were very small. Marlin says they will be making improvements soon based on feedback. Can't wait to return and see this place even better!

Celine De Bie

05:53 27 Nov 22

Such a cute little place ! Athena and Marlin were so lovely and bringing some nice international family vibe around the place. Perfect place for nomad workers as it is a very relaxed atmosphere. The beds were super comfortable. Pancake breakfast was such a treat !

Patrick Stephens

14:43 11 Nov 22

Good balance between party and chill. Was able to sleep fine. Staff are awesome, they’re always around and super helpful! The manager went above and beyond keeping the place safe and orderly.Free breakfast and coffee were of good quality. Overall great stay for the price.

Koby Sobremesana

22:18 02 Nov 22

Amazing hostel with amazing people! The hostel is super clean with all the amenities needed. It has a nice homey vibe and is right next to the beach. There’s also an amusement park with a rollercoaster. Marlin is a very funny guy who does a great job managing it.

ike

08:14 30 Oct 22

This was a nice quiet hostel. Good for digital nomads or people doing remote work. I think Brock and Barb should start their own reality TV show. I love the arguments they have between each other lol. Other than that, all the staff members were great but Barb is my most favorite one. The first time I went to the hostel, I called and told them I was gonna be really late and check in the middle of the night but no staff would be up that late but she was willing to stay up and she gave me her personal number to text or call when I arrived and she stayed up all night waiting for me. What a true staff member! She's the highlight of my time there. Good times smoking some joints and drinking some beers with her during my stay. I'm gonna miss her, she's my favorite. Overall, the hostel was great. Everything is right there.

Dávila Lopes

06:34 12 Oct 22

The best hostel ever! Everything new, near the beach, lights in every bed, perfect room and great breakfast. The staff are always there to help you and they are all nice!

Stephen Reed

02:37 26 Sep 22

I’ve stayed at a lot of hostels but this hands down was my favourite, lovely staff, very close to beach, nice size building, clean rooms and good facilities

Rise Up Media

18:08 21 Sep 22

Very nice place. It is quiet house but if you want to action, it is just walk to the other house where they have the reception, activities, breakfast and coffee bar. Location is perfect and the morning sun at the front garden was super relaxing.

Trip Advisor Reviews

Hosting The ultimate local experiences

Daily Hostel Activities

Art Night

Hosted social events happen every day for you to connect and meet other travelers. Activities rotate each week to give you the ultimate experience throughout the year. We invite you to join us during your stay for a fun and engaging cultural experience!

Join Our Hostel WhatsApp Group At Check-In To Get Connected To Our Daily Activities

Mission Beach in San Diego

Where You'll Be Staying

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.

Mission Beach is the most popular beach to visit in San Diego. You can enjoy the beach, Mission Bay, Belmont Park, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars. You can easily access the public transit bus to go anywhere in the city.

Current Weather

San Diego, US

3:18 pm, Mar 24, 2025

65°F

scattered clouds

How To Find Us

Hostel Address: 3204 Mission BLVD. San Diego, CA 92109

By Car: The Hostel is located in Mission Beach in San Diego. Free street parking is available but limited around the Hostel. Be sure to look for Overnight Street Sweeping signs if you park on the street to avoid a ticket.

No Onsite Parking Available at the Hostel.

By Bus: From San Diego Old Town Station, take bus #8 to Mission Beach.

By Plane: San Diego International Airport SAN is located 20 minutes away by car. We recommend using UBER for around $35 as the easiest way to go to or from the airport.

By Train: The San Diego Old Town Amtrak Station is the closest train station. Jump off the train and take bus #8 to Mission Beach.

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What Makes the ITH Difference

Benefits To Staying At ITH

Beachfront amenities include a cozy rooms, spectacular ocean view deck, communal spaces, social events, and a gracious 24/7 team of ultimate hosts to delight you.

Cozy Beds

We are continuosly innovating our sleep experience and comfort.

Feel At Home

International Travelers House is your home away from home.

Travel Longer

Make friends and travel the world like you are visiting your friend's house.

Create Memories

Explore the city with world travelers and get know new people and cultures.

Wellness

Staying at ITH provides a well-rounded stay of adventure & wellness.

Save Money

With affordable lodging, you will have more money to spend on experiences.

Great Locations

Conveniently stay in the best locations for your trip and experiences.

Sustainability

Hostels are community driven and a more eco-conscious style of travel.

Voice From Our Guests

“Everything here was great: the staff, the room layout, the property amenities with communal common spaces, and the quality of the beds. But the high point is the people and the community.”

Anna Williams – Hostelworld

★★★★★ 5/5

A Global Community of Experience driven World Travelers

ITH Travelers Club

Travel more often and to farther places when you are a part of the ITH Travelers Club. Receive free nights, points and discounts on your next trip. Gain access to a community of over 4,000 travelers.

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