2024 Hostelworld Hoscar Award Recipient For Earning The #1 New Hostel in North America

ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

Santa Barbara, CA

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Stay by the beach in the center of town

Experience The ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

Located 2 blocks from the beach adjacent to the Amtrak Station in the cozy coastal town of Santa Barbara, the location doesn’t get any better! The award winning ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel offers modern cozy beds, relaxing communal facilities, and friendly hosts who have a passion for showcasing the local culture. Bring your beach clothes, an adventure attitude, and prepare to kick back at our beach hostel.

The Hostel has been a legendary staple in Santa Barbara since the 1960’s hosting countless travelers and making memories. The hostel was closed down in 2013 and reopened a decade later in 2023. 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, go for a surf, and relax in our outdoor spaces.

Welcome Home.

Comfortable Common Spaces To Enjoy

Hostel GAllery

The floor plan offers lots of outdoor space to meet other travelers. The hostel has a large private outdoor deck where travelers can socialize, check out the waves and soak up the sunshine.

Key Amenities

Foam Bed
Close To The Beach
Surf Adventures
Coin Laundry
Communal Kitchen
Cook it Yourself Breakfast
Free Daily Social Activities
CoWorking Spaces
Paid Parking Lot
Security Lockers

Things To Know

Check-In Time: 4:00 PM
Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
Van Life Parking Available
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. The hostel has multiple lounges where guests can enjoy a variety of cozy spaces to relax or work from.

Neighborhood View

Dorm Room - Single Bed

Co-Ed Mixed Dorms & Female Only Dorms

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

Search Available Rooms

Neighborhood View

Private Room

Regular & Double Rooms

Free Cook-It-Yourself Pancake Breakfast
Shared Bathroom
Electric Plug
TV

Search Available Rooms

Delighting Our Travelers one at a time

Recent Guest Reviews

Hosting you with comfortable stays and personalized experiences

Google

ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

4.6

Based on 140 reviews

review us on

Marques R

17:12 04 Mar 25

If I could give 6 stars I would

Marcio Mega

18:32 02 Mar 25

Great small hostel, warm reception and great vibe. Comfy beds, everything clean and friendly staff....definetely recommended

Emily Bishop

18:54 27 Feb 25

I’ve bunked at a lot of hostels and I can’t say enough good things about this place! Both the staff and guests are super friendly and respectful! It’s the cleanest hostel I’ve stayed in, it’s reasonably priced, comfy beds, the location can’t be beat, as it’s in walking distance to just about everything, and the free breakfasts are legit!

Robin

18:17 23 Feb 25

great modern hostel, beach 5min nearby, train station bit annoying, service is great (group activities and free breakfast included)

Anna Casastrova

18:07 23 Feb 25

We stayed for 3 Nights and enjoyed the chilled vibe.Every evening the staff organized something fun Like Game night or BBQ!Its close to the Beach and the City…. The rooms are stylish and clean.

Christopher Mattey

14:46 16 Feb 25

Awesome

Cute Swaggy

12:07 10 Feb 25

The 5 star reviews are fake, scroll down, even their own employees leave 1 star reviews. This place is beyond unprofessional it's dangerous. Stay anywhere else.

Stella Luna

00:07 03 Feb 25

Great experience! Great, well-equipped, clean and modern hostel! Very nice staff and we met great people straight away and had an unforgettable time! It is also ideally located, very close to the beach, bars restaurants and shops within walking distance.We will definitely come back 🙂

Ben Simon

00:50 15 Jan 25

William Bramscher

21:24 07 Jan 25

With 8 inn Cali sum coastal (Big Bear & Joshua Tree) + 1 inn Mexico (Sayulita) #weliketoparty!GOOD VIBEraytions!!!Tis a POT LUCK o FUN 4 Shure!#beSAFE #beKIND #beYOURSELFAloha!

Fintail63 flozze

21:01 04 Jan 25

mimiallin

18:39 04 Jan 25

What a great hostel! You can tell from the way the guests interact with one another in the common spaces & by the way the staff & guests interact with one another that this hostel cares about its staff 7 its guests. Clean, friendly, safe, affordable. So many fantastic spaces to be, to read, to eat, to write, to engage with others. I had several really good conversations with guests from China & France & the US. Want to return for another visit soon!

Brando James

00:25 03 Jan 25

Super comfortable. Couldn't imagine a better location. Save money on the hotel and splash out at Loquita down the street. Literally skip and a jump to the water. Right off State Street. Staff was incredible. You can't go wrong, and I'm someone who is over Hostels but but will definitely stay again

Shahed Zaman

21:38 30 Dec 24

Jesper Zhang

03:26 28 Dec 24

Enjoyed the night except someone was snoring.

Letxia C

22:52 19 Dec 24

Right by the beach. Management and staff are super friendly, helpful, welcoming, accommodating, and supportive. Love their jams when they were cleaning. I would definitely stay here again!

DAVI OLIVEIRA

04:33 15 Dec 24

I felt like home, the staff members are phenomenal, in special Mr. David the host manager. That is a place you should definitely stay and hangout! I'm so grateful for staying in, such an amazing experience...

Terry Oliver

15:12 09 Dec 24

Wonderful place to stay!

Josiah Shaver

14:58 09 Dec 24

Hospitality was on point. Vibes were friendly. Clean, new feel to the place. Ruben was super helpful and friendly.

Cody Thompson

23:52 08 Dec 24

My trip to California had some last minute changes so I stayed here for a few nights. The staff were AMAZING! Between them, the accommodations and other guests, I felt at home despite being very far from it. I would 1000% recommend staying here. As well, I already plan to stay there next time I’m visiting Santa Barbara.

Margot wind

12:51 03 Dec 24

Nice cozy fun and safe. It made my trip magical

Alex Dogson

12:22 23 Nov 24

Vincent Espinosa

18:55 20 Nov 24

Marta Marchlewska

04:42 20 Nov 24

One of the best places I’ve ever stayed in. Amazing people, really building a community there! The hostel is visually pleasing, great common room, full size kitchen and free breakfast in the morning.The place is also impeccable, clean, cleaned every day.I would chose it to any hotel, great experience!

Michael Dyrbus

05:53 16 Nov 24

Highly recommended. The hostel is social and great. There's a good social vibe, yet still respectful of keeping a quiet space for everyone to sleep.Staff are all friendly helpful, and big shout out to Davey B and Reuben for a great night of entertainment!There's a variety of social events throughout the week, from film nights, music nights, shared cooking nights, to drinking, alongside daytime events!Location is great so do stay here if in the Santa Barbara area.

Kelly Kinder

05:08 14 Nov 24

I didn’t actually stay here as I had to cancel my reservation due to car troubles on the way over, but they were very understanding given the circumstances of my experience. Also they were very accommodating of other requests I had made. Would definitely book with them again and recommend to others.

Daman C

18:39 09 Nov 24

Amazing hostel! This went above and beyond all expectations and I would gladly stay here again rather than a hotel or airbnb. Extremely clean and well kept. Amazing indoor and outdoor areas and super easy to walk to State street or the beach. Breakfast was good too!

N Faraji

22:36 21 Oct 24

This hostel is pretty decent place to stay if you are traveling on budget. Fairly clean, great location, breakfast included.They hold nightly activities throughout the week. I happened to stay the night they had BBQ (burgers and hotdogs) for dinner, I enjoyed the burger and asked if I could get a second one. One of the staff nodded and confirmed there was enough for everyone. However, the girl responsible for serving food refused to get me second burger and instead offered a hotdog.When I was picking the hotdog, she asked a group of guests if they wanted more burgers !!! I found it very upsetting and discriminating. It is NOT ok to treat guests differently, we are all humans deserve respect. Any guest needs to feel welcome.

Kin

19:23 08 Oct 24

Didn’t think I’d have to be writing this review, but here we are. I feel disgusted with my experience here. For reference, I was staying in a private room with my boyfriend. One afternoon after coming back from the beach, I was changing in what I thought was the comfort of my room. The blinds happened to be cracked open when I saw an older man with a white beard staring at me from outside. In shock, I ducked down to hide and the man then put his face up closer to the window to get a better view. It was only then when he saw my boyfriend get up that he backed away. I don’t want to think what could’ve happened had I been alone. I brought it to the attention of the hostel employees where they confirmed this man WORKS FOR THEM / WITH THEM. They apologized and said someone from upper management would be in contact with me, and I have yet to hear anything. That speaks volumes as to how little they actually care. I also saw the man there the next day, so clearly no action was taken. For the rest of my trip, I was obviously very on edge inside the hostel. So basically I paid $750 to be violated. Awesome.

Songling Yang

16:29 28 Sep 24

Tom Delie

12:34 27 Sep 24

I had a great time at "ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel".Friendly staff and friendly travellers. Special thanks to Rosey.+ The location is great (5 minutes walk from the beach, right next to State Street, the train station, the FlixBus stop). I recommend 🙂

Sustainable Shane

23:45 23 Sep 24

Beautiful and clean! Everything you could wish for at an organized hostel right by the beach.

Yer Mawm

07:57 22 Sep 24

The windows to the women's bathroom are always WIDE open. And I mean anyone can crawl in or look in. The community fridge is full of old food and smells rotten. They also have a bus on the property for smoking but I'm pretty sure there are other illegal things that go on in there. Not worth it.

Such a Bad Ash

16:57 19 Sep 24

Unprofessional staff. Theft in the rooms. Security issues with wide open windows and allowing homeless people in the rooms.

Mariano Supino

10:05 19 Sep 24

This will be one of the best hostels of your life. Go there, and spend as many days as you can. Santa Barbara and close places are wonderful, and with perfect weather.

Abby Normal

12:23 14 Sep 24

ITH engages in hiring discrimination and the upper management shows no concern or remorse. The one year on-site manager runs this place like it's her own and makes up her own rules.

SebbeTheBeast Hd

20:57 07 Sep 24

Great place! Beds are comfy, breakfast and kitchen is nice and the staff is really helpful! You meet a lot of travelers and they have fun activities every night!

Stella Lu

04:39 04 Sep 24

Negative: There was a male in my all-female dorm and no warning or discount was given. Other than that, it was a decent hostel with a great location.

Olivier

13:48 27 Aug 24

Very nice place, modern, good looking and clean.There is a very nice vibe exactly what you expect from an hostel.Staff is very friendly and they organize some activities.Morning yoga class on the beach .. it doesn't get much better :)Even for me - it was my first class ever.Santa Barbara is also a very nice location. Where you can relax for a few days.

Lucia Hevia Torrebella

21:02 08 Aug 24

I stayed at ITH Santa Barbara last week and it was the best experience ever! I had been traveling California for 2 weeks, staying at hostels, and this one was by far the best one. Not only the accommodation is great, but what makes it so special is the people working there, specially Kai, she was the best host 🫶🏼I was traveling solo and the fact that they organize differe fun activities everyday makes it so much easier to connect with incredible people.The only bad thing was leaving so early 🙁

Monlong Wu

17:35 31 Jul 24

I was so nervous since I lost my car key. The staffs are so willing to help. The bed is clean. Nice and neat. Great place to stay. Also, feel very safe. One of the best hostel I have ever stayed in my life

Ella

14:50 25 Jun 24

Really nice and cozy hostel. The rooms are very clean. I stayed in the all female dorm and even though there was a lot of bunks they are set up well with curtains and sturdy frames that it felt super quiet and private. The bathrooms are cleaned and well maintained. Big lockers for storing stuff are provided in the hallway, which requires a bit of manoeuvring so as to not get in anyone’s way.Free breakfast was great and coffee is available all day. The kitchen is fab - best stocked kitchen I’ve seen at a hostel, and it’s easy to cook here.Staff are great, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome and include you in events.It’s an expensive choice but I had a great time!

Kimberly Sleeper

22:18 11 Jun 24

I stayed here for just one night and only wish I could've stayed longer! This hostel is clean, quiet, super laid back, and has a perfect location close to the beach and the Amtrak station.The kitchen is a bit cramped when multiple people are trying to cook, but the amenities in the kitchen are great! They offer pancakes and fruit in the morning as well as eggs to make yourself.The hostel has a very nice outdoor area with plenty of seating in the sun or under umbrellas in the shade.The beds are very comfortable. Since the bunks are built into the wall they don't wiggle at all when someone above/below you is getting in/out of bed. The curtains are a huge plus. I got a fantastic night's sleep after a super long day of driving. The hostel can get a bit warm, but they have windows open and large box fans in the rooms. I kept my curtain cracked a few inches to let in air.Overall, I would absolutely stay here again. Kudos to the staff who are friendly and very helpful!!

Trip Advisor

Hosting The ultimate local experiences

Daily Hostel Activity Wall

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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 To Get Connected To Our Daily Acitivities

West Beach in Santa Barbara

Where You'll Be Staying

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.

Santa Barbara, California, is a charming coastal city renowned for its Mediterranean architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Discover the beauty of Santa Barbara and experience the ultimate California coastal getaway.

How To Find ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

By Car: Traveling North or South on US HWY 101, we are located 1 block off State Street next to the beach

Hostel Onsite Parking: $20 per night

By Bus: The Greyhound Bus stops at the Amtrak Station which is located across the train tracks from the hostel.

By Plane: Santa Barbara Airport SBA is located 30 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 Santa Barbara Amtrak Station is located next to the hostel. Jump off the train and walk across the tracks to the hostel.

Current Weather

San Diego, US

1:45 pm, Mar 24, 2025

66°F

clear sky

Connecting you with the best ways to experience san diego

Promotions For You

We have designed a promotion for all types of travelers regardless of your journey. Find the best deal for your trip and move on to the next step of your vacation.

50% Off Rentals

5 Day Surf Package

Learn How To Surf

15% Off

Early Booker

Lock In Your Stay

15% Off

Weekly Deal

Get To Know The city

$5 Off Per Night

Student Discount

Escape The CLassroom

View All Special Offers

find the right place to stay on your trip

Check Out Our Vibes At The Hostel

Get To Know Us More

The Hostel Experience We Offer

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 indoor pool, and the quality of the food. But the high point is the view from the mountains.”

Anna Williams – TripAdvisor

★★★★★ 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.

Join ITH Travelers Club

Travel like a local

Latest Santa Barbara News & Travel Advice

Our tips and local knowledge to help you have the best trip.

Weekend Activities in Santa Barbara

Visiting Santa Barbara in Spring Tips

Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara in March

View All ITH News & Local Insights

Connecting You with the best local experiences & Operators

Top Local Experiences We Recommend

Enjoy the ultimate Santa Barbara vacation with our favorite things to do in the area.

Santa Barbara Adventures

Surf & Yoga Trip

Yoga Soup

Wellness

Santa barbara Boats

Boat Tours

adventure Tim

Hot Spring Hike

Frequently Asked Questions

Hostel Tips & FAQ

We create a special stay for you

Age Requirements To Stay?

All guests must be at least 18 years old to stay at the hostel.

What Are The Check In Requirements?

To check in to the hostel, you must have a valid Passport or State ID which shows your reside outside of Santa Barbara County. A valid credit card in the guest’s name is required for all reservations to cover any incidentals. You must be at least 18 years old.

Can I Bring My Dog?

We love animals but pets are not allowed at the hostel.

How Many Nights Can I Stay?

You are welcome to stay 14 nights per month as long as you obide by all house rules. Long Term Stays are available through our CoLiving Applications.

Can Males Sleep In The Female Dorm?

No. Only females are allowed to sleep in the Female Dorm.

Where Is The Closest Super Market

There is a local market about 10 minutes away by walking.

How Can I Book A Reservation at the ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel?

The best way to book a reservation is to book directly on our website. Be sure to check out all our deals and special offers setup to save you money. You can also call us at reception to book your stay. 1.858.412.5878

Does The Hostel Offer Parking?

Yes. We have a limited parking spots on site at the hostel. Nightly parking at the hostel ranges from $5 – $20 per night depending on the month. There are free parking spaces in the surrounding neighborhoods around the hostel. Watch out for city street sweeping times to avoid any tickets.

ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

Plan Your Stay At ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel​

Reservations by phone

reservations by email

Hostel Address

Experience The ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

Hostel GAllery

Key Amenities

Things To Know

Rooms We Offer

Dorm Room - Single Bed

Private Room

Recent Guest Reviews

Google

Trip Advisor

Daily Hostel Activity Wall

Where You'll Be Staying

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.

How To Find ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel

Current Weather

Promotions For You

5 Day Surf Package

Early Booker

Weekly Deal

Student Discount

Check Out Our Vibes At The Hostel

The Hostel Experience We Offer

Benefits To Staying At ITH

Cozy Beds

Feel At Home

Travel Longer

Create Memories

Wellness

Save Money

Great Locations

Sustainability

“Everything here was great: the staff, the room layout, the property amenities with indoor pool, and the quality of the food. But the high point is the view from the mountains.”

ITH Travelers Club

Latest Santa Barbara News & Travel Advice

Top Local Experiences We Recommend

Surf & Yoga Trip

Wellness

Boat Tours

Hot Spring Hike

Hostel Tips & FAQ

Sign up for ITH Travelers Club

ITH Hostels

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Plan Your Stay At ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel