California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

Good if you enjoy waking up to puke on the floor.

Property is clean and in safe.

Great place

Staff went above and beyond to be friendly. Super clean and good, safe vibes. Quiet too

Note that there is only one bathroom (shower included, so it's not possible to have one person shower while another uses the bathroom) for the dorm of 14 people. I never had an issue conflicting with anybody, but just know that there's only one bathroom. There are 2 sinks outside the bathroom, though.

I come back here

I just needed a place to sleep for one night, nothing fancy. And for the price this total fit the bill!

Clean, cool, safe, close to all of it.

This was a laid back place to stay. Right by the beach which was fantastic! The bathroom was nice and big. The bunkers had curtains and apx 14 beds total in one very narrow and long room. There was a bit of a locker room smell near one bunk (thankfully not near mine!) but clearly that was an individual, not the hostel. Big kitchen to use and room to hang out. Nice and helpful staff.

Staff members, Gabi and Cara, were really nice, hospital, and welcoming. They made sure my stay was flawless and they’re just beautiful. So don’t hesitate to book your stay, but be respectful to everyone! The bed was comfy, the breakfast was simple, yet good. Location is perfect for the beach, nightlife, and restaurants. Parking on the street - no problem and it felt safe. Since there are many young people in the hostel and no one likes to be boring, it can get a little loud at night. Make sure you have some earplugs just in case! (there are some at the front desk)

The ceiling and window leaks very badly and there is thick black mold in the room on the window sill...

I had the most amazing time here, the staff was so kind, the people were so kind, very safe, I'm genuinely so sad I had to leave because this was the most amazing experience! Especially coming single as a young woman, I felt very safe here

Great place..

The only thing is I wish the staff really adhered to quiet time

The staff here are terrific and the kitchen is awesome

the volunteer staff are Wonderfully accommodating - make you feel at home 🙂

Quirky place. Lots of nice amenities and is clean. Overall I would recommend but for my particular use, I found it very loud on the weekend. Both nights people were partying, there was a high pitched squealing noise that went on for hours below my room, doors were slamming, people were arriving late. If you have early mornings I wouldn't recommend this place, especially on weekends!

I will gladly come back.

Overall great setup. Lots of lil amenities. Staff was friendly and accommodating. The down side was not having a fan or individual AC in the room(private). The room was just muggy. Opening the window didn't help with the airport and condensor units right outside. Barely my second stay at a hostel. But i noticed the lack of group activities, maybe just the off season. Idk. But would definitely stay here again.

Horrible experience.

I enjoyed my stay. The staff are friendly and exceptional. I enjoyed getting to know some if the other travelers.

Love it, when I'm 58 years old.. and the stuff very nice all young girls but they very nice.

There were two people on the staff and Galia who were the oldest people working there was not nice at all.

Staff : Anna was great. Clementine was awful. Rude, unhelpful- worst staff person ever at a hostel.

Check-in was very easy parking is free in abundant everybody was super chill super nice I have no complaints

The three people who serviced the desk area were excellent. The property was fine for twenty year olds but I was a fish out if water. Noisy as hell and I’m not a bunk bed guy and I’m not fond of sharing a “used” bathroom :)

Good

An amazing place to stay! Beginning with a very reasonable nightly rate, a friendly staff that keeps the property immaculately clean, the amenities including rental bikes, surfboards, a swimming pool,... California Dreams Hostel exceeded every expectation!

Friendly staff. Recommended .

Stayed in a private room. My first stay at a hostel. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was comfortable and steps to the beach. Will definitely stay here again!

This accommodation exceeded my expectations in every area. The place was spacious and super clean and everyone was friendly. The kitchen was clean, organized and huge! Bathrooms/showers were very clean too.

The location of this hostel could not be better, The staff are very friendly and always available. Everything is clean and there is is breakfast, a full kitchen to use. This place is great. Parking can be tough if you drive here.

I thought that every thing was superbly managed. I was very happy with the bed, the facilities, only thing is, no real free parking. Each bunk has a curtain, and they have quiet hours. You need to use ear plugs, because of the other guests will snore. But they are very attentive and staying at a hostel you can talk to the other guests easily.

Good place to stay 🙌, breakfast was really good.

Friendly staff, lively area, clean facilities, comfy beds & lots of food options around the area. Just a heads up parking is challenging.

Nice kitchen for a hostel, too many freeloaders, working and visiting the place. Hot tub broken, pool not heated. Old men are either dominating the TV watching 40yr old movies or youngsters playing video games. Not enough bathrooms . Staff apart from the cleaning women are a bunch of boring gen Zers obsessed with other people's food.

Thank you . It was a very welcoming place.

I WILL BE BACK FOR SURE!!!!

N/A

Overall good stay

Stayed with my 15-year-old daughter (hostel stays with her sometimes). This place is covered in gorgeous art, the staff are more than welcoming, the facility was so clean, our room was comfortable. The other guests were friendly. It was basically perfection.

I love this hostel and I like the fact they’re located in a quiet neighborhood but still central to go to Ocean beach. Staff are friendly and the hostel is very clean. Def coming back to stay here in the future.

Notes: - bring your own blow dryer and toiletries. Towels too (they charge $5 for towels and they aren’t that big). - dress warm at night because it’s by the beach and the windows are open (long sleeves and sweats). - they have quiet hours. The only noise that woke me up at night was the temperature and hearing airplanes. I closed the window the next night when a roommate said she was cold too. I also brought ear plugs and headphones. - the blanket and sheets are thin. Again, dress warm and cozy at night. - surprisingly big kitchen and big fridge. Go to the grocery store and cook there.

This was my first time staying at a hostel. I would definitely do it again.

A less expensive alternative to hotels, this place was friendly, not especially clean, and had a diverse client base. The kitchen was large and had space for your food. Pleasant outdoor seating areas. They organized a few group events that were fun. Don’t rely on any off-street parking, but it’s not too hard to find a spot in this residential neighborhood. Public transportation (bus) not very convenient but downtown not far if you have a bicycle.

First hostel turning age 60 soon!! Loved it! Great space! The only problem was that a Bay Arean who was exiled with her grandkids in San Diego Cty from 2016-24, left in 2024 and is now back for 3-4 weeks and then will head back home to the Bay was not able to continue staying due to ID with SD county address. Total shame and exclusionary. I get that it’s an industry standard but it would have been great to continue on! Great kitchen!! Great amenities! Staff was great! Recommend!!!

Nice check in breakfast and clean safe environment

Pleasant stay and nice staff.

Clean and functional for a hostel. Helpful staff

The staff were so nice and so helpful!

Cute hostel in a safe neighborhood with food options within walking distance.

Great location, staff friendly, clean and tidy, only steps from the beach. Great hostel.

Nice place to stay, thanks

A fairly worn grungy hostel. All the basics, but could use updating of common areas. And better cleaning of room. Staff friendly and helpful. Up charges for hot tub use. Mattress comfortable enough but synthetic sheets and thin blanket. Plenty of outlets and WiFi good. Breakfast starts late, 8:30. There is only street parking, free but may not be nearby. Public transportation is not nearby.

G

Great stay! Yaadi and Mo were very helpful

Great place to stay! I’ve stayed a few times and I have been satisfied each time. The staff is great and very helpful if I have any questions. Andrea has been awesome with making sure I am settled. I do plan on staying again in the near future.✌

I love the staff there especially Katilyn, she was so sweet and nice. Everyone else was awesome as well! I couldn’t have stayed anywhere nicer. Will definitely come back there next time. I am mad I left early I didn’t think clearly on what I was doing. But good times

Staff was responsive and helpful. Please be aware that this is a hostel with shared rooms and bathrooms, but it is a delightful spot for the single traveler.

This is the worst hostel I’ve ever seen … it’s dirty from the reception to the rooms…. Very unsanitary- will net recommend to anyone

Great place .. the breakfast is very abundant. Location is fantastic. They also have a small vendor connected to the hostel with the original Brazilian acai smooth

excelent place

Extremely friendly welcome, and impeccably clean.

Convenient location close to airport . I had a good nights sleep after a long days travel. I also enjoyed the complimentary breakfast and chatting with fellow travelers . The staff was very welcoming.

Very clean and I felt very safe. There are a number of rules but all meant to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Bathrooms were clean and the rooms as well. Great little pool and jacuzzi. Surrounding area is a little slow but a quick drive to balboa park and cheap Uber to downtown SD. I would definitely stay here again and would recommend.

Friendly helpful staff made friends with several of the interesting guests

Clean property and safe for a female solo traveler, would stay here in the future!

For how cheap it was it was nice

An absolutely special place filled with a tremendous and caring staff... I would have stayed all summer if I could have!! 😁

The magic of this place is hard to describe... It starts with the tasty breakfast.. and continues with the warm hearted staff who makes every moment feel like home.. To the comfortable accommodations and the many interesting guests. To the special activities that happen daily.. I feel blessed ❤️

Nice place, but a bit expensive for what we got. We had a private room, but it didn’t keep much noise out. Noisy night, including a guest crying in the bathroom on a long phone call. Hope everything turned out okay for her!

Came to San Diego for the first time for a wedding and heading back home the next day. I've never stayed in a hostel before and didn't know what to expect. this place was awesome, all staff are super friendly, guests were also very friendly, the room had 4 bunks, bed was actually very comfortable, and lockers to keep stuff safe (although i felt very safe here). they provided breakfast, there's also a supermarket a block over, down the main street there's a bunch of coffee shops, small restaurants, and corner stores. the area was very nice! i can't think of any negative thing about this place. the planes are kinda loud but being close to the airport is super convenient. i will definitely come back next time i come here!

Great place!

Very comfortable and friendly. Will be back soon

We stayed during 4 days in a private room! Nothing bad to say, very clean, closed of lot bars, restaurants and shops! And 30 seconds walk to the beach

Very friendly! Clean . Loved it here!

Perfect place

The location is about 10 minutes from the airport. Greeted by very friendly and helpful staff. Nice kitchen area to cook. Bed very comfortable.

The place was excellent and so was the staff. The only complaint I have is that when I went to get into my bed, someone was in it and my pajamas were under the pillow and could not get it. So I had to sleep in another bed in my underwear. I guess it was a Logistics error but there was nothing to do but just take whatever the Hostel gave me. I did not find resolution to be as effective as iot should had been.

California Dreams may call itself a hostel, but it's more like a hotel in many ways. Free breakfast, free wifi, pool, willing to hold luggage and help get it to the room, key card locks, and ADA compliant. They even have gender-neutral restrooms on each floor. Only thing that differentiates it is the shared bathroom. The staff were great, especially Sam! We'd highly recommend to anyone.

Nice people, feel safe, great breakfast.

Cool staff

Staying in a hostel was on my bucket list and at 55, I finally checked it off. This is a really nice place. I stayed here twice this week. Breakfast was even really fresh... The outdoor area cannot be beat! I don't think I'll ever stay anywhere else when I visit my son in San Diego.

The hostel is located close to an airport so we heard planes all the time. The room wasn’t soundproof but that is really the only negative aspect. Overall a great stay! Will definitely visit again!

Cleanness is spotless, the staff were of very helpful friendly & with excellent hospitality--handling customer's issues quickly and so professionally, location is central to the city's attraction sites and near to everything a guest needs, my stay was very enjoyable and I highly recommend the service of this place.

The hostel has a "good vibe" not only because of the nice environment like outdoors but also the people who work there. Very personable. Cleanliness could be better, sharing a bathroom requires some attention since not everyone cleans up after themselves. I enjoyed the time by myself in the hot tub which can be rented by the hour. I would certainly return there!

Staff was great. Restaurants are close and very good. Bathrooms needed some tending to. Either leave cleaning supplies in bathrooms so we can clean after use or staff clean more often.

Bring your own towel + lock to Save $5. Street parking was hard to find, but staff helped me locate a spot. I checked in about 6pm so the lower twin beds were taken. It was a little rough being top bunk but for the price I'd stay again. Loud, boozy group up late talking but all quiet after 11pm. Everything was clean and accessible. They have bike rentals and hot tub by the hour.

This was my first hostel experience and it blew me away. They were so nice and the facility had great atmosphere and amenities. The woman who checked me in was so kind. I loved it here.

I am a kixury hotel girl, so when I saw the hostel option which was my very first time, I said this was too good to be true but I need this solo down to earth trip. Omg wait!! The communication from staff checking in on me due to my late flight immediately made things best. The staff, the location walkable to everything and not far from the beach. Clean and the breakfast. Everything was so well thought out and it felt like a retreat. I loved every second of my stay. I highly recommend this place. I had time to reflect on alot of things and appreciate life more.

A unexpected but awesome experience. Special thank you to Lateefah for her professionalism, genuineness and livelihood.. very refreshing to find such people in crossing!

Much better than I expected!! Would definitely come back here again

This hostel is very clean..very friendly..and very quiet. I will be back 🌸

The overall experience staying at a Hostel, the staff ate super friendly as well as most guests. Everyone is very respectful of other space and sharing common areas like the bathroom, showers, kitchen, patio, lounge area TV amongst many activities around. I felt very welcomed and safe during my which to be honest wast my biggest concern. Will definitely be back next time I visit the area, Thank you for such outstanding staff you all are the selling point of this business. -tChiego

Good service, clean, comfortable

I really appreciate how clean the hostel was : bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and showers were super clean. The breakfast was convenient and good.

I loved the other guests that I got to meet while I was there. Some of the staff at the front desk could’ve been a little more welcoming and friendly though.

Great location; only steps from the beach. Nice common area. Decent beds.

This is only my 3rd time ever staying in a hostel but this was by far the nicest. My only real complaint is that they don't really enforce the quite hours but i fell like that is every hostel. The staff was very nice. Plenty of supplies in the kitchen. The wifi is very good. The fact that they had private rooms available was truly appreciated.

NA

I loved the hostel! The staff was super nice and didn’t mind answering questions or helping you out! The place was a little smaller than I expected but that’s not negative at all!! Super sweet and cosy!! The Pool is for free and the hot tub is super cheap to rent and nice for some down time!! The dorm and bathroom was super clean!

Should have thought to request a lower bunk...while still mobile and active, at soon-to-be 66, it would have been easier to navigate getting in and out of bed. Unless I missed one, surprised to discover only 2 single showers/toilets to share amongst the number of occupants. Staff very friendly and hospitable. Fellow residents respectful of others, enjoyed meeting new people with different life experiences/backgrounds.

Place and staff we're great. Kinda got unlucky with some of the other dorm residents coming in at 3am. Maybe considering not letting them come back after 12am

Overall, it was just fine. We had a private room and it was comfortable but tiny. Bathrooms felt clean but everything seemed a bit worn around the edges.

It was a 5 minute drive to the beach and in what seemed to be a very safe neighborhood. The staff was friendly and the kitchen was very spacious with plenty of dishes to cook whatever you wanted. Continental breakfast was included. Would stay here again.

Wonderful hostel! I will be back again!

Needed a late night stop from a long drive and this friendly place was perfect!

Our stay was nothing less than beautiful. We had a nice view from our room, away from everything yet still right by everything you would want or need to see when visiting San Diego.

This is my second stay and the best yet as I was able to snag a private room. The place is clean & well-kept with friendly staff ave comfortable beds. The breakfast is very simple, but can’t complain when it’s free! There’s also a few places to eat within walking distance which I appreciate. My only complaint is the street parking is limited if you arrive later in the evening, but it’s hard to control that.

Horrible place drug addicts you would be a fool to stay there! Horribly!

This was my first time staying at a hostel. I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was very nice and friendly. It was a nice safe environment. I would recommend it.

What a great experience! The staff was super cool and friendly. A very nice location with great amenities. Would definitely return. Met some cool people and could pretty much walk to anything. Comfortable room with storage, you can bring your own lock or rent. Only thing that could be improved upon (which I don't even know if it's possible) is water pressure in the shower. Not a big deal but maybe staff can bug the owner's to look in to it.

The beds were surprisingly comfy, and with the curtains gives you privacy. It can get super loud but during quiet hours the room gets dark and quiet so it’s good. I wish there were more bathrooms, sometimes you are taking shower and there’s a guest knocking at the door to use the bathroom

Amazing place. Truly awesome vibes and super clean. Everyone was really respectful. The staff was really cool and very welcoming. Especially James and Autti. Very good vibes and really helpful in making my stay in SD Pacific Beach area grand

I really enjoy staying at this hostel.

Nice area for shopping and close access to the beach. It was cold in the room, no heating plus no hot water!

Many sick guests and hard time using the bathroom and showers due to availability.

Visiting from Maine - stayed 8 nights - first experience with a hostel - had a great experience. A wonderful location, comfortable environment and friendly staff. On-street parking (within 1-2 blocks) was easy to find every night. Talked with many other guests during my stay that indicated this was one of the best hostels that they had ever used in the US or abroad. When I'm next in the San Diego area, this will be the place I stay. Did I mention the price - outstanding!

I loved my stay here! The staff is super friendly and the living area was very clean. The location is great - right by the beach and boardwalk.

The hostel was very clean and comfortable and Guillaume was AMAZING. I was able to secure free onsite parking for the duration of my stay. I must say that I was thinking of checking out after the first wretched night of my stay since there was a never ending noisy commotion in the 10 bed dormitory with both the dorm room and the bathroom doors slamming until 1:20 AM. California Nightmare. Pedro apologized for the disturbance; however the damage was done so I went to the living room and turned on the TV, ZERO sleep. Quiet time is 11 PM - 8 AM. Please enforce it.

The hostel is very clean and friendly. Definitely a social vibe. I rented a bunk last minute on a Friday at 9 pm at $50 rate. Worth every penny. The dorm is huge, very quiet, and super dark. People are very respectful and I got a great night’s rest. The location, of course, speaks for itself. Unlike other hostels, this one won’t make you strip your bedding. Check in is at 2 and checkout between 11-12. Very generous for a Cali hostel! Even comes with a decent breakfast. 10/10 would stay again.

Great staff and vibe for this hostel.

so close to the beach and all shopping,restaurants to walking distance...

The location was literally a 3 min walk to the beach and steps away from the boardwalk that featured bars, restaurants, shops, coffee, etc. The staff was always pleasant and constantly cleaning which is a plus considering the pandemic. I rented the private room and it had everything i needed such as a comfy bed, TV with Netflix, Hulu, youtube, etc and a little fridge. Im 6'6" and the bunk bed fit me just fine. Although i didn't take advantage of the community areas, i did appreciate them being available. Kitchen, lounge, front and back patio were available. I would absolutely come back. Thanks everyone!

nice setting nice employees an neat looking setting fun beach environment!

It a decent place for less cost. Had good service and helpful.

The best hostel I have stayed in so far I will definitely be coming back

I really enjoyed this location and the people! Only things I didn’t think was great is that just because my daughter in law wasn’t staying there meant she couldn’t come in my room to change and she couldn’t be in the sitting area or do anything with me there...I think that is ridiculous and I’d rather go to a regular hotel so I don’t have to deal with that. I was in SD to spend time with her and it was a major inconvenience. Also at the end of the stay they kept saying “we’re not trying to push you out” yet while we were taking our stuff out to the car the cleaning lady pushed her way in and starting working on the room...at least wait till we have everything out and then do your business. Other than those two things the place was very clean and comfortable and location is perfect and close to everything. The front desk staff are super nice. Bathroom was clean and room was perfect size for the stay. I would definitely stay there again if things were changed when it comes to allowing my daughter in law in my room.

I was not abke to stay the hostel turned me and my service animal away left me on the streets. After i was stuck at sea with my service animal for 48 hours got to land to find no hotels available i find the hostel and they right away said i cant stay because of my service animal unacceptable

Cool spot. Chill atmosphere. Great location. Good boards zbsilabke to rent

Property is a short walk to the beach front, airy tv lounge with garage door type window wall. Kitchen is at other end of the lounge. Food places just next door. Surf lessons, tours, not free but available. Beach accessories available to buy. Its above sea level so there are some stairs to go to/from the beach. Street parking. Excellent service by owner. But mostly see the volunteers who are very casual.

Clean! Nice staff. Next to ocean. 420 friendly patio

I did not like that the quiet time was not enforced and actually violated by a staff member visiting with friends at the front desk, which was right by my room.

Friendly staff! Felt secure as I was traveling alone. Seconds from the beach!

Unit was great

Really loved the reception, hospitality, location. Wish we had more time there.

Probably the best hostel at which I’ve stayed. Friendly and hospitable hosts that organized plenty of events for the guests. There’s a great camaraderie there. Be sure to bring a passport though, even if you are traveling within the states. It’s necessary for entry.

The property is a HIDDEN GEM!!! I didn’t expect much when I made the reservation.

Great price, location, amenities and clean room. No complaints.

Friendly staff. Clean areas. Fast check in. Bath towel for $2 and blankets provided.

Staff were so friendly, close to the beach as well. Will be back again