HI Santa Monica Hostel

If you’re on a budget, you might think staying at these beachfront LA neighborhoods – with their buzzing bars, bodybuilder-laden boardwalks and neon-lit amusement parks – would be out of the question. Luckily, they are home to many affordable and high-quality hostels that will give you your own slice of sun-drenched paradise.
Just one block from the beach, this budget accommodation is close to all the attractions, like the Venice sign and Boardwalk, with popular restaurants and bars just downstairs. The large open common area and balcony overlooking the busy street below is ideal for chatting with other travelers. There is complimentary breakfast, free Los Angeles airport (LAX) pick-up services and on-site bicycle rentals. Dormitory and private rooms are available with locker rentals and free wifi. Spend the day shopping on nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard or take a short walk to the Venice Canals.
Not to be confused with the prior hostel (on Pacific), this is the oldest hostel in Venice Beach, consisting of two separate locations. The first is a converted German-style country house, and the other is a two-story boutique building. Both are conveniently located on Washington Boulevard, about a 30-minute walk from Venice Beach and Boardwalk. Exclusively for international travelers, guests are asked to provide a passport plus proof of traveling onward when checking in. Although pre-booking is available, buildings are assigned after check-in. Both accommodations are private and homey, offering some of the best locations in Los Angeles.
Chloe Byrne contributed additional reporting to this article