The 5 Best Hostels in Santa Monica

HI Santa Monica is the largest all purpose-built hostel in the United States. Located a block from the beach, enjoy a swim in the ocean or walk to Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. There is a large shared kitchen and the outdoor patio is perfect for sunbathing. Dormitory-style rooms are clean and equipped with bunk beds, lockers and shared bathroom – while double and single rooms are also available. Head to the game room for a round of billiards or tag along during one of the scheduled events, including a comedy night, hiking and limo party. The nearby train station allows access to downtown and Hollywood.

Situated on Venice Beach Boardwalk, Samesun Backpackers is the ideal location to experience all that the town has to offer. With dormitories and private rooms available, many with ocean views, this quaint and quirky hostel is on a lively street corner underneath the iconic Venice sign. Walk to Muscle Beach, zip along the coastal bike path, hire a surfboard or drop in at the skatepark. Colorful characters and eclectic street performers along the boardwalk make this a must-visit destination. Enjoy special deals and happy-hour drinks with nightly live music at the hostel’s downstairs bar and restaurant, Surfside.

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 to other travelers. There is complimentary breakfast, free Los Angeles airport (LAX) pickup services and on-site bicycle rentals. Dormitory and private rooms are available with locker rentals and free Wi-Fi. Spend the day shopping on nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard or take a short walk to the Venice Canals.

The oldest hostel on Venice Beach, this establishment consists of two separate locations. The first is a converted German-style style country house and the other is a two-story boutique building. Both are conveniently 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 homely, offering some of the best locations in Los Angeles.

Just eight miles (13 kilometers) from LAX, Surf City is in the centre of downtown Hermosa Beach’s lively Pier Avenue. Ideally situated one block from the beach and Hermosa Pier, there are plenty of restaurants, shops and bars nearby. This modest and laid-back hostel offers mixed dormitory rooms with ocean views and free Wi-Fi. There is a complimentary breakfast served 8am-11am daily and laundry services available for a fee. Rates also include boogie boards, volleyballs and other beach toys. The beachside bike path makes cycling to Venice Beach or Santa Monica easy and fun. From reception, tour packages are offered to various locations in Los Angeles, including the Getty Center and Disneyland, with public transportation also available to the city.