Santa Barbara hostels

With its attractive combination of mountains and ocean, Santa Barbara is a popular California destination among both locals and travelers, and there is no shortage of resorts and hotels to accommodate them. However, for a thrifty alternative, you can stay in one of the area’s hostels. Staying in a hostel in Santa Barbara gives you the same access to beach and mountains for a fraction of the price, and it also gives you the advantage of common hostel amenities like self-service laundry and shared kitchens to help you get by without relying on hotel staff.

When you’re looking for hostels in Santa Barbara, there is only one hostel located within the city limits. However, if you expand your search to nearby Los Angeles, you’ll have a long list of different hostels to choose from. Staying in Los Angeles will put you a 1h 30m coastal drive away from the attractions in Santa Barbara, while also giving you access to the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, and other Los Angeles destinations.

If you’re traveling to Santa Barbara on your own, The Wayfarer, which is the one and only hostel in Santa Barbara, is a great option, thanks to its useful amenities and central location. This hostel gives guests access to a year-round pool and is located just a short walk away from the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station, which will get you around the area and surrounding states without the need to drive long distance.

For those heading to Santa Barbara in a group, staying at the HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel can be a great option. Although this property is located in Los Angeles, its location right on the coast makes it a convenient drive or bus ride from Santa Barbara. This hostel features double, twin, and queen room options that you can mix and match to suit the size of your group, as well as a game room and plenty of common areas where you and your party can relax.

If you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Santa Barbara, you should consider going during the low season. You’ll generally find lower-priced hostels in Santa Barbara in December and November.

Hostel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll likely find the best hostel deals in Santa Barbara if you stay on a Sunday. The most expensive day for hostel bookings is Wednesday.

If you want to ensure you grab a bargain, try to book at least 90 days before your stay to get the best price for a Santa Barbara hostel.

The cheapest 3-star hostel in Los Angeles found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $151, while the most expensive was $648.

Don’t know how much time you need to see all the sights? KAYAK users usually book their hostel in Los Angeles for 1 day.