Awesome place to stay and meet new people. It's right on the beach so I paddled out every morning to catch waves while the conditions were at their cleanest. After surfing, it was easy to make new friends and have fun evenings. I brought my own wetsuit, but rented a board for $20 per day. If you are going to stay there for a while, you could also buy a used surfboard, wetsuit, or skateboard from Play It Again Sports. After you're done with you stay, either sell the gear back to Play It Again or offer to donate it to the hostel. Lots of good memories - fun waves and great people - and I look forward to going back.

I have never stayed at a hostel and being the young lady that I am, being alone at a hostel made me nervous. Once I arrived the staff was so friendly and I immediately lost any nerves because they made me feel safe and welcome. This is the ultimate hostel for surfers, though I am not one, the vibe is so friendly and awesome! I really loved the open concept layout of hostel. The rooms were so well cleaned, everyday the staff came in and cleaned. I would stay here again in a heart beat and I will recommend this hostel to everyone!

I stayed in two rooms during my time; 8-bed female and 12-bed mixed. My review will reflect on both of these experiences. The cons are significant, so I’ve started with these as I feel strongly about highlighting my concerns. Cons: - Our door did not properly lock in the 8-bed female. The staff also did not know how to lock it upon check-in and therefore couldn’t show me. There was a sign on the door saying to turn the handle up when closed but this would not work, therefore, the room was very often left unsecured. - No one closed the door for the 12-bed mixed. It was open ALL the time. While I could put small valuables in a locker, I didn’t feel safe leaving anything outside of the locker in this room. I kept everything in our rental car at all times, which was inconvenient. - I heard from other guests that a man that no one recognized as being a guest at the hostel trespassed into their room and was looking through their belongings, shining a light on people, and spending time in the bathroom in the middle of the night. This was the room where the door was very hard to secure, as mentioned above, but I had moved out of this room by that time. I did not experience this myself, but knowing any room I stayed in had an open door either by an unsecured lock or lack of safety enforcement by staff (telling people they need to close the room doors) makes my skin crawl. I feel very uneasy knowing I was potentially at risk of an unsafe situation during my time here. - The bathrooms are VERY dirty. Dirt and dust caked an inch thick along all the baseboards. The sink had handfuls of hair for more than one day, making me think they did not get cleaned. - The hostel rooms overall were dirty. All window sills in the 8-bed female looked like it had little eggs of some type of bug all over it, although, I can't confirm if that’s what it was. = It was extremely loud at night and there was a lot of partying. While I love to enjoy some nightlife, the nights I wanted to sleep/wake up early I wasn’t able to. Pros: - Excellent location. Right by the beach, number of restaurants/bars around. A convenience store is a 5-minute walk away. - Very social. Easy to meet people, everyone was quite friendly. I really enjoyed spending time with the people that I met here! Organized socials. Especially great for a solo traveler. Mostly based around drinking but other opportunities such as yoga. - The deck area is super vibey and cute. The hammocks are great and you can see the ocean from there. There is also a spot to have a fire back there, which is awesome. A great hangout spot! Breakfast included (pancakes and eggs) is a great bonus! Overall, I enjoyed the people that I met, the beachfront location, the friendly staff, the deck, and the socials. Despite this, I would NOT recommend staying here. It was not a safe experience for myself or my belongings and basic cleanliness is not a priority here.

Rude! And seriously dirty!!!! Stay at SameSun hostel in ocean beach instead. So offended! They said they had a reservation for me and I got there at 1:30am! Middle of the night by myself and they said they had no reservation. They had open beds and still they said no I couldn’t book it because their system wouldn’t allow that to go through. They had “emergency” beds which they wouldn’t let me reserve. The manager was so mean kicked me out with a low phone battery after calling all the places nearby and finding nothing available. I had another review with this information which I removed because the owner responded to the review saying that they would have been happy to help if I had a reservation… I had called them to make one and she confirmed the dates, the room and the cost on the phone. I was left to meet very nice travelers who let me crash for the night at their Airbnb. Otherwise it was 2am and I don’t know where I was going to be able to go… The kitchen in this place is disgusting. The rooms are not very nice. I stayed elsewhere- at Samesun hostel and it was perfect. Very nice, very very clean. Cheaper to rent surf boards. A better neighborhood though not far if you want to go out at night, and the same price point. I’m rewriting and giving more details because of the owners response making it seem like I just forgot to reserve the bed or something. Anyway I stayed at this hostel for a night or two the previous summer and liked the views. Thought I would return and was so sad and upset that someone would be so mean especially when I was a paying customer and they had an available bed.

I would like to write a good review as I was hoping but I didn't have a great experience. The only positive points for me during my stay, was the location (great location and close to everything) and the people. But me and my friends had a terrible experience with the room, everything looks old and need replacement urgently, doors, bed, everything! We paid a lot for 3 nights, same as a hotel, so I was expected something a little better at least. The door did not lock properly, parts of the door were falling off. A guy broke into our room the last night with a flashlight and was touching one of my friends and looking for something to steal. And it looks like it wasn't the first time, as I saw a review here from weeks ago describing the same experience. They said the doors were fixed, but that's not true. Breakfast ok, could be better. Not enough room in the fridge and pantry for food. The bathroom was clean all the time, at least. I wouldn't stay there again and I don't recommend it, I believe you can find something better for the same price.

Very nice cozy hostel in an amazing position right in front of the beach. They have a lot of activities and very welcoming personnel. It is very surfer friendly, they also give classes and rent gear to first timers. It’s very easy to meet people and make news friends since the common activities are a lot!

Great stay here in a women's-only dorm. Pointed out to one of the hosts that the lights outside illuminating the door & stairs were out, but there are some smaller solar lights on the steps themselves. A little concerning he said he didn't know that they had ever worked. The sink in the bathroom was broken, but there was another sink to use in the main form area, so that was okay. I'm not from this geographical area, so I'm not sure if this is normal, but the windows are all propped open a half inch or so, gives a nice breeze off the water but was unwelcome when the dumpster next door was emptied around 6:30am, very loud. Otherwise great experience. My window had an ocean view.

This is one of the best place to stay in SD for travelers. Located right in front of the beach, super helpful staff, and nightly activities.The rooms are very clean and the whole place has a colorful beach feel. Also this location is located right next to endless food options and night life.

The Location is fantastic. For the money you simply can't do better. The staff was ok Mike seemed to be the best. He was the one who checked us in first night. The rest of the time I couldn't tell staff from guests. The Breakfast is make your own pancakes which is fine But there was NO COFFEE! Our room was the private queen which has a TV microwave and small fridge and bathroom with a shower. Like I said For the Price this little beach bungalow was best for the location.

Awesome few days spent here! I’ll just toss out the pros and cons for anyone who’s interested: PROS: The staff are super polite, very welcoming and helpful. The location is right on the beach, I loved sleeping to the crashing ocean… The price is very fair (although they did attempt to double charge us- so book ahead of time and bring your printed confirmation if using third party) a bus stop and grocery store is nearby as well as some decent food. We loved the Brazilian Coxinha place. Also there’s a very chill cat! And the hostel crew does have events every night, like trivia or BBQ… CONS: The room we were in (4 beds) was very small and the shower was kinda spotty- you’d have to “find the sweet spot” to catch a warm shower. The sink was a bit stopped up and drained slow and our heater didn’t work. You can also hear everyone talking/partying outside of your room so definitely bring ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper.. you’ll have to provide your own lock for the lockers and the kitchen is very very small. Only 1 person can cook at a time which basically means you’re kinda forced to eat out or order out. If you’re not 420 friendly you might not enjoy the constant smell of weed. All in all, we had a great time, the place has a chill vibe and would probably stay again. If you’re young and into partying this is definitely the spot for you- if value decent sleep to wake early or plan on cooking your meals- maybe not so much.

One of the most enthusiastic places I've ever stayed. The staff is very warm and welcoming and it doesn't seem to be any drama over here. The bands are comfortable in the linens have always been cleaned as well as most common areas are always well kept. All of the guests are super friendly and enthusiastic about being here. 10 out of 10 if you're traveling I would recommend.

This was a great stay. I was in town for a conference and I stayed on the girls dorm. I needed a quiet safe place to sleep and this was. The view from my bed is attached. Because I had to study I could not partake but there was a great party atmosphere and events daily as well as affordable rentals for surfing. It is on the beach so it has a great view and access. Staff and guests are all friendly and make your own eggs or pancakes I the morning was perfect. The building is old and out of date, and not very clean. They are replacing blinds with curtains which will probably help somewhat.

Don’t recommend that you stay there. There was a bunch of black mold on the ceiling in the bathroom, and the bathroom was run down, very run down, the room was always open not sure if it locked or not. There was an exterminator there one day of our stay. Not sure how they passed the health inspection? Bang for your buck, a bit over priced and not with it.

Don't know what to say about that hostel. For the prices, it's the ultimate spot to stay in San Diego. It's right at the beach (a surfer's paradise), less than an hour away from downtown (by bus), to La Jolla it's close too. The staff is super friendly, the room looks well maintained, and there's a bathroom in every dorm, not a common thing. On the beach side it's open, so you can enjoy all of San Diego's glorious sunsets. Definitely worth a look to everyone.

This hostel is probably the least maintained one I've ever stayed at. I contemplated leaving early but decided to stick it out. The hostel itself needs some serious TLC. You can tell the owners contribute the bare minimum to keep it running. The beds were uncomfortable, bedding tattered, the shower curtains don't appear to have ever been a changed, our bathroom door had a hole punched in it, the 12 bed dorm door didn't close so it was left open the entire time, the breakfast grill is probably 300 years old and took forever to cook pancakes and there are so many people living there that the fridge was full to the max, so no room for your stuff. The photos do not represent the current state of the hostel. Was glad I stayed because I met some fabulous people, but was also glad it was only for two nights.

Great experience at the Beach Bungalow!! The staff was amazing and the hostel offered many free or low cost activities (comedy night, party bus, surf lessons) and had a free pancake breakfast. Huge shout out to the entire staff; Bernardo, Ali (thanks for the great surf lesson), Donal, Brogan, Leah and Kerry were all great and super friendly. Managers Marlin, David and Eunicia made sure we were enjoying our stay and comfortable. This hostel is great for young travelers in a small group or solo. 10/10 would recommend :) thanks everyone!

This place sucks for anyone within a ~3 block radius. They blast garbage music constantly. -Trying to go to sleep for work the next day on a Thursday @ 11pm? Too bad, garbage music blasting -Want to walk the beach at night and listen to the ocean? Too bad, garbage music blasting Whether or not there are tourist there (which they can't keep under control)~ surprise! garbage music blasting. Holiday/weekends I get it, sometimes you wanna party. But every night ffs... the ocean sounds pretty amazing on its own, wish they'd try it sometime.

Great hostel! Great location! Everyone that works in the hostel is super cool and chill. This hostel may be old but it is clean and well kept. If you want to meet really fun and cool people then this is the place to be in. The management runs the hostel like clockwork very consistently. No issues whatsoever. Would definitely visit again soon! Keep up the great work! Thank you.

I had a great time here, couldn't complain. I loved the location and how close it was to other main spots of SD. The staff was amazing and friendly, couldn't ask for more. I will be back for sure

Pretty weird it was mostly americans staying at this hostel. which detracted from the genuine culture exchange ethos plastered on the walls. some of them were pretty fkn kooky too. it was just a lot of bong smoking and drinking. not my idea of a good time … couldn’t tell who was working and who was guest. it seemed like a revolving door behind the counter. and they definitely didn’t stick to their own noise restrictions/curfew. the way there wasn’t much organised in terms of sightseeing or recommendations had me a bit deflated. love when u go to a place and the person working there is like ‘oh u should go here’ ‘must visit that’ etc. these ppl seemed to restrict themselves to staying in the hostel and getting high?

I've been to hundreds of hostels around the world, and this one really stood out! The staff were extremely kind and helpful (especially Carrie and Bernardino) and the location can't be beat! I will definitely be back here the next time I'm in San Diego!

Amazing hostel with a perfect location right on the beach. The staff were very friendly and the overall vibe of the hostel was super welcoming. I made tons of friends and enjoyed going to Taco Tuesday and the Ocean Beach markets on Wednesday. Paint n Sip night with Niyki was super fun too. This was my first hostel in the US and I highly recommend it!

This is a awesome party place with a great vibe very friendly staff. The location is great right on the beach with great views fun times plenty of activities. Lots of good restaurants and bars you can walk to and very close to many beautiful sights. A great time with great people I will be back here many times!!!

It's not for everyone, but I enjoyed my stay overnight. The building is run down but everything was clean and in working condition. The bed and pillows were comfortable. The fan in the dorm kept it cool and provided white noise to drown out the sounds of the surrounding party district. In these times where the expectation is that everything be glossy and lux, it was nice to just chill on a property with history and character and enjoy the beach.

Was so sad to start disliking this place so dramatically. Though the rest of the staff were nice and so helpful, the female manager was really horrible. I felt so disrespected by her and she was truly extremely mean for someone who is in customer service. She ruined it for me! I’ve been there before- wanted to come back…(past tense!) place is fun but it is not clean at all especially cooking area. Luckily, I’ve found nearby ocean beach’s Samesun Hostel to be similar in price, much (much, much) cleaner, still right near the beach though a block away and a more local fun vibe in the neighborhood. Surf boards for rent, a very nice clean well stocked kitchen. If you want a good vibe and amazing people with a clean environment go for Samesun hostel.

Spent 4 nights there and I wish I could have stayed more! The location is great, many restaurants and shops around and most importantly just in front of the beach ⛱️ Activities are suggested everyday by the lovely staff ❤️ Great place to meet nice people and go surfing (you can have a rental for only 25$ for the whole day) You have lockers in the rooms in case you need it Fridge, kitchen and drink fridge 🍻 Shout-out to Frederico for the barbecue and Tessa for the welcoming and all the staff for the good work 🙌 Expect me to come back

Found My Home Away from Home at ITH Bungalow Surf Hostel From the moment I set foot into the ITH Bungalow Surf Hostel, I knew I had stumbled upon a rare gem in Pacific Beach. Managed by the incredible Tessa, whose kindness and helpful nature set the tone for my entire stay, this place exudes a warm, inviting vibe that resonates with every traveler seeking a genuine experience. Location & Atmosphere Nestled right on the boardwalk, with the ocean as its backdrop, the hostel couldn't be better situated. The heartbeat of Pacific Beach, a neighborhood known for its sandy beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and lively atmosphere, pulses right outside its doors​​​​. Here, the focus isn't on luxury but on creating a social, friendly environment that encourages connections and shared experiences. Accommodations & Facilities Yes, the accommodations reflect the hostel's ethos – simple, comfortable, and designed for social travelers. With various room options, including private and co-ed dorms, each with ensuite bathrooms, the hostel effectively caters to diverse needs​​. The aged bathrooms, a point of critique in some reviews, are a minor inconvenience in the larger picture of the hostel's charm and ongoing upgrades. The communal spaces – a lounge, a workspace, outdoor deck, and kitchen – are the real highlights, fostering a sense of community and collaboration​​​​. Add to this the array of amenities like yoga classes, free breakfast, bike rentals, and more, and you have a setting that's hard to leave​​. Staff & Service The soul of this hostel is its staff. Cam greeted me with such warmth that I immediately felt part of the ITH family. The entire team, under Tessa's excellent management, goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels taken care of. Their efforts in organizing daily activities and creating a fun, inclusive environment are commendable. Experience & Recommendation For anyone seeking a hostel that transcends the ordinary, ITH Bungalow Surf Hostel is it. Whether it's lounging on the sun deck, participating in social events, or just soaking in the Pacific Beach culture, the hostel offers an immersive and authentic experience. And yes, you'll meet fascinating people from all corners of the globe. In summary, the ITH Bungalow Surf Hostel is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant community where memories are made, and friendships are formed. I cannot recommend it enough and am already looking forward to my next visit. Tessa, Cam, and the entire staff, you've created something truly special here.

The stay was awesome! My stay was great Marlon, Marcelo, Brook, and David were great staff! There were activities daily and they made you feel welcome! I enjoyed everything! It was a great community! I’m glad I spoke to Marcelo!

I spent a week here and I had a very good time. Hostel location is perfect, right on the beach and everything is within walking distance. Staff is friendly especially Hana..If you stay here, you not gonna find luxury but a friendly enviroment and affordable prices. I reccomend it especially if you going by yourself and wanna make new friends..

This hostel is awesome! I really liked the staff and atmosphere. We unfortunately needed to leave due to my daughter having a severe allergy. They didn't have to issue a refund, but that is what they're doing. What awesome customer service and kindness. Thank you so much for understanding

Great staff, great location, fun place. I've never stayed in a hostel that actually throws events daily. I will be coming back here when I am back in San Diego.

This place was fantastic. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. There were pancakes and eggs provided for breakfast. And super strong coffee! I loved it! The other guests were friendly and respectful. There were guests of all ages not just young people. It was a laid back chill hostel. It wasnt fancy as far as sinks and tables werent shiny and new but It was right on the beach and a beautiful view day and night. The location was excellent I didn't have a car so I took the bus or walked. There's a grocery store 2 blocks down. Lots of restaurants shops bars etc. WORTH IT! If I could give 10 stars I would.

After reservation we arrived at the hostel. We could not check in after 1600. At 1900 o clock we checken in but after dropping one beer form the fridge we where asked to leave the place. We would try to clean the place but they asked us to leave immediately. No space for a good conversation! Dropped on the street and were forced to find another place. Very bad service. No room for a conversation. Thanks!

This was my first hostel experience, and I would definitely come back! I stayed in the female dorm, and all of the guests were kind, clean, and respectful. The staff were friendly and helpful. The deck is lively and fun, but I had no problem going to sleep at 9 on a Saturday. It’s a great place to meet new people, if that’s what you’re looking for. The location on the beach is perfect!

Overall great stay! Can’t bear the location - right on the beach w a cute lil beach deck that has super confortable hammocks and a little fire pit area w great decor. The room was comfy w good beds, cozy blankets, lockers and plenty of charging areas. Hot showers w good pressure and overall clean place! Has kitchen (small but has what ya need) and refrigerator access . Decent Wi-Fi and pancake breakfast. Good social/fun vibes and lively atmosphere - Very much enjoyed the stay!!

It is a place to lay your head for cheap. The 12 bed rooms are in shambles lol. The windows are covered by plastic glass and rattle at night. The bathroom is beyond old. I can't remember if the Hostelworld images depicted what I actually saw, but I am a person who spends as little time in a room when on trips so it was fine for me. I did dislike the bathroom being in the same room as the beds however. Whenever someone took a dookie, the room would reek.

What an incredible find/stay! The view was amazing, and it was such a fun atmosphere! We only stayed for one night on a Monday, but the staff was very friendly and helpful. We paid $20 to park out front, but there were neighborhoods less than a block away where you could park for free. Check in was quick and easy. Beds were clean, fresh sheets and a comforter, two pillows. They have cool daily events, there was a bonfire the night we stayed, and the staff member hosting was really friendly. I wish we stayed for one more night and could have taken advantage of the $25 surf board + wet suit rental. Two of us stayed in a mixed door, and we ended up with a roommate who was very nice! They put someone else in our room in the middle of the night, but they were quiet and respectful, so I didn’t mind. Each of the rooms has lockers for your stuff (bring your own lock), and the bathrooms were clean. For breakfast, they had make your own pancakes/eggs- nothing too crazy, but we enjoyed it! We sat out on the patio with coffee in the morning and played chess. There were quite a few people out there chitchatting and watching the surfers- again, such an awesome vibe! This is a hostel, so keep in mind that there are a lot of younger people on vacation or backpacking, and the vibe is not for everyone. There were a couple interesting characters while we were there, but everyone was respectful and friendly. I recommend checking out more photos and reviews if you are hesitant on whether or not this would be your vibe. We were there during a weekday, so there wasn't anyone that was too rowdy, but I’m sure the weekends are busier. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance, such a great area! Thank you for the great stay!

Very cool place. The hosts are very friendly and welcoming. Awesome guests who are very welcoming and extremely laid back. Will definitely be returning!

Comfortable room and pretty nice location. I'm not into surf pretty much, but if you practice this sport, this hostel will be perfect for you. I rented one bike there.

This hostel is pretty good. Location is right on the beach, and they staff is generally very helpful. They run a lot of activities for guests, (I will say these activities usually are going to involve drinking). I imagine the majority of people are expecting to party when coming to PB. I saw some bad reviews about safety, and cleanliness. I'd say generally it's a safe place. They have locks for your belongings. And they do a really great job of keeping things clean. I really appreciated the filtered water, and free coffee!