Santa Barbara hostels

Top tips for finding the perfect Santa Barbara hostel

• 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.