Santa Barbara hostels

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Best Santa Barbara hostels

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£57 - £160£160 - £263£263 - £367£367 - £471£471+ per night

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Santa Barbara hostels near the city centre

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Ith Santa Barbara Beach Hostel - Santa Barbara - Beach
Ith Santa Barbara Beach Hostel
Santa Barbara, CA, United States
8.8Very Good(237)
£152+
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Social Stays - Santa Barbara's First Hostel On State Street - Santa Barbara - Kitchen
Social Stays - Santa Barbara's First Hostel On State Street
Downtown
8.0Very Good(19)
£99+
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KAYAK’s insights for hostels in Santa Barbara

Discover seasonal trends, ideal booking windows, and other data-driven tips to plan your stay in Santa Barbara with confidence.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a hostel in Santa Barbara?

Tuesday offers the lowest rates in Santa Barbara, with an average nightly price of £34. The highest prices are found on Sunday, with average rates at £65.

How early should you book a hostel in Santa Barbara?

Book at least 68 days before your stay begins to get the best price for your Santa Barbara hostel.
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How much is a Santa Barbara hostel?

Here are our most popular & best value hostels

Good to know

Low season

High season

Average price (weeknight)

Average price (weekend night)

March
September
£60
£69
Cheapest month to stay with an average 29% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 79% rise in price.
Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks.
Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks.

KAYAK's top tips for finding Santa Barbara hostel deals

  • 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 April and June.
  • 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 Wednesday. The most expensive day for hostel bookings is Saturday.
  • If you want to ensure you grab a bargain, try to book at least 22 days before your stay to get the best price for a Santa Barbara hostel.
  • 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.

FAQs when booking a hostel in Santa Barbara

  • What are the best hostels near Stearns Wharf?

    Stearns Wharf is a popular area in Santa Barbara and there are many hostels closeby. Check out Social Stays - Santa Barbara's First Hostel On State Street or Ihsp Hostel Santa Barbara for hostels recommended by KAYAK that are within walking distance of Stearns Wharf.

  • Is it cheaper to stay in a hostel than in a hotel in Santa Barbara?

    The average price for a night in a hostel in Santa Barbara is £103 compared to £548 for a night in a hotel.

Where to find the best hostels in Santa Barbara?

Our map will help you find the perfect hostel in Santa Barbara by showing you the exact location of each hostel

Everything you need to know for your stay in Santa Barbara

Search cheap hotels with KAYAK. Use the hotel finder to search for the cheapest hotel deal for all major destinations around the world. KAYAK searches hundreds of hotel booking sites to help you find hotels and book hotels that suit you best. Since KAYAK searches many hotel sites at once, you can find discount hotels quickly. Discover hotel discounts now and make your hotel reservation today.