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California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

2.0 star property
Fuel your adventure in sunny San Diego. Connect to WiFi for inspiration then head out to ride bikes along the coast.

Choose dates to view prices

In the heart of Pacific Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach offers a vibrant beach lifestyle with 15 beach bars, a grocery store, and free continental breakfast. Get active with cycling, fitness classes, and beach yoga or unwind on the sun-kissed terrace while enjoying shopping on site.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$191
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 42 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 14 Large Single Beds

View all photos for 10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 42 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 10 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room (Private Room)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Double Room (Private Room)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Private Room)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Double Room (Private Room)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

Premium bedding, in-room safe, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Single Bunk Bed

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About the area

Located in Pacific Beach, a neighbourhood in San Diego, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach is in the entertainment district and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at La Jolla Cove and Balboa Park, while USS Midway Museum and Cabrillo National Monument are cultural highlights. Don't miss out on a visit to San Diego Zoo. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like ecotours, skydiving and hiking/biking trails, or hop on a segway for hire nearby and take a self-guided tour around San Diego. Visit our San Diego travel guide
View more Hostels in San Diego
Map
743 Emerald Street, San Diego, CA, 92109

What's nearby

  • Aerial of Mission Beach in San Diego, CA
    Mission and Pacific Beaches
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Pacific Beach Park showing a beach
    Pacific Beach Park
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Sunset at the Pacific Beach Pier on Christmas Day. #BVS100K
    Pacific Beach
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Aerial view of Mission Beach in San Diego California with sandy beach and vacation rental houses
    Mission Beach Boardwalk
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Crystal Pier
    2 min walk - 0.2 km

Getting around

  • Balboa Avenue Transit Center Station
    5 min drive
  • San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station
    12 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    25 min drive

Restaurants

  • Hideaway Pacific Beach
    4 min walk
  • Mavericks Beach Club
    4 min walk
  • Taco Bell
    6 min walk
  • The Crack Shack
    2 min walk
  • Kono's Cafe
    3 min walk

About this property

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

Hostel near USS Midway Museum
Located close to La Jolla Cove and Salk Institute for Biological Studies, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach provides free continental breakfast, 15 beach bars and a corner/local shop. Adventurous travellers may like the fitness classes, beach yoga and cycling at this hostel. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a terrace and shopping on-site.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self-parking
  • Bike hire, express check-out and beach towels
  • Luggage storage, a vending machine and beach umbrellas
Room features
All guest rooms at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach offer comforts, such as premium bedding and furnished patios, in addition to thoughtful touches, such as laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • 2 bathrooms with showers and hairdryers
  • Separate sitting areas, separate dining areas and communal kitchens

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking within 6 metres
  • Street parking available
  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 15 beach bars
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach yoga
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Fitness classes
  • Library
  • Shopping
  • Surf lessons
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Guidebooks
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Direct access to the beach
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • 2 shared bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Mixer
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Toaster oven

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 1:30 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
All guests must show a valid passport. This is the only form of identification that is accepted at this property.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 17 and younger are not allowed at this property; all guests older than 17 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Only bookings from non-local guests are accepted; guests whose residence is within 50 mi (80 km) of the property will not be allowed to check in
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number Passport is required to check-in

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Children 17 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Dreams Hostel
California Dreams Hostel
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach San Diego

Frequently asked questions

Is California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

As of 13 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach on 23 Mar 2026 start from AU$191, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

Self-parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 1:30 AM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach located?

Offering direct access to the beach, this Pacific Beach hostel is in the entertainment district, 4.2 mi (6.8 km) from La Jolla Cove, and within 12 mi (20 km) of USS Midway Museum and Cabrillo National Monument. Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Torrey Pines Gliderport are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Reviews

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.2

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 129 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 129 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 129 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 129 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 129 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alec

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, staff friendly, clean and tidy, only steps from the beach. Great hostel.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, lively area, clean facilities, comfy beds & lots of food options around the area. Just a heads up parking is challenging.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

First stay at a Hostel

Stayed in a private room. My first stay at a hostel. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was comfortable and steps to the beach. Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great lication great peolle

The location of this hostel could not be better, The staff are very friendly and always available. Everything is clean and there is is breakfast, a full kitchen to use. This place is great. Parking can be tough if you drive here.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

JULIO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean and functional for a hostel. Helpful staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

SILVIO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic

Great place .. the breakfast is very abundant. Location is fantastic. They also have a small vendor connected to the hostel with the original Brazilian acai smooth
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terupe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed during 4 days in a private room! Nothing bad to say, very clean, closed of lot bars, restaurants and shops! And 30 seconds walk to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Roxann

Liked: Amenities
I thought that every thing was superbly managed. I was very happy with the bed, the facilities, only thing is, no real free parking. Each bunk has a curtain, and they have quiet hours. You need to use ear plugs, because of the other guests will snore. But they are very attentive and staying at a hostel you can talk to the other guests easily.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
I am 74 years old and had to stay over in San Diego one night and had no idea my partner rented me a room at a hostel by mistake ;) The three people who serviced the desk area were excellent. The property was fine for twenty year olds but I was a fish out if water. Noisy as hell and I’m not a bunk bed guy and I’m not fond of sharing a “used” bathroom :)
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The overall experience staying at a Hostel, the staff ate super friendly as well as most guests. Everyone is very respectful of other space and sharing common areas like the bathroom, showers, kitchen, patio, lounge area TV amongst many activities around. I felt very welcomed and safe during my which to be honest wast my biggest concern. Will definitely be back next time I visit the area, Thank you for such outstanding staff you all are the selling point of this business. -tChiego
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Inga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Little piece of heaven!!

First hostel turning age 60 soon!! Loved it! Great space! The only problem was that a Bay Arean who was exiled with her grandkids in San Diego Cty from 2016-24, left in 2024 and is now back for 3-4 weeks and then will head back home to the Bay was not able to continue staying due to ID with SD county address. Total shame and exclusionary. I get that it’s an industry standard but it would have been great to continue on! Great kitchen!! Great amenities! Staff was great! Recommend!!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maddy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had the most amazing time here, the staff was so kind, the people were so kind, very safe, I'm genuinely so sad I had to leave because this was the most amazing experience! Especially coming single as a young woman, I felt very safe here
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

CHANGHU

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay, thanks
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nino

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Myrna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love it, when I'm 58 years old.. and the stuff very nice all young girls but they very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needed a late night stop from a long drive and this friendly place was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Terri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location; only steps from the beach. Nice common area. Decent beds.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael L. Webb

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I WILL BE BACK FOR SURE!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Daniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Horrible place!

Horrible experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mohsen

There were two people on the staff and Galia who were the oldest people working there was not nice at all.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Izabelle

The beds were surprisingly comfy, and with the curtains gives you privacy. It can get super loud but during quiet hours the room gets dark and quiet so it’s good. I wish there were more bathrooms, sometimes you are taking shower and there’s a guest knocking at the door to use the bathroom
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Should have thought to request a lower bunk...while still mobile and active, at soon-to-be 66, it would have been easier to navigate getting in and out of bed. Unless I missed one, surprised to discover only 2 single showers/toilets to share amongst the number of occupants. Staff very friendly and hospitable. Fellow residents respectful of others, enjoyed meeting new people with different life experiences/backgrounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
***Highly recommend*** What a great experience! The staff was super cool and friendly. A very nice location with great amenities. Would definitely return. Met some cool people and could pretty much walk to anything. Comfortable room with storage, you can bring your own lock or rent. Only thing that could be improved upon (which I don't even know if it's possible) is water pressure in the shower. Not a big deal but maybe staff can bug the owner's to look in to it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Sunny

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A hostel is a hostel is a hostel...

Loud - especially at night time, room right next to front desk with frequent loud conversations. Lack of showers - only 2 showers for 20+ people, expect long wait times and high annoyance. Cold at night time, definitely not comfortable. Overall, disappointing experience, would not book again.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Maggie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This was a laid back place to stay. Right by the beach which was fantastic! The bathroom was nice and big. The bunkers had curtains and apx 14 beds total in one very narrow and long room. There was a bit of a locker room smell near one bunk (thankfully not near mine!) but clearly that was an individual, not the hostel. Big kitchen to use and room to hang out. Nice and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026