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California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

A beach with clear blue water and a sandy shore.
A reception desk with a wooden top and LED lights, a white office chair, and artwork on the walls.
A living area with a sofa, ottoman, and a kitchenette in the background.
A patio area with two turquoise chairs, a small round table, and a bamboo fence.
A reception desk with a Coca-Cola refrigerator, surfboards, and a monitor displaying a list.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
743 Emerald Street, San Diego, CA, 92109
  • Place, Mission and Pacific Beaches
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Mission Beach Boardwalk
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Crystal Pier
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for 14 Bed Mixed Dormitory

A bunk bed with a patterned bedspread, a red curtain, and a shelf against a blue wall.

14 Bed Mixed Dormitory

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 450 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 14 Large Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

A bunk bed room with a number 2 bunk, a door with a wheelchair accessibility sign, and an air conditioning unit on the wall.

10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • 450 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 10 Large Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room (Private Room)

A neatly made bed with a patterned bedspread, a rolled towel, and a digital clock on a bedside table.

Deluxe Double Room (Private Room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room (Private Room)

A neatly made bed with a patterned bedspread, a rolled towel, and a digital clock on a bedside table.

Double Room (Private Room)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

A neatly made bed with a patterned bedspread, a rolled towel, and a digital clock on a bedside table.

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in Pacific Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach is within a 15-minute drive of popular attractions such as Balboa Park and Salk Institute for Biological Studies. This 4-room hostel has conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more Hostels in San DiegoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mission and Pacific Beaches - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Beach Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mission Beach Boardwalk - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Crystal Pier - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mission Bay - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Hideaway Pacific Beach - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Baked Bear - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mavericks Beach Club - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Crack Shack - ‬2 min walk

About this property

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

Guests of California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and microwave in a common area. If you drive, put free parking to good use. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and tours or tickets. Other amenities at this beach hostel include a refrigerator in a common area, an arcade/game room, and a library.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers. 2 bathrooms, furnished patios, and dining areas are also standard. Bathrooms are shared.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite 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 elevator (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
  • Microwave
  • Mixer
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • 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 available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 17 and younger (only guests older than 17 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-1:30 AM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number Passport is required to check-in

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach offers free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach on Sep 7, 2026 start from $149, 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.

What's there to do around California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

This hostel is situated in Pacific Beach within a short 15-minute walk of Mission Beach and also 16 minutes on foot from Mission Bay. You'll also find La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach Boardwalk within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the hostel. Though parking is limited parking, wheelchair-accessible van parking is also available.

Does California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach have a casino at the property?

No, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as 15 beach bars and a free daily breakfast.

Are there hot tubs at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach.

Are there connecting rooms at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

The closest major airport to California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 9.6 mi away (25 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 13.2 mi away (26-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach?

Yes, every room at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach comes with a furnished patio.

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 139 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 139 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 139 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 139 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 139 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean, cool, safe, close to all of it.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

CHANGHU

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

10/10 Excellent

Nino

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

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rosa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
John and Rachel were awesome excellent service. The only thing is I wish the staff really adhered to quiet time
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Hongyi

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff! So grateful they were flexible with check-in as my flight got delayed. Big kitchen; bagels and cream cheese for breakfast. Note that there is only one bathroom (shower included, so it's not possible to have one person shower while another uses the bathroom) for the dorm of 14 people. I never had an issue conflicting with anybody, but just know that there's only one bathroom. There are 2 sinks outside the bathroom, though.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

JULIO

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

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pavel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
To Staff members, Gabi and Cara, were really nice, hospital, and welcoming. They made sure my stay was flawless and they’re just beautiful. So don’t hesitate to book your stay, but be respectful to everyone! The bed was comfy, the breakfast was simple, yet good. Location is perfect for the beach, nightlife, and restaurants. Parking on the street - no problem and it felt safe. Since there are many young people in the hostel and no one likes to be boring, it can get a little loud at night. Make sure you have some earplugs just in case! (there are some at the front desk)
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Daniel

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

Horrible place!

Horrible experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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

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