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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

View from property
Terrace/patio
Living area
Living area
Free daily continental breakfast

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Bar
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
743 Emerald Street, San Diego, CA, 92109
  • Mission Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Mission Bay
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • SeaWorld
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | Premium bedding, in-room safe, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 42 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 14 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

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

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Private Room)

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

Double Room (Private Room)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for 10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory | Premium bedding, in-room safe, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

10 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory

  • 42 sq m
  • 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)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed

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About this property

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

Beach hostel with free breakfast and beach bars
Along with 15 beach bars, this hostel has coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a fridge in a common area, dry cleaning and laundry facilities. Bathrooms are shared.
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach offers 4 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to furnished patios. This accommodation offers separate dining areas. Beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room full-sized fridge/freezers and microwaves. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include shared/communal kitchens and blackout curtains. An iron/ironing board and hairdryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
During your stay at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach, you're just a quick walk from Mission Beach Boardwalk. Free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking are available.
  • Free continental breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy drinks at the 15 beach bars
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • On-site recreation includes yoga classes, fitness classes and bicycles to rent
  • 12 minutes by car from Salk Institute for Biological Studies and 13 minutes from USS Midway Museum
You can unwind with a drink at one of the 15 beach bars. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A library, a terrace, and a vending machine are also featured at California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this San Diego hostel.

Guests are served a free continental breakfast daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

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 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
  • 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: 2:30 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 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 8:30 AM - 2:30 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
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

  • No pets 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 at the property

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
The front desk at this property is open daily from 8:30 AM - 2:30 AM.
Guests arriving after midnight must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. The credit card used when booking the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo ID. 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.
Property Registration Number Passport is required to check-in
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Children 17 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

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

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 119 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 119 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 119 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 119 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 119 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Josefina, Las Vegas

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Triston

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ria

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 11 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Travelled with group
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

2/10 Terrible

Pedro

Stayed 1 night in May 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

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

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

Michael L. Webb

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

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Quentin

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Inga

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

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

David

Stayed 1 night in Jan 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

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

CHANGHU

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

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

Nino

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

10/10 Excellent

Terupe

Travelled with group
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

Virgilson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

MELLISA

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diego, Mesa

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

8/10 Good

Terri, Wildomar

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