A sandy beach with scattered rocks and seaweed, a calm sea, and a cliff with vegetation and palm trees.

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
25 Sept - 27 Sept
In two weeks
2 Oct - 4 Oct
In one month
16 Oct - 18 Oct
In two months
13 Nov - 15 Nov

Our top choices for Cardiff-by-the-Sea hostels

An outdoor patio area with seating arrangements, a pergola, and a green wall.

1. Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel

Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel
2.0 star property
Ocean Beach
9.6 out of 10, 582, (582 reviews)
"Love staying at Samesun, close to beach plenty things to do within the area!"
United States
linda
The price is AU$94
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel
A group of people sitting outdoors at a table with a drink and a book.

2. California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach

California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach
2.0 star property
Point Loma
8.8 out of 10, 245, (245 reviews)
"always like this place ,hope to go again"
United States
melvyn
The price is AU$117
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct
California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach
A coastal cityscape with buildings along the beach, waves in the foreground, and a clear sky.

3. ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
2.0 star property
Mission Beach
9.4 out of 10, 227, (227 reviews)
"I had such a great stay here! Everyone was extremely friendly, welcoming, and nice. The hostel was very clean, comfortable, and had a really good atmosphere. The location was amazing!! you’re close to the beach, Belmont Park, and plenty of great places to eat, so there’s always something to do nearby. I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely recommend this hostel to anyone visiting Mission Beach. I would happily stay here again! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
United States
Leslie
The price is AU$158
includes taxes & fees
15 Sept - 16 Sept
ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
A beach with clear blue water and a sandy shore.

4. California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
2.0 star property
Pacific Beach
8.4 out of 10, 141, (141 reviews)
"I’m in love. Maybe with 100 people but they are all so sweet and pretty. Wish I didn’t have to go but they got all booked up. I highly recommend this property. Good people doing good work"
United States
Antonio
The price is AU$117
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
A beachside restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean, featuring a sign for 'Ocean's Ice Cream'.

5. ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel
2.0 star property
Pacific Beach
8.0 out of 10, 266, (266 reviews)
"Great stay! Front desk guy was a little eccentric but very down to earth. Excellent area, with pacific beach a few steps away or take a bike or walk to mission beach. Amazing stay!"
United States
angelea
The price is AU$129
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct
ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Cardiff-by-the-Sea Hotel Reviews

The Alcala Hotel Mission Valley/Seaworld

The Alcala Hotel Mission Valley/Seaworld

10/10 Excellent
"clean room, king size bed is the best way to go. Breakfast is on point, 2nd time staying here and have not been disappointed!!!"
Alfredo M. 1-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
The Alcala Hotel Mission Valley/Seaworld

Find out more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Hostels information

Number of reviews
723
Accommodation
5 Hostels
Lowest Price
AU$94
Highest Price
AU$158

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hostels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Our guests like these accommodations in the surrounding area, and they may have budget-friendly rates: California Suites Hotel - 14.3 mi (23 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool at this hotel. Best Western Seven Seas - 19.1 mi (30.8 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Located within a 5-minute walk of Hotel Circle. Property features at this hotel include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Paradise Point Resort & Spa - 17.2 mi (27.6 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Located within a 5-minute walk of Hotel Circle. Guests can enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool at this hotel. Handlery Hotel - 19 mi (30.6 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Located within a 20-minute walk of Mission Bay. Guests can enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking at this hotel. Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle - 19.1 mi (30.8 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Located within a 5-minute walk of Hotel Circle. You can take advantage of free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool at this hotel.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Good weather's always better when you're experiencing new places, so here's a little information that may be helpful: The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 21°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 14°C. Average annual precipitation for Cardiff-by-the-Sea is 335 mm.
What is there to see and do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
Overall, Cardiff-by-the-Sea is known for its beaches, surfing and birdwatching. Major attractions include LEGOLAND® California, Mission Bay and Mission Beach. Get out into nature with places such as San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff State Beach and Encinitas Community Park. Cultural attractions include Belly Up, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and California Center For The Arts.
What's the best way to get to and around Cardiff-by-the-Sea while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in and around Cardiff-by-the-Sea on hand to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the nearest airport, which is Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar), located 7.2 mi (11.7 km) away from the city centre. An alternative is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 16.6 mi (26.7 km) away.