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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
2 Jan - 4 Jan
In two weeks
9 Jan - 11 Jan
In one month
23 Jan - 25 Jan
In two months
20 Feb - 22 Feb

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

Bed In 8-Bed Dorm
Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel

Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel

Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel
2.0 star property
Ocean Beach
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (376)
"My stay was awesome"
United States
Fred
The price is AU$101
includes taxes & fees
27 Dec - 28 Dec
Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel
Deluxe Double or Twin Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Pool Access | Shared kitchen
California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach

California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach

California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach
2.0 star property
Point Loma
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (203)
"The house is very Nice & relaxing - location's Amazingly quiet, perfect for a relaxing getaway - the volunteer staff are Wonderfully accommodating - make you feel at home 🙂"
United States
Edward
California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach
Living area
ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
2.0 star property
Mission Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (201)
"great location and free parking available across the street. "
United States
Saquib
ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
View from property
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
2.0 star property
Pacific Beach
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (122)
"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"
United States
Maddy
The price is AU$142
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan 2026
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
Sun deck
ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel
2.0 star property
Pacific Beach
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (254)
"Everyone was so cool and welcoming"
United States
noah
The price is AU$145
includes taxes & fees
25 Jan - 26 Jan 2026
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

Kings Inn San Diego

Kings Inn San Diego

10/10 Excellent
"Nice clean rooms and affordable pricing. Our kids loved the pool and restaurant."
William 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Kings Inn San Diego

Find out more about Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Hostels information

Number of reviews
1,155
Accommodation
5 Hostels
Lowest Price
AU$101
Highest Price
AU$145

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: Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA - 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Located within a 20-minute walk of Hotel Circle. Property features at this hotel include free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Lafayette Hotel & Club - 20.1 mi (32.3 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool at this hotel. San Diego Marriott La Jolla - 10.9 mi (17.5 km) from the heart of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Guests can enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking 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 Swamis Beach. Cultural attractions include Belly Up, La Jolla Playhouse 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.