Best Hostels for Solo Travellers, Backpackers, and Groups in San Francisco

Best Hostels for Solo Travellers, Backpackers, and Groups in San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. It's popular with both domestic and international travelers and there is no shortage of places to explore in the city. The hilly terrain, Victorian architecture, and dramatic setting on the bay make it a top pick for backpackers and travelers.

San Francisco is a notoriously expensive place to visit, but it does have more hostels than most American cities. Most accommodation is found in either the Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf areas. Union Square is a bit more centrally located, but Fisherman's Wharf offers great views of the bay.
How much do hostels in San Francisco cost?

You can find our comprehensive analysis of all hostel prices in San Francisco here. We've found the average prices of dorms and private rooms, as well as the typical prices of hostels with various amenities, too.



A great party hostel for solo travellers and backpackers.

Dorm Bed from $30.00
Private Room from $42.50
Overall Rating: 93%
494 Broadway, San Francisco
Green Tortoise Hostel is the place to stay if you're looking for a party hostel in San Francisco. It's a fun and social place to stay that is a great value for budget travelers. They even host free dinners three nights a week. These meals are decent in quality and include things like pasta, tacos, or curry. A free breakfast is also served every morning with fruit, bagels, orange juice, eggs, and oatmeal. The hostel also has some unique amenities such as a sauna, a computer lounge, and free tea and coffee throughout the day. There's a full kitchen that you can use to prepare your own meals and free activities and pub crawls throughout the week. The staff can also help you organize a variety of tours including tours of Napa or Sonoma Valley.

The hostel has private double rooms as well as five and eight bed dorms. Five bed dorms are female only while eight bed dorms are co-ed.

Whether you're traveling alone, with friends, or as a couple, Green Tortoise has a fun and social environment where you're sure to have a good time.


A good hostel for solo travellers, backpackers, and small groups.

Dorm Bed from $35.10
Private Room from $33.75
Overall Rating: 90%
312 Mason Street, San Francisco
HI San Francisco Downtown is one of the most popular and top rated hostels in San Francisco, California. It's prices are reasonable and the location is great. It's near many of the best sights in the city including the famous cable cars, Chinatown, Museum Row, and Union Square. It's also surrounded by excellent shopping, great restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

The hostel has a variety of amenities for guests including free wi-fi throughout, a complimentary breakfast that's served every morning, and a full kitchen which guests can use. The staff also organize regular events and activities for guests.

The hostel is located in a charming historic building and it has a variety of room types to choose from. There are twin and double private rooms with either shared or en-suite bathrooms. There are also dorms that sleep four or eight people. Male only, female only, and co-ed rooms are all available.


A good hostel for solo travellers, couples, and small groups.

Dorm Bed from $31.05
Private Room from $45.00
Overall Rating: 92%
240 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123 Fort Mason, San Francisco
HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is located on the waterfront in San Francisco. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge right from the hostel's steps. It's also just a short walk from the famous Fisherman's Wharf area where you'll find Pier 39. The Marina district is also close by. The MUNI bus is easy to catch and can take you almost anywhere in the city you might want to go.

This hostel has some great places for guests to relax. There's a nice sun deck if you want to spend some time outside. There's also a movie room where you can watch dvds and a communal lounge where many guests enjoy hanging out. Every morning the hostel serves up a complimentary breakfast that includes organic fruit and fair trade coffee. Lunch and dinner is also available for purchase.

This hostel has twin and double private rooms that use shared bathrooms. There are also four, eight, ten, and 24 bed dorms available. The smaller dorms are split by gender and the larger dorms are co-ed.


Private Room from $54.50
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 99%
2237 Mason Street, San Francisco
This terrific hotel offers friendly service. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a restaurant. Wi-fi, 24 hour reception, key card access, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $35.70
Private Room from $24.99
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 98%
1533 Franklin St, San Francisco
You'll love this hostel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service.


Private Room from $0.20
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 97%
80 9th Street, San Francisco
Ram's Hotel is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a restaurant. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, key card access, parking, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Private Room from $22.60
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 93%
620 Post Street, San Francisco
This terrific hotel offers friendly service and cable tv. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast. Wi-fi, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $31.59
Private Room from $45.90
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 92%
1475 Lombard St, San Francisco
This terrific hostel offers friendly service, a common room, and board games. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast and a microwave. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, key card access, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.
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More Accommodation Options

Check these out other nearby places to stay.

For more accommodation prices and options, check out our guide covering San Francisco hotel prices for your next trip.



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Best Hostels for Solo Travellers, Backpackers, and Groups in San Francisco | Budget Your Trip

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