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California Dreams Hostel - Downtown San Diego Nearby photoCalifornia Dreams Hostel - Downtown San Diego Room photoCalifornia Dreams Hostel - Downtown San Diego Room photo

CALIFORNIA DREAMS HOSTEL - DOWNTOWN, San Diego

7.4|Very good
Check rooms and rates
From$36 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
08Nov
Check-out
09Nov
Guests
2 Guests

About the Hotel

615 8Th Avenue, San Diego, 92101-
Close to the Gaslamp Quarter

Key Highlights

Prime downtown location: 5-minute walk to Gaslamp Quarter, 700 m from San Diego Convention Center, and 4 km from the airport.

Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, plus a shared kitchen and secure bike storage.

On-site bar (Bootleggers Bar and Pub) and a games room.

Private rooms available with queen beds and refrigerators; dorm rooms include personal lockers.

Free breakfast on weekends (Saturday & Sunday).

Adults-only environment (no children).

Hotel Details

Location

Just 5 minutes on foot from the Gaslamp Quarter, this hostel sits in the East Village, 700 m from the San Diego Convention Center and 4 km from the airport.
The hostel is in the heart of downtown, putting you steps from Petco Park, numerous restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Public transport is nearby, including the trolley and bus lines, making it easy to reach the Convention Center, Seaport Village, and beaches without a car. The immediate street can be busy with foot traffic and some homeless presence, but the location is ideal for walking to major attractions, dining, and entertainment. For airport access, bus connections are available; no shuttle service is offered. Parking is not on site, but paid street parking and public garages are within a block.

Dining

Free breakfast on weekends, a fully equipped shared kitchen, and a on-site American pub (Bootleggers Bar and Pub) serving vegetarian options.
A complimentary continental breakfast is provided on Saturdays and Sundays, including bagels, pastries, fruit, coffee, and cereal. The shared kitchen is open from 7:30 AM to 11:55 PM daily, with a microwave, electric kettle, cookware, and plenty of space for preparing your own meals. Bootleggers Bar and Pub is on site, offering American cuisine and a bar atmosphere. The surrounding Gaslamp Quarter has countless restaurants, from the nearby Kebab Shop to Lotus Thai Cuisine, all within a 5-minute walk, giving you many options for lunch and dinner.

Wellness and Leisure

A games room and board games are available; the property has no pool, spa, or fitness center.
Leisure options are limited to social spaces: a games room with board games, a shared lounge with TV (cable and streaming), and a communal area where guests can relax or meet. For more active recreation, the location is ideal for walking to Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the waterfront. There is no pool, gym, or spa on site.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, shared kitchen, laundry ($2 wash/$2 dry), and 24-hour front desk; no parking or elevator.
The hostel offers free Wi-Fi throughout, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage (free). Laundry is self-service with coin-operated washers and dryers, available from 3:00 PM to 8:00 AM ($2 each). Express check-in/out and a shared lounge with TV are included. Safety features include CCTV, smoke alarms, and key card access. An ATM/cash machine is on site. Daily housekeeping is free in common areas; room cleaning is not daily. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available. There is no elevator, so guests must use stairs to reach upper floors. Parking is not on site, but paid street parking and public garages are nearby.
Highly rated by guestsof California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
Central locationHelpful staffWell-equipped kitchenVibrant atmosphereConvenient public transport
  • Dining

    Breakfast Included!

    “I appreciated the complimentary breakfast. It's a nice touch to start the day before exploring the city.”

    Carlos from Spain
    Review on
  • Guest Parking

    Easy Parking

    “Parking was available. Inquire with the staff about it! It simplifies everything upon arrival.”

    Mei from China
    Review on
  • Bedroom

    Comfort redefined

    “The bed was surprisingly comfortable with excellent pillows. The provided linens were also clean and soft.”

    Hans from Netherlands
    Review on
  • Media & Entertainment

    Rock'n'Roll!

    “The rock'n'roll atmosphere really set the place apart, particularly the photos of iconic bands.”

    Jake from Australia
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM; a valid ID and credit/debit card are required.
  • A 10.5% local occupancy tax may apply, plus a 4% transaction fee for credit and foreign debit cards.
  • No on-site parking; paid street parking and nearby garages are available.
  • All rooms have shared bathrooms (no private bathrooms).
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Towels are complimentary for private rooms and available for rent ($5) for dorm guests.
  • Night noise from the street and the bar below is common; free earplugs are offered at reception.
  • No elevator; rooms are accessed via stairs (up to the 4th floor).

Most popular facilities

at California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
Wi-Fi
Kitchen facilities
Air conditioning
Laundry
Food/ Drinks
TV

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor, or on the north or east side of the building, to minimize street noise.

  • 02

    Plan to park off-site: street parking costs $1.25/hour (free evenings and Sundays) and a nearby garage is $1/hour with a $15 daily max.

  • 03

    Use free luggage storage at reception if you arrive before 3:00 PM check-in or have a late departure.

  • 04

    Bring your own padlock for the in-room lockers, or purchase one at the property for $5.

Choose your room type

California Dreams Hostel - Downtown — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Deluxe Queen Room
    2 persons
    250 sq. feet
    1 Queen-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Deluxe Double Room
    2 persons
    250 sq. feet
    2 Double beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    250 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates

Facilities

What's included at California Dreams Hostel - Downtown — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Grocery shopping service

Dining

  • Restaurant

Children

  • Board games
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Dressing area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Washing machine

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Dryer
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Lucky D's Youth And Traveler's Hostel, indulge in a delightful dining experience at Bootleggers Bar and Pub, where American cuisine meets a cozy atmosphere. Located just steps from the vibrant Gaslamp District, guests can enjoy an array of vegetarian options in a welcoming setting perfect for socializing and relaxation.
California Dreams Hostel - Downtown San Diego Restaurant photo

Bootleggers Bar and Pub

American, with a focus on vegetarian meals
Ambiance
A cozy and friendly bar setting, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Key Offerings
Signature vegetarian dishes that embrace American flavors, paired with a selection of refreshing beverages.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

California Dreams Hostel - Downtown Location

615 8Th Avenue, San Diego, 92101
Map view
Nearby
Theatre
Horton Grand Theater
1900 ft
Museum
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum
1600 ft
715 J St
Bub's at the Ballpark
1400 ft
Cabrillo Bridge
2000 ft
Garnet Street
2000 ft
Restaurants
Fuego
1000 ft
744 Market St
Coffee and Tea Collective
900 ft
2911 El Cajon Blvd
Ciro's Pizzeria & Beerhouse
900 ft
536 Market St
Burger Lounge
400 ft
528 5th Ave
Brooklyn Bagel & Bialy
1300 ft
1000 Island Ave
Hodad's Downtown
2000 ft
945 Broadway
Hub Market & Deli
1100 ft
748 6th Ave
McFadden's Restaurant & Saloon
1300 ft
731 5th Ave
Pokez Mexican Restaurant
1600 ft
947 E St
Rustic Meatballs
1400 ft
455 10th Ave
Explore San Diego
Explore San Diego
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum
25 minutes' walk
Historic aircraft carrier museum featuring aircraft exhibits and guided tours. A unique look into naval history.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
30 minutes' walk
World-renowned zoo with over 3,500 animals. Offers daily guided tours and events for wildlife enthusiasts.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
18 minutes' walk
Waterfront shopping and dining area with charming boutiques and eateries. Great for leisurely strolls and views.
Petco Park
Petco Park
10 minutes' walk
Home of the San Diego Padres. Offers thrilling baseball games and exceptional stadium tours during the season.
Bike Rentals
5 minutes' walk
Multiple bike rental shops near the hostel. Ideal for biking the waterfront or visiting nearby attractions.
Yoga Classes
8 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions offered at local studios. Perfect for unwinding after a busy day of exploring.
Fuego
Fuego
4 minutes' walk
Trendy spot known for vibrant flavors and delicious Mexican dishes. Great ambiance and outdoor seating.
Burger Lounge
Burger Lounge
2 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in gourmet burgers with locally sourced ingredients. Family-friendly vibe and comfort food.
Horton Plaza Park
Horton Plaza Park
9 minutes' walk
Vibrant park hosting live events and festivals. Perfect for family picnics and enjoying outdoor music.
Bub's at the Ballpark
Bub's at the Ballpark
5 minutes' walk
Lively bar with live music and pool tables. A great spot for nightlife and socializing after a day out.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    San Diego 22 min  ·  1.1 mi
  • Airports
    San Diego International (SAN) 9 min  ·  3.5 mi
    El Cajon (CJN) 36 min  ·  14.9 mi
  • Train
    Santa Fe Depot 16 min  ·  4300 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  400 ft
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian
Number of rooms:
79
Former name
lucky d's youth and traveler's hostel

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
Cleanliness
7.4/10
Comfort
7.3/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
8.6/10
Staff
8.2/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Well-equipped kitchen
Helpful staff
Close public transport
Cons
Unclean bathrooms
Guest reviews
based on 126 reviews
7.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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