4 reviewed party hostels · from €25.65/night · Hostelworld rated
San Diego’s nightlife splits neatly into two zones: the Gaslamp Quarter, where historic red-brick buildings hide cocktail bars and basement clubs, and Pacific Beach, where surfers swap waves for beers by 4 p.m. Hostels cluster in both. In the Gaslamp, you’re five minutes from Tin Fish for happy-hour tacos and ten minutes from FLUXX, a two-storey club that packs out by midnight. Over in Pacific Beach, California Dreams Hostel sits one block from the sand and the same distance from Garnet Avenue’s happy-hour specials: think $4 margaritas and $2 tacos until 7 p.m. most nights. The hostel scene here is small but social; common rooms come with pool tables, pianos, and whiteboards for organising the next bar crawl.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
A fun hostel where backpackers from around the world can meet, California Drams Hostel is where you can have a true hostel experience. This place is located close to the coast, so you will be just a few steps from the beach. This vibrant hostel is surrounded by bars and nightclubs. This place is perfect if you love the beach, outdoor activities, and making new friends.
A hostel that is located in the center of San Diego. Lucky D's is a clean and friendly place, it offers from free internet, to free dinner, and even free beer; you can enjoy of weekly pub crawls plus nightly social events like poker nights, beer pong tournaments and many more. This hostel is also close to bars and clubs so you can enjoy San Diego's nightlife.
ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel is the ultimate party haven, offering an unbeatable beachfront location, daily hosted social events, and a vibrant atmosphere that brings travellers together for memorable adventures and unforgettable nights by the sea.
In the hear of San Diego, this hostel is elegant and offers everything to make your traveling experience awesome. You'll be able to spend a great time in the game room while sharing the pool table and arcade game with other backpackers. HI San Diego also offers signature events like their meal outings, walking tours, beach trips and pub-crawls.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A Friday and Saturday night crawl through five bars in the Gaslamp Quarter. The tour includes a welcome shot, drink discounts, and skip-the-line entry at FLUXX. Hosts wear bright T-shirts and keep the group moving between venues every 45 minutes.
A walking tour that blends San Diego’s history with bar stops. You’ll visit four historic pubs, hear stories about the city’s founding, and get a drink at each spot. The crawl lasts about 2.5 hours and covers less than a mile.
How San Diego's nightlife zones break down
Downtown’s nightlife core, where red-brick buildings house basement clubs and rooftop bars. Fifth Avenue is the main drag, lined with neon signs and bouncers checking IDs. The area sits between Broadway and the waterfront, a 15-minute walk from the Santa Fe Depot train station.
A beachside neighbourhood where hostels and surf shops line Garnet Avenue. The boardwalk runs parallel to the sand, and Mission Boulevard is packed with happy-hour spots. It’s 15 minutes by bus from downtown and feels like a permanent spring break.
A laid-back, slightly grungy area west of Pacific Beach. Newport Avenue is the main strip, with dive bars, vegan cafés, and a Sunday farmers' market. The pier is a 10-minute walk from most hostels, and the crowd skews older and more local.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A two-level club in the Gaslamp Quarter that spins house and top-40. The main room has a massive LED wall and a balcony overlooking the dance floor. Entry is free before 10 p.m. on Thursdays, otherwise expect to pay $10–$20 after 11 p.m. Crowd is 21–30, dress smart-casual: no flip-flops.
A beachfront bar in Pacific Beach with fire pits and outdoor sofas. Happy hour runs 3–6 p.m. daily, offering $5 cocktails and $3 beers. Live acoustic sets start at 7 p.m. on Fridays. The crowd is mostly 22–35, and it’s a solid spot for meeting other travellers.
A no-frills seafood spot in the Gaslamp with $2 fish tacos during happy hour (3–5 p.m.). The outdoor patio fills up by 4 p.m. with hostel groups. Beer is $5, and the vibe is casual: expect sandals and surfboards.
A country-western bar in the Gaslamp that offers line-dancing lessons every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Cover is $5 after 9 p.m. on weekends. Drinks are $6–$8, and the crowd is a mix of locals and backpackers looking for something different.
A sports bar in Pacific Beach with 20 beers on tap and $4 wells during happy hour (3–6 p.m.). Pool tables and darts keep the crowd busy. Hostel groups often gather here before heading to Garnet Avenue’s clubs.
A dimly lit cocktail bar in the Gaslamp with $9 cocktails and small plates. The speakeasy vibe attracts a 25+ crowd. Reservations recommended on weekends, but hostel groups can usually squeeze in at the bar if they arrive before 9 p.m.
A brewpub on Garnet Avenue with 12 house beers on tap. Happy hour runs 3–6 p.m. and 9–11 p.m., with $4 pints and $3 tacos. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, so expect a lively, social crowd.
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