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ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

2.0 star property
Travelers start their day with a convenient to-go breakfast before heading out to explore Santa Barbara's beautiful beaches just steps from the hostel

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Photo gallery for ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

City view from property - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
Living area - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
Living area - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
Living area - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
Train station shuttle - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel offers beachside charm with practical perks like in-room WiFi and a grab-and-go morning meal. The helpful staff can point guests toward nearby adventures at Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor, both within easy walking distance.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Economy Shared Dormitory

Economy Shared Dormitory | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Economy Shared Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Classic Shared Dormitory, Women only

Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Classic Shared Dormitory, Women only

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Classic Shared Dormitory

Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Classic Shared Dormitory

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Double Room

Basic Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Double Room

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Double Room

Basic Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Basic Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

10 Bed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located near the beach, ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel is in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara. While the natural beauty of Butterfly Beach and Goleta Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Santa Barbara Harbor. Check out an event or a game at Santa Barbara Bowl, and consider making time for Santa Barbara Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding. Visit our Santa Barbara travel guide
View more Hostels in Santa Barbara
Map
134 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara's Moreton Bay Fig Tree
    Moreton Bay Fig Tree
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • blue sky over Santa Barbara coastline
    West Beach
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor
    Santa Barbara Harbor
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • SantaBarbara_SantaBarbaraCityCollege_6177286_03
    Santa Barbara City College
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Pier in Santa Barbara at night
    Stearns Wharf
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station
    5 min walk
  • Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
    13 min drive

Restaurants

  • SB Biergarten
    6 min walk
  • Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant
    5 min walk
  • Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen
    3 min walk
  • Rodeo Room
    6 min walk
  • Chad’s
    6 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (USD 20 per night)

Food and drink

  • Free on-the-go breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Laptop workspace
  • Shared accommodations

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Self parking fee: USD 20 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Is ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for USD 20 per night.

What time is check-in at ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

What time is check-out at ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel located?

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Harbor. West Beach and Reagan Ranch Center are also within 5 minutes. Santa Barbara Station is 5 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.8

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 161 out of 216 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 216 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 216 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 216 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 216 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay and will definitely stay there again! Nice staff..very helpful. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Esmeralda

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff is really nice and helpful overall a comfortable stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cassie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Clean and Fun property with daily activities..2 blocks from the beach. Make your own pancake breakfast with great coffee. Great prices! We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing spot and awesome staff
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staying at ITH Surf Hostel was an awesome experience from start to finish. The rooms were super clean, way cleaner than most hostels I’ve stayed in, and the beds were comfortable enough that you actually wake up rested. The whole place has that relaxed surf‑town vibe, but it’s also well‑kept and organized.The staff is incredibly friendly and genuinely cool — not just doing their job, but actually talking with guests, giving tips on local spots, and keeping the energy fun without being overwhelming. They make the place feBreakfast was simple but good, with enough options to start the day right before heading out to explore or hit the beach. It’s a nice touch that adds to the home‑like feel of the hostel.What really makes ITH stand out is the community vibe. Travelers hang out on the patio, swap stories, plan adventures, and sometimes even create content together. It’s the kind of place where you meet people from all over the world and end up exploring the city with them. The location is also perfect — close to the beach, food spots, and everything you’d want to check out.el welcoming the moment you walk in.Overall, ITH Surf Hostel is a great mix of comfort, cleanliness, and social energy. Perfect for nomads, surfers, backpackers, and content creators looking for a chill place to stay while exploring somewhere new.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alfie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Amazing staff, really friendly & welcoming. Well-equipped hostel with a cozy common area and everything you might need but forgot. Daily/nightly events and a great outdoor space. Literally next to the train station so it’s convenient to get to. My daughter & I felt safe the entire time!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Close to the beach, public transportation, restaurants, farmers market etc. Lots of activities. Games, corn hole, ping pong, firepit. Washers and dryers. Lockers. Vending machine. Kitchen. Breakfast provided. Beds are comfortable. Staff is amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dezheng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Neat and clean place for backpackers. I love the kitchen which allows me to cook for the kids and myself. Very nice atmosphere and well maintained. They are not fancy but definitely clean everywhere.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Walkable to everything, beach and downtown
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun and friendly atmosphere. Matthew was especially kind in showing me around. Definitely would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luciano

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to stay. Good breakfast, friendly staff, good vibes.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were SUPER chill! Everyone was friendly (guests and staff alike). There's a common area kitchen where you can store your food in a refrigerator or freezer, and there are utensils, basic spices, a stove, and cooking ware to prepare your own food. During my stay they had eggs, bananas, and pancake mix that they provided for breakfast with some accoutrements for the pancakes (brown sugar, coconut, syrup). There were common guitars and a common piano for people to use too. Lights out at 11am and it wasn't too noisy. Such a cool place!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Salha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff, clean accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mustafa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a centrally located welcoming place to stay. Common areas have all the amenities that every hostel should carry. The private room I booked could also have had its private bathroom in it. However, the shared bathroom and the all gender restroom was clean and helpful. Eggs, package and the coffee were pleasant for the breakfast. Thanks to Bobby, Jonathan and the rest of the hostel crew for their accessibility.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angelina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I spend 4 days in this Hostel and it was incredible ! The staff are so nice and everything is really clean ! By the way if you meet Maxine you're better watch out because she is iconic !! There is also activities during the day and in the evening, so as a single traveler it's perfect to meet new people ! Don't hesitate if you come in Santa Barbara, come to the ITH !!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Giovanni

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy, courteous, and cute. This hostel was unlike previous I had stayed in that it had unique qualities such as the themed nights. The location is perfect! I was able to walk to dinner (a local Mediterranean spot) and steps from the beach for sunset. 10/10 would recommend & hope to return
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

VITORIA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was great! Great location, so close to the beach and to Downtown, you can walk to both, staff so kind, space super clean - will definitely come back!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Safe, great spot to meet new people, friendly staff, clean and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Janette

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Staff are inviting and friendly. There are NO lockers available. I purchased a $5 lock that they sold to me and couldn’t find one locker available, all of them were used as storage for the staff. In the middle of the night someone reached through my curtain and grabbed my leg. I assume it was to see if I was still in there but it felt aggressive and weird. I won’t stay again because of it, but other than that the place was clean and the area was really nice.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Mei Qi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location close to the Amtrak station, sufficient restrooms for use, free breakfast as described, however there was no air conditioning in the room, just a portable fan available.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Israel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the communal aspect of this hostel. Many amenities, and staff were friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nathaniel was welcoming and friendly. :) Property location for Amtrak travelers can't be any better. Very relaxed, but organized atmosphere.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice staff!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had such a great stay at this hostel! The staff were super friendly and welcoming, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere made it easy to meet other travelers. The location was also perfect—close to everything I needed. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting. Only tip: bring a small fan for your bed. There’s outlets for each bed which is perfect for a small portable fan.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super close to the beach, very clean
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024