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ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

A coastal road leading to a pier with a view of the ocean and beach. - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
A modern building with a glass facade, outdoor seating area with Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and a school bus parked nearby. - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
A modern kitchen with a wooden countertop, a blue chair, and a television mounted on the wall. - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
A building with a central courtyard, surrounded by palm trees and a clear blue sky. - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
A spacious indoor area with large windows, wooden benches, a sofa, and a coffee table. - ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (Santa Barbara)
Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor are located near ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel, which provides free to-go breakfast, a firepit, and a garden. In addition to laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with speed of 25+ Mbps.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Parking available
  • Laundry

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Economy Shared Dormitory

A bunk bed with a blue mattress and pillows, a small table with a book, and a wall-mounted light.

Economy Shared Dormitory

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

View all photos for Classic Shared Dormitory, Women only

A dormitory room with bunk beds, wooden ladders, and a small table with a book.

Classic Shared Dormitory, Women only

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Classic Shared Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, wooden ladders, and a small table with a book.

Classic Shared Dormitory

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

View all photos for Basic Double Room

A room with two single beds, a ceiling fan, and a window with blue curtains.

Basic Double Room

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

View all photos for Basic Double Room

A bedroom with a bed, a wooden nightstand, a small table, a TV, and a window with curtains.

Basic Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

10 Bed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Located near the beach, ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel is in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara. Travelers looking for local activities can try Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf, while those looking to experience a bit of culture can stop by Santa Barbara Bowl. Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center are also worth visiting. 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

  • A large tree with dense foliage in a park.
    Moreton Bay Fig Tree
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A beach with mountains in the background.
    West Beach
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A marina with numerous boats docked, a pier extending into the water, and a backdrop of mountains and a sunset sky.
    Santa Barbara Harbor
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A two-story building with a beige facade, large windows, and a balcony.
    Santa Barbara City College
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A pier with lights reflecting on the water, a flag, and buildings in the background.
    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
  • Chad’s
    6 min walk
  • Dart Coffee Co.
    11 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

  • Desk
  • 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, Santa Barbara Harbor, and Stearns Wharf. Reagan Ranch Center and Moreton Bay Fig Tree are just steps away. 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

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.8

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

9.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 184 out of 253 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 253 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 23 out of 253 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 253 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 253 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Prahlad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great and cheap stay with great and friendly staff and just as friendly guests.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lourdes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For a hostel, the place is well kept and clean. Staff are kind and knowledgeable about the area. Parking is limited, but available at a cost.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Extremely helpful and friendly staff. The host Maxine is super! Mid August the rooms were a little warm but tolerable. Short walk to the beach and shopping. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

donald

Liked: Cleanliness
The hostel was conveniently located next to the train station and beach. The room was ok, but hot. The overall vibe was ok, but not exceptional.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Take your own bath towel. Take food to cook, Gas stove, microwave, pans, plates and utensils are supplied. Don’t forget to wash your dishes. Refrigerator is available. Meet lots of great friends. Pay for parking in lot . Street parking is free. Close to beech, main st, farmers market, and beech
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ka'Tia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time. Shout out to Kali who is on their staff! She went above and beyond and helped me so much!!!! Also they have fun!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about this hostel was fantastic. The staff were great, people kept that place spotlessly clean. Clients and staff are friendly, polite, respectful of your space. The kitchen had a nice refrigerator where you could label and keep your food. There was a place to cook eggs and pancakes. The lounge area was comfortable, there was a TV. There was a piano if you wanted to play that. My dorm bunk bed was very comfortable and I’m 78 years old, it was better than my own bed at home. There were washers and dryers to use. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were nice. The front yard was fabulous with a corn hole game, tables and umbrellas. There were bicycles to use. It’s two blocks from the ocean. Two blocks from downtown. Everything walkable. The price was fantastic. I will return probably late September or early October.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Karim

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Tamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When I booked I didn't realize it was a Hostel, turned out to be a wonderful happy accident! Fun community vibe and great self-prep breakfast option. Love the space and nice to have such a wonderful outdoor space...if only the WiFi worked outside! Wifi isn't very strong beyond the living room. And I'm sure this comment is indicative of my age, but the music is too loud all the time.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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
Verified review

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 review

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