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

Choose dates to view prices

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 5 of 5 rooms

Economy Shared Dormitory

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Rainfall showerhead
Hair dryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Classic Shared Dormitory, Women only

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Rainfall showerhead
Hair dryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Classic Shared Dormitory

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Rainfall showerhead
Hair dryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Basic Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Rainfall showerhead
Hair dryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Basic Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Rainfall showerhead
Hair dryer
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

Located near the beach, ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel is in Santa Barbara Beach, a neighborhood in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center and Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary. Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center are also worth visiting. Kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Map
134 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

What's nearby

  • Moreton Bay Fig Tree - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Barbara City College - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Stearns Wharf - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Jeannine’s American Bakery And Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪SB Biergarten - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Chad’s - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Santa Barbara Roasting Company - ‬8 min walk

About this property

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

Hostel near Santa Barbara Harbor
Consider a stay at ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel and take advantage of free to-go breakfast, a firepit, and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, with speed of 25+ Mbps, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area.
Additional perks include:
  • Self parking (surcharge), outdoor furniture, and barbecue grills
  • A vending machine
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel feature comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Rainfall showers and hair dryers
  • Heating and housekeeping

Similar properties

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 8:00 AM to 9:30 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
  • Heating

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

I.T.H. Santa Barbara Beach Hostel
ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel Santa Barbara
ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

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.

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Reviews

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

9.0

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 137 out of 183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 183 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karim

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Liezl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Steps from the Amtrak, beach, restaurants. Easy parking. Free breakfast. Clean comfortable beds and rooms and bathrooms. Kitchen access. Lots of common areas inside and outside. Weekly activities. Affordable prices!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Rob

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

10/10 Excellent

Salha

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice friendly hostel

Loved the friendliness of the staff. Bed was comfy and private enough. Breakfast was nice -real eggs and pancakes. and they had a bbq dinner in the evening. Centrally located to downtown sb. I was nervous because i had never stayed at a hostel before but it was better then expected. My only complaint is that the ice machine wasnt working
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
this was my first time staying at a hostel, and I was nervous that I would be one of the older clientele and somehow feel out of place. It was not like that at all. It was a varied group of people and everyone was very nice. Pancakes and coffee were a bonus
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great spot. Check in went smoothly, took a little tour, which was helpful. There were people relaxing outside the hostel and in the main lobby area as well. It was really noisy for a few minutes, but the manager quickly quieted things down. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alvina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The available parking for a small fee was very convenient. Overall nice and clean and eveyone was was respectful during the quiet hours. Had a great stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miguel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed at two other hostels, and this one was the best of all. The attendants were friendly, especially Rosie, and the guests were friendly. This place is set up to have conversations with others, which makes it nice, due to the large dining/hangout area. The place also has a relaxing patio with a modified short bus where you can also hang out inside and read a book or talk to others. The place also has planned activities every day, free of charge, which far surpassed my expectations. The beach is 4 minutes walking distance and so is a skate park. Great place! Will visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

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

8/10 Good

P.P.W.

Liked: Staff & service
Perfect location, very friendly staff, but limited facilities.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gwynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sparse but Great

Great location, friendly staff, right price. Even had pancakes you could make for breakfast and full kitchen for cooking dinner. Can walk from there to Piers with fabulous restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient to the train station. Simple and clean. Soap at the sink and shower. Town is walkable and relaxing 😎. Enjoy
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic trip

The place is great and location is excellent its in the middle of everything.. the staff that works there is pretty nice and very friendly..
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location, spotless facilities, awesome vibe and extremely helpful and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best location ever! We loved EVERYTHING about this place! Hot water, comfy beds, sweet staff, and, did I say, “We loved EVERYTHING about this place!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabriella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Such a fun stay at ITH Santa Barbara!

Everyone at the hostel, employees and other hostel goers alike, were so friendly and welcoming! We really enjoyed participating in the group activities the hostel offered. Great accommodations too - comfy bed, clean bathrooms, fun lobby to hang out. And i would be remiss not to mention the awesome make-your-own pancake breakfast. We would 100% stay at ITH again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025