6 Happy Hostels to Hit in California and Nicaragua (Reviews)
You’re rolling on out of town when it occurs to you that you need a few spots to crash out. You’re on an extreme backpacker budget, but want to find places that sport good amenities and cool people. You’re also keen on seeing the local sights and would love to meet up with people and groups that know how to go off the beaten tourist path into the most authentic parts of the town or country you’re visiting.
That’s where hostels come in. Teeming with lots of local knowledge at the reception desk and lots of recent travel tips from the fellow travelers hanging out there, these cozy places often offer the best option for a solo traveler looking to connect with others. Or even a group of travelers that wants to expand their scope.
Stateside (California)
Here are some of my favorite stateside hostels.
Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel (San Francisco, U.S.A.)
This is a super spot to hit when you’re visiting the city. Located right next to Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel is convenient for day tripping it to the Marin headlands or hitting any part of the city. Buses run fairly regularly right near the hostel or you can walk a few blocks to Ghirardelli Square, where buses run more regularly. You’re also not far from places to rent bikes, cool museums, and amazing seafood restaurants. Not a bad place to go for a few days. Plus, it’s far from the direct hustle and bustle of the city, which means it’s quieter at night. Prices range from $24 to $30 depending on time of year
Santa Cruz Hostel (Santa Cruz, U.S.A.)
Just a few blocks from the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Hostel is a fine place to spend a weekend or a week, especially for the surfing crowd. Tons of beaches dot the landscape and some are a short walk away, while others are a short drive away. Surfing, swimming, and body surfing are all favorite sports around here. Bicycling and hiking are popular activities and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is close by. Don’t miss the John C. Fremont tree that honeymooners used to rent. It’s being restored now and the redwood tree is growing back together, but you can still see the hole where the window and door used to be. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is also nearby. Downtown Santa Cruz is a ten minute walk away and offers quaint restaurants, sweet shops and some nice independent music and bars. Dorm beds run $22 to $28 a night depending on time of year and whether you’re a Hostelling International member or not.
Nicaragua
Spots outside of the U.S. ...
