Sun, sand, and surf – Orange County has it all! Home to Disneyland and stunning beaches, this Southern California region can please all kinds of adventurers. What about the budget-conscious ones? Fret not; you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy this beachy paradise, as we’re here to show you our favorite hostels in Orange County California. We’ve stayed in these hostels before, and though each of them was different, they all promised us a memorable stay. Plus, the communal experience was something that we would always cherish as it allowed us to meet new people and make new friends. Perfect for backpackers and groups of budget travelers, we’re sure the following hostels will make a great launchpad for epic adventures.
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HI Los Angeles Fullerton, Fullerton
5
Most Comfortable. HI Los Angeles Fullerton offers a laid-back stay in the heart of Fullerton, California. While it may not be the flashiest hostel out there, it delivers on the basics and throws in some surprising extras that make it a great value for travelers. One of the things that we highly appreciated was the free breakfast. It was a nice way for us to fuel up before exploring the city. Speaking of which, there’s a shared kitchen, so you can whip up anything and anytime you want. Apart from that, the hostel also boasts many relaxing common areas. Enjoy the refreshing garden or cozy up by the lobby fireplace on a chilly evening.
Like most hostels in the area, this one features private rooms and dormitory rooms. Since you’re considering staying in a hostel, we highly recommend trying the communal experience. Our dormitory was clean and the bed was cozy. Each dorm comes with its own locker, and we were surprised by how big it was, which was a good thing! Rounding up the hostel’s amenities are the free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and laundry facilities for extended stays.
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Zen Home, Santa Ana
4
Best Location. Zen Home is an affordable place in Sana Ana for travelers who prioritize practicality. While it’s a homestay, don’t expect the usual cozy B&B vibes. This is more of a shared accommodation situation, ideal for solo backpackers and budget-conscious travelers comfortable with communal living. The room options include single beds and bunk beds in dorms as well as queen-sized private rooms for those who want more privacy. We stayed in the dormitory, and it was enjoyable and well-maintained. We made some new friends and had friends to talk to when we couldn’t sleep at night. Also, all units on the property share a spotless bathroom.
One of the best hostels in Orange County California, the hostel’s free amenities like free Wi-Fi and private parking are definite perks, especially for budget travelers. During our stay, we explored a lot. There were so many shops and restaurants near the hostel for us to try out that we didn’t know where to start! Also, you’ll be thrilled to know that places like Fashion Island and Knotts Berry Farm are only a short drive away. And since public transportation is within easy walking distance, you don’t have to rent a car.
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OC House, Santa Ana
3
Best Budget. After exploring Orange County’s hostel scene, we think the OC House in Santa Ana is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable place to call home. Here, there are private single rooms and dormitory rooms. Both are simple yet cozy and have a nostalgic vibe. We stayed in the mixed dormitory room and it was better than we expected. There was a socket near the bed so we could charge our phone, and the bed was comfy enough for a good night’s sleep. We didn’t expect a lot from the shared bathroom, but we were surprised to know it was really clean and the floor wasn’t slippery at all.
“While the amenities are basic, this hostel is comfortable enough for a short stay. It lets you prioritize your budget for something else without sacrificing comfort.”
WOW Travel
Being a budget-friendly accommodation, some people may think the Wi-Fi is bad. Again, we were surprised. The Wi-Fi was shockingly fast and we could even video call our friends smoothly. And when it comes to location, this hostel takes the cake. Within a 3.5-mile radius, you’ll find the bustling Anaheim Convention Center, perfect for catching events. Meanwhile, South Coast Plaza, a shopper’s paradise, is a manageable 6.6 miles away.
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House of Trestles, San Clemente
2
Best for Beachgoers. House of Trestles shines for its surfer-friendly location in San Clemente. Forget fancy resorts. While this isn’t a place to lounge by the pool (there isn’t one, anyway), it’s a launchpad for adventure. With bike rental available at the property, exploring the coast is easy. Of course, with San Clemente City Beach only a short stroll away, surfing is the main draw. During our stay, we visited the beach a lot. It was clean and not that crowded. We were busy tanning, and we saw both adults and kids having fun surfing. So, ditch those high heels, bring your favorite surfing SUP, and embrace flip-flops and salty hair.
After a day of catching waves, you can chill in the shared lounge with fellow travelers. There’s also a shared kitchen on-site, which helps keep costs down with DIY meals. In addition to the location, the accommodations here are also amazing. Aside from the apartments and suites, there’s a dormitory room with eight beds for budget-conscious travelers. We stayed in the dorm, and though small, it was one of the comfiest. While bed linens are provided, you should pack your own towel.
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Bposhtels Anaheim, Anaheim
1
Best Near Disneyland. Topping our list of the best hostels in Orange County California is Bposhtels Anaheim. This hostel scores big on location, making it a perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers. Our team members are all adults, but you’re just never too old for Disneyland. That said, we were stoked when we found out that Disneyland was only 2 mi away from the hostel. We only spent a few dollars to take the bus there, and we arrived in the blink of an eye. In addition to that, the Anaheim Convention Center and Discovery Cube are also within easy reach. But aside from its convenient location, the hostel’s amenities also made our stay enjoyable. Whenever the weather allows, you should take a dip in the pool or jacuzzi.
This hostel is big on free stuff. From free high-speed Wi-Fi and free Keurig coffee to free breakfast and free parking, you name it. Additionally, there are laundry facilities, too, making it a convenient option for longer stays. One of our favorite spots while we were there was the on-site bar. It was a great place to unwind after exploring Anaheim. And when it comes to accommodations, there are female-only and mixed dorms. While the decor might be simple, we loved how clean and comfy our room was. Plus, we liked how dark the room got at night.
For more accommodation options in this city, feel free to read our carefully curated list of the best cheap hotels in Anaheim, California!
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Our Verdict!
While each hostel above is great and affordable, they all cater to different kinds of travelers. To help you out, we’ve categorized each of them based on their biggest selling point, so you can choose which one suits you best.
- Best Near Disneyland: Bposhtels Anaheim, Anaheim
- Best for Beachgoers: House of Trestles, San Clemente
- Best Budget: OC House, Santa Ana
- Best Location: Zen Home, Santa Ana
- Most Comfortable: HI Los Angeles Fullerton, Fullerton
Where to Stay in Orange County
Based on our list above, there are a few places in Orange County that you may want to consider. First is Anaheim, home to Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth. This city is great for families with young children. Aside from Disneyland, it also houses the Los Angeles Angels baseball team and the Anaheim Packing District, a trendy collection of shops and restaurants.
Then, there’s San Clemente, a laid-back beach town. It’s a surfer’s paradise with consistent waves and a relaxed atmosphere. As you can imagine, San Clemente also offers stunning ocean views, tide pools for exploring, and an exciting downtown with a variety of shops and restaurants.
The largest city in Orange County, Santa Ana is a cultural hub with a rich history. The city’s downtown is home to the Santa Ana Civic Center, the Bowers Museum of Art, and many more. Apart from that, travelers also love to visit this city because of its diverse culinary scene. From traditional Mexican food to trendy gastropubs, get ready to feast!
Last but not least, there’s Fullerton, known for its historic downtown and vibrant arts scene. Some of the city’s top attractions include the Fullerton Museum Center and the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. The former houses a collection of art and history exhibits, while the latter hosts a variety of concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions.
While we’re at it, why don’t you also check out our picks of the best spa hotels and beachfront hotels in Orange County? They may cost more, but they also offer a different kind of fun!
Why is Orange County famous?
Often referred to as the OC, Orange County is famous for several reasons. Some people love to come here for its sunshine and beaches, while others want to visit Disneyland. It’s also popular for its historical significance and surfing culture.
Is Orange County California affordable?
It depends on your style and budget. Though it can be expensive, especially during peak season and around Disneyland, you can save some money by staying outside of touristy areas and using public transportation. And instead of staying at a hotel, you can stay at a hostel.
Is Santa Ana the biggest city in Orange County?
No, it isn’t. While huge, Santa Ana is Orange County’s second-largest city. The biggest city in the county is actually Anaheim.
