Hostelling International San Diego - Affordable Quality Hostels in California
Book A Bed

Activities & Events

Discover the many programs and activities at the San Diego Hostels. Explore a local neighborhood, take a tour to our neighbor to the South (Mexico) or join community members and fellow hostellers for a community dinner.

The following activities are a constant so you can plan them into your San Diego adventures. Check the hostel or calendar for weekly activities and up-to-date information.

Daily Activities Include:

(For current event information check out the calendar

Daily – HI-San Diego, Downtown Third Floor Information Desk: Plan your day the HI way. Find out what is happening in San Diego and the best way to get there. Volunteer run information desk staffed mornings (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and evenings (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) daily.

– Movie night at HI-San Diego Point Loma – 7:00 p.m. * Free! * Relax in HI-San Diego, Point Loma’s comfortable TV room while watching modern and classic movies on a big-screen. The Hostel provides the popcorn and snacks.

– Tijuana Shopping Tour – 9:30 a.m. "Demystifying the Tijuana Shopping Experience" is a tour designed to help Hostellers find good deals on quality merchandise and learn about Mexican Folk Art at local shops in Tijuana. Tour begins at HI San Diego Downtown. Transportation cost is $5.00 for an all-day pass, available at the front desk. Be sure to sign-up ahead of time in the lobby (minimum 4 people).

– Walking Tour of Balboa Park HI-San Diego Downtown at 9:00 a.m. * Free! * Balboa Park, America’s largest urban park is just minutes from HI-San Diego, Downtown. With over 85 cultural and recreational organizations there is something for everyone at the Park and best of all, the museums are Free on Tuesday, (free museums rotate weekly). Walking tour is led by local volunteer highlighting the free museums..

– Balboa Park Walking Tour 11:00 a.m.Sundays* FREE *: The International Cottages are only open Sunday, so don’t miss it! Tour begins at HI San Diego Downtown. Be sure to sign up ahead of time in the lobby (minimum 4 people).

– Downtown Walking Tour – South of Broadway –HI-San Diego, Downtown 9:00 a.m. * Free! * Put on your walking shoes and slab on the sunscreen as you explore downtown San Diego on this newly inaugurated walking tour, This 3 hour, 3.5 mile tour, is led by knowledgeable volunteers who will tell you the history and revitalization of Downtown San Diego. There will be a 20 minute stop for coffee and croissants at St. Tropez Bistro.

– Barbeque Night at HI-San Diego Point Loma – 7:00 p.m. * $3.00 * Join hostellers and staff for a traditional American BBQ in HI-San Diego Point Loma's outdoor patio.

– Bonfire with S’mores – HI-San Diego, Point Loma 7:00 p.m. * Free!* Revisit your camp days (or start a new tradition) around the hostel’s campfire as you savor the blended taste of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers, or as the Scouts say “S’mores.”

Weekly Activities – Days and times may vary

Kitchen Connection - Celebrate the Cultural Spice of Life! Throughout history and around the globe, people have gathered around a meal to meet, plan, settle disputes, make friendships, and build community. In that spirit of understanding, the San Diego Hostels host Cultural Kitchens with volunteers leading hostellers in the preparation of a meal. $3.00.

Seasonal Activities

San Diego Padres - American Baseball: Nothing is better on a summer evening than hot dogs and cracker jacks while watching the San Diego Padres battle for first place. HI-San Diego, Downtown has season tickets to the ballgames. Check with the front Desk for days and times. $12.00

Annual Christmas Bike Ride: Plan to be a part of this exciting six day bicycle tour through the mountains, deserts, and seacoast around San Diego! The daily average is 65 miles with one day of 100 miles. On the morning of December 26, riders from all over the world will set out on this unique adventure. Members: $300/Non Members: $325 includes accommodations, SAG wagon, breakfast and dinner.

Holiday Dinners: The hostels are special places at the holiday time. Each hostel hosts Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) and Christmas dinners. Join fellow hostellers and learn about how other cultures celebrate the holidays while enjoying a meal to remember. Price and times vary.

What you need to do for all activities:

  • Sign up at the front desk: please note that tours may be cancelled if there are not at least 4 people signed up and ready to go on the tour.
  • All activities are subject to change - changes, additions and cancellations will be posted at the front desk.
  • Bring bus money or buy an all day pass at the front desk.
  • Meet in the lobby at the start time for all programs.
  • Note any other special instructions on the sign up sheet at the front desk.

back to top