Your stay — Hostel on 3rd
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for San Diego.
The Property — Hostel on 3rd
The Hostel on 3rd in San Diego is a no-frills, boutique hostel that combines vintage charm with modern amenities. Its eclectic decor features exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and a lively mural in the lobby, creating a unique atmosphere that's perfect for social travellers and backpackers. With a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the city skyline, this hostel is a great spot for those looking to meet fellow adventurers and enjoy the San Diego vibe. The compact size of the hostel adds to its cozy, welcoming feel, making you feel like you're staying in a friend's pad.
Chronicles of San Diego
San Diego's founding in 1769 by Spanish friar Junipero Serra marked the beginning of a rich history that spans over two centuries. The city's early days were shaped by its proximity to the Mexican border and its role as a major commercial centre during the California Gold Rush. In the early 20th century, San Diego underwent significant urbanisation and development, with the construction of the iconic Hotel del Coronado and the Balboa Park complex, which now houses multiple museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Today, San Diego is a thriving city that celebrates its diverse cultural heritage, with a thriving arts scene, a vibrant food culture, and a strong focus on outdoor activities and water sports. The city's laid-back, beachy vibe has made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Best Time to Visit
Full San Diego guide →Best months
The best months to visit San Diego are September and October, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), and manageable crowds. The summer months are hot and dry, while the winter months are mild, but these shoulder months offer a perfect balance of good weather and smaller crowds.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in San Diego, with the San Diego Pride parade and Comic-Con International drawing large crowds. Hotel prices surge during this time, and it's not uncommon to see rates increase by 20-30%. The city comes alive with events and festivals, making it an exciting time to visit, but be prepared for long lines and crowded attractions.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget-friendly shoulder months to visit San Diego, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You can expect to save up to 20% on hotel rates and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing any of the city's attractions.
Weather & packing
San Diego's microclimate is influenced by its coastal location, resulting in mild temperatures year-round, but it's not uncommon for the temperature to drop by as much as 10°C (18°F) at night. Pack layers for your stay, especially if you plan on exploring the city in the evenings or visiting the nearby mountains.
Live City Briefing — San Diego
- The San Diego Trolley has introduced a new line extension to the city's airport, making it easier for visitors to get to and from the airport.
- The historic Gaslamp Quarter has seen a surge in new restaurants and bars opening in the past year, offering a diverse range of dining and nightlife options.
- The San Diego Zoo has launched a new conservation program to protect the city's endangered species, and visitors can participate in interactive experiences and educational programs to learn more about the initiative.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostel on 3rd, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Upper floors (4th+), rooms on the east side of the hotel, which face away from 3rd Avenue. This will help minimize street noise from the busy avenue.
Rooms to avoid
Lower floors (1st-2nd), as they may be noisier due to the street level location on 3rd Avenue. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance on 3rd Avenue might experience more foot traffic noise.
Best views
Rooms on the west side of the hotel (facing east) will have a view of the city skyline, while rooms on the east side (facing west) will have a view of the surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may experience some street noise from 3rd Avenue, especially during rush hour or late-night events in the vicinity.
Insider tips
Request a room with a keycard-enabled elevator to avoid waiting in line for the main elevator. Also, consider requesting a room with a fridge, as it may be an amenity worth having, especially in a city like San Diego where you may want to keep drinks and snacks on hand.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostel on 3rd
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available in the lobby
15:00, 12:00 early bag-drop available, 14:00 late check-out fee: 40 USD
available at front desk, 5 USD per item, per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, accessible rooms available, some structural limitations in historic building
on-site parking available, 25 USD per night, nearest public car park: 25th Street Parking Lot, 3 USD per hour, EV charging available at adjacent street parking
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 2.08 USD per night per person
Deposit & card hold: 80 USD advance deposit + 100 USD incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Church of Scientology (755 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Amen Mission (796 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: First Lutheran Church (832 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Inner City Baptist Church (906 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Horton Plaza Park — 237 m · ~3 min walk
The New Children's Museum — 593 m · ~7 min walk
Spreckels Theater — 124 m · ~2 min walk
Waterfront Park Playground — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 145 m · ~2 min walk
CVS Pharmacy — 551 m · ~7 min walk
7-Eleven — 392 m · ~5 min walk
Civic Center — 344 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid currency exchange booths and airport kiosks which have poor rates and high fees.
Visa/Mastercard accepted almost everywhere; Amex less common. Contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) widely used. Some small vendors and taco shops are cash-only.
Restaurants 15-20% pre-tax; bartenders $1-2 per drink; taxis 10-15%; hotel porters $2-3 per bag, housekeeping $2-5 per night.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter/drip coffee at a café or corner store: around $2.50.
A burrito or fish taco plate from a taqueria: roughly $8-10.
A pizza slice or bowl of ramen: main dish about $12-15.
Taco trucks and stands are common, especially around Chicano Park and along Logan Avenue; also food-court style markets near the Gaslamp.
Ralphs, Vons, Trader Joe's, and Food 4 Less are the main chains in the area.
Fashion Valley mall (bus accessible) has high-street brands; downtown has a few discount stores on Broadway.
MTS Trolley & bus day pass $6; from the airport take bus 992 for $2.50 or the free shuttle to the Santa Fe Depot trolley stop.
Happy hour (3-7pm) cuts drink and appetizer prices in half at most bars; tap water is free everywhere — skip bottled; avoid parking fees by using the trolley or walking.
Good to know — San Diego
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
San DiegoWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in San Diego, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostel on 3rd
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 145 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · CVS Pharmacy — 551 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
San Diego International Airport (Terminal 1 or 2) → Red Roof Inn - Pacific Beach
💡 Catch the 992 from the airport to Broadway & 5th Ave (downtown), then transfer to the northbound Route 30 on 5th Ave. Get off at Garnet Ave & Bayard St, then walk 3 blocks east. Cheapest option but takes patience—use a Pronto card for tap-on convenience.
San Diego International Airport (via shuttle to Santa Fe Depot) → Red Roof Inn - Pacific Beach
💡 From the airport, take the free shuttle to Santa Fe Depot (downtown). Board the Blue Line north towards UTC, get off at VA Medical Center station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk east on Baxter St or a quick bus (Route 30) to the hotel. The trolley is frequent, clean, and avoids traffic jams.
San Diego International Airport (Terminal 1 or 2) → Red Roof Inn - Pacific Beach
💡 Catch the free airport shuttle to the Transit Center on Harbor Dr (near Terminal 1). The 215 runs along Pacific Hwy and transfers to Route 30 at Broadway. This avoids downtown detours and cuts travel time by 15 mins vs regular buses. Pro tip: get a day pass for $6 if you plan multiple trips.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) → Red Roof Inn - Pacific Beach
💡 Uber or Lyft tends to be cheaper than a hailed cab. From the airport, walk up to the ride-share pickup area on Terminal 2's ground level—avoid the curbside chaos by following the signs.
About San Diego
Wikipedia ↗
San Diego ( SAN dee-AY-goh; Spanish: [san ˈdjeɣo]) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. It is the eighth-most populous city in the U.S. and second-most populous city in California with a population of over 1.4 million, while the San Die...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostel on 3rd?
Upper floors (4th+), rooms on the east side of the hotel, which face away from 3rd Avenue. This will help minimize street noise from the busy avenue.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostel on 3rd?
Lower floors (1st-2nd), as they may be noisier due to the street level location on 3rd Avenue. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance on 3rd Avenue might experience more foot traffic noise.
Is Hostel on 3rd noisy?
Guests may experience some street noise from 3rd Avenue, especially during rush hour or late-night events in the vicinity.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostel on 3rd?
Rooms on the west side of the hotel (facing east) will have a view of the city skyline, while rooms on the east side (facing west) will have a view of the surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostel on 3rd?
Request a room with a keycard-enabled elevator to avoid waiting in line for the main elevator. Also, consider requesting a room with a fridge, as it may be an amenity worth having, especially in a city like San Diego where you may want to keep drinks and snacks on hand.
What time is check-in at Hostel on 3rd?
Check-in at Hostel on 3rd is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostel on 3rd have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostel on 3rd?
2.08 USD per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostel on 3rd?
A burrito or fish taco plate from a taqueria: roughly $8-10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostel on 3rd?
MTS Trolley & bus day pass $6; from the airport take bus 992 for $2.50 or the free shuttle to the Santa Fe Depot trolley stop.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
The best months to visit San Diego are September and October, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), and manageable crowds. The summer months are hot and dry, while the winter months are mild, but these shoulder months offer a perfect balance of good weather and smaller crowds.
Top Attractions in San Diego
💡 Free organ concerts happen on Sundays at 2pm in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion—arrive early for a good seat.
💡 Free admission is for San Diego County residents only on the third Tuesday of each month. Non-residents pay $20. Show a utility bill or ID with a local address. Go early to avoid queues.
💡 Skip the touristy restaurants inside the park and walk two blocks to El Campanero for cheaper, authentic Mexican food. Free guided tours leave from the visitor centre at 2pm daily.
💡 Park along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard near Ladera Street for the best panoramic vista point. Go on a clear winter evening for the most dramatic light.
💡 Visit on the first Saturday of the month for free entry or use a National Parks pass. Tidepools are best at low tide—check times online.