San Diego FAQs
Have questions? Here are the answers to some of the most common enquiries we get. If you can't find the answer to your question here don't hesitate to contact us.
USA Hostels San Diego FAQS
- Do you have an airport shuttle?
- How do I get to the beach?
- Do you sell tickets to Sea World or the San Diego Zoo?
- How can I get to Tijuana?
- What events are there in San Diego?
- Is there a grocery store nearby?
- Is there parking nearby?
- May I bring visitors into the hostel?
- Do you have check in criteria? Can i bring my child?
- What is something exciting and different I can do while in San Diego?
Q: Do you have an airport shuttle?
A: While we don't have airport pickup, you can take the Xpress Shuttle for about $11. Just follow the signs for Ground Transportation. Taxis wait in the same area as the Xpress Shuttle. A taxi will cost you around $14. Or for only $2.25 (exact change required) you can take local bus #992 to within a few blocks of the hostel. For detailed information, see our directions page.
Q: How do I get to the beach?
A: To get to the beach you just take a trolley to Old Town ($2) and transfer to the #35 to Ocean Beach or buses # 8 or 9 to Mission and Pacific Beaches. Our receptionists can give you more specific information once you've arrived.
Q: Do you sell tickets to Sea World or the San Diego Zoo?
A: Yes. We do sell discounted tickets to both the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Prices vary with the seasons but they are cheaper than the prices at the gate. Check with reception when you arrive.
Q: How can I get to Tijuana?
A: Every Saturday at 3:30 p.m. one of our staff members leads a guided tour of the most popular parts of Tijuana. Join the tour ($17, includes round-trip trolley fare) and be ready for an afternoon of eating, shopping, and plenty of drinking. Any day of the week you can catch the Blue Line Trolley ($5, round trip) right to the border and walk across. Once you get over the border, just follow the artisan stalls right to all of the bars and restaurants.
**You will need your passport and your multiple entry visa to re-enter the United States**
Q: What events are there in San Diego?
A: That depends on what time of year you come to visit. Check out SignOnSanDiego for information on what's going on all over the city, or www.gaslamp.org for events right around the hostel.
Q: Is there a grocery store nearby?
A: Yes, there is a large grocery store located just three blocks from the hostel.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: Because of our downtown locations, we do not have our own parking. The least expensive location is called Park it on Market at Market St. and 6th Ave. Overnight parking is about $15.There is metered parking on the street that is free from 6 pm to 8 am but check signs for changes and restrictions. There is some street parking without meters, but those locations are about 10 blocks away from the hostel.
Q: May I bring visitors into the hostel?
A: Unfortunately this hostel does not have a lobby space where you can bring visitors. Non-guests are not allowed into the hostel to protect the security of all our guests. We can provide a more secure environment if we can identify everyone in our building. Please understand that there are no exceptions to this rule. There are plenty of restaurants and bars just downstairs from the hostel we are happy to recommend for you and your visitors.
Q: Do you have check in criteria? Can i bring my child?
A: Because we try to cater to travelers on a budget we do have check in regulations. At check in we ask guests to present either a valid passport or a current out-of-state American driver's license (a current out-of-state government issued ID is also okay). Guests may also be asked to present proof of onward travel. People under the age of 16 are restricted to private rooms unless entire dorm is rented. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Q: What is something exciting and different I can do while in San Diego?
A: For an exciting way to experience San Diego, we recommend you try skydiving with Skydive San Diego! You can do a tandem skydive with an instructor, or you can take a full day course and take that big leap yourself! You can find out more at www.skydivesandiego.com or ask us to call our favorite instructor when you arrive (he's got 7000 dives and hasn't lost a student yet!)