Latest News

5 Reasons to Visit Monterey this Winter

Tee — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 17:31:49 +0000

When most people think of Monterey, they probably see the central California town as a summer destination because of its pretty beaches along the bright, blue Pacific, and scenic hills ripe for hiking. But one of the best kept secrets of this area is actually the winter. This is when nature tends to show off and any humans lucky enough to be here get to experience wild California. Book a stay at HI Monterey today for a winter escape that’s a little different from the ordinary.

Experience good weather

Tagged in

Monterey, things to do, winter

4 San Francisco Foods to Warm You Up This Winter

Tee — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:49:10 +0000

No matter what time of the year you’re visiting, San Francisco is an excellent city if your travel is generally motivated by your taste buds. In the winter time when it’s cold, but not too cold to explore the diverse neighborhoods packed within just 49 square miles, you’ll easily find delicious options to warm you up from the inside. There are dishes from all over the world to reflect the international communities that have come to call this place home.

Tagged in

food, winter, things to do, cooking

3 Day Trips You Should Take When You Stay at HI Marin Headlands

Tee — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:35:24 +0000

When you stay at HI Marin Headlands hostel you have access to all the best things there are to experience in the Bay Area: San Francisco is just a ferry ride away, there’s a beach a short hike from your bed, and you’re surrounded by beautiful nature in the form of trees and rolling hills. While you don’t have to go far to get a lot, there are also some great day trips you should try take to get off-the-beaten path.

Tiburon

Tagged in

things to do, day trips, explore

Great Hostel Give Back

jessica — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 19:50:55 +0000

At HI USA, we believe in the power of travel to open minds and the power of community service to open hearts. Above all, we believe that these experiences should be rewarding – not costly. That's why, for the sixth consecutive year, we are offering groups across the country free overnight stays at HI USA hostels in January and February 2016 through our Great Hostel Give Back (GHGB) program.

What is GHGB?

Tagged in

great hostel give back, Volunteering

7 Ways to Do Good While Visiting San Francisco This Winter

Tee — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 00:33:04 +0000

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting San Francisco during the most wonderful time of the year, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to fun festivities to get into. Along with hosting holiday outings and lively group dinners, one of our favorite ways to get festive during the holidays is to volunteer in the communities around our hostels in San Francisco. It’s a nice reminder to keep a little perspective and to show our appreciation for the people and places that make the City by the Bay so great.

Help prepare and serve meals at St. Anthony’s

Tagged in

volunteer, holidays, christmas

Here’s Where to Keep Cozy in San Francisco This Winter

Tee — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:13:14 +0000

Hello winter! Here in San Francisco the colder months mean rainy weather between sunny (but still chilly) days, though none of that deters locals and travelers from getting out to enjoy what the city has to offer. The secret is to bundle up and make your way to somewhere cozy, be it a solo mission to a coffee shop where you can curl up with a book and people watch, or a group hang out at a dimly lit bar where you can sip on a warming drink over good conversation.

Tagged in

cozy, winter, things to do

Artist in Residence: YouBeen Kim at HI San Francisco City Center Hostel

Tee — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:47:37 +0000

From National Park land to downtown streetscapes, hillside perches to coastal lighthouses, HI USA hostels are located in some of the most beautiful settings Northern California has to offer. So perhaps it’s not surprising that so many staff members across our hostel network are talented (and prolific) artists: they’ve got a lot of inspiration to work with!

Tagged in

artist in residence, art, People

6 of Our Favorite Sacramento Holiday Events and Traditions

Tee — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 19:33:02 +0000

We might be a little biased here, but we can’t think of a better place to spend cozy Christmas holidays than at HI Sacramento hostel. The beautiful old Victorian house looks like a dream when it’s decorated with tinsel and lights, the hostel has activities and treats to make it homey, and the city of Sacramento becomes a wonderland full of fun seasonal activities.

Take a look at our favorite things to do in Sacramento during the holidays:

Going to see the Christmas lights in the Fab 40s

Tagged in

things to do, holidays, christmas

What You need for Northern California Holiday Meal

Tee — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 22:20:47 +0000

Whether you’re used to celebrating Thanksgiving, or all you know about it comes from American T.V. and movies, the best way to describe the holiday is that it’s a time to surround yourself with good company. If you happen to be staying at a hostel like HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse, you’ll usually end up celebrating the most delicious day of the year with other travelers from around the world.

Tagged in

food, holidays, meet new people

6 Images to Make You Fall in Love with HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel

Tee — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:07:58 +0000

There are so many reasons to love Point Montara Lighthouse and the cozy little hostel that sits pretty next to it at the edge of the California coast. And when you spend a night (or two) at HI Point Montara hostel, you’ll get to experience life by this beacon on an even deeper level that will make you appreciate it all even more, whether it’s thanks to the people you meet while you’re there or the opportunity to see the lighthouse under the moon and the stars.

Tagged in

why we hostel, photography, lighthouse