Latest News

8 Ways to Participate in the UN's International Day of Peace

jessica — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 18:47:44 +0000

If You Go

Stay at one of our 8 Northern California hostels

Each year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Annually, HI USA has been joined by HI hostels around the world to host various events in celebration of promoting peace. If you can’t make it to one of our hostels on September 21st, don’t fret! Here are 8 other ways you can celebrate the UN’s World Peace Day.

Tagged in

sleep for peace, Events

Out and About in Oakland Part II: Downtown

jessica — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 22:28:30 +0000

If You Go

Stay at HI SF City Center or HI SF Downtown, but located within minutes of BART stops.

By Marguerite Richards

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." This is the infamous Mark Twain quote the locals will tease you with when you've arrived in shorts and skirts, prepared for a warm weather in San Francisco. Our chilly, often foggy, San Francisco days can catch visitors off guard.

Tagged in

Oakland, day trips

Celebrate the 4th of July With Friends You've Never Met

jessica — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 22:13:02 +0000

If You Go

Stay at one of our three San Francisco hostels

By Marguerite Richards

We gather together, sometimes rushing to make it in time for sunset. In that moment we’re united, regardless of ethic make up, financial or social standing, under a spectacular light show in the sky. Don’t worry: I’m not going to start singing the National Athem on you. But it’s true that, despite our shortcomings, I’m always proud on the 4th of July. There is reason to celebrate.

Tagged in

holidays, Food + Drink

Get Funky at a Bay Area Flea

jessica — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:29:38 +0000

If You Go

Stay at one of our three San Francisco hostels

By Marguerite Richards

Tagged in

Shopping, day trips, Arts

Cycle by HI SF Downtown and HI Pigeon Point for the ALC

jessica — Thu, 28 May 2015 23:55:58 +0000

Sunday, May 31st marks the start of AIDS/LifeCycle 2015 - a 545 mile, seven day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to help raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Hostelling International San Francisco Downtown is happy to once again welcome the AIDS/LifeCycle community, and will be rolling out the red carpet with a special welcome reception in honor of the event and the long road ahead! Drinks, snacks, bike stories, and more!

Tagged in

Outdoor, Events, Biking

East Bay Escape for Sunny Trails & Picnics

jessica — Tue, 26 May 2015 19:11:53 +0000

By Marguerite Richards

Tagged in

Hiking, Outdoor, day trips

5 Spots for Big-Money Views On the Cheap

jessica — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 23:36:52 +0000

By Marguerite Richards

Visitors often arrive to the Golden Gate City with visions of lovely Lombard Street, its steep hairpin turns dominating the mind’s eye. Navigating newcomers can be surprised by less-than-foot-friendly mini mountains to summit on their tours. But here’s the skinny on those hills: they’ll lead you to dozens of vistas all across the city, many with 360-degree panoramas. Locals pay millions for postcard-perfect picture windows to get these same views, but you don’t have to.

Tagged in

Outdoor, Hiking, budget travel

Bike Travel 101 Workshop Coming Soon to HI Monterey

jessica — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:22:52 +0000

Location

HI Monterey Hostel, 778 Hawthorne St., Monterey, CA

In honor of National Bike Month, Hostelling International USA is connecting bicycle adventurers this May. Join us on Monday, May 18th at the HI Monterey Hostel for Bike Travel 101 - an event bringing together cyclists of all stripes to share ideas, skills, and stories in 10 minutes or less.

Tagged in

Outdoor, fitness, Biking

Do the Mission Like A Local

jessica — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:00:40 +0000

If You Go

Tours run every Saturday, leaving from all three of our SF hostels.

Cost

free; pay for your own food & drink.

By Marguerite Richards

Tagged in

walking tours, neighborhoods, Food + Drink, Outdoor

Mix & Mingle with Friendly Students Across the Bay

jessica — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:42:32 +0000

If You Go

Stay at HI San Francisco Downtown or HI San Francisco City Center, then hop a nearby BART train to Berkeley!

By Marguerite Richards

The University of California at Berkeley has been known to exert a sort of mythical power over people, and I am one of them. The first time I visited, I arrived on a holiday, at night, the campus empty. Even in the darkness, I was overcome by the impressive Beaux-Arts architecture, and felt the presence of great thinkers, inspiring professors, and burgeoning authors. It was a palpable tug.

Tagged in

daytrips