A good adventure is defined in many ways. The amount of exposure to new experiences, the people you meet along the way, or perhaps how long you can make the budget stretch. To add some good depth to any adventure travel, hostels are the way to go. The communal spaces often shared in hostels (i.e. dorm rooms, bathrooms and full kitchens), lend to lower rates and really set the stage for meeting some like-minded travelers. Often nestled quietly in lively surroundings, hostels can usually be found amongst adventurous surroundings. While this list only uncovers the tip of the friendly hostel communities in the U.S., each of these seven hostels embodies the adventurous spirit of their stunning surroundings.
The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel, Waikiki, Hawaii
It should come as little surprise that Hawaii has an excellent hostel or two, and The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel in Honolulu is a great example of what they can offer. Blocks away from the world-famous Waikiki Beach, surfers and sandcastle builders alike utilize the affordable rooms and deluxe accommodations of this beach hostel, with dorm beds starting at $37. The hostel also offers tours of the area, free pizza nights and access to a rooftop patio area.
White Mountains Hostel, Conway, New Hampshire
The type of traveler you’ll meet at the White Mountains Hostel of New Hampshire depends on the season in which you visit. Attracting all sorts of adventure enthusiasts throughout the year, you can expect fellow rock climbers, cyclists, backpackers, anglers or skiers to be sharing the common space. Set in a renovated New England farmhouse, this cozy abode offers dorm room beds starting at $30. Alongside a comfortable bed, White Mountain Hostel has great community space including a lounging room with an epic record collection.
The Hostel California, Bishop, California
Welcome to The Hostel California, such a lovely place. For some PCT hikers that take a break from the Sierra Mountains in Bishop, and stay at The Hostel California, they sometimes find themselves unable to leave. That’s because the comfortable confines of this friendly hostel always encourage one more night to stay, and the friendly rates do the same. Outside of free hotdogs at 4:20 p.m. every day, The Hostel California (THC) also provides comfortable hanging out space both inside and out, which is a safe spot to meet new people and perhaps listen to someone rocking on the communal instruments.
Lazy Lizard International Hostel, Moab, Utah
On the outskirts of the adventure-dense city of Moab, the Lazy Lizard International Hostel not only attracts travelers from around the globe, but everyone pays an outstanding rate to spend the night. Dormitory beds at this world-famous hostel go for as low as $12 per night and include full access to the communal kitchen, bathrooms and living space. The Hostel, like Moab itself, is surrounded by some of the best adventures of the lower 48. Arches and Canyonlands National Park are within a short driving distance of the hostel, and local guide companies are happy to introduce you to the surrounding world-class mountain biking and rock climbing.
Shaw’s Hiker Hostel, Monson, Maine
Recognized as one of the best hostels on the Appalachian Trail, Shaw’s Hiker Hostel really caters to the hiking community. Offering private rooms, beds in the bunkhouse or a spot to pitch a tent, Shaw’s fulfills hiker needs with free WiFi, laundry service and an extensive shuttle system, plus a calorie-dense and delicious optional breakfast add-on. Thru-hikers are not the only hikers who can enjoy Shaw’s accommodations, and only a short shuttle ride away, the iconic 100-Mile Wilderness of Maine is reason enough for a visit.
Hostel Fish, Denver, Colorado
Denver is always hosting an adventure, just ask all your friends who have moved there in the past five years. If you can’t secure a couch to crash on and would prefer the friendly atmosphere of a hostel, the Hostel Fish is one of the nicest ways you can go. All rooms, including the private queen and king, have a unique theme and a certain class that comes from the historic building they find themselves in. The mixed and female-only dorms start at just about $40 and feature unique three-story bunk beds for those not afraid of heights.
Green Tortoise Hostel, Seattle, Washington
For a great taste of the Pacific Northwest culture and surrounding attractions, the Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle has a long reputation for bringing people together. Located directly downtown across from Pike Place Market, alongside dorm rooms, family rooms and private rooms, the Green Tortoise also offers a variety of events and programs that explore the city. With easy access from all major travel hubs into Seattle, the Green Tortoise makes it easy to explore without a car—and the major adventure attractions surrounding the city make it easy to want to stay awhile.