San Francisco's Best Hostel
The Green Tortoise San Francisco Hostel is a safe and affordable place to call home. Centrally located in downtown, this hostel will be perfect for your visit to our wonderful city!
A Social San Francisco Hostel Filled with Surprising Amenities & Activities!
Welcome to the Green Tortoise Hostel, the top-rated San Francisco hostel where adventure, comfort, and community come together. Nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood, just steps from Chinatown, Little Italy, and popular attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf & Union Square, we offer travelers an unforgettable stay in the heart of the city. Don't miss perks like free breakfast, a dry sauna and unique events while staying in one of our comfortable Mixed Dorms, Female Dorms, or Private Rooms. Experience the Best Hostel Stay in San Francisco at the Green Tortoise. Digital Nomads apply for Longer stay options now available here. Co Living Tech options are available here!
Our Grand Ballroom: A Common Space Like No Other Hostel
Lounge and socialize in our historic ballroom, where the people of San Francisco in the early 1900's would gather and enjoy amazing food from the restaurant downstairs. Over the last century, famous restaurants and establishments have filled the space. In 1994 the Green Tortoise Hostel moved in.
A Perfect Shell For
Your San Francisco Stay
Huge Discounts on Van Tours just for guests!
Explore San Francisco beyond the usual stops with our Howlin’ Coyote Van Tours, departing right outside Green Tortoise Hostel!
Wednesday & Thursday | 2-3 hrs | $10
Cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito for incredible views and plenty of photo stops.
Friday & Saturday | 3-4 hrs | $30
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, plus a surprise stop along the way!
These spots can be time-consuming to reach by public transit, making the van one of the easiest and best-value ways to see more of San Francisco in just a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
24 Hour Front Desk
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There's always someone available to help you, no matter when you arrive or need assistance.
Your confirmation email will ask you to let us know if you are arriving after midnight, but don't worry someone is always there to help you check-in or make you more comfortable.
Parking
We don’t have on-site parking, but we offer a discount at a nearby garage called Border Parking at 1625 Powell St. Overnight parking until noon the next day is $25 for regular cars and $35 for oversized vehicles (no in-and-out privileges). They close overnight between 7pm- and 11pm. Another option is North Beach Parking at 735 Vallejo St, which is open 24 hours and charges $36 for 24 hours. Both garages require you to pay again if you exit and re-enter. Feel free to temporarily park in the white loading zone out front, check in and bring in your bags, then move your car to one of the designated lots.
Check-In/Check-Out Time
Check-in is at 4:00 PM & check-out is at 11:00 AM. We offer complimentary luggage storage on both your check-in and check-out days, so you can store your bags and explore the city before your room is ready, or after you check out. Feel free to come early and we will check you in if possible!
Luggage storage is available for free until 8:00 PM on the day you check out.
Social Events Every Night
From Murder Mysteries to Live Comedy & Music, these are not your ordinary pub crawls!
Monday: Free Dinner in Our Ballroom
Tuesday: Budget Italian Dinner Night Out
Wednesday: Rock Papers Scissors Tournament and Happy Hour Hop
Thursday: Curry and Comedy Show
Friday: Murder Mystery Pub Crawl
Saturday: Dinner Out and a Budget Show Pub Crawl
Sunday: Live Music and Treats in Our Ballroom
Exclusive Discounts To The Best Local Businesses
Have a free afternoon in San Francisco? Grab a copy of our self-guided neighborhood walking tour map at the front desk. See our curated selection of local businesses you can't miss while you're in town, all within within walking distance!
Unique Amenities to Keep You Comfortable
Free Breakfast Daily
Awesome WIFI
Pool Table & Arcade Games
Free Sauna
Laundry Room
Social Events Nightly
Amazing Attractions Close By
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Golden Gate Bridge
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Fisherman's Wharf
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Alcatraz Terminal
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Golden Gate Park
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Castro
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Lands End
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Haight St
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Twin Peaks
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Coit Tower
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Baker Beach
We are within 15 minutes walking distance to some of San Francisco's must-see attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and Coit Tower. Our central location combined with the Bay Area's famous public transportation, you'll find your way to everything easily!
Digital Nomads, We've Got You Covered!
We have just finished renovating our new digital nomad work space for those who wish to focus on getting some things done during their adventures. A 24-hour access space with 4 work stations allows you to keep checking things off the list during your visit to San Francisco. Now Offering Extended Stay Co-living options. Stay with us up to 28 days (2-3 times through the year) if accepted for a Extended Stay application.