that provide inexpensive homes away from home

California hostels, which are located in some of the state’s most scenic settings, are clean and economical alternatives to typical commercial accommodations.

As part of an international network of mostly dormitory-style dwellings, hostels function cooperatively, allowing visitors to meet other travelers and to take an active part in helping with their lodgings.

The American Youth Hostel (AYH) Assn. is a membership organization open to anyone, regardless of age. A membership can be purchased at most AYHs for a minimal fee.

California has 31 facilities. Here is a list of 10 of the more popular hostels or those in especially picturesque areas. An overnight stay costs $5 to $10.

Point Reyes Hostel--Located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, the hostel is within walking distance of the beach. Nearby Bear Valley Nature Center at the Point Reyes National Seashore headquarters offers free nature walks, bird watching and various environmental programs. To get there, go 50 miles north of San Francisco on California 1 to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, go north past Olema about 100 yards, turn west at the Seashore entrance, and take Bear Valley Road past park headquarters to Limantour Road. Turn left and proceed six miles to the hostel sign on the left. Telephone (415) 669-7414. It is best to call first.

San Francisco International Hostel--”Feels like you’re in the country, and you are right on the edge of the bay,” manager Loren Cronk says. Located in an urban park, this historical building is within walking distance of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Ghirardelli Square is just four blocks away. This is a busy hostel. Even with 160 beds, it fills up often. Take U.S. 101 north all the way to where it ends in San Francisco. Follow Franklin Street to Bay Street, and look for the AYH sign right there. Telephone (415) 771-7277.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel, Pescadero--The second tallest lighthouse on the West Coast shadows this hostel that once served as residences for Coast Guard families. It is less than 10 miles from the Ano Nuevo State Reserve, the only breeding ground in mainland America for the elephant seal. There is plenty to see and do, from taking nature walks through the Redwoods to viewing the tide pools along the beach. Take California 1 about 10 miles north of Santa Cruz until you see the tall lighthouse. “You can’t miss it,” manager Anne Goldberg says. Telephone (415) 879-0633.

Hidden Villa Hostel, Los Altos Hills--This hostel is situated on a 1,800-acre working ranch and farm in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can roam around the farm with the animals or go on your own nature walk into the mountains. According to manager Joel Sommers, it’s a good place to get away from the noise and traffic of the city. “The only honking you’ll be hearing will be from the geese,” he says. The hostel is closed summers but reopens Sept. 1. Go 12 miles north of San Jose on Interstate 280 to the El Monte Moody Road and exit to the west. Follow Moody Road about two miles, and look for the AYH sign on the left. Telephone (415) 941-6407.

Sanborn Park Hostel, Saratoga--Sleep in an expansive redwood cabin built in 1908 in the midst of a redwood forest. Walking past the trees in the right direction will lead guests to Congress Springs, a small family winery that has wine tastings on the weekends. This hostel is 25 miles north of Santa Cruz. Take California 9 west from the village of Saratoga for two miles. Turn left on Sanborn Road for nine-tenths of a mile, then turn right at the AYH sign and continue for a one-half mile. Telephone(408) 741-9555.

South Lake Tahoe Youth Hostel--On the eastern side of the stateis a hostel that offers great access for skiers in the winter and good trails for hiking in the summer. There are also the casinos nearby, and owner Brunhild Voll says: “Sooner or later everybody ends up in the casinos.” To get there, take U.S. 395 north to Carson City. Then take U.S. 50 west to South Lake Tahoe. In town, look for the college; across the street is the Town and Country shopping center. Drive through the center to theback exit, where you will find the Sierra Pines Motel. The hostel is inside. Telephone(916) 544-3834.

Los Angeles International Hostel, Harbor City--For a local weekend getaway, this hostel is close to many big attractions. Only six miles from Marineland, near Cabrillo Marine Museum and 10 miles from Long Beach, where you can see the Queen Mary and the Spruce Goose. Take Pacific Coast Highway to Western Avenue, drive south to Palos Verdes Drive North. Drive west down the hill to the driveway on the right-hand side of the road. Telephone (213) 831-8109.

Fullerton Hacienda Hostel--Themost recently opened hostel is just five miles from Disneyland. This Spanish-style house is on a hill overlooking Fullerton. With a homey atmosphere, this 15-bed hostel has all the essentials from fireplace to front-porch swing. It is off California 91. Exit at Harbor Boulevard, and go north a few miles through old downtown Fullerton to the Brea Dam Park entrance on the right. The hostel is at 1700 N. Harbor Blvd. Telephone (714) 738-3721.

San Clemente Hostel--Since this hostel is just three blocks from the beach, manager Fred Marcucci lends visitors his surfboard and bikes. Located in an old library, the facility is usually not very crowded in winter. To get there, exit Interstate 5 at Palizada Avenue, and go right to El Camino Real. From there turn left to Avenida Grenada, and turn right at 233 Avenida Grenada. Telephone (714) 492-2848.

Point Loma Hostel, San Diego--A large, two-story building within 10 miles of the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and Balboa Park. Located in a residential area, it can sleep about 60 people. This hostel stays fairly busy, so it is best to call first: (619) 223-4778. Take Interstate 5 south to the Sea World Drive exit. Go past Sea World Drive, and stay to the left where it becomes Nimitz Boulevard. At Chatsworth Boulevard, go left two blocks to Voltaire Street, then left two blocks to Worden Street and turn left. It’s in the next block at 3790 Udall St.