13 Best Affordable California Vacations

Big Bear Lake

I love a small mountain town, and Big Bear Lake is particularly likable. Set in the San Bernardino National Forest and about 100 miles from Los Angeles, it’s easy to visit any time of year. In the spring, summer, and fall (when there’s no snow on the ground), trek the Castle Rock Trail (about three miles) and ride the free trolley to get the lay of the land. If temperatures are higher, pack a picnic and linger in Meadow Park, which has a nice stretch of beach, or rent a kayak or paddleboard from a marina kiosk to get out on the water. On Tuesday mornings from April to September, check out the local farmers market. If, like me, you love local diner vibes, head to Grizzly Manor Cafe, or sit at the counter at Teddy Bear Restaurant for a hearty breakfast.

Not that long ago, dependable Big Bear accommodation options were limited to cabin rentals, but a few hotels have opened recently and with reasonable rates. Hotel Marina Riviera, for example, is a great restoration effort by Casetta Group, a boutique hotel brand with multiple California properties to bookmark. The property has just 42 adorable rooms and six cabins. A private beach, pool, hot tub, sauna and more are additions expected sometime this year. Also new to the scene and worth considering is Sessions Retreat & Hotel.

Crystal Cove State Park and Cottages

Crystal Cove State Park is the place Southern Californians head to for incredible tide pool adventures. Barnacles, mussels, sea stars, and urchins are among the creatures you’ll spot here, but there are also beautiful beaches and coves, and the park’s inland acreage offers great trails of varying lengths.

To turn a visit here into a full vacation, mark your calendar to book one of the historic Crystal Cove beach cottages. These restored homes were erected between 1920 and 1940, and they’re available for rent at incredible prices considering their stunning seaside locations. There are 14 cottages and 10 “dorm-style” cottages, all available 365 days a year. Reservations open daily for dates six months out, and they’re booked pretty much immediately.

If you do manage to book one, consider spending some time exploring the nearby coastal cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

Gold Country

California’s Gold Country is, in a way, where my own story in the state begins; some of my paternal ancestors immigrated to the region from Europe in the mid 1800s, lured by intoxicating tales of mountains full of gold. They did discover gold in the Sierra Nevada range, and hardscrabble mountain life along with it. No matter the challenges still associated with the region, my family is drawn to its trees, trails, creeks, fish stories, tales of gold, and more. And its relative remoteness makes it a quietly beautiful — and affordable — place to explore.

If you’re new to the area, head to Auburn first. It’s about 30 miles from Sacramento and on the American River, which you can raft with outfitters like Raft California or H2O Adventures. Shop for antiques at C Hoshall Designs, try local wines, and buy a hand pie (or a whole one) at The Orchard at Apple Lane. Then, for a real taste of Gold Rush history, head north to Grass Valley and check into The National Exchange Hotel (built in 1856) or Holbrooke Hotel, which dates back to 1852. Both have been beautifully restored and make a great home base for experiencing the area. Nearby,  Empire Mine State Historic Park is a must-visit — millions of ounces of gold were mined here over decades of operation, and many structures on the grounds still stand.

Lone Pine to Bishop

The part of Highway 395 that skirts along the Sierra Nevada mountains is picturesque, with Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the continental U.S.) looming to the west and lots of small towns worthy of a pit stop along its length. Lone Pine, with a population hovering around 1,300, is the gateway to Mount Whitney, as the trailhead to the peak is about 15 miles east from town.

And while climbing Whitney requires training (and a permit), other hikes in the area do not. I’ve trekked the first part of the famous trail (six miles to Lone Pine Lake), and it’s a stunning landscape to behold.

Exploring in the nearby Alabama Hills National Scenic Area is a must, too. You can boulder on gorgeous golden rocks here, or hike around the otherworldly preserve on trails of various lengths. If you have the kids with you, it’s a great spot to let them roam and climb. Camping is also an option here, if you’re willing and you have the proper gear.

Then, about 60 miles north of Lone Pine is the town of Bishop — yet another great home base for outdoor adventure. Plan a day hike, go rock climbing, visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, or go chasing waterfalls.

For great local eats, I always stop at Great Basin Bakery and Erick Schat’s Bakery. And to stay in town, consider the new Wayfinder Bishop, which has 87 rooms and sits right on Bishop Creek. The property offers two on-site food and beverage options (ideal after a long day on the trail), fire pits, a pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and more. For an even grander trip, connect this one with Mammoth Lakes, which is just 45 minutes north.

Mendocino County

This serene seaside county offers wineries, beaches, rivers, and redwoods — and in that list, only the wine costs money. To taste local pinot noirs and chardonnays, head to Mendocino’s Anderson Valley (about 125 miles north of San Francisco, or 65 miles north of the Sonoma County Airport). The Anderson Valley Inn has charming rooms for great prices, and you can even walk to the Baxter Winery and Scharffenberger Cellars tasting rooms from the inn.

Another home base for a Mendocino wine foray is Hopland (with a population around 1,025). Look into rooms at Stock Farm and Thatcher Hotel here, have a top-notch diner breakfast at Bluebird Cafe, and look for treasures at Country Porch Antiques.

If you’d rather immerse in nature, Mendocino is equally ideal for that. With so many incredible trails and quiet beaches, you can fill days with solitary strolls in the woods or by the sea. Fern Canyon in Van Damme State Park consistently ranks as the top hike in the area; pack a lunch and take your time meandering here. I always spend a few hours in both Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park. In Fort Bragg, check out Glass Beach and ride the Skunk Train. For woodsy accommodations, book a glamping tent at Mendocino Grove.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town — surf, hike, and lounge in the sun here, or get your kicks at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You’re never too old to ride the seaside theme park’s Giant Dipper roller coaster (100 years old as of 2024), and there are all kinds of ticket deals throughout the year to make spending many hours here reasonable in terms of cost.

Other activities include exploring nearby Capitola or hiking in Wilder Ranch State Park or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. You can also chill out on Natural Bridges State Beach for a day of wave- and bird-watching.

For accommodations, the 300-acre Chaminade Resort & Spa is a solid pick, as is the Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, with 170 pretty rooms.

Siskiyou County

This northern county is home to Mount Shasta, standing at more than 14,000 feet and typically wearing a hat of snow 365 days a year; hiking near the majestic mountain is a must. Visitors can also head into Klamath National Forest for adventures on Kangaroo Lake and to visit a farm or two. If a cave excursion appeals to you, look into Lava Beds National Monument; permits are required to go caving, but they’re free.

Mount Shasta Resort sits (unsurprisingly) at the base of Mount Shasta, making it a great hub from which to explore. For a stay to whistle at, look into Railroad Park Resort — you can sleep in a retired caboose here, and there’s a train-themed restaurant, too. Or, jump the tracks and check into Cave Springs, which has modern rooms and Airstream trailers.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes, located in the Eastern Sierra region, is beautiful in the summer months, when you can fill your days with alpine hikes, bike rides, and outdoor concerts. There’s a free trolley that drops adventurers at trailheads in the area (and carries your bike there, too, if that’s your preferred mode of transport). Or, you can swim in a lake or soak in a natural hot spring with the Sierras as your backdrop. For easy eats, try Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe and Elixir Superfood & Juice.

To be right at the base of the mountains, stay at Tamarack Lodge, which has charming rooms (wood-paneled walls, bear-themed bedding) at the edge of Twin Lakes. And the lodge is a trolley stop, so you can explore further out with ease. In town, look at Outbound Mammoth, which was newly renovated to the tune of $34 million; the property has a beautiful fireside lobby, a restaurant and wine bar, and 179 accommodations.

Dillon Beach

California’s coastline spans about 840 miles, and there are many hidden treasures along its length, one of which is Dillon Beach. Just about 60 miles north of San Francisco, Dillon Beach is perfect for long walks by the sea and easy foodie adventures — you’re mere minutes from Hog Island Oyster Farm in Marshall, for example, and the chowder at Spud Point Crab Co.

For well-priced accommodations, consider Dillon Beach Resort. The property has been in operation since the late 1800s and recently debuted new tiny home options, like the Cypress Cottage, which is just a few paces from the beach. Hang out on Dillon Beach and on Bodega Bay for a day or three, and explore Point Reyes to the south — a few hours trekking the dramatic Tomales Point Trail is time well spent.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park is California’s most-visited national site, and Yosemite Valley is arguably its heart and soul. To walk here is to walk in awe, with iconic waterfalls tumbling thousands of feet to their rocky demise and serene meadows juxtaposed by the mighty El Capitan and Half Dome formations.

To get the lay of the land, book the two-hour Yosemite Valley Floor Tour. It takes place on open-air shuttles when it’s warm and motor coach buses during the cold months. Stops highlight incredible valley vistas like Tunnel View (famously photographed by Ansel Adams) and Bridalveil Fall.

It can be affordable to stay right in the valley, too. I recently spent three nights at Yosemite Valley Lodge; from here, you’re a 10-minute walk from Yosemite Falls. Those willing to rough it a bit might consider the canvas tents outfitted with cots (and with access to shared bathroom facilities) at Curry Village. The village has restaurants, stores, and even a seasonal skating rink, but most importantly, staying here means you’ll wake up to a supremely quiet valley, as those who drive in for the day haven’t arrived yet. If you’re traveling in late spring, summer, or early fall, you might look into the seasonal and riverside Housekeeping Camp, where “tents” are concrete on three sides (the fourth wall is a curtain) and you can play in the Merced River.

Wherever you land within the park, you can fill days with stunning rambles and hikes. However, just like the Crystal Cove cottages, scoring an accommodation reservation here is a feat. Bookings open one year and a day out, so advance planning is required.

Paso Robles

The oft-overlooked wine region around Paso Robles is not to be missed, especially if you’re aiming to sip great varietals in a non-fussy atmosphere — majestic drives through Central Coast rolling hills and vineyards don’t hurt either. To get your tasting tour started, head to Tobin James Cellars ($20/tasting), Venteux Vineyards ($25/tasting) Justin Estate ($49/tasting), and the unique Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden ($20/tasting). Near downtown Paso, explore Tin City, an industrial marketplace with more wine, beer, and great eats. And for the bargain price of $10 a day, soak in the mineral-rich waters of Franklin Hot Springs.

For my next visit, I have my eye on the River Lodge, a motel redux by Nomada Hotel Group near the Salinas River. The property has 28 guest rooms, on-site Italian fare, fire pits, and a pool and hot tub for those 21 and over. Rooms are chic with custom furnishings, plus front porches with hammocks are great for lounging around after a day of wine tasting.

Santa Ynez Valley

About 100 miles south of Paso Robles is Santa Ynez Valley, a gem of a region that I’ve explored with family and friends many times over. The towns of Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard, Buellton, Santa Ynez, and Los Alamos make a pretty constellation here, and wine figures prominently. Even if you’re traveling with kids, you can imbibe as you please, since lingering with little ones in outdoor “tasting rooms” — sometimes below magnificent oak trees or overlooking vineyards — is commonplace.

Have a glass of wine in the sprawling yard at Bodega Los Alamos (on weekends, you can pair it with killer barbecue). For a tasting flight, my top recommendation is Roblar Farm ($25 for five wines); order outside on the patio and consider trying some incredible farm-to-table dishes with your wine.

Add Kings Carey to your list (four wines for $20, or six for $30). On my next visit, I plan to splurge on the wine and picnic experience at Presqu’ile Winery (bookable on Tock). Foodies on a budget might instead head to Los Olivos for the happy hour menu at Bar Le Cote — an order of peel-and-eat shrimp ($12) and a side of fries ($4) makes a magical lunch in what is one of my favorite dining rooms in the area.

For activities, check out the many free museums and events offered in Solvang, hike the quick Nojoqui Falls Trail, and stroll around Ostrichland (admission is $7 or less, and observing the resident ostriches and emus here is dependably entertaining). For affordable accommodations in Solvang, there’s the 20-room New Haven Inn. Other stylish spots in the area with affordable rates include Alamo Motel, Skyview Los Alamos, and Hotel Ynez.

Cambria and Cayucos

Just 15 miles apart, these small Pacific Coast Highway towns have two very different vibes. Main Street in Cambria is full of family-run cafes and shops, plus plenty of antiques, and since many structures date back to the turn of the century, a stroll here feels historic. Have a slice of olallieberry pie from Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe, do some window shopping, and then take advantage of the natural beauty nearby. Top places to while away hours include Moonstone Beach and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve; the latter offers miles of beautiful coastal bluff trails. Then, about 10 miles north, you have the option to see seals in San Simeon or to tour Hearst Castle.

For more seaside fun and affordable accommodation options, head a few miles south to the surf town of Cayucos. The beach hums with visitors all summer (families appreciate the playground in the sand by the pier), and it’s supremely walkable.

Surf shops sell sweatshirts, flip-flops, and logo-emblazoned hats along Ocean Avenue, and the food scene is impressive given the size of the place (population around 2,300). The best croissant (and seasonal peach scone) I’ve had in the state is at Bijou Bakery. Breakfast tacos and bowls at Hidden Kitchen are delicious. And most folks don’t stop by here without having a seafood dinner at Schooners. For casual, on-the-beach rooms, look into Shoreline Inn. For a stylish stay, consider The Pacific Motel. Note that Cayucos is about 85 miles from Santa Ynez Valley, so these stops could be combined for a memorable Central Coast road trip.