If a full-scale vacation feels out of reach this year, why not plan a California staycation instead? With so much to explore close to home—from beaches and mountains to historic towns and vibrant cities—you can enjoy a change of scenery without the bigger price tag of faraway travel. Here’s how to make the most of a budget-friendly California getaway while keeping costs in check.
Coastal escapes on a budget
Camping is a sure way to lower the cost of a vacation, and luckily California is home to thousands of campsites, with many located directly on a beach. Some popular coastal towns and state parks include San Onofre State Beach, Pismo State Beach, Sunset State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park and Leo Carrillo State Park. Of course, you can rent a hotel at these destinations, but consider pitching a tent or renting a cabin to enjoy the sites at a lower cost.
Other expenses of traveling are the daily meals and activities, but these don’t have to be daunting. Buy ingredients at the local grocery store or farmer’s market and make your meals yourself rather than buying every meal at a restaurant. Stay away from high-priced activities by coming up with your own. Simply spend the day at the beach, find hiking trails, take yourself on a self-guided walking tour, or try bird watching.
If the high cost of gas is a hindrance to your vacation planning, it may be a good idea to choose a destination with strong public transportation. For one, Crystal Cove State Park can easily be reached via the OCTA 1 bus. If you’re traveling with an RV, joining apps like Harvest Hosts allows you to stay overnight at local breweries, wineries, farms and other sites without paying a camping fee.
Mountain and lake retreats that won’t break the bank
Campsites are even more popular in the mountains and by lakes, where you can be surrounded by nature. California is home to nine national parks, the most of any state, but other popular destinations include Big Bear Lake, Idyllwild, Lake Tahoe, Crystal Lake, Joshua Tree and Rock Creek Lake. Consider visiting these in the off-season to discover cheaper cabins or camping fees.
Just as the beach towns do, these areas also offer free outdoor activities, including local hikes, fishing spots and swimming in lakes and rivers. Take part in classic camping rituals, such as building a campfire, roasting marshmallows for s’mores, telling ghost stories at night and stargazing. If you’re staying at a popular camping destination, there may even be community events to join in on.
You can also lower the price of your vacation by bringing what you can from home. For example, bring your own tent and sleeping bag to avoid having to purchase them. If you plan on biking or kayaking, bring your own gear so you don’t have to rent it. If you need additional equipment, look into community-based options that can help you avoid buying everything new. Platforms like GeerGarage and Meerkat let individuals rent gear from other users, while Community Gearbox is designed for friends and local groups to keep track of shared items. Nonprofit and community-led programs, including the Outdoors Empowered Network and local gear libraries, may also offer lower-cost access to outdoor equipment. If you want to get groceries and cook your own meals, bring your own dishes and containers for leftovers so you don’t have to buy them.
Historic towns and gold country getaways
If you’re more interested in the historical sites of California, there are plenty of areas that reflect the state’s Gold Rush, Spanish mission, and Wild West roots. Coloma is a gold discovery site from 1848. San Juan Capistrano is known for its mission founded in 1776. Solvang showcases Danish architecture and culture from its founding in 1911. Old Town San Diego is called the “birthplace of California” and contains buildings from 1820 to 1870. Jamestown is famous for the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Nevada City, settled in 1849, was one of California’s most productive mining camps and features the oldest operating theater in the state.
Though you may not find a campsite in these areas, visiting them during an off-season can help you find a cheaper hotel or Airbnb price. If you are staying in an Airbnb or hotel with a kitchen, you’ll be able to cook your own meals, and will have more freedom than at a campsite. If you’re looking to take home a souvenir, check out the local thrift stores or markets.
These historic towns are popular for their free or low-cost attractions, such as museums, walking tours and heritage sites. Many sites, including Coloma, offer lessons on panning for gold, while others like Old Town San Diego offer ghost tours. These are fun, low-cost activities that will also teach you about California’s rich history.
Urban escapes: cheap weekend trips in California cities
If you’re set on exploring an urban city, there’s ways to make that vacation more affordable too. San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Sacramento and San Francisco are wonderful destinations, and though they’re pricey places to live, it is possible to find ways to be frugal during your trip.
Even though California isn’t known for being walkable, choose a centrally located hotel or Airbnb and walk as many places as you can. This is the best way to explore an unknown area, and you may even find yourself at a free museum or art gallery, a public park or a botanical garden. Stick to thrifting when you’re in the mood for shopping, and find the happy hours at local restaurants.
To save on gas, choose a city that has a convenient public transportation system. San Francisco remains one of the strongest transit cities in California, and other Bay Area communities such as Berkeley, Oakland and Daly City also offer strong options for getting around without a car. Los Angeles continues to expand its system ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and San Diego is also improving transit access, giving travelers more ways to reach attractions without driving everywhere. Buy a multi-day transit pass and use the unlimited rides to your advantage. Often times, these buses or trolleys have stops specifically for a city’s attractions, saving you from California gas prices and bringing you right to the popular destinations.