Are you looking for the best places to visit in California without breaking the bank? California is filled with beautiful attractions and stunning views, but it can be expensive to explore. Fear not! We’ve rounded up 10 of the cheapest places to visit in California, so you can explore without worrying about your budget. From beach towns to national parks, there’s something for everyone! Read on to find out the best budget-friendly places to visit in California.
1) Lake Tahoe
Located on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning spots in the US. This beautiful lake is surrounded by stunning mountains, forests and beaches, making it an ideal spot for a getaway. There are plenty of activities to do at Lake Tahoe, such as biking, kayaking, fishing and swimming, so you can make the most of your trip. Plus, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy this destination; there are plenty of affordable options, including camping and budget-friendly hotels. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a peaceful retreat, Lake Tahoe is the perfect spot for a memorable vacation.
2) Big Sur
The rugged, wild beauty of Big Sur is a sight to behold. Located on California’s central coast, this breathtaking destination offers stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. From hiking trails to scenic drives along Highway 1, Big Sur is an ideal spot for those looking to explore the outdoors without breaking the bank.
The best way to experience Big Sur is by taking a drive down Highway 1, which runs through the area. This scenic route takes you along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with some incredible views of the coastline and cliffs. Along the way, you can stop at various points for hikes and nature walks. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a boat tour to explore the nearby sea caves.
When it comes to lodging in Big Sur, there are plenty of affordable options. While there are many campgrounds in the area, you can also find hostels and low-cost hotels. Plus, Big Sur is home to several bed & breakfasts that offer comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices.
No matter how you choose to experience Big Sur, it’s sure to be an unforgettable journey. From its stunning scenery and outdoor activities to its low-cost lodging options, this beautiful area of California is sure to be a highlight of any vacation.
3) Joshua Tree National Park
Situated in the southeastern corner of California, Joshua Tree National Park is an area of incredible beauty and dramatic landscapes. Here, you can find vast desert expanses, spectacular rock formations, rare desert plants, and plenty of wildlife. This park is one of the cheapest places to visit in California, with entrance fees at only $30 per vehicle or $25 per person.
Once inside the park, visitors are free to explore its numerous attractions. Of particular note are the many hiking trails that wind their way through the unique landscape. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot various species of birds, lizards, and other wildlife. You can also take advantage of the desert environment to try your hand at rock climbing.
The park also features several historic sites that offer insight into the area’s past. One popular spot is Keys View, a viewpoint offering stunning views of San Gorgonio Mountain, the Salton Sea, and even Mexico. Visitors can also explore several former gold mines, as well as the ruins of old homesteads.
Finally, visitors should not miss the chance to take in some of the most striking night skies in California. The clear night skies make for fantastic stargazing and astrophotography opportunities.
If you’re looking for an affordable destination with plenty of natural beauty and interesting history, Joshua Tree National Park should definitely be on your list!
4) San Diego
San Diego is one of the most popular places to visit in California, and also one of the most affordable. With endless beaches, a thriving downtown and world-famous attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, there is plenty to do and explore here.
Beaches such as Coronado and La Jolla offer stunning views and excellent opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Meanwhile, visitors can explore the Gaslamp Quarter for some nightlife and shopping, or take a tour of the USS Midway Museum.
For budget-friendly activities, you can check out Balboa Park, which is home to 17 different museums. The park also contains lush gardens and plenty of walking paths. You can also visit Mission Bay Park for an array of free and low-cost activities, including kayaking, fishing, and beach volleyball.
San Diego is also known for its amazing Mexican food, with plenty of restaurants offering delicious tacos and burritos. There are also numerous breweries in the city, where you can sample some locally-crafted beer. And don’t forget to check out some of the local festivals and events taking place throughout the year.
No matter what you decide to do in San Diego, it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience at an affordable price.
5) Santa Cruz
If you’re looking for a great beach destination in California that won’t break the bank, Santa Cruz is the perfect place. This popular seaside resort town is filled with fun activities and attractions, such as a boardwalk, an amusement park, and a beach. Santa Cruz is a great spot to catch some waves, explore the coastline, and try some of the local seafood dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable and there are plenty of hotels and campsites for those on a budget. From relaxing days by the beach to exploring the area’s state parks, there are tons of fun things to do in Santa Cruz that won’t break the bank. So don’t hesitate to add this to your list of the cheapest places to visit in California!
6) Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in California, and visiting it on a budget can be a great experience. There are so many incredible attractions, beaches, and other sights to explore that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
One of the most popular places to visit in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features over 2,000 stars dedicated to some of the most famous celebrities in the entertainment industry. A stroll down the sidewalk takes you past actors, singers, directors, producers, and more. It’s free to visit, so you can snap a picture with your favorite celebrity without spending a penny!
You can also explore the Griffith Observatory, which offers incredible views of the LA skyline from its hilltop location. The observatory also houses an extensive astronomy collection, and there are plenty of educational exhibits about the solar system and beyond. Best of all, admission to the Griffith Observatory is free!
For some beach fun, head to Santa Monica Beach. This beautiful beach offers miles of sand and sun, plus plenty of beachfront restaurants, shops, and activities. You can rent a bike or a surfboard or just enjoy the ocean breeze and people-watch from the pier.
If you’re looking for culture and art, be sure to check out The Broad Museum. This modern art museum offers free admission and features a wide range of contemporary works by some of the most renowned artists around the world. And if you’re in search of some green space, take a walk through Runyon Canyon Park. It’s a great place to go hiking and take in amazing views of Los Angeles.
No matter what type of activity you’re looking for in Los Angeles, there are plenty of great things to do without breaking the bank. So if you’re visiting California on a budget, don’t miss out on all that Los Angeles has to offer.
7) Channel Islands National Park
Located off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands National Park is home to five rugged islands that are each unique and breathtaking in their own right. Each of the islands have their own unique species of animals and plants and offer a variety of activities such as camping, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking.
Camping on the islands is an amazing experience and is relatively inexpensive. There are three campgrounds available with sites that range from $15 – $30 per night.
Kayaking is another popular activity at the Channel Islands National Park. Kayakers can explore the coastline of the islands and see a variety of wildlife including dolphins, seals, whales, and many different kinds of birds.
Snorkeling is also a great way to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Channel Islands. Snorkelers can observe colorful sea life such as starfish, anemones, seahorses, octopus, and more.
The Channel Islands National Park also has some incredible hiking opportunities. From the rugged coastline to the rolling hills and valleys, there are many trails to explore with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife sightings.
Overall, the Channel Islands National Park is an affordable and unique destination for visitors who want to explore the beauty of California’s natural environment. Whether you’re camping, kayaking, snorkeling, or hiking, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at this incredible national park.
8) Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in California, and it’s also one of the most affordable. Located east of the Sierra Nevada mountains in eastern California, this park is a vast desert landscape with an extreme climate. The lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, lies within the park at 282 feet below sea level.
The park is full of colorful rock formations, canyons, sand dunes, and more, making it a great place for hiking, camping, and photography. There are many different trails and roads throughout the park, so visitors can customize their experience and make the most of their time there. Other activities include biking, horseback riding, backcountry camping, and star gazing.
With over 3 million acres of land, Death Valley National Park offers something for everyone, no matter what kind of activity you’re looking for. This incredible national park is a must-visit on your trip to California and is sure to be a highlight of your vacation.
9) Mojave National Preserve
Located in California’s remote southeast corner, Mojave National Preserve is the perfect place for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike. The preserve spans over 1.6 million acres and contains a stunning variety of ecosystems from joshua tree forests to sand dunes and canyons.
Mojave National Preserve is known for its rich wildlife, including black bears, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Bird watching enthusiasts will also be able to spot numerous rare and endangered species.
The preserve also has plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as camping spots and interpretive centers. And don’t miss the opportunity to see the incredible Kelso Dunes – a beautiful formation of shifting sands!
Mojave National Preserve is a great destination for an affordable vacation that lets you get away from it all and explore nature.
10) Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, covering more than 600,000 acres of land. Located in the low desert region of Southern California’s Colorado Desert, it is home to a variety of landscapes, plants, and wildlife. During the spring months, visitors can witness fields of wildflowers bursting with color. In addition to its unique desert beauty, there are plenty of activities to enjoy within the park. Hikers and mountain bikers will find a variety of trails that range from easy, family-friendly strolls to challenging backcountry routes. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitats and explore the area’s many archaeological sites. For a truly unique experience, visitors can also take a guided night hike to explore the wonders of the desert under the stars. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is an affordable and accessible destination for those looking for a taste of the Wild West. Campsites are available for a small fee, or you can opt to stay at one of the nearby lodges or resorts. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, this is a great spot to discover the beauty of California’s low desert.
Final Words
California is an incredibly diverse state, and there are endless options for budget-friendly vacations. While many of the popular attractions can be expensive, the list above shows that there are plenty of places to visit on a budget. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, beachside relaxation, or city exploration, California has something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to explore some of the cheapest places in California? You won’t regret it!
