You’ll find California on almost every traveler’s bucket list. The Golden State is one of the top destinations in the US, not only among Americans but also among foreigners visiting the US from around the world.
Unfortunately, what drives most tourists away from traveling to California is associating the state with high prices. Sure enough, one can indulge themselves in a lavish holiday in California. But what many aren’t aware of is that California offers a lot for anyone’s budget – including tourists seeking reasonably priced holidays.
If you want to dig deep into what California offers, reading about the following places can satisfy your holiday hunt for this year.
A Travel Plan for Every Budget
Having a domestic holiday within the US borders can be great as you’ll only require a valid ID card. However, if you’re a foreigner looking to visit Cali, there are guaranteed rush expedited passport renewal services that can help you obtain all needed travel documents quickly.
Lakes, parks, rivers, towns, and recreation areas worth seeing are splattered all around California – and more importantly, they are pocket-friendly. Whether you are aiming to visit a place on the shoreline or one deep in the valley – choosing to vacation in California always sounds like a good plan.
If you’re contemplating the best and most visited budget-friendly places in California when deciding on your next vacation, the following list will come in handy:
Ventura
A short drive north of Los Angeles, Ventura is a town for anyone who wants an inexpensive beach holiday on California’s shoreline. It has a laid-back atmosphere, with many free activities, natural sites, and cheap accommodation.
Ventura is a family-friendly vacation point with many activities for kids. Ventura Pier playground is an entertainment area created especially for children. There are also Ventura to Ojai biking trails for families to enjoy biking throughout Ventura.
Channel Island National Park is a must-see when in Ventura, and there is no entrance fee for the park nor a parking fee for the area.
Birdwatching on the coast is an activity free of charge yet delightful for anyone who enjoys sitting on the deck and relishing the sea view.
Joshua Tree National Park
Located two hours from Los Angeles to southeastern California, the Joshua Tree National Park is a budget-friendly must-visit destination in the state. It’s open for visitors all year round, yet the best time to visit would be during spring and autumn.
It is a reasonably calm place, with a good deal of recreational activities to do in the area. The entrance fee is only $30 per vehicle and $25 per motorcycle.
The park has nine campgrounds, and a night spent there will cost you only an additional $15. Many people are looking to observe the natural wonders of the park lodge there.
Some activities you can indulge in when visiting the park are hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Some of them come at a price, such as horse riding.
Oxnard
Just north of Malibu, Oxnard is one of the cheapest destinations for visitors in California. Considering the pricing of vacationing along the length of this coast, Oxnard offers surprisingly affordable vacation prices.
The things to enjoy and see around here are abundant. Just a boat ride away, you can reach the Channel Islands, or as they are known – America’s Galapagos. The islands are a fantastic and pocket-friendly stop for visitors with long sandy beaches and biking trails along the coast.
The local farmer’s market is a low-priced tourist attraction in Oxnard, along with two of the city’s most prominent landmarks – the Bedford Pinkard and Heritage Square. The Murphy Auto Museum has exhibitions on vintage cars with a $10 entrance fee for adults – prices go down for kids.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake lies just a few hours east of Los Angeles if you are a lake enthusiast.
The lake is open for visitors during all seasons, as its activities vary according to the weather conditions. Tourists usually gather for the ski resorts in winter, so the prices are highest during this period.
Consequently, the summers on the lake offer a lot for visitors on the budget. Fishing and swimming are the hit activities, as mountain bikers use the skiing slopes as biking trails during summers.
Many restaurants, theaters, and shops are scattered around the area, with affordable accommodation offered by the locals.
Solvang
Solvang, or as it is called the Danish Capital of America, would make you feel as if you have just had a very affordable trip to Europe. It is situated only an hour’s drive north-west of Santa Barabara.
The town is constructed after a Danish village, with breathtaking windmills and architecture. Walking through the town’s streets will be an experience of a lifetime, as each of them is picturesque. While strolling around, you can spend a small amount on souvenirs or traditional Danish sweets.
If you want to stay in a place close to Solvang, Buellton is just a five-minute drive away. This town has affordable pricing on hotels, hostels, or any other types of accommodation, assembled to fit everyone’s budget.
Other Places Worth Visiting
California is a vast state, so the list of pocket-friendly places to visit is infinite.
If you are looking for more areas that fit your budget, consider the following, too:
- Sacramento;
- Pismo Beach;
- Eureka;
- Dana Point;
- Death Valley National Park;
- Morro Bay;
- Idyllwild;
- June Lake.
The Golden State has something for visitors during all seasons, so ensure you are aiming for the right place before visiting. Prices go up in specific areas during a particular season according to their services and entertainment.
Plan Your Trip
The Golden State has a lot to offer and can fit every budget. Each has its unique allure, from the coastal towns to the national parks in the California mountains.
These places will make for an enjoyable holiday without strain on your budget. California is waiting to visit your while, whether you go by yourself or with family!