Visiting California on a Budget

California’s stunning landscapes come with a cost: expansive coastlines, sunny days, vibrant cities, and endless outdoor adventures. The list of attractions is truly never-ending.

However, enjoying all that California has to offer doesn’t require spending a fortune. While many experiences in the Golden State are pricier than in other U.S. destinations, budget-friendly trips are achievable with the right strategies. Here are nine tips to help you explore California without overspending.

Daily Expenses

• Hostel accommodation: $85-$90

• Standard double room: $160/night

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $130/night

• Public transport fare: $3-$5

• Coffee: $3

• Sandwich: $10

• Dinner for two: $60

• Beer/pint at a bar: $5-$7

Think small to achieve big savings

Accommodation costs typically rise significantly in major cities, coastal areas, and near popular attractions. Save money by choosing hotels in nearby towns. For instance, those looking to explore San Francisco might find charm and savings in San Jose or Oakland, both known for their diverse food scenes.

Yearning for a sunny beach escape to Malibu or Santa Barbara? Consider smaller coastal towns like Cambria, just a few hours north of Santa Barbara, or Ventura, located about an hour north of Malibu, which can offer more budget-friendly options.

Choose self-guided tours

Visit a city's tourism office or chamber of commerce website for suggested itineraries you can explore at your own pace. In Palm Springs, start at the Palm Springs Visitors Center, a midcentury modern icon, and follow their tips to discover some of its most famous architectural gems, buildings, and hotels.

In Northern California, Visit Redwoods has curated a variety of self-guided experiences, from a mural tour in Eureka to exploring Humboldt County’s historic lighthouses. Further down the coast, Santa Barbara features its Red Tile Walking Tour, which includes 17 stops highlighting Spanish-style adobes built between the 1700s and 1800s.

Plan your visits to cultural attractions in advance

Take advantage of free or discounted admission to cultural sites. In Los Angeles, places like the California African American Museum, The Getty Center, and The Broad all offer complimentary entry year-round. Additionally, the Orange County Museum of Art, the first floor of Mingei International Museum, and the Women’s Museum of California in San Diego also provide free admission all year long.

Many museums throughout the state offer special free admission days, although some might ask for proof of residency. Notable institutions in the San Francisco area, such as the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Jewish Museum, and Oakland Museum of California, participate in these events.

Combine attractions for greater savings

Look for city passes available in most major cities that provide discounts for theme parks, museums, and various activities. These passes often come as all-inclusive options valid for 3, 5, or 7 days, or allow you to purchase a specific number of discounted activities to enjoy over a set timeframe, such as eBike tours or whale watching excursions.

To camp or not to camp at California’s parks?

Evaluate the different costs associated with staying in or around California’s must-visit parks. Popular destinations like Yosemite, Sonoma Coast State Park, and Joshua Tree National Park often fill up quickly for lodging, campsites, and recreational permits.

Depending on your travel dates and style, it might be more economical to book a lodge instead of camping, especially when factoring in costs for showers and the equipment needed to prepare and store your own meals. Planning ahead can work to your advantage, as waiting too long may limit your options for cutting costs.

Take your time understanding parking signs

In some city downtowns, interpreting street parking rules can feel like a complex puzzle. Can I park in this spot? For how long, and what exemptions apply?

To avoid parking fines that you'll have to deal with through your rental car company, make sure to carefully read the parking signs. One helpful hint: usually, yellow and green loading and temporary parking zones are free to use after 6 PM.

Enjoy dining during Restaurant Week

Experience some of California’s finest restaurants at reduced prices during the restaurant weeks in various cities. From Sonoma to Sacramento, Los Angeles to Long Beach, and Orange County to San Diego, participating restaurants usually offer special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner.

For instance, in Los Angeles, lunch prix-fixe menus start at $15, while dinner options begin at $25. Often, signature dishes may be included, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best deals during this time.

Explore more budget-friendly wine regions

While Napa is famous for its name recognition and exceptional wines, California has numerous other regions offering high-quality wines at more affordable prices. Explore wine-tasting routes in Sonoma, Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles along the central coast, and Temecula Valley in southern California.

With over 100 American Viticulture Areas (AVA), or officially recognized wine-growing regions, you can design a wine-centric journey in California that won’t leave you regretting the cost of your pinot.

Prepare for major events well ahead of time

Sometimes a trip is about embracing the crowds rather than avoiding them. Whether you want to join in San Francisco’s Pride celebrations, enjoy the flower-filled floats of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, or dance the night away at Coachella in the southern California desert, planning ahead can save you money. It’s advisable to start booking your accommodations and rental cars for these major events up to a year or more in advance.