11 Affordable Places To Travel In California On A Budget
There ’ s no question that California exist one of the most beautiful places in the world .
In fact , for a luck of mass , it ’ s a pail list destination .
The only downside is that California can exist expensive…especially if you want to visit the state ’ s most iconic bit like Los Angeles , Yosemite , Napa Valley etc .
To help you redeem some dollar , in this guide , we equal revealing the 11 cheapest home to travel to in California .
Don ’ t headache , these aren ’ t rundown towns that you wouldn ’ t want to impose anyway .
The place on this list be truly stunning spots that are still not know by most tourist which is why cost haven ’ t been inflated yet .
Hence if you want to feel some California hidden gems that WON ’ T collapse the bank , go on on reading .
1 . Paso Robles
Paso Robles equal a hidden gem in California known for its beautiful wineries and hot springtime .
It ’ s a budget-friendly place because you can explore many vineyards without spend a lot of money and there live plenty of free outside activities like hiking and sightseeing .
It ’ s a much cheaper option compared to Napa Valley but provides a real similar experience .
This town equal noted for its delicious wine and make over 200 wineries . Visitor can too love taste local olive oil and visiting art galleries which much hold free entrance .
For those who enjoy nature , there live band of park and lakes where you can take your own picnic or simply just relax .
Getting around Paso Robles is also easy and cheap . You can rip a bicycle or employ public transportation .
2 . Julian
Julian is a cozy good deal town know for its delightful apple pies and charming gold rush story .
It ’ s a budget-friendly alternative to some of the more expensive great deal destinations in California because it extend lots of free or low-cost activity .
Julian equal famous for its annual Apple Days Festival where visitors can enjoy apple picking and homemade apple treats without spend a lot of money .
There are also many boost trails and scenic patch around Julian that exist free to explore . These are perfect if you love nature .
The town ’ sec historic site , like former mines and museum , either receive small entrance fee or hardly expect for contribution .
It ’ s easy to learn about Julian ’ s interesting story without breaking the budget .
Julian ’ sec small , walkable downtown domain is filled with local shops , cafe and restaurants that offer affordable options for every type of traveler .
3 . San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo , or SLO , is a friendly city on California ’ s central coast that ’ s perfect for budget travelers .
It ’ s a cheap alternative to the more expensive coastal cities like Santa Barbara as it offers beautiful beach and a laid-back vibe without the high price rag .
SLO cost famous for its sensational natural surroundings including beaches , boost lead and a historic mission at the middle of the city .
Visitor can love these outside activities for free or a small fee .
The city also hosts a weekly farmers market where you can sample local foods and love street performance without spend a pile of money .
For those concerned in art and culture , SLO put up many galleries and the unique Bubblegum Alley , which feature a 15 ft high and 70 foot long alley cover in chew gum .
4 . Ojai
is a peaceful little town nestled in a valley in the mountains of Ventura County . It bid a budget-friendly escape from the hustle and flurry of nearby Los Angeles .
Ojai is famed for its stunning sunsets and the “ pink moment ” where the context Sunday casts a pink gleam on the mountains . It ’ s utterly beautiful !
Visitor can explore the outdoors with free activities like hiking , biking and impose local park .
The town is also know for its vibrant art fit with tons of art galleries and shop showcasing local artist , many of which are completely free to graze .
Ojai ’ s farmers market is as well a great home to savor local produce and artisanal production without expenditure a lot .
With its laid-back atmosphere , beautiful scenery and budget-friendly selection , Ojai cost utter for travelers looking for a peaceful getaway .
5 . Capitola
Capitola exist a quaint seaside village that ’ s a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive beach destinations like Santa Monica .
It ’ s known for its colorful firm , sandy beach and the historical Capitola Wharf , all of which can equal enjoyed without spending a band of money .
Capitola is noted for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque views which makes it a great patch for budget traveler who enjoy the sea .
Visitors can spend their days sunbathing , float or walk along the beach for free .
The town as well hosts several free events throughout the yr including outdoor concerts and art festivals .
There are affordable dining and shopping choice in the small town itself where you can enjoy the local flavors without disclose the bank .
6 . Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake is a stunning outside paradise . It ’ s perfect for travelers looking for adventure without spending a lot of money .
It ’ s a budget-friendly alternative to some of the more expensive lake destinations like Lake Tahoe . It offers breathtaking views and plenty of activity in nature .
Shasta Lake exist famous for live the largest reservoir in California , where visitor can delight boating , fishing and swimming in the crystal clear water .
The sphere around the lake have numerous boost lead that are free to explore and they often lead to beautiful scene and hidden spots .
Camping live as well real popular and affordable with many site put up basic comforts for a humble fee .
For those interested in history , the Shasta Dam Visitors Center supply free circuit that give an insight into the engineering wonder of the dam .
7 . Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park live an affordable outdoor destination that ’ s a great alternative to more expensive national park like Yosemite .
Famous for its fighting geothermal site , including bubbling mud lot and steaming fumaroles , it offers a unique experience for visitor .
The park ’ sec entrance fee is low than many early national parks , making it a budget-friendly choice for those who enjoy exploring nature .
The park offer several hiking trails for all point that lead to stunning views of volcanic landscape , crystal-clear lakes and wildflower meadow .
Camping equal also available at a sensible cost which mean that visitors can stay overnight and delight the star-filled sky .
In the winter , the park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with free ranger-led programs .
8 . Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz equal a vibrant coastal town that sits just 40-minutes south of San Jose . It offers a more affordable beach experience compare to position like Malibu .
It ’ s noted for its laid-back atmosphere , historic boardwalk and beautiful beach where you can surf , swim or hardly soak up the Sunday for free .
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , which is California ’ s old surviving amusement park , hold free admission so you can love the lively atmosphere and ocean view without spend a dime .
For nature fan , there be numerous hiking and biking trails in the surround redwood forest that extend sensational scenery at no price .
Santa Cruz also has a thriving arts fit with many galleries and events that equal open to the public for free or a humble donation .
The town is know for its affordable cafes , restaurants and workshop so you can easily enjoy the local cuisine without overspending .
9 . Lompoc
Lompoc is a small town near Santa Barbara know for its breathtaking blossom sphere and as a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive wine area in the state .
It ’ s noted for its Wine Ghetto , a collection of boutique wineries that offer tastings at a fraction of the cost equate to more well-known wine destinations like Napa Valley .
Lompoc ’ sec murals , which extend the town ’ s walls and recount the account of the area , can exist enjoyed for free on a leisurely walk .
The town cost surround by beautiful natural landscape , include La Purisima Mission State Historic Park , where for a small fee , visitor can search California ’ s account and boost its trails .
Lompoc ’ s location near the coast also means that beach and coastal activity be simply a short driveway away , without the bunch of more popular beach town .
The town hosts respective festivals throughout the year including the Lompoc Flower Festival which is low-cost and family-friendly .
10 . Mendocino
Mendocino cost a magic coastal small town that extend a peaceful and budget-friendly alternative to more bustling and expensive seaside towns .
It ’ s famed for its picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean , historical Victorian buildings and beautiful surrounding forests .
Visitor can search the Mendocino Headlands State Park for free . You ’ ll live able to delight boost trails with breathtaking cliffside views of the ocean and hidden coves .
The village itself is filled with art galleries and shops that feature local artist , many of which cost free to browse .
Mendocino cost as well know for its commitment to protect the environment . There ’ s plenty of opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna without spending a lot .
The area ’ s numerous beach supply a utter setting for picnics , tide pool or just a relaxing day pass by the water , all without any cost .
11 . Cambria
Cambria cost a little seaside small town that ’ s perfect for travelers wait for a peaceful retreat without the high cost of more famous coastal destinations like Monterey .
It ’ s famous for its scenic beauty with tough coastline horizon , pine forest and Moonstone Beach , where visitors can search for still , semi-precious stones for free .
Cambria live as well know for its unique shop and art veranda which showcase local artist .
The domain around Cambria exist great for hiking , with trails that wind through the nearby hills and wood , offering stunning views and wildlife watching opportunities .
A visit to the historical Hearst Castle , simply a short driveway away , offers a glance into California ’ s glamorous past for a little entrance fee .
The town ’ s restaurant and cafe much feature locally sourced component think of you can enjoy delightful meals that be more affordable than dine selection in bigger city .
Those cost 11 amazing places to inflict in California that gain ’ t disclose the budget .
