The sun-drenched state of California is packed full of classic American culture, picturesque cities, and hundreds of miles of stunning coastline. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the U.S. But don’t worry — there are plenty of cheap summer vacation spots in California where you and your family can save money while exploring the Golden State this summer.
Rent an RV
One of the best ways to see the Golden State while keeping your expenses down is by planning a summer drive in an RV across California. You can rent motorhomes in some of California’s most famous cities, like Los Angeles, for as little as $75 per night. There are loads of exciting places to go in California in an RV during the summer, including San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento, and an RV rental gives you the freedom to explore many of these bustling cities. RV travel in California during the summer is easy, with beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and verdant forests to admire as you trek across the state.
Travel along California’s coastline
Many of the best places to visit in California in an RV during the summer are located along the coast. Most of California’s major cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, are perched overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with tons of state parks and beaches to discover. The seaside also boasts lots of cheap campgrounds positioned close to major cities. One typical example is the San Francisco RV Resort, which boasts reasonable oceanfront camping options just a short drive from the center of San Francisco. While traveling up the coast, make sure you take the Pacific Coastal Highway, which is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. The highway meanders for hundreds of miles along California’s coast, past pristine beaches, sublime mountains, and glistening ocean views.
Free attractions
Some of the best things to see in California in an RV during the summer are free, helping you save money on your road trip adventure. These free activities include watching live TV recording sessions at one of Los Angeles’ many studios, taking in the state’s history at the Capitol Building in Sacramento, or soaking up some culture at the Timken Museum of Art in San Diego. These cheap family vacation ideas provide a variety of excursions for all ages without putting you out of pocket.
Parks
National and state parks provide some of the best summer vacation spots in California. Several of the most famous parks in the U.S. are located in California, including Yosemite National Park, which boasts the spectacular Yosemite Falls, and the breathtaking 4,000-foot-tall El Capitan rock formation. These parks offer campers an array of activities, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore, lakes and streams to swim in, and plenty of water sports to enjoy. There are also lots of affordable campgrounds located at many of these parks, making them some of the best summer vacation spots in California.
Visit lesser-known cities
While major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles can be a major drain on your holiday funds, there are some wonderful hidden gems where you can plan an idyllic family holiday. Some of these excellent cheap vacation spots include Dana Point, a quaint marina town between Los Angeles and San Diego, which features affordable accommodation, and several white sandy beaches, including Doheny State Beach. If you’re looking to be as close to Los Angeles as possible, consider staying in Oxnard, a seaside town north of the city, which is much cheaper to stay in than neighboring Malibu.
Conclusion
The best way to save money and see California is by renting an RV and road-tripping up the Pacific Coastal Highway, or by stopping at some of the dazzling parks located inland. Small cities tend to offer cheaper accommodation with easy access to some of the biggest attractions in the state, while the state’s breathtaking parks contain a plethora of free and fun activities for families.
