Travel Guide: Traveling Through California On a Budget

Traveling Through California On a Budget

California is the top destination for many people. Whether you’re traveling from another state in the United States or another country altogether, California is your place to experience the best entertainment, food, culture, and natural attractions.

Another word that is synonymous with California is “expensive,” however. Sure, the food and high-level entertainment experiences can cost a little bit more than the national average, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give an arm and a leg just to have fun in the state. Here are some of our tips for traveling and having fun in California on a budget.

View Landmarks for Free

You don’t need to pay an entry fee to see the Golden Gate Bridge or to see the Hollywood sign. In fact, there are tons of attractions to see in California that are free to see. All you need to do is find their location, walk up to them and just like that, you’re making memories!

Visit Yosemite

National Parks are a fantastic way to spend a day or two soaking up the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Yosemite is no exception, and the hundreds of hiking trails and camping spots will provide endless opportunity to explore and see a different side of California. The best part is that it is relatively affordable to visit the park. At only $30 per carload for seven days in the park, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper, more enjoyable way to spend time in California.

Wine Country on a Budget

If you’re a wine lover, visiting Napa might be on your bucket list for visiting California. The wineries there can be pretty expensive, however. Don’t be dismayed! All you need to do is head next door to the county over, Sonoma County. There, you’ll be able to find wine that stands up to some of the best in California, but everything is generally more affordable. From food and wine to lodging, you can save a few hundred bucks by heading here.

Spend a Day at the Beach

You really can’t get much better than a California beach on a sunny day. The best part is it doesn’t have to cost a dime. We often recommend that you spend a day here anyway, but if you’re planning to travel California on a budget, this is the best way to have a memorable and enjoyable day on the cheap.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

Famous in movies and around the country, the Pacific Coast Highway is a winding coastal drive that will provide you with the best scenic overlooks that you can’t find anywhere else in the country. Sure, you’ll have to pay for gas, but the sights and the views will be well worth the trip.

Eat Street Food

California is known for its street food. Whether you’re craving a world-famous hamburger or some late-night tacos, go down any street in Los Angeles or San Diego and pick any food truck at random. You’re bound to find some tasty, and most importantly, cheap eats at every turn.