Would you like to go on a California getaway?

California is one of the best states in America and one of my favorites if I’m being honest. I love being surrounded by palm trees while walking around the beach with a cocktail in my hand. There are many lovely things you could see on a California getaway, offering a plethora of natural wonders, world-renowned attractions, architectural marvels, and out-of-this-world shops.

You can find stunning hotels and rentals, divine foods, incredible performances, and concerts, and you’ll never get bored. And if you’re lucky enough to rent a room on one of the top floors, the view never gets old.

So, if a California getaway sounds like a dream for you, I have good news: you can travel to the Golden State without breaking the bank. If you’re ready for vacation, keep reading!

6. Pismo Beach

If you want to enjoy the beach life in beautiful California, you should give Pismo Beach a try. This gorgeous city inspires people to live a  slower-paced life with activities in nature that are budget-friendly.

You can go to the fabulous Pismo Beach Pier and admire the colorful sunset and take some Instagram-worthy pictures. The long stretch of sand with the stunning background never gets old.

If you want to enjoy this California getaway with your family, you can visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove to see the loveliest orange and black butterflies clinging to branches. After that, head to Pismo State Beach to have a fishing, swimming, or surfing session.

Depending on where you find accommodation, where you eat, and what activities you engage in, you can spend roughly $2,000 per person for a week in Pismo Beach. Even though it might seem like a lot of money, travel experts say that this is one of the most affordable California gateways.

5. Dunsmuir

We continue with these fabulous California gateways, and this time we’ll talk about Dunsmuir. If you love spending time in nature, a small mountain town with out-of-this-world waterfalls and stunning hiking trails is the perfect destination for you.

Check out Mossbrae Falls and Hedge Creek Falls to enjoy some amazing experiences, and if you want to walk around dense forests and lovely trails, you can check out Castle Crags State Park. Of course, the costs depend on accommodations and activities, but according to sources, 7 days in Dunsmuir will cost an individual around $1,700.

4. Big Bear Lake

If you haven’t found your dream California getaway yet, don’t worry; we still have many things to talk about, so bear with me. You can have a wonderful vacation and save money at the same time by visiting Big Bear Lake in the summer.

While many visit Big Bear Lake in the colder season for skiing, summer offers budget-friendly camping and hiking opportunities. Moreover, being there in the warmer months can be just as fun because you can rent budget-friendly campsites and cabins and have the best time fishing and hiking.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you can go to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to see beautiful foxes, grizzly bears, flying squirrels, snow leopards, and Virginia opossums. And if you find birds interesting, you’ll be happy to watch golden eagles, American crows, mallard ducks, and sparrowhawks. As for the price, you’ll spend around $1,600 for a week in the Big Bear Lak, but it’s going to be the California getaway of a lifetime.

3. Sacramento

Sacramento is the Golden State’s capital and one of the most gorgeous places you could ever visit. You won’t get bored here because the city offers a plethora of fun activities, tourist attractions, and budget-friendly hotels and restaurants.

You can explore everything the city has to offer by using the public transit system, which, by the way, works wonderfully, or rent a bike and get some exercise in at the same time.

If you decide to book a California getaway in Sacramento, you must visit the California State Capitol Museum. It was built in the late 19th century, and the Neoclassical-style architecture is amazing. A week of fun in Sacramento costs around $1,600 per person, but you can always find more affordable hotels and places to eat to save more money.

How would you describe a perfect California getaway? We’re curious to know what your dream vacation looks like, so let us know in the comments below. And if you have any suggestions on what you’d like to read from Adventure in America, feel free to tell us.

2. Eureka

Have you ever been to Eureka? If not, this is the perfect time to visit it. A trip to this lovely, historic seaside town is all you need to recharge and relax. You’ll enjoy all of these gorgeous hiking trails, waterfront parks, and great dining and lodging spots, and your mind will thank you.

Put your walking shoes on (check these ones out, they’re supreme and very comfy) and go on a stroll downtown, and you’ll be amazed by the impressive Victorian-era buildings, fantastic art galleries, and museums. If you’re into antiques and vintage items, you’re in luck, because there are lots of antique stores there waiting to be discovered.

You can also check out some of the most popular tourist attractions, like Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Renaissance-style Clarke Historical Museum, the Sequoia Park Zoo, Carson Mansion, and Sequoia Park Garden.

This California getaway is a relaxing oasis, ideal for water sports lovers. The town is known for having incredible kayaking and boating tours, as well as fishing and clamming areas. This is quite an affordable place to visit, as it costs around $1,500 for an entire week of relaxation and adventure.

1. Redding

We’re almost done with these incredible destinations for a wonderful California gateway, but we couldn’t end this article without mentioning one of the most affordable cities in the Golden State: Redding.

This stunning city in Northern California has lots of affordable attractions for any budget. Nature lovers will be happy to hear that they can spend 15 minutes driving west of Redding to arrive at the expansive Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and explore the brilliant natural space. You can try horseback riding, hiking, or biking, and you’ll have the time of your life. Not to mention, these are all budget-friendly activities, so it’s amazing.

History enthusiasts, I have something for you as well: you can learn more about the gorgeous Golden State by going to the Shasta State Historic Park and walking through impressive buildings dating back to the 1800s. These stunning constructions include a brewery, a blacksmith’s shop, farming tools, and a barn with a stagecoach, so it will be like a trip to the past.

After exploring the wonderful ghost town, take a few moments to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch on the picnic benches. This California getaway will cost you around $1,500 for a week, but I guarantee you’ll cherish these moments forever.

Which of these California getaway destinations is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! If you enjoyed reading this article and you want to check out something else from Adventure in America, here’s a fantastic post for you: Top 8 Oldest US Settlements You Can Still Visit