California – staying on a budget

The beaches of California are an iconic image that attracts visitors to the golden state from all around the world, but staying there normally comes with a price tag. Here are some ideas for places that will help you to enjoy Californian hospitality on a budget. Rather than head for the usual tourist hotels, with rates that could blow most holiday budgets out of the water before you even start to enjoy yourself, why not consider affordable beach pads, campsites or maybe even budget inns.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, located in the heart of Crystal Cove State Park, will provide you with a bohemian holiday experience. The cottages, which were built in the 1930’s, have been restored and are either directly on the beach or looking out to sea from a bluff top. There is good cafe within the heart of the area with a takeaway Shake Shack, which is very useful as the cottages don’t have ovens. Well we did say it was bohemian but on the plus side, the views are outstanding and two people can pay under $60 per night for the experience  

Camping is always a cheap way of taking a holiday and if you are likely to get good weather then it is a more than acceptable budget choice. For a unique camping experience why not try the Water Canyon Campsite in Santa Rosa on the Channel Islands. You reach the islands by boat off the coast of Santa Barbara and you will certainly be rewarded if you make the effort. The islands are known as California’s answer to the Galapagos Islands and you will witness plenty of wildlife on land and out at sea with dolphins as regular visitors. You can camp for about $15 a night and you will definitely feel at one with nature if take the opportunity to visit, just be prepared for extreme winds due to the location.

If that is a bit too extreme for you, you could consider somewhere like La Jolla Inn which is in La Jolla near San Diego. This is a beach area with numerous coves and is a haven for snorkelers and surfers and La Jolla Inn offers a great base with rooms that have balconies looking out to sea and rooms can be booked for around $120 per night, you think the view is even worth that on its own. Last but not least, for the romantics amongst us, you can impress your partner with a beautiful and tranquil setting even on a budget. The Beachcomber Inn is on the Lost Coast, aptly named as the rolling mist and dramatic cliff edges create a memorable image and tranquillity to enjoy with your loved one. The Inn is situated in an isolated location and there are only six rooms all with their own personality, boasting roaring fires or private decks for your own personal view of what almost seems like a lost world, yours for about $80 per night. If you are planning a visit to the Golden State, whatever you choose to do or wherever you stay, try to take an alternative view to the average tourist and you are likely to be well rewarded with a memorable experience.  Written by Gemma Hobbs, a writer and travel enthusiast who shares her thoughts on behalf of Jackpot Party