California cities like Los Angeles regularly show up on the “Most Expensive Cities” lists for the United States. Despite this fact, there are tons of inexpensive weekend getaways in Southern California that are accessible and affordable! Whether you are looking for budget vacations near Los Angeles or are willing to drive a bit farther, it can all be found on this list.
California is well known for being pretty pricey to live in or visit. Yet, despite housing some of the most expensive cities in the USA, California offers a surprising number of cheap activities and free things to do if you know where to look.
I’ve been exploring all the hidden (and not so hidden) corners of Southern California for nearly 15 years, and have found plenty of favorites that I keep on visiting again and again.
I’ve put together this list of ten cheap weekend getaways in Southern California to help budget travelers explore SoCal smarter and cheaper. From hiking and camping, to lounging on the beach, to discovering off-beat sites, there is something on this list for everyone.
There are plenty of opportunities in SoCal to relax and make some great memories without breaking the bank. From beachfront locales to rugged parks to strikingly vast viewpoints, these 10 great weekend getaways in Southern California will provide you with just the escape you’re looking for.
Keep on reading for some inspiration!
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1. Hiking and Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is one of my most favorite places on earth. I cannot even count the number of times I’ve visited, because Joshua Tree simply never gets old.
The incredible scenery is full of rugged mountains, unique rocks, and spiky-but-lovable-plants is so gorgeous. Not to mention, this desert park sunny blue skies almost every day of the year.
Frankly, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see.
Inside the park, most things are free. Hiking the trails, hitting all the best photo spots, and learning more about these spindly yucca plants comes at no cost.
In fact, the only thing that will cost you money inside the park is a campsite, which will be around $25-$30 per night. You can check the reservation system here to book.
Entry into the park costs $30 per car, not per person. So theoretically, you could pile multiple people into one car and split the cost, making it super-affordable.
Or, if you frequent the national parks, consider buying the America the Beautiful Pass. It is valid for one full year and provides entry into all USA national parks.
- Entry Fees: $30 per car; valid for 7 days.
- Accommodation: Camping (both reservations and first-come-first-serve available.
- Miscellaneous: Be aware that campsites do sell out, so this is something you should arrange in advance!
- Drive: Approximately 3 hours to drive from LA to Joshua Tree.
2. A Cheap Malibu Getaway
I bet you would never expect Malibu of all places to be included on a “cheap” list! But it’s true, it is completely possible to explore Malibu on a budget.
First, it is completely free and legal to park along much of the Pacific Coast Highway and stroll down to the beach. Even at popular places like El Matador State Beach, you can avoid the paid lot and find free parking this way.
Second, entry onto the sandy beaches is completely free to the public, even the state park beaches. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the Pacific Ocean and enjoy watching all the sea creatures at no cost.
And, though you will see some high end restaurants around Malibu, there are also loads of budget eateries for lunches and dinners along the PCH, too.
On the land side of the PCH sit some of Southern California’s best hikes, complete with panoramic ocean views along the trail. And, camping in Leo Carrillo State Park is cheap and scenic.
Here is a detailed breakdown on how to spend a day in Malibu, from where to go, what to do, where to eat, and more. Malibu is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore!
- Entry Fees: None.
- Accommodation: Camping at Leo Carrillo is roughly $45.
- Miscellaneous: Malibu stretches across roughly 28 miles of coastline. Drive the entire length for spectacular views!
- Drive: 30 minutes – 1 hour from LA.
3. Red Rock Canyon State Park for a Secluded Weekend
This small park is such a hidden gem! Somehow, Red Rock Canyon State Park has stayed very under the radar to locals, despite being an easy 2-ish hour drive from Los Angeles.
This park features tall desert cliffs with dramatic shapes and vivid red stripes. The hikes are beautiful, and it’s easy to feel like you’re in Arizona or Utah rather than California.
Camping is all first-come-first-serve; no online reservations can be made. That said, I’ve never seen the park fill to capacity, even on weekends.
Check out my in-depth guide on hiking and camping in Red Rock Canyon State Park for more details.
- Entry Fees: The latest info can be found here.
- Accommodation: Camping is $25 per night.
- Miscellaneous: Don’t miss the rocks near the Ricardo Campground! Those are the most stunning in my opinion.
- Drive: 2 hours from LA.
4. Anza Borrego Desert State Park for Stargazing and Hiking
Another under-the-radar park in California, Anza Borrego definitely delivers on the “cheap weekend getaways” front. Anza Borrego Desert State Park is designated BLM land, which – in terms of budget – means camping here will be free here.
You read that correctly. Free!
This is an incredibly large park to explore, with tons of wild and rugged land as far as the eye can see. I have a few favorite hikes in Anza Borrego, and I highly recommend choosing at least one to try out!
Consider hiking The Slot, a narrow canyon that is tucked down between steep cliffs. Or, visit Palm Canyon Trail to see an oasis in the desert. Note that Palm Canyon does carry a day use fee (more info in the linked article.)
Anza Borrego is also one of California’s many Dark Sky Parks, meaning the stargazing is incredible. If you are into astrophotography, this place is a treat. It’s far enough away from all the big cities to showcase the night sky uninterrupted. You have to see it at least once.
If camping is not your thing, you can find cheap lodging in the small town of Borrego Springs, which is literally surrounded by the park. It’s a cute wild west town full of charm.
- Entry Fees: Free or $10 per day for day use areas.
- Accommodation: Camping is FREE.
- Miscellaneous: Don’t miss the metal dinosaur sculptures in Galleta Meadows if you’re in the mood for some art!
- Drive: 3.25 hours from LA.
5. Fun in the Sun in Palm Springs
For anyone who is getting sick of all of the camping options, then a weekend in Palm Springs is likely for you. A sunny, bright, scenic town with purple mountains and palm trees at every turn sounds pretty great, right?
And even better are all of the incredible restaurants, sparkling blue pools, and even green stretches of grass for the golfers out there. The Moorten Botanical Garden and the Aerial Tramway are two of the best choices.
Basically, there are endless things to do for every type of traveler here.
Hikers should check out the nearby Indian Canyons for some great trails. The Andreas Canyon and Palm Canyon trails are great options for all hiking abilities.
Plenty of affordable hotels and lodging are scattered throughout Palm Springs, and I’m incredibly thankful that this area has stayed relatively affordable despite it’s popularity.
🏠 Pro Tip: I always get the best hotel prices here!
And, while I don’t typically stay at the pricier resorts, many of them offer day passes to the mineral pools which are usually worth a visit.
- Entry Fees: None.
- Accommodation: get the best prices on accommodations right here!
- Miscellaneous: Definitely check out the Moorten Botanical Garden or the Aerial Tramway
- Drive: 2.75 hours from LA.
6. Endless Views at Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is the largest National Park in the contiguous United States. I vividly remember my first visit to the park, and how awe-inspiring the views were!
This park has so much to offer that it’s difficult to sum up. Due to the size of the park, this is the perfect choice to explore over a long weekend getaway.
Some of the highlights include Badwater Basin – the lowest point in all of North America; Artist’s Palette, a natural, colorful wash against the rugged mountains; and, the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes, a seemingly-endless stretch of golden sand dunes that took me straight back to the Liwa Desert near Abu Dhabi.
Death Valley is truly a sight to see. Definitely don’t miss the views at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley for amazing sunrise or sunset views.
There are cabins and even a resort available to rent inside the park, but these are decidedly expensive, in my opinion. To create a budget friendly weekend getaway in SoCal, consider camping for roughly ~$30 per night here.
- Entry Fees: $25 per vehicle for 7 days.
- Accommodation: ~$30 for in-park campgrounds.
- Miscellaneous: Start your hikes early! Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth. Make sure you’re prepared with the proper desert hiking essentials.
- Drive: 4.25 hours from LA.
7. The Quirky Trona Pinnacles
Another incredibly cheap option for a SoCal weekend getaway is a visit to the Trona Pinnacles in Inyo County, about 3.5 hours north of Los Angeles.
This place is awesome because it’s so obscure.
You’ve probably seen this location at some point on television or in the movies. The Trona Pinnacles have served as a backdrop in the film industry many times over, yet it remains relatively unheard of outside of Southern California.
Camping is also free at the Trona Pinnacles, which is a bonus you just can’t beat. This means that besides gas money, this weekend trip can be completely free!
Pro Tip: I recommend setting up your tent fairly close to the tall tufas, as the wind can get pretty crazy here overnight.
- Entry Fees: None.
- Accommodation: Camping; Free.
- Miscellaneous: This is NOT a good place to go if the roads are muddy and you don’t have 4WD! In dry conditions, any car can make it.
- Drive: 3.5 hours from LA.
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8. Go Offbeat at Salvation Mountain
Smack dab in the middle of the dry California desert – not too far from Anza Borrego, in fact – sits the odd and unique Slab City.
Slab City is somewhat of an artist’s-haven – a city built on one man’s heartfelt belief in Christianity, personified.
Salvation Mountain is one of the highlights of this art installation – a colorful, climbable, squatter’s city in the desert. Though the founder is no longer living, his colorful creation lives on and draws curious visitors in to explore.
The bright swathes of paint against the dry desert backdrop reminds me quite a bit of Seven Magic Mountains in Nevada – both offer a colorful juxtaposition of the manmade versus the natural environment.
It’s possible to do a bit of car camping here too, if you’re up for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels in nearby Niland.
- Entry Fees: None.
- Accommodation: Car camping or nearby motels.
- Miscellaneous: If you happen to be in the area, this is worth a visit!
- Drive: Just under 4 hours from LA.
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9. Santa Barbara for Nature and Art
If arts and culture are more your style, then the chill Santa Barbara vibes might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Many of the highlights of Santa Barbara can be explored by foot, so it’s a great walking destination. Delicious food, stylish breweries, and eclectic art studios practically litter the streets of the popular Funk Zone. And, there is even an art museum if you want to explore your arts side further.
If you are up for some hiking, the nearby Gaviota Wind Caves hike is my top choice in the area. Or, if you’d rather lounge at the beach, Santa Barbara is right on the coast and has a long stretch of peaceful sand in front of the Pacific.
For sleeping, here is my go-to site for flexible bookings and free cancellation options. Santa Barbara is a pricey place to live but it is possible to visit on a budget.
- Entry Fees: None. Budget food/drink or museum ticket prices accordingly.
- Accommodation: ~$40 and up.
- Miscellaneous: Some of the art studios will offer demonstrations of their process, from painting to ceramics.
- Drive: 2 hours from LA.
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10. The Small Town of Julian for Famous Apple Pies
Last on the list of weekend getaways on a budget is tiny little Julian, a small town with a big reputation for it’s famous apple pies.
Nestled near the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian is near to everything from casinos, to Anza Borrego to Salvation Mountain. It’s an easy stop from nearby San Diego.
Apple pies can be found in just about every small shop and bakery in town. They are not necessarily all made equal – try to get a fresh-baked pie rather than a packaged ones. It will make a difference!
In addition to the apple pies, one thing that I appreciate about this town is that it has all four seasons – a rarity in Southern California! Go in spring or fall for beautiful scenery.
Julian is still a small town, though quite well-known in California. You can find hotels within the $60-$70 range if you book in advance.
- Entry Fees: None. Just the cost of the pies!
- Accommodation: ~$60-$70 range for cheaper motels (get the best prices here!)
- Miscellaneous: Visit in spring or fall for a gorgeous stroll around town.
- Drive: 2 hours from LA.
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I hope that this list gives you loads of inspiration on finding the best cheap vacations in Southern California! There is so much to add to your Southern California bucket list, all within driving distance from LA.
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