Baby Beach, with its calm waters, is perfect for little kids and teens eager to kayak or paddleboard—plus parking is free—and Pine Park has play structures for kids to climb with fantastic views. ... 10 Great California Beach Resorts The Best Beaches Near Santa Cruz, for Every Type of Traveler California's Central Coast: The Complete Guide ... Where to Camp at New Brighton State Beach Near Santa Cruz Finding a place to stay in Santa Cruz sounds easy. “ Our room looked out at the coast and the harbor where we could watch the wildlife, the humans diving and running the beach … There are lots of great cheap beach … The area is scenic and just isolated enough to have the makings of a truly memorable California beach vacation. Here are 11 cheap weekend getaways in California to check out. It's packed with rental houses and not far from the Tomales oyster farms and Point Reyes (also known as the windiest place on the Pacific Coast). Beach destinations have gotten a certain reputation of being touristy and overpriced, but not all beach spots are the same. If you’re searching for an idyllic weekend escape where you can enjoy some alone time with the one you love, you’ll find that you’re spoiled for choice in California with its beautiful destinations and romantic resorts.To help you choose the best of the best, these perfect weekend getaways are … Many people crave a relaxing beach vacation to lounge, party, and play but think they can’t afford to make the trip. Near the mouth of Tomales Bay, the little village of Dillon Beach sits on the hillside above the ocean. If you’re looking for an affordable California vacation, there are some great cities, towns, and recreation areas that won’t break the bank. With a reputation as one of the most expensive states in the U.S., California (thankfully) still has some economically sound places to reside – if you know where to look. What is the best neighborhood to stay at in California? “ This is a nice place to be while in Monterey, a block from the beachfront coastal bike path, near the pier, and next to El Estero Park, where paddle boats can be rented. Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, the centrally located marina town of Dana Point is a relaxing spot for families yearning for a cheap California beach vacation. La Jolla , Mission Beach , and Hollywood are popular with other travelers visiting California. However, this is a huge state with a wide variety of places to see that suit any type of budget. Surf, sun and year-round moderate temperatures can sometimes come at a cost. Popular places to stay in California include hotels near Santa Monica Pier, Levi's Stadium, and La Jolla Cove. Daniel MacDonald/Getty Images.