However, some places in this region of the state are far more affordable than others, so it’s still very possible to get your SoCal fix without going broke. Be sure to visit The Great Zoltar, a vintage coin-operated fortune teller who speaks and moves as he dispenses his prophecy on a card through a slot in the machine. The amusement park’s roller coaster and other rides, the plethora of games in the arcade, and the street performers make it a perfect California family outing for kids and grownups alike. Popularized in Italy, agritourism has grown globally, and with California’s agricultural heritage, Paso Robles is a great fit for agri-experiences. As you make your way down the coast, Southern California has some of the most incredible romantic weekend getaways for couples to visit. (Don’t ask me what that means. Nobu is a celebrity dining favorite, but if you want to tap into a real holdover from the bohemian and hippy era, head up to nearby Topanga Canyon. There are multiple campgrounds here that offer very affordable rates. You can find hotels on a budget here and have easy beach access too. An elegant and informal artist colony, the seaside town of Laguna Beach is a seven-mile stretch of coastline punctuated by scenic coves, curvy canyons, and small streets lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Head into the nondescript town of Borrego Springs for margaritas and Mexican fare at Carmelita’s Mexican Grill. Mojave National Preserve offers solitude, remote desert landscapes, and hiking and horseback riding recreation. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Rock climbers will also enjoy Suicide Rock and Tahquitz Peak. Regalo Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Ojai Olive Oil are both family-owned presses dating back to the mid-1800s era of the Spanish missions when the valley had a communal olive press. Natural areas, like Mojave National Preserve, allow travelers to get to know the fascinating landscapes and habitats of Southern California and spend their days doing budget-friendly activities, like hiking and camping. You can find surprisingly affordable hotel accommodations here and play areas for kids to work out their energy. Please fill out highlighted fields and click "Compare Prices" to continue. Hiram’s Resort in Florida, Top 15 Airbnbs for Hiking Among Fall Foliage, 20 Best Scenic Hikes in the United States. Take the 10-minute trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar, for the two-and-one-half mile long ride along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to Mt. Indulge in a beach outing, island escape, and desert exploration. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. You can also save some money while visiting SoCal if you stay and spend your time in Ventura, which is just north of Los Angeles. Also make time for a visit to the Sawdust Festival where over 200 Laguna Beach artists exhibit their works, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and textiles, wood and metal sculpture, hand-blown and fused glass, photography, and even scrimshaw. For a central, walkable location in one of L.A.’s most glamorous neighborhoods, consider a stay at Mr. C Beverly Hills. Cross the street for a scenic stroll along Palisades Park at the top of the sandstone bluffs with its infinite views of the Pacific Ocean coastline. Just outside of central Palm Springs is the shopper’s haven of El Paseo. Even the water is chemical-free, treated by reverse osmosis, then alkalinized. Many will recognize Santa Monica and Venice from films, photos, and Beach Boys songs. Nightly rates for cheap resorts in California are starting from $115 this weekend. These neighboring beach towns are synonymous with popular images of SoCal. If all the touring has left you tired, there’s no need to leave the property for dinner. This is a beach town that’s beautiful and that offers reasonable rates, as far as accommodations in this area go. The town retains an updated Bohemian vibe and is host to seasonal arts festivals including the Ojai Valley Music Festival, Ojai Valley Film Festival, and Ojai Shakespeare Festival. San Diego is always a top SoCal destination for families and groups of friends, but nearby Carlsbad is also fun and considerably more affordable. Make it a day of “vineyard sports” visiting some of the various wineries offering outdoor games. Looking for a break with the family, a romantic getaway with a significant other, or perhaps even a solo retreat? Joshua Tree National Park is another great SoCal destination to visit because you can spend all day here enjoying budget-friendly outdoor adventures. Savor some coastal cuisine and local regional wines at the Inn’s Carbon Beach Club where you can dine al fresco on the terrace. Here are 11 cheap weekend getaways in California to check out. It’s only a couple hours from L.A. and has endless things to do, including some beautiful trails to hike and bike. When winter comes around, you can come here for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. This street tends to remind people of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with its many upscale shops that blend the flavors and ambiance of the past with the present. Make cheap vacations in Southern California luxurious! What is the price for cheap resorts in California this weekend? and privacy policy. For a desert experience completely different from Palm Springs, visit Anza-Borrego, home to California’s largest state park. Solvang has an iconic windmill, cute shops, tempting bakeries, and very walkable streets to explore on foot. Catalina Island For a relaxing stay that’s walking distance to everything, including the Third Street Promenade’s shopping and dining, check in to the contemporary Oceana Santa Monica. Ojai is a charming town that’s the place to be if you’re looking for arts, culture, and spirituality. In the downtown area, you’ll find shops and restaurants to explore. Its Mediterranean microclimate is perfect for olive growing, making the Ojai Valley area a destination for olive oil lovers. Visitors flock to Laguna in the summer, not just for the beach, but for the annual Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters, a 90-minute narrated performance of tableaux vivants (living pictures), set on a stage in an outdoor amphitheater with actors posing in hyper-realistic, recreated works of classical and contemporary art that will fool your eyes. 8 Incredible Weekend Getaways in Southern California for Every Traveler Looking for a break with the family, a romantic getaway with a significant other, or perhaps even a solo retreat? Price estimates were calculated on October 17, 2020. All guest rooms have balconies with unobstructed sea views where you can keep an eye out for the dolphins. Known as “the ‘Bu” by locals and surfers, Malibu is a 21-mile stretch historically known as an enclave for Hollywood celebrities and other affluent entertainment industry residents. With such striking scenery at your feet, rent a bike for a ride through the rural countryside. And if you’ve always dreamed of running away with the circus, take a class at the trapeze school. But you’ll want to pop into Laguna Village to shop, gallery hop, and catch the sunset outdoors while dining on coastal-American cuisine at one of the beachfront restaurants such as The Cliff or Splashes.