Affordable Staycations in California
Everyone knows California can be pretty expensive - but it doesn't have to be. Outside of the standard tourist attractions there are plenty of beautiful places to take in the state's countryside and culture.
Staycations in California: Recommended rentals
Staycations in California: find your perfect rental from just $87 per night!
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Staycations in California
Whether you’re after a trip to the beach, a trek through the valleys, or a culture-filled city tour, California has it all. The state is bathed in that famous sun all year round, and makes for a perfection vacation anytime of the year.
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1. Russian River
For those looking for a relaxing nature-filled holiday, the Russian River is a wonderful choice. Tree-covered hills roll away from the river itself, filled with wood cabins where you can cosy up for the night. By day, trips down the river or bike-rides through the woods are in order, while at night any number of the area’s excellent restaurants will be happy to host.
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2. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is packed with vineyards, where throughout the year visitors can taste, walk, and drink to their heart’s content. The area has a beautiful climate (between 55 and 85 fahrenheit all year), too. If that wasn't enough to tempt you, then you should think seriously about the Napa Valley Wine Train. It's exactly as good as it sounds - an old-world train with a beautiful dining car where you can eat and sup on wine while you wind through the beauty of rural California.
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3. Monterey
The setting of several of John Steinbeck’s legendary novels, Monterey has everything you’d want from a staycation in California. You can visit the old Cannery Row, drive along the colossal Big Sur coastline, or laze on Carmel Beach. But there are other great options, too. Nearby is the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Here, visitors will find stunning rock formations to take in, but they'll also be able to get up pretty close to some of California's sweetest animals: the southern sea otter and the pocket gopher.
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4. Healdsburg
Another wonderful part of California’s wine country, Healdsburg is a small town full of exquisite food and wine. Healdsburg is known for having one of “America’s Most Beautiful Town Squares”, and a selection of independent stores and spas.
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5. Pismo Beach
Sandwiched between San Francisco and LA, Pismo Beach is the classic beach town. In the day you can explore the boardwalk or go surfing, while at night you can settle in for an evening of fine wine. Probably Pismo Beach's best known attraction, the Pier is definitely worth visiting for alone. It stretches out over 1,200 feet into the ocean.
Best Places to Stay for Staycations in California
Least Crowded Places for a California Staycation
The state can also be pretty crowded, but staycations in California can be anything but hectic. After all, it's a state of beautiful countryside and nature. From the Salinas Valley and across the ocean to Catalina Island, if you're looking for nature, this is the place.
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1. Sonoma
For those visitors looking for a vacation without thousands of people, Sonoma County is a fine choice. All redwood forests, wide-open coastlines, and quaint towns, it’s a great place to get away from it all. If this is to your taste, it's also easy to pick up a couple of horses for a ride through the valleys, western-style.
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2. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is an area of rolling valleys, good food, and relaxing outdoor activities. There are plenty of great hikes, as well as other more vigorous options: kayaking around the cave’s coast is the perfect way to wind down. For those with an interest in history, San Luis Obispo has plenty to offer. There's an old mission, founded in 1772, and a historic downtown area that feels straight out of a western.
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3. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is really a microcosm of the perfect relaxing vacation. Like many islands, it has not just beautiful coastline, but also soaring hills and great seafood. Not only that, but the island has abundant wildlife. There are dolphins and sea lions, as well as a whole array of underwater delights visitors can take in. It’s reachable by a scenic boat ride.
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4. Riverside
For a vacation with a chilled but youthful vibe, visitors could do a lot worse than Riverside. An Inland Empire city and the center of California’s orange fields, the city has great art museums like the Culver Center, as well as the soaring Mount Rubidoux.
Recommended Accommodations for Staycations in California
Information about Staycations in California
| 😎 Least busy month | September |
|---|---|
| 🥳 Busiest month | August |
| 🛏️ Popular home types | House rental and Condo |
| 🌡️ Hottest months | July and August |
| ❄️ Coldest months | 34 °F in January and December |
| 🌧️ Rainiest months | 10 rainy days in March and December |
Staycations in California: frequently asked questions
Staycations in California: What is the price per night for a stay?
The average rate for a vacation rental in California is usually around $540 and $613 per night.
Staycations in California: does HomeToGo offer a wide variety of vacation homes for large groups?
House rental in California usually fits 8 guests.
Staycations in California: what kinds of vacation rentals are available?
You can browse 10,823 Condos and 35,666 House rentals in California right here on HomeToGo.
Average Nightly Rental Prices in California
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Vacation Rental Availability in California
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