Many people dream of taking a trip to sunny California. There is a ton to see and do in this amazing state, and it is definitely worth at least one visit. The sad fact is that many people are not able to see the many awesome sights in “the Golden State” because they either have young children or they don’t think they have the funds to make the trip worth it.
We are here to tell you that you don’t have to let any of those excuses hold you back because there are a ton of amazing things to do in California, and you can actually tour many different locations with a small vacation fund. To help you out with your adventure, we’ll talk about how to save money on packing and general travel, as well as ways to save cash at some of the most popular Cali destinations.
Smart Packing
While there are plenty of ways to save money at specific locations, if you really want to work within your budget, then you need to try a few tactics before you even leave your home. Smart packing can save you a ton of cash during your trip. For instance, instead of buying a new beverage wherever you go, you can pack a reusable water bottle you’ll be able to fill at your leisure. It is also a good idea to pack your own set of travel toiletries that you can use in between stops so you won’t have to buy new items during the trip.
You should also pack with your children’s safety in mind. California is a popular place, so it is possible that you will be in a crowded space from time to time, so pack accordingly. For instance, you can keep your kids safe by packing bright or other easily recognizable clothing, making it easier to pick them out of a crowd if necessary. Pack them now, so you don’t have to buy them later. It is also a good idea to discuss some ground rules before you leave, such as creating a family buddy system to ensure that no one is ever alone and setting a meeting place if they get lost or need help.
Save Money Getting From Point A To B
The fact is that any trip can be made more affordable with the right travel hacks. For starters, if you are flying, then make it a point to look out for cheap flights, which you can do by taking your trip during the off-season (fall, winter) and by taking advantage of the deals offered by the airline, like buying air miles or signing up for a credit card.
When it comes to finding affordable hotels and lodging, you can try bundling the cost of your rooms and rental car for a more comfortable rate. You can also save money by skipping the traditional hotel and instead staying at hostels or going camping. Another option is to rent and use an RV, which will allow you to get everywhere you need to go and will eliminate the need for you to have to spend money on hotel rooms.
Finally, as you go about your trip, you will likely be tempted to try every restaurant you see — but that will kill your budget. While you should try a dish at some of California’s finest eateries, consider doing so for only one meal per day. The rest of the time, you can eat the breakfast supplied by the hotel or go to the grocery store and pack your own lunches for half the cost.
Huntington Beach
Now that you are already saving money, let’s make sure that you can continue to do so as you tour some specific California destinations, starting with Huntington Beach. This is one of the state’s most popular beaches due to its clean water, soft sand, and beautiful coastline. While you could lay on the beach all day, there are other fun activities as well, such as touring downtown Huntington Beach and checking out the International Surfing Museum.
When it comes to your budget, you can save a bundle as there are many free activities that you can enjoy at the beach. For starters, the kids can play in the ocean and build sandcastles. After that, you can search for seashells. While you are looking around, consider renting a metal detector. These devices can provide hours of fun as your kids find hidden treasures under the sand. Plus, if they find any coins down there, you can add them to your vacation budget!
Disneyland
If your kids are old enough to enjoy at least some of the attractions at Disneyland, then you should make a stop for at least a day. There are tons of awesome shows, fun characters, and plenty of great music that kids of all ages are sure to enjoy. If you go at night, then you can view amazing fireworks and see the park under the stars.
Yes, Disneyland is expensive, but if you have your heart set on going, then there are ways to save money. For starters, you can go during the off-season to save money on travel and lodging. You should also bring your own snacks and lunch so you can avoid the expensive restaurants. At a minimum, make it a point to stay at a hotel that is off-site and only pay for the price of a one-day ticket.
Knott’s Berry Farm
If you want the amusement park atmosphere for a fraction of the price, consider visiting the always-awesome Knott’s Berry Farm. There are plenty of rides and attractions for young children and there is a water park so you can float around and enjoy the warm California sun. There is also the Huff and Puff train ride where kids can enjoy a forest adventure with fun characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
Ticket prices at Knott’s Berry Farm are very affordable and can be found for about $70 as of this article. Since you are with your family, you can also purchase a family pack of tickets which will bring the price of a ticket down to about half of the cost. If you are a AAA member or a veteran, you can get a further discount. Check out the website before you go and buy the best ticket for your needs. Again, you can save money by bringing your own food.
Lake Arrowhead
Another wonderful California travel spot is Lake Arrowhead, where you can enjoy amazing scenery, delicious restaurants, and the chance to stay in a comfy cabin if you choose to do so. Families with kids should visit exciting spots like Lollipop Park, which is a small indoor amusement park for children. You can also take a trip on the Lake Arrowhead Queen, which is a paddleboat tour where you can see the gorgeous waterfront and maybe even some ocean life.
The beauty of this place is that you don’t have to pay a cent if you don’t want to because you can spend all day admiring the amazing scenery. If you want to visit some of the businesses and attractions, like the Resort and Spa, then check online for coupons. Hotel stays are also rather affordable.
Santa Monica Pier
If you want to spend an enjoyable afternoon without blowing your budget, then you should take your kids to Santa Monica Pier. Avoid the hassle of parking on the pier itself and save money by parking in downtown Santa Monica and walking the rest of the way. You will see a ton of fun sights and great culture on your way to the pier.
Once you’re there, you’ll be amazed at how much you can do with a limited budget. You can start by walking to the end of the pier so you can see the Pacific Ocean in all of its glory. Then, you can take the kids on the famous ferris wheel and get a bird’s eye view of the glory of California. There are also plenty of street performers, arcade games, and the chance to step in the ocean to cool off.
So there you have it, your budget-friendly itinerary for your amazing trip to California. These locales are just the tip of the iceberg as you will see plenty of other exciting sights just by walking around. Consider these destinations and have a blast without breaking the bank.
