These California vacations won’t break the bank, according to a local.

My first tip for affordable California travel while hardly groundbreaking is toplan a road trip.

Below are 13 places I recommend for an affordable California vacation.

Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sierra Nevada Range, Fall colors, Eastern Sierra’s Fall, Fall with water, lake with boats, red canoe on lake, Crystal Crag, Twin Lakes - Mammoth Lakes

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Most of these Ive visited myself, while a few are part of my mental travel vision board.

Big Bear Lake

I love asmall mountain town, and Big Bear Lake is particularly likable.

On Tuesday mornings from April to September, check out the local farmers market.

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The property has just 42 adorable rooms and six cabins.

A private beach, pool, hot tub, sauna and more are additions expected sometime this year.

Also new to the scene and worth considering isSessions Retreat & Hotel.

Newport Beach, CA - January 09: Orcas swim off the coast of Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. For nearly a month, orcas have been swimming off Southern California, feasting on dolphins and attracting people to see these majestic mammals in nature.

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There are 14 cottages and 10 dorm-style cottages, all available 365 days a year.

Reservations open daily for dates six months out, and theyre booked pretty much immediately.

They did discover gold in the Sierra Nevada range, and hardscrabble mountain life along with it.

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Courtesy of California State Parks

And its relative remoteness makes it a quietly beautiful and affordable place to explore.

If youre new to the area, head to Auburn first.

Both have been beautifully restored and make a great home base for experiencing the area.

Sierra Nevada Range at sunrise

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And while climbing Whitney requires training (anda permit), otherhikes in the areado not.

Exploring in the nearbyAlabama Hills National Scenic Areais a must, too.

you might boulder on gorgeous golden rocks here, or hike around the otherworldly preserve ontrails of various lengths.

Mendocino Coastal Botanical Garden

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For great local eats, I always stop atGreat Basin BakeryandErick Schats Bakery.

For an even grander trip, connect this one with Mammoth Lakes, which is just 45 minutes north.

Another home base for a Mendocino wine foray isHopland(with a population around 1,025).

A couple enjoy a day exploring the California coast.

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If youd rather immerse in nature, Mendocino is equally ideal for that.

I always spend a few hours in both Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park.

InFort Bragg, check out Glass Beach and ride theSkunk Train.

Mt. Shasta and abandoned cabin, taken from Little Shasta Valley, California

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For woodsy accommodations, book a glamping tent atMendocino Grove.

Other activities include exploring nearby Capitola or hiking in Wilder Ranch State Park or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Visitors can also head into Klamath National Forest for adventures on Kangaroo Lake and tovisit a farmor two.

Dillon beach is a small town along California Coast in Marin County

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Or, jump the tracks and check intoCave Springs, which has modern rooms and Airstream trailers.

Or, you canswim in a lakeor soak in a natural hot spring with the Sierras as your backdrop.

For easy eats, tryStellar Brew & Natural CafeandElixir Superfood & Juice.

Yosemite National Park

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To get the lay of the land, book the two-hourYosemite Valley Floor Tour.

It takes place on open-air shuttles when its warm and motor coach buses during the cold months.

Stops highlight incredible valley vistas like Tunnel View (famously photographed by Ansel Adams) and Bridalveil Fall.

Lush, green vineyard in late spring covering vast rolling hills. Green vines contrast dirt roads splitting the rows of grape vines. Romantic sky with dramatic clouds add to the beautiful landscape

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It can be affordable to stay right in the valley, too.

Wherever you land within the park, you might fill days with stunning rambles and hikes.

However, just like the Crystal Cove cottages, scoring an accommodation reservation here is a feat.

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Bookings open one year and a day out, so advance planning is required.

Near downtown Paso, exploreTin City, an industrial marketplace with more wine, beer, and great eats.

And for the bargain price of $10 a day, soak in the mineral-rich waters ofFranklin Hot Springs.

Park bench by the ocean at Cambria California

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AddKings Careyto your list (four wines for $20, or six for $30).

For affordable accommodations in Solvang, theres the 20-roomNew Haven Inn.

Other stylish spots in the area with affordable rates includeAlamo Motel,Skyview Los Alamos, andHotel Ynez.

The best croissant (and seasonal peach scone) Ive had in the state is atBijou Bakery.

Breakfast tacos and bowls atHidden Kitchenare delicious.

And most folks dont stop by here without having a seafood dinner atSchooners.

For casual, on-the-beach rooms, look intoShoreline Inn.

For a stylish stay, considerThe Pacific Motel.