Cheap Southern California Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List
By PAVLO FEDYKOVYCH
Ventura is a budget-friendly town with fantastic beaches that stretch for miles. Surfing and kitesurfing are popular, and Scenic Harbor Boulevard is great for walking.
Ventura
The Ventura Botanical Gardens is only $7 per ticket and offers a breathtaking panorama of the coast. Harmon Canyon is another must-visit spot for nature lovers with no entry fee.
Big Bear is a year-round destination that offers skiing and snowboarding, scenic hiking trails, romantic fall foliage, and laid-back water enjoyment.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Snow Play is a top family-friendly winter option, with a rate of $45 for a whole day of snow tubing. If you like skiing, you can get a daily lift pass for as low as $99.
This town has ideal surfing waves and boasts a dedicated Surf Museum with a $7 admission fee. You can have a fantastic time on the beach without spending a penny.
Oceanside
After the beach, head to Sea Lion Island to spot cute marine mammals, or check out Buena Vista Lagoon to see more SoCal flora and fauna up close — both for free.
Oxnard is packed with budget-friendly attractions, gorgeous ocean vistas, wave-riding opportunities, and cheap taco trucks that dot the town's streets.
Oxnard
Oxnard State Beach Park and Silver Strand are spectacular stretches of the Pacific. Take a Channel Islands National Park tour for $63, or visit the Murphy Auto Museum for $10.
LA is a multifaceted megacity with lots of affordable things to do. The Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the California Science Center are all free to visit.
Los Angeles
For a cheaper commute, switch to the metro. The Walk of Fame, Lake Shrine, LA Central Library, and The Broad are also free, and you can get street food for under $15.