Low Budget through California: Free Highlights for a USA Vacation

From free Hollywood spots in Los Angeles to free museums in San Francisco and natural wonders around San Diego: We'll show you how to experience the highlights of the Golden State without breaking the bank.

A road trip through California is on many people's bucket list. Some may have postponed it for political reasons, while others avoid it due to high costs. But it doesn't have to be expensive. If you can forgo luxury accommodations and know which attractions cost little or no money, you can plan a road trip on a budget.

We've compiled a list of tips on which highlights you can enjoy in California without ending up with a huge hole in your travel budget.

Let's start in the City of Angels. Some love it, others hate it, but the fact is: Los Angeles should not be missed on a California road trip. Here you can (with a bit of luck) not only meet real stars, but you can also visit the resting places of already deceased stars, completely free of charge.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located near the Paramount Studios on Santa Monica Boulevard and is designed like a huge park. When you walk here, you quickly forget that you are in the middle of a major city, as there is a wonderful calm. On this cemetery, you can find the graves of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Johnny Ramone.

A classic that's also free: a walk to the world-famous Hollywood Sign. It's best to use the Brush Canyon Trail, which starts at the end of Canyon Drive. There are free parking spaces there. The trail is well-marked, and after about one and a half miles, you should cross the Mulholland Trail. Here you turn right at the next intersection and continue on Mt. Lee Drive. This takes you directly behind the Hollywood Sign. You should allocate about three hours and bring enough water.

The Griffith Observatory is also a highlight in Los Angeles. A personal tip: Stop by the In-N-Out Burger at 3640 Cahuenga Boulevard and grab a delicious meal. Then drive up to the Griffith Observatory, about 15 minutes away, and enjoy the burgers with a fantastic view over L.A.-especially beautiful in the evening. You can do this even outside the observatory's opening hours, as the park is still open and you can walk around the building.

Admission to Universal Studios is very expensive. It's rare to get a ticket for under $120. Although the park is worth it, it's not in everyone's budget. If you still want to get a feel for it, a visit to Universal City Walk, right next to the park, is worthwhile. There you find numerous shops and restaurants that are lavishly designed and exude plenty of Hollywood flair. There's even a Hello-Kitty café. Occasionally, there's live music.

You can even experience culture for free in Los Angeles at the Getty Villa Museum. The museum, dedicated to the art and culture of ancient Mediterranean civilizations, is located in Pacific Palisades. Admission to the extensive art collection is free; you just need an online reservation. However, parking is expensive if you visit by car, costing a hefty $25.

Alongside Los Angeles, San Francisco is another popular destination in California and fits well into a road trip. A free attraction is also one of the newest: Sunset Dunes Park. A nearly two-mile section of the former Great Highway has been transformed into a vast recreation center. The park is perfect for walking, biking, and jogging; murals and sculptures appear throughout, and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean.

If you want to see more of the city, numerous free guided tours are available. Recently, there are so-called Guru Tours with 'open-minded, attentive, and fun people with extensive knowledge of the city,' according to a press release. These tours cover topics such as food and history or the 'Hidden Stairways.' Pre-registration is required, and some free tours are even available in German.

If you're interested in bizarre crime stories, be sure to join the free 'Vice Tour.' It takes place every Friday at 6 PM, starts at Union Square, goes through Chinatown, and ends in North Beach. Tips are appreciated.

San Francisco indeed offers several free attractions. You can even join a team of volunteers on Wednesday or Thursday mornings who take care of the gardens on Alcatraz Island, giving you a free taste of the island.

Additionally, many museums in San Francisco offer free admission, for example, on a specific day of the month. These include the M.H. de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor art museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers (all on the first Tuesday of the month), the Contemporary Jewish Museum (first Friday of the month), the Museum of the African Diaspora (second Saturday of the month), and the Asian Art Museum (first Sunday of the month).

The Museum of Modern Art also offers permanently accessible art pieces. The exhibitions at the California Science Center-including the Space Shuttle Endeavour-are freely accessible. Visitors also always have free entry to the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, the Cable Car Museum, the Hamon Observation Tower at the M.H. de Young Museum, and the historical Palace of Fine Arts.

Furthermore, many highlights in San Francisco are free anyway, such as the Painted Ladies, the famous Lombard Street, or a walk to Fisherman's Wharf, including a visit to the sea lions there. A comprehensive list of all free things to do in San Francisco can be found here.

San Diego lies south of Los Angeles and is also known as 'America's finest city.' No wonder, with its gorgeous sandy beaches, abundant sunshine, and relaxed atmosphere. The proximity to the Mexican border creates a fascinating blend of Californian ease and Mexican flair.

About two hours northeast of San Diego is Borrego Springs, a desert town surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A special highlight is the over 130 large metal sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda in the Galleta Meadows Estate. These freely accessible artworks depict prehistoric animals, desert creatures, and even a nearly 10-meter-long dragon. A visit is free.

Swimming while watching sea lions? In San Diego, that's no problem: The Children's Pool in La Jolla was originally designed as a safe swimming area for children, but it's now mainly known for its seal population. Visitors can observe the animals up close, but should keep a respectful distance as they are wild creatures. The combination of wildlife observation and picturesque coastal scenery makes this a popular spot for locals and travelers.

Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego, and it offers over five square kilometers of museums, gardens, and historic buildings. Many museums offer free admission on specific Tuesdays of the month, including the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Additionally, you can explore the botanical garden, Palm Canyon, and other green spaces for free.

Let's stay in nature: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park stretches along the Pacific coast and offers dramatic cliff formations, sea caves, and breathtaking sunsets. A popular walking trail is the Sunset Bluffs Trail, a nearly 1.5-mile loop offering spectacular ocean views. However, caution is advised here, as some sections can be steep and uneven.

In San Diego, you can explore an entire city district with an Italian flair-for free. Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood, once shaped by Italian fishermen and now known for its culinary scene and cultural events. A highlight is the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market, which takes place every Saturday and offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music. The Piazza della Famiglia serves as a central meeting point and invites you to linger.

In the area around Palm Springs-a great city to explore for free-besides the unfortunately not free Joshua Tree National Park, lies the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. It's a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. Across about 600 hectares, there are oasis landscapes with wetlands, palm groves, and hiking trails. Numerous rare and endangered bird species reside here-ideal for a relaxing walk in pristine nature. Entry is free, and it's especially worth visiting in the early morning hours when wildlife is most active.

If you're traveling in California, you should definitely drive along the famous Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), even if only part of it. The route is one of the most popular in the USA for good reason. There's no toll, so it's free to use. You drive along the cliff, past hidden bays and wonderful beaches. However, parts of the route are occasionally closed, such as around Big Sur, so it's important to keep an eye on current traffic reports.

The charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its picturesque streets, charming cottages, and art galleries. A walk through the town center costs nothing, and you'll feel like you're in a fairy tale, as the houses are truly extraordinary. Carmel Beach, with its white sand and distinctive rock formations, is also free to access and popular with surfers. What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea so special, we've written here.

Near Carmel-by-the-Sea lies Laguna Seca Raceway, best known for its unusual Corkscrew turn. If you visit outside of the racing season, for example in January and February, you can visit the grounds for free. Various paths lead directly along the track, and you can inspect the famous curve up close.

Mono Lake near Mammoth Lakes is one of North America's oldest lakes and is known for its unusual tufa towers. The natural wonder is freely accessible and a fantastic place for bird watching, photography, and nature exploration. You can find Mono Lake on the border to the state of Nevada, about 12 miles northeast of the famous Yosemite National Park and directly on US Route 395.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net, and the best travel deals on our deal page.

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