Bargain Beach Vacations in Orange County CA
Sample the Southern California Lifestyle on a Backpacker's Budget
Travelers with tight budgets don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the best sights Orange County has to offer. Public campground accommodations in the California State Parks system and cheap or free outdoor activities make for affordable beach holidays in southern California.
Public Campgrounds on the Beach
With numerous California State Parks campgrounds along Pacific Coast Highway, there is no need to pay resort hotel prices for an unobstructed ocean view. Most campers bring their RVs, but that should not deter tent campers from staking out their own spot on the oceanfront.
The campground at Doheny State Beach, for example, chosen 14 years running by the OC Register as "Best Camping Site" in the county, allows tent camping as well as RV campers and camping trailers, with some sites just steps away from the beach. Doheny Beach's campground even allows leashed dogs and offers AT&T wireless internet at its snack bar.
San Clemente State Beach and San Onofre State Beach share honors as with Doheny State Beach as "Best Camping Site" in the Orange County Register's 14th Annual Best of Orange County readers' choice 2008 survey.
Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach also offers oceanview camping right on the beach, with AT&T WIFI internet access for campers there as well.
Advance online reservations for campsites at Doheny Beach and other California State Parks are handled by ReserveAmerica.
Balboa Island
Real estate prices and property rentals on Balboa Island in Newport Beach are out of reach for most budget travelers, but the beaches and the sights from the pier are extremely affordable. A stroll to Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier for a hamburger and chocolate malt or Coke is a budget-friendly alternative to dinner in a one of the area's trendier restaurants. To offset those extra calories, rent a beach cruiser and bicycle for miles along the paved beachside bike paths.
Catalina Island
For the price of a boat ticket, a day excursion to Catalina Island can be just as fun as an overnight resort stay. Tour operators on the island offer activities designed to make the most of daytrippers' time ashore. From a cruise on a glass-bottom boat to a tour of the towns of Avalon and Two Harbors, visitors can enjoy the sights and still manage to get back to the mainland before bedtime.
Trip Planning Resources
Information about camping at California State Parks and links to the ReserveAmerica service for each campground can be found on the California State Parks website.
Alternately, travel planners can go directly to ReserveAmerica to search for an Orange County campsite and make reservations.
Search for other cheap or free activities in Orange County among the many Budget Travel articles on Suite 101.
Laguna Beach, California
|
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles