Spring is a delightful time to travel around California—not only for the wildflowers and the reliable sunshine, but also for that sweet spot between high seasons, which translates into plenty of deals. Before you book, check out the tourism board website of your vacation destination to see the latest discounts on hotels, wineries, and activities.
Here are 20-plus ways to enhance a spring trip to the Golden State. Some of these offers end soon, but some can make your customized spring break last through the end of the year.
Up to $200 off, plus a $200 dining credit, Mendocino County
Bundle a discounted rate with a dining credit when you book an April stay at the Little River Inn along the Mendocino Coast. Stay at least two nights using the “Sip, Dine & Unwind” package and you’ll get $100–$200 off per night (depending on room type), plus a $200 dining credit to be used on the first night. Use code UNWIND24 or call the hotel at 888-466-5683. Book by April 1 for stays through April 30.
Up to 25 percent off hotels and tickets at LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
It’s an ideal time to visit LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad: The park just celebrated its 25th birthday and debuted the new Dino Valley area, with three dinosaur-themed rides and hands-on games and activities for families. There are excellent deals for bundling your theme park tickets and hotel too. Check in between Sunday and Thursday at either the LEGOLAND Hotel or the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel and you can choose from two different deals: One includes a 25 percent discount for hotel plus tickets, the other bundles in a Hopper ticket. The 25 percent is good for stays through June 13 (book by April 4) while the Hopper deal is ongoing, with the best rates on Sunday through Thursday. Staying onsite offers built-in perks too, including free breakfast and early park entrance.
Full Moon, Half Price, San Francisco Peninsula
Apparently, it’s not just your mood that can be affected by the moon phase. The Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp, located on the San Francisco Peninsula, offers an ongoing deal for both the full moon and new moon: Take half off the rates to enjoy the views of the moon and stars from your cabin or safari tent. Check the dates for 2024 and plan a trip, and check out other San Francisco Peninsula hotels featured on the site, like the Half Moon Bay Lodge, which offers 30 percent off rates through May 23 (book by April 4).
Up to 35 percent off theme park tickets plus Boysenberry Festival, Buena Park
Buying Knott’s Berry Farm tickets through the Visit Buena Park website saves you 35 percent any time of year, and right now you can also book a bundled deal to experience the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. For $95 per person, you get park tickets, festival tasting cards, and an overnight stay at the recently renovated Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (based on a party of four; good through April 28). The Buena Park website also features discounts at local attractions such as Pirates Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, and even a small discount at Disneyland Resort. Ongoing.
Pixie Month deals, Ojai
In the Ventura County town of Ojai, April is peak season for the super-sweet pixie tangerine, produced by 40 local growers. Enjoy fresh fruit and pixie-themed cuisine and merch around town all month, and book a stay for easier access—for instance, you can get a third night free and enjoy pixie-accented cocktails at the 220-acre Ojai Valley Inn. Good through April 30.
20 percent off at The Darling Hotel, Visalia
The Central Valley town of Visalia—with its charming downtown, murals, and a microbrewery district—makes an excellent home base for exploring Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The Darling Hotel—set in a restored 1935 courthouse building—offers a nice spot to recharge after a day in the parks, thanks to the pool, rooftop bar, and this 20 percent discount, good on stays between Sunday and Thursday through April 30.
Third night free deals, Santa Barbara
You have plenty of options with this offer from Visit Santa Barbara: Choose from 19 hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara—ranging from a family-friendly Best Western Plus to the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Bacara—where you can score a free third night. Blackout dates vary by property; some deals are good through April 30 or May 23, while others are good through the end of 2024.
Up to 25 percent off at Catamaran Resort, San Diego
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa offers a unique perch in San Diego, located along the kayak-friendly waters of Mission Bay and a short walk from the ocean, restaurants, and bars of Pacific Beach. Book a stay of at least three nights and you get up to 25 percent off your rate. Good through May 31. The resort also offers packages with discounts toward the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld San Diego.
Third or fourth night free at AutoCamp, Guerneville and Joshua Tree
Choose between redwoods in Sonoma County and desert bliss near Joshua Tree with this deal from the AutoCamp resorts. Stay at least three or four nights (depending on the season) to get one free with the “One Night On Us” deal (ongoing). During March and April, the Sonoma County location deal also comes with a tasting at nearby Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery—just use code ACxGarryFarrell when booking.
Wildflower Weeks at the Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley
Stay at this 1862 hotel brimming with history and get an automatic 15 percent off weeknight stays, 10 percent off on weekends, and a map of the best places to see local wildflowers. If you can stay longer in Grass Valley, take advantage of the hotel’s “Linger Longer” special, where the savings go up to 25 percent. The Wildflower Deal is good through May 15, and the Linger Longer deal is ongoing. Insider tip: Another reason to visit Grass Valley is its great music scene.
Third night free and Hello Spring deals, Catalina Island
Spring break lasts until late May on Catalina Island, a one-hour ferry ride from Dana Point, Newport Beach, or Long Beach. Choose from a variety of deals including the Third Night Free Deal at the Pavilion Hotel (good through May 31) or the two-night Hello Spring package from the Avalon Hotel that includes two round-trip ferry tickets, a complimentary taxi at the Avalon port, and continental breakfasts. Offers good on stays between Sundays and Thursdays through May 16.
30 percent off at Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego County
Enjoy the quiet time before summer at Rancho Bernardo Inn, a 287-room resort on 265 acres in North County San Diego. The Secret Season deal offers 30 percent off rates through May 23; just use the code SECRET24 when booking. For more local deals, check out the San Diego Tourism Authority specials page.
$160 spring lift tickets, Palisades Tahoe
With more than eight feet of snow at Palisades Tahoe in March, this is the year to make the most of spring skiing deals. Pick up a pack of three lift tickets for $160 per day, which can be used together or separately on any day between now and the end of this season. As of press time, the closing day will be Memorial Day.
20 percent off Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, Napa Valley
Create a blissful spa getaway in Calistoga with the “Relax and Rejuvenate” deal, which includes 20 percent off your stay at the Napa Valley hotel, plus a $50 credit toward dining or a wellness experience at the hotel’s MoonAcre Spa. Good through May 31.
Up to 30 percent off at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Greater Palm Springs
Stay three or four nights at this Indian Wells resort and spa and you’ll basically get one night free. The “Relax on Another Level” deal takes 24 percent off a four-night stay, and adds a $75 resort credit, 15 percent off a spa treatment, and a reduced $24 resort fee. Stay just three nights with the “Bring On Spring” deal and you get 30 percent off, plus the 15 percent spa discount and a $30 resort fee. Good for stays through May 31. Plan ahead for more trips too—spring and the upcoming summer brings lots of hotel deals in Greater Palm Springs.
Spring Staycation at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside
With its eye-popping architecture and colorful gardens, Riverside’s grande dame hotel makes for a festive spring getaway. This package sweetens the deal by starting at just $219 a night and including a $25 dining credit plus two cupcakes from the onsite Casey’s Cupcakes. Runs through June 30. Check out the hotel’s other deals, like the one-night “Stay Like Royalty,” which includes a suite and a bottle of wine for $299.
$50 gift cards with hotel stays, Redding
The town of Redding makes an excellent launching pad for Shasta Cascade adventures, and the Choose Redding site makes it easy to plan your trip. Book a two-night stay at a participating hotel, then peruse a long list of freebies, including a $50 gift card for The Park—Food Truck Hub, e-bike rentals, or entry to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Good through June 30.
4th night free at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
Take your pick of several ways to relax at this Arts and Crafts–style resort just north of La Jolla. Golf at the neighboring Torrey Pines course, bliss out in the acclaimed spa, or hike and enjoy the sweeping views from the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Stay more than three nights and the fourth night is free. Good through Dec. 24.
SF Heights & Sights Package at the Kimpton Alton, San Francisco
Set up a family trip to San Francisco that bundles in some classic sights plus a convenient base along Fisherman’s Wharf. The package includes a room with two queen-sized beds, four tickets to the nearby SkyStar Ferris Wheel, and four tickets for cable cars. The boutique hotel is walking distance from Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square and offers complimentary access to kickboard scooters and baby gear during your stay. Rates start at $249 per night and are good through Dec. 31.
Headed to San Francisco without the kids? Consider the hotel’s "Reflect & Connect" package that includes a suite, a three-hour couples wellness retreat, complimentary parking, and late checkout. Starts at $699 per night; good through Dec. 31.
Cycle the Hammond Coastal Trail, Humboldt County
The 5.5-mile Hammond Coastal Trail stretches from Arcata to Clam Beach in Humboldt County, and offers rugged coastal views as well as sights such as a 1942 steel truss bridge. Stay at the local Holiday Inn Express, just a quarter-mile from the trail, and the hotel will set you up for an easy cycling getaway: The $139 starting rate includes loaners of three-speed cruiser bikes, helmets, and water bottles for each person. Offer is good exclusively through the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau. Ongoing.