Summer in the Golden State is all about beach days, park hikes, and theme park thrills. And thanks to hotel and attraction deals statewide, these adventures don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
To make the most of your trip, start by checking the tourist board website of your destination. You’ll likely find offers that either shave a little (or a lot) off your hotel rate or bundle in freebies and amenities. Theme parks across the state are offering extra value too, rolling out specials that either bring down the cost of tickets or let you visit all summer for the price of one day’s admission.
Here are 20-plus ways to stretch your summer getaway budget in Southern, Central, and Northern California. (Many deals are ongoing, but note where some below are good for only a limited time.)
Southern California Deals
Summer Play pass at LEGOLAND starting at $129, Carlsbad
Play for days at the Carlsbad theme park when you buy this limited-time pass that pays for itself after one visit. The Summer Play Pass covers unlimited admission to the theme park plus the SEA LIFE Aquarium for $129—the same price as one regular-admission ticket. Good through Sept. 19.
Score a deal at the onsite lodging, too: You can save up to 25 percent off LEGOLAND hotels when you book at least 30 days ahead.
$400 resort credit at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
Located next to the hiking trails and beach of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers a soothing take on a beach resort vacation. Book three nights with this deal and you get a nice incentive to stay put and enjoy it: Use the $400 resort credit toward the eucalyptus-scented Spa at Torrey Pines or the two acclaimed restaurants overlooking the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Check the San Diego Tourism deals page for more nearby packages, like the You Belong in the Zoo deal at the Dana on Mission Bay, which includes two tickets to the San Diego Zoo.
3rd night free at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
Tucked in a Laguna Beach canyon, this low-key, sustainability-minded resort offers a good value, the nine-hole Ben Brown’s Golf Course, and easy access to the beach across the street. Stay at least three nights and the third night is free, including waived parking and resort fees.
Plus, their “Pillows and Pancakes” package sweetens the stay with a $50 breakfast credit, good at all three restaurants or for cozy in-room dining. Good through Dec. 31, with some blackout dates.
When planning a trip to the Orange County town this summer, be sure to pick up a 2025 Passport to the Arts. You’ll receive one-time free admission to some of summer’s banner events—the Festival of Arts, Laguna Art-A-Fair, and Sawdust Art Festival—along with free one-time parking at a nearby lot with shuttle services.
Up to $500 resort credit at Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
Indulge in some self-care at this Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond waterfront resort in Newport Beach. This promotion includes 15 percent off the rate, plus a resort credit based on how long you stay—$150 for two nights, and up to $500 for six nights or more.
70th Anniversary Disneyland deals, Anaheim
Disneyland Resort is making it easier to plan a summer trip to the Anaheim hub. The 70th Anniversary Ticket Offers work out to as low as $100 per day through August 14. Add a stay at one of Disneyland’s onsite hotels and enjoy discounts of up to 20 percent. The hotel deal is good for stays through Aug. 14.
Up to 20 percent off at Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Greater Palm Springs
Summer in Greater Palm Springs means lots of quality pool time as well as fabulous deals, so a resort like Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa—with both a kid-friendly “Splashtopia” and an adults-only pool—makes a lot of sense. This deal takes 20 percent off a three-night stay and 15 percent off two nights. Book your trip up until Sept. 7, and stay anytime through Sept. 14.
Buy a day, get a 2nd day free at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
Make the most of the Universal Mega Movie Summer festivities at the Los Angeles theme park this summer. With this deal, tickets run as low as $55 a day—and you can either use them consecutively or spread them out. Just buy your tickets by Aug. 13 and use them both before Dec. 17; some blackout dates apply.
Pool lover’s package at Pechanga, Temecula Valley
Choose from pool, golf, or spa time with this deal from the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The special includes an all-day cabana rental as well as a $100 poolside dining credit and $20 toward the casino.
Some blackout dates apply but the deal is otherwise good on midweek dates. Check out more hotel and resort deals on Visit Temecula Valley.
Discounts on stays and theme park tickets at The Viv Anaheim, Anaheim
Stay one mile from Disneyland Resort with this deal from one of the parks’ Good Neighbor Hotels. Take up to 25 percent off your rate with the Stay More Deal, or trim $10 off your park tickets and enjoy free parking and late checkout with Viv’s Magical Package.
The Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel mixes mod style with kid-friendly touches like bunk beds and lobby stormtroopers ready for a selfie.
$249 Sundays at Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
Want a quick getaway? Stay at Terranea Resort in Los Angeles County on a Sunday night, where rates start at just $249—a deep discount for this luxury resort on Los Angeles County’s Palos Verdes Peninsula. For a longer stay or other nights, consider the resort’s third night free deal or the Sunrise to Sunset special, which takes up to 50 percent off on select dates. Good through Dec. 31.
$150 daily resort credit at Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
Casa del Mar offers a prime spot on the beach in Santa Monica—right along the locals’ favorite beach bike path that extends all the way to Palos Verdes. Take advantage of the resort’s Live Like a Local package to relax during your stay, good for a daily $150 food and beverage or spa credit.
“Cruise the Coast” from Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
When you stay at nearby Shutters on the Beach, you can also enjoy a short walk to both the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. The elegant beachfront resort offers a range of stay-longer deals—like 15 percent off three nights or 25 percent off five nights—all topped off with a $100 resort credit.
But if you are up for a splurge, reserve the resort’s Cruise the Coast experience, which includes the use of a convertible Ford Mustang or a Mercedes for driving up the PCH, or retracing Route 66, which begins in Santa Monica. The package also includes two massages and dinner at the hotel’s 1 Pico.
11% off RV and camper van rentals, Los Angeles or San Francisco
Take an easy 11 percent off a rental of an RV or camper van from rental agency Roadsurfer: Choose from four models, all outfitted with bathrooms and kitchenettes, and your plan includes unlimited miles, a second free driver, and one-way options (your dog can come along too). Use code VISITCALIXRSF; good for pick-up in Los Angeles or San Francisco through Sept. 30.
Keep tabs on Roadsurfer's deals page for more options, like its July 4th deal for $150 off any rental of at least five nights.
Highway to Summer deal at 12 hotels, Various locations
Book a stay at any of the 12 participating Peregrine Hospitality Group hotels and enjoy perks like a $60 resort credit or $25 to spend at the hotel’s onsite market. Plus, every booking earns you a chance to enter the summer sweepstakes and win a two-night stay at the participating hotel of your choice.
Options range from mainstream to luxury brands, such as Silverado Resort in Napa, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Truckee Lake Tahoe, Pismo Lighthouse Suites in Pismo Beach, and Sheraton San Diego Resort. Good for stays through Sept. 30.
Central California Deals
Third night free deals, Santa Barbara
You always have plenty of options for deals when you visit Santa Barbara—just be sure to stay three nights. Choose from about 20 hotels and resorts in this chic seaside city—ranging from a family-friendly Best Western Plus to the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Bacara—which all offer free third night deals. Blackout dates vary by property; some deals are good through dates in June while others are good through July or even the end of 2025.
Fourth night free at The Cliffs Hotel & Spa, Pismo Beach
The Central Coast town of Pismo Beach is beloved for its clam chowder, dunes, and good value. Enjoy a front-row seat to beachside fun with a free night at this blufftop hotel complete with a firepit-dotted lawn and a path down to the sand. Or, book three nights and get half off the third night. Must check in on Sunday or Monday.
Check out more hotel deals in Pismo Beach and specials in San Luis Obispo County, aka SLOCal.
Up to 35 percent off at Lighthouse Lodge and Cottages, Pacific Grove
You’ll feel like a local when you stay at the Lighthouse Lodge & Cottages in Pacific Grove: the small resort with both rooms and cottages neighbors Pacific Grove Golf Links and is close to this town’s historic Point Pinos Lighthouse.
Stay at least three days and you might take more than a third off your bill, too. For shorter visits, families will love the hotel’s Aquarium package that takes 15 percent off the rate and throws in free breakfast, with nearby access to the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Check out more Monterey area deals on See Monterey’s specials page.
Discounts and dining at The Darling Hotel, Visalia
The Central Valley town of Visalia makes a convenient and affordable launching pad for adventures in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Book the Taste of Summer stay at this Art Deco boutique hotel in downtown Visalia and take an easy 10 percent off the rate and a $30 dining credit at its rooftop bar.
Visalia also stands out as the first town in California to be Autism-Certified for its above-and-beyond accessibility features.
Northern California Deals
Early-summer $150 gift card deal, Truckee
Enjoy a two-night trip in the early summer by booking directly through the VisitTruckeeTahoe site: You’ll score an easy $150 gift card to use at a variety of shops, restaurants, and adventure companies around Truckee.
This deal is good at a long list of lodging options, including boutique hotel Gravity Haus, standalone houses, and chains such as Best Western Plus Truckee-Tahoe. Must complete travel by June 29.
Want to travel later in the summer? The Truckee site offers plenty of other hotel-specific specials, such as an easy 10 percent off at the Truckee Donner Lodge.
Grateful Dead–themed stay at Hotel Zeppelin, San Francisco
The Grateful Dead formed in the Bay Area 60 years ago this year, and Hotel Zeppelin is celebrating with this package that includes a suite equipped with a record player, vinyl records, and some Cherry Garcia ice cream—plus 10 percent off at the hotel’s restaurant PLS on Post. (A bonus: the Dead alums’ band Dead and Company will play Golden Gate Park for three nights in early August, and Hotel Zeppelin is a mere 5.5 miles from the venue)
You don’t have to be a deadhead to participate in the hotel’s other discounts—such as 25 percent off a room plus a $20 dining credit with its 2025-themed Palindrome Sale. Good through the end of 2025.
For more lodging options, check out San Francisco hotel deals located all over the city.
$100 resort credit per night at The Lodge at Sonoma, Sonoma
The Lodge at Sonoma takes the edge off vacation costs with this deal, building in a $100 resort credit per night of your stay; use it at the three restaurants and bars, or at the onsite spa.
The hotel, part of Marriot’s Autograph collection, is walking distance to Sonoma Plaza and hosts a wine tasting every evening in the lobby. The credit is good for stays of three nights or more through July 31.
Up to 20 percent off at Fairmont Sonoma, Sonoma
Soak up the famed ancient thermal waters and spa vibes at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, where the Endless Summer Memories deal starts at 10 percent off for just one night and adds more savings the longer you stay; book by Sept. 15 and stay by Dec. 30.
It’s just one of the excellent specials available through Sonoma County’s website and the Sonoma Valley site—such as the 30 percent off at the Geyserville Inn.
Third night free in Napa Valley
Make the most of this generous deal that applies to some of the most renowned resorts in Napa Valley, such as Four Seasons Napa Valley, Meritage Resort, and Carneros Resort.
Browse the Visit Napa Valley page for more options—some are good through the summer and some through the end of 2025.
$95 Passport to 12 Napa Valley Wineries, St. Helena
Pick up the Uncorked Napa Valley's Summer Wine Passport to gain free access to tastings at 12 wineries in St. Helena, including Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, V. Sattui, and Nichelini Family Winery. Good for visits through Aug. 31 for parties of six or less; most wineries still require reservations.
Game day getaway to see the Athletics, Yolo County
This deal makes it easy to see Major League Baseball’s Athletics in their new home in greater Sacramento. Stay at the Home 2 Suites by Hilton in nearby West Sacramento, and you’ll be walking distance from the game at Sutter Health Park—plus you get complimentary parking and a $25 credit at the hotel’s market.
The hotel, which offers a free breakfast and a pool, is also a half mile from Old Sacramento and one mile from the capitol building.
Save 20 percent at the Kimpton Sawyer , Sacramento
Stay at this perks-filled Kimpton in downtown Sacramento, where you can get 20 percent off your stay of three nights or more.
Or take advantage of more deals—like seeing the Athletics play with the hotel’s Take Me Out to the Ball Game special, which includes a $100 dining credit, merch for the kids, and a few local beers, plus transportation to the game. Good through September.
Ultimate Adventure Package at the Little River Inn, Mendocino County
Bundle a charming hotel stay with plenty of outdoor fun thanks to this special package from a boutique hotel along the Mendocino Coast. The offer includes tickets for two on the Skunk Train’s rail bikes, as well as admission to Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and a free canoe trip along Big River. Good for stays of at least three nights or more in an ocean-view room. Package must be booked by phone.
Or, choose one of the hotel’s other specials, such as the romance package or a pet-friendly option perfect for water-loving dogs.
15 percent off at Mendocino Inn & Farm, Mendocino
This eco-conscious Mendocino County inn—home to a modern lodge, cottages, and an 1867 farmhouse—also has a day spa, wine barn, and wandering llamas. Save more the longer you stay (up to 15 percent for stays of three nights or more) and you save a little bit more when you pre-pay.
Stay near the Sundial Bridge, Redding
The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge sits within Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a Redding gem that is home to a museum, a botanical center, and the engineering marvel Sundial Bridge.
Book a two-night stay through the Choose Redding site and you can score three free tickets to park—or pick your choice of other freebies, including $50 gift cards good for a variety of local restaurants and stores, or no-cost entry to Whiskeytown Lake or Lake Shasta Caverns. The offer is valid at a variety of Redding hotels.