California is one of the most beautiful and popular regions for tourism and international education in the United States. Blessed with great natural beauty, excellent weather all year round and attractive historical spots, the caveat is the high price index.

For students, visiting California could be very expensive. We have compiled a list below, to go off the beaten path and enjoy a consummate California experience, without burning a hole through your wallet.

Pismo Beach

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this beach is free from the mad rush of tourists, yet offers the same breathtaking views. Plan a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends, soak in the California sun and relax. The Hearst Castle is nearby too, and comes in very affordable for a mere $25 for a day pass. The beach is completely free 😉

Palm Springs

For the outdoorsy types, Palm Springs is a one-stop destination for hiking, golfing and plenty of great food. If you are someone who digs celebrity houses, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope have their old residence here. But the best attraction is the Village Fest, which is hosted in Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado since 2004. Consistently voted the best event in the area, each block in downtown Palm Springs offers great street entertainment. Over 200 booths offering beautiful art, handcrafted items and unique food make this an event to cherish. If you plan smart, you may visit on a Thursday when the Palm Springs Art Museum has free admission, and businesses are open late.

Big Bear Lake

More outdoor fun… this time at the gorgeous Big Bear Lake. You may explore the rich native history of the Yucaipa, Cucamonga, and the Muscupiabe. Or you may simply water-ski, boat or go fishing (options include bluegill, trout, catfish, bass, and crappie).

Point Dume Nature Preserve

Located 18 miles from Santa Monica off the Pacific Coast Highway, Point Dume offers the quintessential Malibu coastline experience. The serene beach has a hiking trail, which descends into the secluded Pirate’s Cove beach further south, and hosts some rare plants and herbs as part of the biodiversity preserve.

Animals Sculptures of the Borrego Desert Area

This is the sight to behold, strewn all over the Anza Borrego desert park in Southern California in all their massive glory. A mere 3 hours’ drive from Orange County or Los Angeles, these are super awesome spots for that amazing selfie!

International Banana Museum

Yup, you read that right! There’s indeed a place like that on this planet. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, the museum holds 17,000 Banana related items. Ken Bannister started the collection in 1976 and it has since expanded to include several jackets, toys, chains, cars, photo albums and other paraphernalia themed on the fruit. It’s not technically completely free, but at $1/ person it makes the cut.

Elmer’s Bottle Trees Ranch

Perhaps the coolest detour on the famous Route 66, few people know about the town Oro Grande between Victorville and Barstow in Southern California. Elmer Long, who found a passion for welding late in his life, decided to turn his front-yard into a collection of 200 ‘trees’ (metal poles) with plenty of bottles welded into them. This is on the National Trails HWY aka Route 66 and is a detour off of I-15. Next time you’re heading for Vegas or Mojave national preserve, this warrants being your best 20 minutes of pit-stop.

Getty Museum

Getty Museum

A great place to visit with the family, the Getty Museum needs you to ride a monorail from the parking lot to the actual building, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles. The garden, architecture and the museum collections are all divided into four sections. There’s something to marvel at for everyone.

Old Town, San Diego

Fancy travelling back in time to the California of the 1800s? Venture out to the old town buildings like La Casa de AltamirnoPedrorena, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Estudillo, and the Mason Street School, San Diego’s first one room schoolhouse. Heritage Park, where several of San Diego’s oldest Victorian homes have relocated and restored to their original condition is another must-see. Walk down the San Diego Avenue to the officially recognized haunted house – Whaley House or visit the Little Adobe Chapel on Conde Street, the first Church in Old Town San Diego. You may also take a trolley tour to visit the El Campo Santo on San Diego Avenue, a 1850 Catholic Cemetery.

Griffith Observatory and Planetarium

One of the most visited ‘free’ attractions in the region, it offers fantastic views of Hollywood, the Los Angeles metropolis and a state-of-the-art three level display with eight shows per day.

So enjoy your cheap stay in California!