Suggestions for lower cost beachfront vacations on the West coast?

[jeromedawg]

Hey all,

My parents (up in the Bay Area) are wanting to do a large family gathering with my brothers and their families. Preferably something close to the beach but also something not super far away. All I know is that whether you do VRBO, AirBNB or hotels, it's going to be pretty pricey vacationing close to the beach out here. Historically, my parents have arranged for all of us to go on Disney Cruises but we're not planning to do that in the conceivable future at least as long as COVID remains a concern. I don't think they would be open to tent camping - RVing or glamping *might* be options though. I think, preferably, they'd want to just rent a house. Any suggestions on lower-cost vacations in this context that are within driving distance? Perhaps north of the Bay Area? I've heard of Eureka, Humboldt county, the lost coast, etc but never researched it much. My parents used to own a cabin in Twain Harte so we'd go up there in the summers and winters and I think they might enjoy those kinds of settings too. But my mom originally asked about the Monterey (which I think would be quite expensive). I think we're trying to keep costs down although they might be willing to splurge. Disney Cruises aren't exactly cheap vacations so that might be one reason they could justify spending more on lodging. We're just trying to find a good area that isn't going to be super crowded but still has decent amenities.... any suggestions?

It would be a group of 14 of us (3 younger kids and 11 adults) and I think we'd mostly prefer driving to flying. If flying, we might consider Oregon or Washington but we'd still have to deal with car rentals, which stinks...

[Sandi_k]

Take a look at Lake Nacimiento - we've used it for family vacations, and it's reasonably priced. The large "cabins" sleep 10: 2 in the master bedroom, a set of upstairs loft bunkbeds that have single uppers and double beds below, plus a sofabed in the LRm.

They also have connecting cabins that sleep an additional 4 people.

(We put the older folks in the small cabin, as they tend to be earlier risers - and then forbid them to knock on the connecting door until after 8 am).

The cabins have decks, BBQs, a lake view, rental pontoon boats, a small lakefront restaurant, and you're about 30 minutes from Paso Robles and wine tours.

It's not fancy, but we've enjoyed our times there.

https://www.golakenaci.com/lakeview-lodges

[bryan995]

We are in CA (SoCal) and trying to do the same, for a group of 15.

I think the CA coast is going to be very expensive.

Best “value” we’ve found, in a semi decent place, seems to be Orlando, FL.

Last week the price was $5400 for 9 nights, for a 8/8.
Something like this.
https://www.thetopvillas.com/en_us/destinations/florida/orlando/encore-resort-at-reunion/encore-resort-934/

But as you say. Adding Flights and rental cars kill the “deal”

[Catbert]

If you happened to look at the San Diego area* don't get sucked into the relatively lower cost for "Imperial Beach".  IB is next to the Tijuana border and untreated sewage frequently flows into the Pacific Ocean there.  Can't go in the water and the smell is unmistakable.

*San Diego would be expensive so not a good option

[jeromedawg]

If you happened to look at the San Diego area* don't get sucked into the relatively lower cost for "Imperial Beach".  IB is next to the Tijuana border and untreated sewage frequently flows into the Pacific Ocean there.  Can't go in the water and the smell is unmistakable.

*San Diego would be expensive so not a good option

Hah, yes I've heard of IB - definitely isn't a place that we would plan on going to. I did come across Ocean Beach but after researching that area, it also doesn't sound desirable (the area seems a bit seedy and partly overtaken by transients and drug & CBD dealers - sounds not that different from San Pedro and parts of Long Beach).

[WSUCoug1994]

Bodega Bay - would be Beachy - NorCal cold and windy beachy.  What about houseboat on New Melones?  That would be epic for the whole family those boats are really nice - full kitchen, AC, hot tub BBQ.  You could also find a nice rental in Lake Tulloch - Twain Hartish but fun as hell and beautiful. 

Message me if you have any questions we have a house on Lake Tulloch (not for rent:))

[Fishindude]

We recently rented a giant, gorgeous log cabin structure, sleeps up to 18, with 1000' of private beach frontage on a remote island in the middle of one of the great lakes for $6500 / week.

[jeromedawg]

Bodega Bay - would be Beachy - NorCal cold and windy beachy.  What about houseboat on New Melones?  That would be epic for the whole family those boats are really nice - full kitchen, AC, hot tub BBQ.  You could also find a nice rental in Lake Tulloch - Twain Hartish but fun as hell and beautiful. 

Message me if you have any questions we have a house on Lake Tulloch (not for rent:))

Thanks! A houseboat sounds awesome - I think a few nights would be fine but anymore would be pushing it lol. Can you actually drive them around too? I was just checking the site and it seems there's barely any availability on these things...at least, choosing random and various dates (even in 2024) I haven't found a single opening

[sixwings]

If you're willing to go to oregon or washington you could look into victoria/vancouver/tofino/port renfrew/whistler in Canada and save some money in the exchange rate.

[WSUCoug1994]

Bodega Bay - would be Beachy - NorCal cold and windy beachy.  What about houseboat on New Melones?  That would be epic for the whole family those boats are really nice - full kitchen, AC, hot tub BBQ.  You could also find a nice rental in Lake Tulloch - Twain Hartish but fun as hell and beautiful. 

Message me if you have any questions we have a house on Lake Tulloch (not for rent:))

Thanks! A houseboat sounds awesome - I think a few nights would be fine but anymore would be pushing it lol. Can you actually drive them around too? I was just checking the site and it seems there's barely any availability on these things...at least, choosing random and various dates (even in 2024) I haven't found a single opening

Yes you can drive them around and cruise the whole lake - they are big and slow - most of the time people will find a private location and just tie the boat up.  I haven't looked at availability - they were hard to find room before the pandemic - suspect it might even be worse now. Lake Shasta is much larger and has many more boats to rent.

[Abe]

Oxnard is surprisingly nice. I guess it depends on how close you want to be to the beach, and definition of amenities, but you can find some good rentals in that area that are driving distance to the beach.

[jeromedawg]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

[jamesbond007]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

Take mosquito repellent cream/spray if you happen to go to Oceano. There are millions of mosquitos that swarm the beach and the surrounding dunes/campgrounds sometimes. Just FYI.

[jeromedawg]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

Take mosquito repellent cream/spray if you happen to go to Oceano. There are millions of mosquitos that swarm the beach and the surrounding dunes/campgrounds sometimes. Just FYI.

Yikes - thanks for the heads-up! I'll make sure to let everyone know. It makes sense because there are freshwater lakes nearby (Oceano Lagoon as well as Oso Flaco Lake).

[jamesbond007]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

Take mosquito repellent cream/spray if you happen to go to Oceano. There are millions of mosquitos that swarm the beach and the surrounding dunes/campgrounds sometimes. Just FYI.

Yikes - thanks for the heads-up! I'll make sure to let everyone know. It makes sense because there are freshwater lakes nearby (Oceano Lagoon as well as Oso Flaco Lake).

Yes. It actually depends on when they spray those lagoons. I usually tour along PCH from SF to LA on my bike and I camp at the Oceano Dunes campground. Some years are good, some are terrible. I'd rather have a spray/cream with me instead of regrets. :)

[jeromedawg]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

Take mosquito repellent cream/spray if you happen to go to Oceano. There are millions of mosquitos that swarm the beach and the surrounding dunes/campgrounds sometimes. Just FYI.

Yikes - thanks for the heads-up! I'll make sure to let everyone know. It makes sense because there are freshwater lakes nearby (Oceano Lagoon as well as Oso Flaco Lake).

Yes. It actually depends on when they spray those lagoons. I usually tour along PCH from SF to LA on my bike and I camp at the Oceano Dunes campground. Some years are good, some are terrible. I'd rather have a spray/cream with me instead of regrets. :)

Good to know. We'll probably bring Citronella candles as well. I wonder how often they spray the areas or if there's a way to find out...

[simonsez]

If you happened to look at the San Diego area* don't get sucked into the relatively lower cost for "Imperial Beach".  IB is next to the Tijuana border and untreated sewage frequently flows into the Pacific Ocean there.  Can't go in the water and the smell is unmistakable.

*San Diego would be expensive so not a good option

Hah, yes I've heard of IB - definitely isn't a place that we would plan on going to. I did come across Ocean Beach but after researching that area, it also doesn't sound desirable (the area seems a bit seedy and partly overtaken by transients and drug & CBD dealers - sounds not that different from San Pedro and parts of Long Beach).

Can you expand on the CBD dealers?  Are these pushy salespeople out on the beach who harass people?  I don't think I've ever met a CBD dealer (knowingly) outside of a CBD store. 

Yeah, OB is pretty cool to visit on a day trip (including the pier, Dog Beach, walking around Bacon St) - not sure how it would work out as a vacation spot for a larger group.  I didn't run into any CBD drug dealers but the houses were on the smaller side so could be a limited stock to pick from anyway.

Enjoy Oceano!

[jeromedawg]

If you happened to look at the San Diego area* don't get sucked into the relatively lower cost for "Imperial Beach".  IB is next to the Tijuana border and untreated sewage frequently flows into the Pacific Ocean there.  Can't go in the water and the smell is unmistakable.

*San Diego would be expensive so not a good option

Hah, yes I've heard of IB - definitely isn't a place that we would plan on going to. I did come across Ocean Beach but after researching that area, it also doesn't sound desirable (the area seems a bit seedy and partly overtaken by transients and drug & CBD dealers - sounds not that different from San Pedro and parts of Long Beach).

Can you expand on the CBD dealers?  Are these pushy salespeople out on the beach who harass people?  I don't think I've ever met a CBD dealer (knowingly) outside of a CBD store. 

Yeah, OB is pretty cool to visit on a day trip (including the pier, Dog Beach, walking around Bacon St) - not sure how it would work out as a vacation spot for a larger group.  I didn't run into any CBD drug dealers but the houses were on the smaller side so could be a limited stock to pick from anyway.

Enjoy Oceano!

I saw an article (either on FB or elsewhere) with sidewalk vendors setup at Ocean Beach selling the stuff. Here's one but not the same one I saw - https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2022/feb/11/stringers-delta-8-seller-busted-ocean-beach/

Seems like the kind of there where, if they can get away with it, they will.

The main reason I'd want to check that area out is to fish the surf anyway hahahaha

[mm1970]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

You'll have fun, I'm sure.  We are in Santa Barbara, and our "go to" vacation these days is basically Pismo Beach.  Short drive from home, easy day trips to SLO, Cambria, Morro Bay, San Simeon, and even The Ravine water park in the summer.

[Catbert]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

You'll have fun, I'm sure.  We are in Santa Barbara, and our "go to" vacation these days is basically Pismo Beach.  Short drive from home, easy day trips to SLO, Cambria, Morro Bay, San Simeon, and even The Ravine water park in the summer.

Hearst Castle is (finally) open again.

[jeromedawg]

Ended up finding and booking a place in Oceano near Pismo. I'm thinking it'll probably be somewhat crowded over there at the start of summer though.... most of the beach is a state vehicular recreation area. I think there will probably be more room to spread out though, hopefully. The house is very close to the beach - a block or so away. Hopefully it'll be a relaxing stay.

You'll have fun, I'm sure.  We are in Santa Barbara, and our "go to" vacation these days is basically Pismo Beach.  Short drive from home, easy day trips to SLO, Cambria, Morro Bay, San Simeon, and even The Ravine water park in the summer.

Hearst Castle is (finally) open again.

Yea, my mom was talking about this. I could pass on it - honestly, I don't think my 5 and 6 yr old kids would be that interested hahaha. I remember going when I was younger but probably later elementary/middle school was when it was slightly interesting. Since we're close to the beach, my intention is to let the kids play in the sand and take them fishing (saltwater off the surf but also freshwater too as Oso Flaco lake is nearby). I think my mom has all these grandiose ideas of things to do but I think the kids would be bored out of their minds if we did everything she wanted to. Definitely Avila Valley Barn and possibly a half day trip to SLO may be in the plans though.

[jamesbond007]

Yea, my mom was talking about this. I could pass on it - honestly, I don't think my 5 and 6 yr old kids would be that interested hahaha. I remember going when I was younger but probably later elementary/middle school was when it was slightly interesting. Since we're close to the beach, my intention is to let the kids play in the sand and take them fishing (saltwater off the surf but also freshwater too as Oso Flaco lake is nearby). I think my mom has all these grandiose ideas of things to do but I think the kids would be bored out of their minds if we did everything she wanted to. Definitely Avila Valley Barn and possibly a half day trip to SLO may be in the plans though.

The elephant seals across Heart Castle on PCH are nice though. But probably not worth the drive IMO. Heart Castle is boring to me.